Hall of fameEsguerra JHR
Partner of the Public Law, Arbitration and Dispute Resolution practice areas
Esguerra JHR scores points with sources for its ‘strong disposition to find solutions and strategies to take matters forward’. Widely recognised for its dominant public law practice, the team shines in representing domestic and multinational clients in complex constitutional and administrative litigation. As well as being sought after for its specialist public law expertise, the dispute resolution group also packs a punch in contentious competition matters, where it leverages its top-tier competition and antitrust offering; and commercial litigation, where it is adept at handling disputes involving heavily regulated industries. Name partner Juan Carlos Esguerra is lauded as ’an expert in Colombian legislation’, which positions him as a popular figure for public-law litigation. Esguerra recently paired up with fellow public law specialist Felipe Piquero to represent Cerrejón in proceedings initiated by indigenous communities, members of the Congress, and others, to revoke the environmental licences permitting its operation in La Guajira. Other key names include competition partner Andrés Jaramillo and dispute resolution-focused associate Jorge Andrés Gómez. Associate practice director Andrés Felipe Cadena joined WOM Colombia in April 2023, while associate Carlos Lasprilla left to study abroad in July 2022. Since publication, the firm has merged with tax specialist firm Jiménez, Higuita, Rodríguez & Asociados (Tax & customs) to become Esguerra JHR – effective as of February 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘An excellent multidisciplinary work team. We particularly value lawyers for their kindness and availability for client service.’
‘A competent and highly qualified team with extensive experience in dispute resolution. We note that it seeks, on occasion, to avoid litigation and reach agreements before going to court; its strategies usually include negotiation or conciliation. It has an excellent disposition to respond to the different queries that arise.’
‘The work of Felipe Piquero and associate Jorge Andrés Gómez stands out. They try to understand all the situations that surround the cases brought to their attention and always propose strategies to achieve the best results for their clients. Juan Carlos Esguerra is an expert in Colombian legislation.’
‘The teams strongest points are its closeness, proactivity, relationships with internal officials, willingness, and openness. It is a highly outstanding firm, which provides a lot of security in its management, and in which we have great confidence.’
‘Lawyers demonstrate a strong disposition to find solutions and strategies to take matters forward.’
‘Undoubtedly, the direct attention of the partners is the great differential for this firm. Senior lawyers are always open, with the best disposition to talk about the different matters entrusted to them.’
Key clients
- Caja Colombiana de Subsidio Familiar (Colsubsidio)
- Cerrejón
- Colombia Móvil (TIGO)
- Compañía Aseguradora de Fianzas (Confianza)
- Emgesa
- Manuelita, Riopaila Castilla, and Ingenio La Cabaña
- Norgas
- Sociedad Fiduciaria para el Desarrollo Agropecuario (Fiduagraria)
- Sociedad Portuaria de Buenaventura
- Une
Work highlights
- Representing UNE EPM Telecomunicaciones in a $30m judicial proceeding against the Colombian Ministry of Telecommunications and Technology.
- Representing Emgesa in bringing proceedings against the Autonomous Environmental Authority of Cundinamarca, following its imposition of $25m worth of environmental compensation obligations against the company.
- Acting for three sugar producers (Manuelita, Riopaila Castilla, and Ingenio La Cabaña) in challenging several administrative sanctions imposed by the SIC for the violation of antitrust laws.
Lawyers
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.
Juan Carlos Esguerra, Felipe Piquero, Andrés Jaramillo