A leading public law and projects boutique, Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados fields a ‘comprehensive and very committed team’ in the litigation area. Particularly noted for its premier expertise in ’dispute resolution involving public law, especially in areas such as first generation concessions’, the practice routinely advises on contentious matters connected to the infrastructure, energy, and transport spheres. Additionally, the firm handles a significant volume of commercial and corporate litigation cases. Dispute resolution co-head Paula Andrea Ramos is widely recognised as one of the leading litigators in the market; she continues to act alongside high-profile public-law veteran Carlos Gustavo Arrieta to represent Cerrejón Zona Norte in a $1bn constitutional action concerning its open-pit coal mine. Carlos Alberto Manzano co-leads the department and provides ‘expert advice’, according to sources; he teamed up with Ramos to successfully represent the Concesionaria Vial del Pacífico (Covipacífico) consortium in a breach of contract dispute. Other key contacts include senior projects expert Álvaro Mantilla and dispute resolution-focused associate Rodrigo Sánchez Pineda, who provides ’effective support’.

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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘I consider that it is a comprehensive and very committed team. Additionally, lawyers maintain a very good relationship with the client. The cost of the fees is competitive and well managed.’
‘We value the team’s commitment to know the background of the dispute, regardless of whether it is technical or commercial. Paula Andrea Ramos, Carlos Alberto Manzano and Rodrigo Sánchez Pineda did a very good job.’
‘The team includes experts in the field of dispute resolution involving public law, especially in areas such as first generation concessions.’
‘In the framework of the selection of the firm, it was possible to observe that the group stands out for its expertise, experience and accredited recognition, as well as for its clarity, its gender diversity (important for district regulation) and its willingness to attend meetings and meet other requirements.’
‘What distinguishes its lawyers the most is their expertise in the various matters entrusted, which allows greater clarity in determining the legal strategy and decision-making by the client.’
‘The team’s best qualities are is willingness, knowledge and clarity in the face of each of the eventualities that arise. As is represented by the leadership of Paula Andrea Ramos, the expert advice of Carlos Alberto Manzano, and the effective support of Rodrigo Sánchez Pineda.’

Key clients

Estudios y Proyectos del Sol (EPISOL)
Concesionaria Ruta del Cacao
Concesionaria Vial de los Andes (COVIANDES)
Consorcio Vía al Mar
Constructora de Infraestructura Vial
ConocoPhillips
Cerrejón Zona Norte
Concesionaria Vial Andina (Coviandina)
Concesionaria Vial del Pacífico (Covipacífico)
Concesionaria Panamericana
Drummond, sucursal Colombia
Drummond Coal Mining, sucursal Colombia
VP Ingenergía
Proyectos y Desarrollos Viales Del Pacífico (Prodepacífico)
Consorcio Constructor Pacífico 1 (CONPACÍFICO)
Concesionaria Vial Del Oriente (Covioriente)
Grupo Aeroportuario del Caribe
Concretos Argos
Comunicación Celular (Comcel)
Vatia
Orica Colombia
Orica Norway
Proyectos de Infraestructura (PISA)
Concesionaria Nueva Vía al Mar (COVIMAR)
Odinsa
Hidrotolima
Desarrollo Vía Al Mar (Devimar)
Conoco Phillips
Ferrovial Construcción
Secretaría Distrital de Movilidad de Bogotá
Consorcio Ruta 40

Work highlights

Representing ConocoPhillips in a class action seeking to injunct the company from further operations due to the alleged use of ‘fracking’ in territories granted by the Colombian Government.
Representing Proyectos de Infraestructura, as the concessionaire of a toll road, in a breach of contract claim initiated by the Governor’s Office of Valle del Cauca.
Advising Estudios y Proyectos del Sol in its appeal against a first instance ruling in a case brought by the Attorney General’s office, related to the collapse of the Ruta del Sol project due to bribery and corruption, and in which the company was a co-defendant.