Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas

‘A reference in the industry at a regional level’, Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas’ internationally oriented energy and natural resources practice is commended for its ’very broad expertise and depth of contacts throughout the region’. Widely recognised as a leader for mining work, where it acts for major global names such as Rio Tinto, Newmont and Anglo Gold Ashanti, the group also deserves praise for its formidable energy practice, where it advises national oil companies such as Refineria de Cartagena and ONGC, as well as private players. Its deep senior bench draws on several high-profile specialists, including Jorge Neher, who is leader for the firm’s energy practice in Latin America and the Caribbean; he is currently representing GCM Mining Corp in a $360m ICSID investment arbitration against the Republic of Colombia for non-compliance with the Canada-Colombia FTA. Other key contacts include Santiago González, who brings together strength in transactional and regulatory matters and recently advised ONGC Videsh on a joint operating agreement; Hernán Rodríguez, who stands out both for his ‘positive, proactive approach’ and also for his strong record in oil-and-gas, mining and infrastructure projects; mining specialist James Valdiri; finance partner Bernardo Cárdenas; and Pablo Jaramillo, who handles a mix of project finance and corporate transactions. At associate level, environemntal practice director María Margarita Lorduy is deeply involved in the practice; however, formeer fellow director Carlos Vicioso (who focused on natural resources and energy), moved in house at ADNOC Group in March 2024.