Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría

According to satisfied clients, Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría’s litigation team is ‘more creative and more versatile in determining solutions than other firms’. Ranking among the largest dispute resolution practices in the market, the three-partner team is additionally distinguished by its ability to draw on the firm’s formal partnership with Uría Menéndez for further contentious firepower, particularly in cross-border cases. The group’s international strength is reflected in its client roster, which is composed of major regional and multinational corporations such as Viva Airlines, Canacol Energy and Clipper Oil — it also acts for leading domestic companies and state-owned entities. Key names to note include Julio César González, who is singled out by sources as ’an experienced lawyer who fully masters procedural law’; he successfully obtained a decision ordering an early termination of class action proceedings against Fast Colombia in relation to an alleged violation of collective rights. González co-heads the department together with Héctor Hernández, who led on several high-stakes cases involving the infrastructure and technology sectors during 2023/24; and Juan Sebastián Arias, who was promoted to partner in January 2024 and represented Clipper Oil in filing a breach-of-contract claim against CI Terra Bunkering. The group also benefits from a band of capable associates, including principal Santiago Cruz Mantilla, who stands out for his ‘agility in responses’; intermediate Esteban Lagos; and junior Ricardo Valencia.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘What makes this practice unique is the definition of a solid strategy as a starting point to face any matter entrusted to it. I also highlight the ability of the entire team to be aligned with the information and follow the strategy. It is more creative and more versatile in determining solutions than other firms.’
‘Julio César González is an experienced lawyer who fully masters procedural law. He is strategic, creative, mentally organised, determined and capable of redirecting strategies if he concludes that better ones are on the horizon.’
‘It is very good at legal strategy and looking for litigious alternatives to each problem that arises. Julio César González and Ricardo Valencia stand out for their knowledge in procedural law.’
‘The team is responsible for defining a strategy that allows the client to materialise their interests through a thorough analysis of the situation, opportunities and risks.’
‘The team is very well organised, which allows for greater efficiency in the provision of its services. We have the confidence of being supported by lawyers of excellent professional and human qualities. We receive support of the highest level in all our matters. There is always availability to address our requests.’
‘We feel that PPU lawyers always go the extra mile, providing outstanding and additional service to what was expressly requested. We receive very complete analyses of the different developments that occur in the cases in which they represent us, which saves us time in formulating and resolving concerns.’
‘Héctor Hernández and Juan Sebastián Aras are very skilled in understanding cases and accurate in making decisions.’
‘It is a team with extensive experience, sensitivity to the client's needs, and understanding of the need to respond in legal and conventional terms. Lawyers stand out for their agility in responses, particularly Julio César González and Santiago Cruz Mantilla.’

Key clients

Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos (ANH)
Fast Colombia (in liquidation)
Viva Airlines Perú
Cerro Matoso
Epik Asociados
Mapfre Seguros Generales
Pepsico Alimentos Colombia
Canacol Energy
Sociedad Portuaria Regional de Buenaventura
SAP Colombia
Clipper Oil

Work highlights

Successfully obtained a decision ordering an early termination of class action proceedings against Fast Colombia (Viva Airlines), claiming an alleged violation of collective rights.
Represented SAP Colombia in a lawsuit filed by Mtbase, in which it claims the alleged existence of an agency relationship between the companies based on a software licence distribution contract.
Represented Clipper Oil in filing a breach-of-contract claim against CI Terra Bunkering.