CMS Rodríguez-Azuero’s energy and natural resources team is lauded for its ‘ability to understand the business from the inside out’. The Colombia practice forms a key part of the firm’s global energy offering, which is particularly recognised for its close relationships with oil-and-gas majors, as well as leading power companies. Managing partner Álvaro Josué Yáñez co-heads the department and contributes significant in-house experience following an eight-year stint at Pacific Rubiales Energy; he recently advised Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on hydrogen-related issues. The practice is additionally co-led by energy and natural resources specialist Álvaro Yáñez Peñaranda and Daniela Vergel, who handles environmental law, dispute resolution and mining law. Counsel Mónica Torres provides dedicated practice support. In July 2024, Leopoldo Olavarría left to become a freelance compliance adviser.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Álvaro Josué Yáñez and Mónica Rodriguez provided comprehensive, detailed, and high-level advice for the preparation and planning of new projects that seek to guarantee Colombia's energy security.’
‘Álvaro Josué Yáñez and Mónica Rodriguez stand out for their specialized knowledge and the ease with which they translate it into the commercial field.’
‘What truly makes the practice unique is its ability to understand the business from the inside out. It doesn't limit itself to the legal side: it has in-depth knowledge of the sector, understands the regulatory dynamics and technical challenges, and knows how to speak the same language as in-house teams.’
‘In-house lawyers should know that this team is fast, clear, and very grounded. There is no beating around the bush or theoretical answers: lawyers deliver concrete solutions that work in practice, especially when there are time constraints or projects involving multiple stakeholders.’
‘Compared to others, CMS stands out for its close approach, flexibility, and commitment to clients. Also, it has incorporated technological tools to improve efficiency in regulatory and contractual processes. A team that earns trust through how it works, not just through what it knows.’
- ‘The team is very efficient and well versed in the required topics. Lawyers stand out for their knowledge and personal qualities.’
Key clients
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
- Verano Energy
- ID Energy Group
- Hydrothermia Inc.
- Drummond Energy
- Acerías Paz del Río
- Asociación Combustibles Eficientes Latinoamérica (ACELA)
- Geopark Colombia
Work highlights
Advised GeoPark on a due diligence process for the $530m acquisition of upstream assets from Repsol Colombia Oil&Gas and SierraCol Energy.
Advised Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on hydrogen-related issues.
Acted as local counsel to Verano Energy on various matters connected to energy projects in Colombia.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Mónica Torres
Practice head
Alvaro Yáñez Peñaranda; Álvaro Josué Yáñez; Daniela Vergel