A pioneering boutique specialising in investment mechanisms and international trade, Araújo Ibarra has been at the forefront of trade law in Colombia for five decades. The team’s extensive experience spans a range of contentious and non-contentious issues and it is particularly well equipped to support domestic and multinational companies and governments on trade remedies, customs matters, trade policy and free-trade agreements. It is also noted for its niche expertise in advising on free zones throughout Latin America, and it notably played a key role in the establishment of the Latin American Association of Free Zones (AZFA) in 1997. High-profile trade expert, and managing partner, Martín Gustavo Ibarra is widely acknowledged as a market leader; he recently advised the World Free Zone Organization (WFZO) on co-ordinating its regionalisation strategy in the Americas, Asia, Europe and Africa. Olga Lucía Salamanca spearheads the trade remedies and commercial policy team and contributes experience in trade remedies — including anti-dumping cases and countervailing measures — and trade and investment promotion instruments. In November 2023, the firm hired Andrea Caicedo from Goh to serve as director of the international trade practice. The team also draws on international trade manager Felipe Barón (customs, foreign exchange and tax law) and junior associate Carolina Chaparro (customs and criminal law). In August 2023, former firm vice-president, Ricardo López, and former international trade practice head Lina Ocampo left the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Araújo Ibarra offers extensive experience and the combination of different disciplines in handling cases related to international trade.’
‘Martín Gustavo Ibarra is a very cultured person. Not only does he know the practice of law, he knows about everything that is happening globally and integrates that knowledge into his practice and day-to-day relationships. Recommendations have an international vision that I do not see in other teams.’
‘The associates of Araújo Ibarra, and its managing partner Martín Gustavo Ibarra, are always available to answer questions. Associate Andrea Caicedo was a very valuable recent acquisition for the firm.’
‘Martín Gustavo Ibarra's legal knowledge and legal practice are qualities worth highlighting.’
‘Without a doubt, Martín Gustavo Ibarra makes this office stand out. He is a partner attentive to detail and assists the client when required.’
‘The team works fully, quickly responding to the consultation requests that arise every day. It fields a diverse and cohesive team, where lawyers complement each other.’
‘Carolina Chaparro, Felipe Barón and Martín Gustavo Ibarra are the most representative names and give us the best support.’
‘We value the team for its impeccable knowledge. Lawyers are extremely proactive and maintain impeccable collaboration.’
Key clients
- World Free Zones Organization (WFZO)
- Essentia
- Zona Franca Parque Central
- Tenaris TuboCaribe
- Socoda
- Autogermana
- Halliburton
- Drummond
- Refineria de Cartagena (Reficar)
- Anasac
- Mexichem
- Carvajal
- Ecopetrol
Work highlights
- Represented Socoda in the five-year review for the renewal of anti-dumping duties on imports of stainless steel dishwashers originating from China.
- Advised Esenttia on the design of a new processing structure to optimise the export of polypropylene.
- Advised the World Free Zone Organization (WFZO) on co-ordinating its regionalisation strategy, specifically in the Americas, Asia, Europe and Africa.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
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.
Martín Gustavo Ibarra, Olga Lucía Salamanca, Andrea Caicedo