Garrigues’ competition team is ‘one of the best’, according to clients, due to its ’legal and market knowledge and its interest in understanding its clients’ needs’. The group is involved in a significant proportion of competition investigations in Colombia; notably, it is advising clients in four out of the ten new cases launched by the SIC during 2023. Other key areas of activity include merger control filings, competition compliance and competition litigation. Key name José Miguel De La Calle steers both the competition and the public law departments; he is currently representing Azul y Blanco Millonarios FC in an antitrust investigation conducted by the SIC into alleged anti-competitive activity in the football industry. The practice also draws on a strong second line of associates including new principal, David Toro, who joined in April 2023 from his own practice, Toro Solórzano Abogados; seniors Anamaría Rico (who ‘demonstrates optimal management of legal matters’), Julieth Sanclemente (who ’provides quick answers’) and Adolfo Enrique Gómez (who returned from study leave in August 2023); along with intermediate Daniel Fajardo Mendoza, who specialises in competition, litigation, data protection and consumer law.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The lawyers are very friendly, respond promptly to client requests and have extensive knowledge of the subject. Senior associate Anamaría Rico is very judicious and kind, and demonstrates optimal management of legal matters related to competition issues.’

  • ‘We recommend the team for its great ability to understand its clients' business to provide advice that is not only technical but also useful and that generates value.’

  • ‘The Garrigues team has extensive knowledge of the company’s needs and has provided a service that exceeds expectations. Its comprehensive advice allows us to protect our operations in Colombia and always seeks to innovate to positively impact the service it provides.’

  • ‘The firm’s service-oriented approach combines with the group’s legal and market knowledge and its interest in understanding its clients' needs to make the Garrigues team one of the best.’

  • ‘The Garrigues team of lawyers, led by José Miguel De La Calle, stands out for its excellence in competition and antitrust law. What makes this practice unique is its deep knowledge of the legal framework and its ability to provide strategic advice to clients on competition issues.’

  • ‘Garrigues' lawyers, with notable specialists such as José Miguel de la Calle, David Toro and Anamaría Rico, stand out due to their deep knowledge and experience in competition and antitrust law. What sets them apart from their competitors is their proactive and strategic approach.’

  • ‘The team stands out for two key qualities: the availability of its lawyers and the reliability of its recommendations. Senior associate Julieth Sanclemente provides quick answers and a well-founded position on competition law.’

  • ‘We required advice specialized in competition and financial law and we turned to Garrigues for the partners' expertise. The team’s experience, reputation and quality of work are recognized in the market.’

Key clients

  • Azul y Blanco Millonarios
  • Cenit Transporte y Logística de Hidrocarburos
  • HB Fuller
  • Central Bank of Colombia
  • Mercado Pago
  • Ebanx
  • William Grant & Sons
  • Odata
  • Asobancaria
  • ioBuilders Blockchain Tech & Ventures
  • Coomeva Medicina Prepagada
  • ACH Colombia
  • Iberia
  • Sociedad Puerto Bahía
  • Fast Colombia
  • Rappi Colombia
  • Nubank
  • Wadana Finance Colombia
  • China Gezhouba
  • Zurich
  • Pollos Savicol

Work highlights

  • Acting as the lead advisor to the Ministry of Information Technologies and Communications on all matters related to the 5G spectrum auction, particularly issues concerning competition law.
  • Advising the Central Bank of Colombia on the design and development of the Immediate Payment System, including competition-related matters.
  • Representing Azul y Blanco Millonarios FC in an investigation initiated by the SIC into alleged anti-competitive practices carried out by different football teams, the Major Division of Colombian Soccer (DIMAYOR) and the Colombian Football Federation in the context of the Colombian Women’s Football Tournament.

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.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

José Miguel De la Calle