Camilo Castrillón
Brigard UrrutiaBrigard Urrutia’s practice is commended for its ‘high-level knowledge of foreign trade and customs regulations at a national and international level’. Well versed across a range of regulatory and contentious trade matters, the team is primarily noted for its activity in customs disputes and trade remedies. Dual-qualified (Colombia/New York) department head, Jose Francisco Mafla, splits his time between the corporate and M&A and customs and international trade practices, with his experience in the former area arguably informing his ’business approach’. Among Mafla’s recent matters, he is representing Mexichem Colombia in an anti-dumping and safeguarding duty investigation concerning imports of PVC from China and South Korea. The team is additionally supported by a strong duo of rising stars, with director Camilo Castrillón noted as ‘very rigorous in the evaluation of his positions’, while intermediate associate Gerardo Chadid is ’always innovative and very practical’.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Brigard Urrutia team has extensive knowledge and a very good work methodology. José Francisco Mafla has a "hands on" style that is highly valued as a client.’
‘The team stands out for its personalised support and knowledge of the client, which allows the in-house lawyer to receive strategic and visionary advice.’
‘The firm has excellent organisation, which allows it to serve clients efficiently from all points of view; from the advice it provides on the matter, to the organisation between different areas that seek to provide different strategies. This allows it to provide a follow-up on matters until their conclusion.’
‘BU’s international trade and customs team has excellent quality professionals. The team's strengths are its high-level knowledge of foreign trade and customs regulations at a national and international level, and its practical and innovative solutions to complex problems.’
‘Advice is very practical and with a business focus, which differentiates it from other firms, since the solutions it proposes not only take into account the regulations, but also take into account the needs of the client's company.’
‘José Francisco Mafla, the partner of the practice, has many years of experience in consulting on international trade issues, which is evident from his extensive knowledge. He provides a service of the best quality and stands out for his extensive knowledge of legal matters and business approach.’
‘Camilo Castrillón, director of the practice area, is very rigorous in the evaluation of his positions and very accurate in his recommendations. His naturally calm personality and his knowledge of the subject are undoubtedly a plus when analysing complex cases and carrying out his analysis.’
‘Gerardo Chadid is an exceptional lawyer. His work is of excellent quality, he has extensive knowledge of customs and foreign trade regulations both nationally and internationally. Furthermore, his approach to solving legal problems is always innovative and very practical; ideal for business advice.’
Key clients
- Sociedad Portuaria El Cayao (SPEC)
- Continental Industries
- Kuehne + Nagel
- Agencia de Aduanas KN Colombia
- Bimbo de Colombia
- Mexichem Colombia
- PGI Colombia
- Asociación Nacional de Empresarios de Colombia (ANDI)
Work highlights
- Advised Mexichem on the request for an anti-dumping investigation against PVC imports from China and South Korea.
- Advised PGI Colombia on submitting an anti-dumping petition concerning non-woven fabric imports from China and South Korea.
- Advised the National Association of Entrepreneurs of Colombia (ANDI) on a training project focused on preventing customs-related crimes, specifically smuggling.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Gerardo Chadid
Brigard UrrutiaLeading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
José Francisco Mafla
Brigard UrrutiaPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
José Francisco Mafla, Camilo Castrillón