Energy and natural resources

Brigard Urrutia

Brigard Urrutia houses a go-to energy and natural resources practice that clients laud for ‘its implementation of innovative strategies resulting from extensive experience’. Combining a standalone renewable energy and energy efficiency team with strength in conventional energy and mining work, the group is routinely called upon by major domestic and multinational clients to advise on regulatory, transactional and project development matters. Among the names to note, Claudia Navarro stands out for her broad expertise in renewable energy, utilities and infrastructure-related matters; she is advising Total Eren on the construction of a 99MW solar plant in a major Colombian oil field. Energy is also a key industry focus for multidisciplinary senior partner Carlos Urrutia; he recently co-led advice to to Cordoba Minerals on the $100m sale of a 50% ownership interest in its affiliate, CMH Colombia, to JCHX. Tragically, in a loss to both the practice and the firm, director Marianna Boza -who co-led on this mandate- has since passed on. Other senior names include corporate and M&A specialist Jaime Robledo, who possesses a strong record in energy transactions, and managing partner Carlos Umaña, who is noted for his broad coverage of energy and infrastructure work. A deep bench of supporting senior associates includes Juan Carlos Padilla, who contributes significant hands-on experience, following in-house stints at Ecopetrol and International Gas Transport; Andrés Felipe Parra, who is noted for his regulatory expertise; and Carlos Cerón, who is ’very knowledgeable and helpful’. In June 2024, Margarita Solorza joined from Holland & Knight as director of the environment and sustainable business area.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Its experience working on large projects, sometimes alongside foreign firms, makes it easier to work on multinational projects with BU, given that it adjusts very easily to the methods of US or British offices, for example. We are always assisted directly by a director or partner, which ensures ease of communication.’
‘Its best qualities are its attention to detail and the rigour in its analysis, which makes its reports quite easy to understand and become a mandatory reference document for the company's decision making.’
‘Its knowledge of energy issues, the ease of communication and the prompt, direct response from Mariana Boza (energy director), makes queries flow easily and instils confidence in the advice received.’
‘Collaboration among the firm's teams and willingness to help the client's business was noticed from day one. Professionals were very accessible to us.’
‘Claudia Navarro put together a team of specialists that were the perfect fit for our needs. Carlos Cerón was very knowledgeable and helpful in orienting the company during a bid with a local utility.’
‘Our main contact is Andrés Felipe Parra, who has been able to drive our business since the beginning of our negotiations. He add value by being attentive and reactive to our daily needs, including the ones coming from our overseas HQ. He provides confidence with his energy sector expertise.’
‘We highlight the team for its great knowledge of the energy sector, its implementation of innovative strategies resulting from extensive experience and its ability to provide reactive advice in a very short time.’
‘Carlos Cerón and Andrés Felipe Parra stand out for their extensive knowledge and strategic support to clients.’

Key clients

Oleoducto de Los Llanos Orientales - Oleoducto Bicentenario de Colombia
Cordoba Minerals
Geopark
Ecopetrol
Green Shift Commodities
Total Eren Colombia
Solarpack Colombia
Promigas
Meridional Solar
Scotiabank y Export Development Canada

Work highlights

Advised Cordoba Minerals on the $100m sale of a 50% ownership interest in its affiliate, CMH Colombia, to JCHX.
Advised Total Eren on the construction of a 99MW solar plant in a major Colombian oil field.
Advised Scotiabank and Export Development Canada on the financing of the construction of more than 160km of transmission lines and end-user connection assets.