Noted for its ‘deep and specialised’ arbitration knowledge, Rincón Castro Abogados strikes the right note with clients due to its ability to ’structure strategy in a joint, open and participatory manner’. As a boutique focused exclusively on dispute resolution, infrastructure projects and public law, the firm is well-positioned to advise on high-stakes domestic and cross-border concession disputes, but it also handles construction, energy, telecoms and M&A-related cases, among others. During 2023/24, the team secured key roles in a string of international arbitrations, including cases under ICC and ICDR rules — the team is also well versed in cases before the ICSID, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), the Inter-American Commercial Arbitration Commission (IACAC) and various Latin American arbitral institutions. Department co-head Rafael Rincón is a seasoned arbitration specialist, whose impressive record spans both commercial and investor-state disputes. Fellow co-head Miguel Castro has an emphasis on public law matters, including disputes regarding infrastructure projects and public works. Rincón and Castro recently paired up to represent Perimetral Oriental de Bogotá in a $350m international arbitration, under ICDR rules, against Colombia’s National Infrastructure Agency (ANI). Rounding out the partners is public procurement expert Jorge Tirado, who contributes experience in arbitral proceedings under ICC and ICSID rules; and Juan Ignacio Guerra, whose recent work spans international disputes in the construction, energy and infrastructure field. A strong bench of associates includes seniors Ana María Rincón, who is dual-qualified (Colombia/New York) and brings to bear robust investment arbitration experience; Juan Camilo Artunduaga, who is noted for disputes arising from public contracts; and Santiago Vernaza, who focuses on project-related cases. Since the conclusion of research the practice has been further strengthened with the hire of arbitration-specialised partner Felipe Mutis from Brigard Urrutia - effective as of September 2024.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Rincón Castro Abogados is a firm made up of young, top-level professionals that maintains the standards of international firms. Lawyers are tireless and willing to collaborate. In our case, it not only handles disputes but provides a holistic vision of the management of the concession contract.’
‘We highlight Rafael Rincón Miguel Castro and Santiago Vernaza; in addition to their youth and drive to complete the assigned task, their desire to contribute and give support to the client must be highlighted. The team outlines the steps to structure strategy in a joint, open and participatory manner.’
Key clients
- Isagen
- Autopistas del Caribe
Work highlights
- Represented Perimetral Oriental de Bogotá in an international arbitration under ICDR rules against ANI, in a dispute stemming from the breach of a public-private partnership entered into as a concession contract.
- Represented Valtalia — as defendant and counterclaimant — in an international arbitration against USA Global Market based on alleged infringements of an option agreement for the acquisition of shares of a waste disposal concession company.