Baker McKenzie S.A.S.

The dispute resolution team at Baker McKenzie S.A.S. scores highly for its ‘careful analysis of the counterpart’s arguments to refute them’, while its ’creativity’, ‘organisation’ and ’deep knowledge’ are also praised by clients. A truly international-facing practice, it acts for an impressive raft of domestic and multinational corporations in judicial and administrative law proceedings, as well as in investigations conducted by government agencies. As global chair of the firm’s dispute resolution group, Claudia Benavides is one of the most sought-after litigators in the region due to her experience in complex litigation, particularly disputes involving energy and infrastructure projects. Up-and-coming partner Cristina Mejia is also highly regarded for her extensive experience in domestic and international litigation, which spans the full spectrum of commercial, civil and administrative law cases. Together, Benavides and Mejia represented HSBC, as indenture trustee of certain senior unsecured notes, in judicial bankruptcy liquidation proceedings initiated by the Transtel group of companies. The department also benefits from a strong second line of associates, including senior Sebastian Quintero, whose international experience was honed during an early career stint at the firm’s London office; senior Ana Carolina Abreo, who was formerly assistant legal counsel at the Permanent Court of Arbitration; and seniors Daniela Páez Cala and Felipe González Arrieta, both of whom specialise in arbitration but also handle judicial disputes. Former senior Nicolas Rivera Montoya left to establish his own firm in May 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘A robust team, with members handling specific tasks but with global knowledge of the entire case.’
‘The level of depth of the argument was outstanding. The careful analysis of the counterpart's arguments to refute them was outstanding. The creativity to defend the client's position was striking, as was the counterclaim strategy that ended with a favourable result.’
‘The team that faced the final hearing was made up exclusively of women, which reveals the firm's willingness to attribute critical responsibilities to the women who are part of the organisation. The presentation of the writings was careful in both substance and form.’
‘Claudia Benavides assumed an important leadership position to consolidate a group of lawyers who acted as a team in a co-ordinated manner, with knowledge of the complete subject. Benavides managed to establish compelling arguments in favour of her clients and present them clearly.’
‘The team excels in its organisation, attention to detail, customer service, availability, excellent interpersonal relationships and excellent use of technological means.’
‘Cristina Mejia, Ana Carolina Abreo, Isabella Mejía Sierra and Laura Rincón stand out in their organisation, attention to detail, kindness, and clear and deep knowledge of their professional practice.’

Key clients

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

Work highlights

Represented HSBC, as indenture trustee of certain senior unsecured notes, in judicial bankruptcy liquidation proceedings initiated by the Transtel group of companies.
Successfully represented Consorcio Itacol in an administrative investigation initiated by the Comptroller General’s Office, in connection with the engineering design and subsequent construction of 13 bridges.
Successfully represented Sika in a judicial proceeding filed by a former landlord of warehouses where Sika used to maintain a production and distribution centre.

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