Environmental law is a marquee practice for Holland & Knight’s Bogotá office and the team is widely revered for its full-spectrum coverage of the area. On the advisory front, the group’s expertise encompasses legal assessment for the construction of energy and natural resources projects, licensing procedures and environmental audits, among other matters. It also handles contentious work, with extensive experience in environmental sanctioning proceedings and constitutional law claims. A foremost expert for environmental law in Colombia, department head Jose Vicente Zapata acts for a broad mix of clients, including domestic and multinational companies in the energy, natural resources, manufacturing, infrastructure, and food and beverage sectors. Zapata was recently engaged by Shell EP Offshore Ventures (Colombia branch) to handle several constitutional claims filed against its offshore projects. Other key contacts include public law litigator Juan Casallas; associate María Camila Aponte, whose practice is dedicated to environmental law; and senior counsel Estefanny Pardo, who is noted for contentious work. Senior counsel Margarita Solorza left the firm in May 2024.

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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘It is a rapid response group. The team listens actively to harmonise the company's points with its legal points.’
  • ‘We highlight lawyers for their active listening and reliable proposals.’

Key clients

  • Lewis Energy Colombia
  • Promigas
  • Carbones del Cerrejon
  • Cerro Matoso
  • Drummond
  • Shell EP Offshore Ventures (Colombia branch)
  • Energizer Holding
  • Crepes & Waffles
  • Promioriente
  • Spectrum Brands Corp
  • Perenco Colombia
  • Metrolinea 1
  • Grupo EDS Auto Gas
  • Sodimac Colombia
  • Nestlé de Colombia

Work highlights

  • Advised Promigas on environmental licensing issues and on environmental sanctioning proceedings, among other matters.
  • Advised Cerro Matoso on environmental licence proceedings, including hearings requesting additional information before the National Environmental Agency (ANLA), and on environmental sanctioning proceedings, among other issues.
  • Represented Shell EP Offshore Ventures Limited (Colombia branch) in several constitutional claims filed against its offshore projects.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
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Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

José Vicente Zapata