About

Celebrating his 25th year at COSAPI, Luis Humberto Arrese Orellana has truly in-depth understanding of the company, enabling him to be a highly respected expert. He has become a specialist in construction law, something that did not exist as a specialisation as he entered the business but has become well recognised over the years. It is to this end that he currently stands as the president for the Peruvian Society of Construction Law, highlighting the social and academic recognition of the existence of the construction law in Peru as well as becoming a teacher at Peruvian University, Universidad del Pacifico. Arrese joined COSAPI in November 1993 and in February 1999 was appointed as general counsel: ‘I was named general counsel and maintained that position during all these years not only due to hard work (which is normal for this job) but because I always try to be imaginative and persistent. I always have in mind that I am liable for the legal interests of an excellent company, and this means that you always must give your best effort’, says Arrese upon reflection. When Arrese joined COSAPI, the legal department was comprised of two lawyers and the legal division’s role was solely as advisors, not participating directly in dealings or solving cases. Thanks to Arrese there has been a significant change, with lawyers participating directly in several deals and advising directly on different project sites, consequently changing the perception of the team to a very proactive legal department with excellently trained lawyers. He has also implemented the use of several software platforms that allow lawyers to work from home. Amongst his stand-out work, he managed to reverse the result of a public tender in 2011, meaning that the joint venture between COSAPI and another national construction company obtained the award of a public work valued at approximately $50m.