Baker McKenzie S.A.S.

Forming a key part of Baker McKenzie S.A.S.’s premier Colombian dispute resolution offering, the arbitration practice maintains an impressive record in representing leading local and multinational corporations in complex cases. Striking a balance between domestic and international arbitration work, the group has been particularly active in the latter sphere of late, where it has represented a string of global clients in commercial proceedings. High-profile department head Claudia Benavides also sits as the global chair of the firm’s dispute resolution group and is particularly sought after for her high-level expertise in multi-jurisdictional litigation and international arbitration. The team also includes up-and-coming dispute resolution partner Cristina Mejia, who brings to bear significant in-house experience as the former head of the litigation department at Coca-Cola Femsa. Mejia is representing Schlumberger in a domestic arbitration initiated by a supplier to terminate a transportation contract. The group additionally benefits from a strong second line of associates, including dual-qualified (Colombia/New York) senior Daniela Páez Cala, who is particularly well versed in international arbitration cases; and Sebastian Quintero, also a senior, who covers a range of arbitration and litigation matters. The group was reinforced the arrival of a trio of new senior associates: rising star Felipe González Arrieta joined from Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) in June 2022; Ana Carolina Abreo arrived from Brigard Urrutia in June 2022; and Nicolas Rivera Montoya joined in January 2023 from energy company, Oleoducto Central. Former senior María Angélica Burgos left the firm in January 2023.