Baker McKenzie S.A.S.

Attracting strong reviews from clients, Baker McKenzie S.A.S.’ arbitration practice is ‘perfectly balanced between professionalism, expertise, knowledge and commitment’. The group’s ability to draw on both Colombian experts (some of whom are also internationally qualified) as well as foreign specialists through its extensive global platform, uniquely positions it as a top choice for international arbitration, where it is well-versed in both commercial and investor-state cases. That being said, the team also handles domestic arbitration under Bogotá Chamber of Commerce (CCB) rules. High-profile department head Claudia Benavides additionally serves as global chair of the wider firm’s dispute resolution group; she is routinely called upon by domestic, multilatina and multinational entities to advise on arbitral proceedings involving all key economic sectors, including recent cases in the energy, infrastructure, construction and mining sectors. Considered by many as a future star in the arbitration arena, Cristina Mejia is an ’absolutely clear and forceful leader’; she recently led a major international arbitration under International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR) rules. A deep bench of supporting associates includes senior Daniela Páez Cala, who is also qualified in New York; senior Felipe González Arrieta, who has participated in matters under CCB, ICDR and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) rules; senior Sebastian Quintero, who ‘maintains very effective communication with the client’; senior Ana Carolina Abreo, who has significant international experience gained during former stints at a US firm and the Permanent Court of Arbitration; and intermediate Laura Rincón, who has a focus on energy and infrastructure arbitration.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘It has a robust team that acts in a co-ordinated manner, each member assumes a specific task but it is evident that the entire team knows the subject. The quality of work is superior to that of other firms working in the same practice area.’
‘Claudia Benavides demonstrated an in-depth knowledge of the case, the ability to structure the line of action, lead the team and present high-quality co-ordinated work.’
‘Lawyers demonstrated commitment, dedication and knowledge of the subject. Deliverables were of very good quality both in substance and form. It was argued in a detailed and careful manner, all the counterpart's approaches were taken into account to refute them, and creative counterarguments were presented.’
‘Strengths: service-oriented, clear, agile and attentive to detail. Team skills: a cohesive team, highly effective, knows how to handle difficult situations. New features introduced: the team's collaboration in the preparation of witnesses was truly novel and impressive. Its people are motivated.’
‘Cristina Mejia is an absolutely clear and forceful leader. She treats her team very well and is highly effective. Sebastian Quintero is a lawyer who has very strong potential. He is excellent, knows his cases very well and maintains very effective communication with the client.’
‘BM’s arbitration team is aware that the work entrusted to it is part of a larger business context that must be understood and considered when defining dispute resolution strategy. In this, it is substantially better than other firms. It understands its knowledge limitations and makes space for client conversations.’
‘The people on the team are exceptional. Under the leadership of Claudia Benavides, practice leader and exceptional lawyer, the team of Cristina Mejia, Felipe González Arrieta and Laura Rincón complement each other in a fluid and agile manner to complete the task and achieve the objective.’
‘The BM dispute resolution team in Colombia is perfectly balanced between professionalism, expertise, knowledge and commitment to the client. I have had the opportunity to work with different firms, in different areas, and I have not found that balance in other teams.’

Key clients

AAR Corp
Bridgestone
Sika
CDM Smith
Nordex
Embraer
Motorola Solutions
HSBC
Phoenix Tower International
Schlumberger
Scotiabank
Shell
Sura Asset Management
Bausch
Woodgroup

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