CMS Rodríguez-Azuero
The interdisciplinary practice at CMS Rodríguez-Azuero stands out for its ‘extensive and specialised experience in the energy, environmental and land sectors, among others’. The group continues to gain traction in the market following a string of recent hires, which included the absorption of specialist power boutique, Yáñez & Asociados in July 2021 and the addition of mining and environmental boutique, Vergel Riascos Abogados in September 2022. The energy and climate change department is now led jointly by four partners, namely: Álvaro Yáñez Peñaranda, who acts for an impressive roster of multinational energy and mining companies; Álvaro Josué Yáñez, whose practice spans energy and infrastructure projects; Daniel Rodríguez, who specialises in regulatory and project-related matters; and mining expert Daniela Vergel, who focuses on dispute resolution. The group also includes dedicated energy and climate change counsel, Mónica Torres.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Lawyers in the oil and gas area in Colombia must understand the engineering and geology aspects to effectively and correctly advise the client. In the case of CMS, Alvaro Josué Yáñez and Alvaro Yáñez Peñaranda have this particular competitive advantage over other lawyers in the sector.’
‘100% success has been achieved with this team in each matter we have undertaken.’
‘Given the complexity of the Colombian legal context in the oil and gas sector, billing has been in line with the peculiarities of the industry, being in my opinion fair both to the firm and to the client, unlike other offices that, due to lack of knowledge, charge more — or the charge is not adequate for the work.’
‘My interactions have been with Alvaro Josué Yáñez and Alvaro Yáñez Peñaranda. We appreciate their in-depth knowledge of the sector, including their technical knowledge in refining, production, exploration, and transportation. In particular, I would like to highlight the professional ethics of both of them.’
- ‘The team is knowledgeable and quick in their responses, which enables it to address clients’ needs in a very effective manner.’
- ‘We distinguish the team’s lawyers for their dedication, professionalism and commitment.’
- ‘It is an interdisciplinary team, with extensive and specialised experience in the energy, environmental, and land sectors, among others. The team is competitive, collaborative, and provides solutions with positive impacts. Lawyers seek to eliminate or minimise negative impacts.’
- ‘The professionals in the team listen and understand the client's needs, they help to make the execution of projects viable, and they are specialised people who constantly provide updates on the process. They are also available and provide exceptional service.’
Key clients
- Canacol Energy
- Lewis Energy
- Repsol Colombia
- Électricité de France (EDF)
- SOWITEC Energías Renovables de Colombia
- Electryon Power
- Chevron Petroleum
Work highlights
- Advised Promigas on the design and implementation of the legal and regulatory mechanism that will allow the behaviour of GNV’s price to move consistently with the fluctuation of its substitutes.
- Acted as local counsel to Electryon Power on various matters, including recently advising on the incorporation of a local subsidiary in Colombia.
- Successfully obtained a $2m award on behalf of Chevron Petroleum in a commercial arbitration under Bogotá Chamber of Commerce (CCB) rules.
Lawyers
Rising stars
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Alvaro Josué Yáñez, Alvaro Yáñez Peñaranda, Daniel Rodríguez, Daniela Vergel