María Lucia Amador
MendozaDespite a more compact size relative to some of its peers, Mendoza’ exclusive focus on corporate, project and structured finance work pays dividends, with the boutique firm frequently involved in sophisticated transactions for both lenders and borrowers. The group is particularly noted for its experience in cross-border financings, with founding partner Mateo Mendoza bringing extensive international experience to his role gained during stints at major domestic and international firms. Among his recent highlights, Mendoza advised the District of Barranquilla on a $100m loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The department also draws on talented counsel María Lucia Amador, who specialises in advising concessionaires, sponsors, and lenders on project finance transactions; senior associate Lina María Londoño, who has a significant regulatory dimension to her practice following her previous position at the Ministry of Finance; and mid-level associate Luis Tolosa. Former senior associate Christina Burn left to become legal head at Recaudo Bogotá in August 2023. However, the firm has since seen the return of María Beatriz Segura as practice director after some three years in house at Acon Investments – effective as of August 2024.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Mendoza is completely different from other offices due to its high degree of availability to respond to queries, as well as its balance between quality and proactivity. Lawyers achieve great depth in the issuance of their concepts and documents, which is possible due to their extensive knowledge of the financial sector.’
‘Mendoza is synonymous with constant support; its high degree of availability gives confidence to its clients. Special mention to Luis Tolosa, who has great technical, professional and human qualities; He is the advisor that a client wants to have by their side at a negotiation table.’
‘This is my go-to firm in transactional matters. The team's attention to detail, great client service and top professionals are some of its best qualities.’
‘We highlight the team’s closeness: it is amazing to have such a direct and permanent conversation with the professionals, including partners, at a firm.’
‘Mendoza is a firm with positive technical knowledge and its support for clients is timely and correct.’
‘Mendoza is characterised by having a young team but with a lot of experience and dedication to work.’
‘The team is heterogeneous, fielding several specialists in particular branches of financial law.’
Key clients
- Banco Pichincha
- Banca de Inversion Bancolombia
- Holding RappiPay
- Distrito Especial Industrial y Portuario de Barranquilla (District of Barranquilla)
- Greenyellow Energía de Colombia
- Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional
- Finkargo Colombia
- ExcelCredit
- Canadian Solar Energy Colombia
Work highlights
- Advised the District of Barranquilla on a $100m loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which was secured by the Republic of Colombia.
- Advised Banco Pichincha (Colombia) on a $63m loan granted by JP Morgan Chase.
- Advised a group of four lenders (Bancolombia, Banco Santander de Negocios Colombia, Banco de Bogotá and Banco de Occidente) on an agreement to close several amendments to a syndicated revolving loan facility in the amount of COP$155bn.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Mateo Mendoza
MendozaPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Mateo Mendoza, Maria Lucía Amador, Lina Londoño