Considered by some as the benchmark for environmental law in Colombia, Holland & Knight’s expertise encompasses a comprehensive range of sectors, including hydrocarbons, energy, mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and food and beverage-related issues. The team is equipped to handle the full scope of matters, from environmental audits and due diligence procedures, right through to major infrastructure project-related work; it also routinely represents clients before administrative and judiciary authorities. Jose Vicente Zapata spearheads the group and is widely revered as a reference in the market; he is currently advising Carbones del Cerrejón on several constitutional claims arising from consultation controversies with ethnic communities. The group also draws on litigator Juan Casallas, who was raised to the partnership in January 2023, as well as energy and environmental law-focused associate lawyers Margarita Solorza and Estefanny Pardo, who were both promoted to senior counsel in January 2023.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Great customer service. The issues are managed diligently and thoroughly. Extensive technical and industry knowledge. Holistic counseling. They are always available. Highly complex issues are adequately handled.'
Key clients
- Gran Colombia Gold Segovia (Colombia branch)
- Racafe
Work highlights
- Advised Minera de Cobre Quebradona on day-to-day mining and environmental matters related to a strategic environmental licensing procedure.
- Represented Carbones del Cerrejón in several constitutional claims for the protection of fundamental rights regarding disputes involving prior consultation controversies with ethnic communities.