Leda Mejía Martínez
Chapman WilchesLabour and employment boutique Chapman Wilches scores highly with many for its ability to provide ‘solutions that are in tune with the purpose and culture of the company’. In a significant development, it acquired 51% of associated firm Pilonieta Alvarez Abogados Laboralistas in September 2023 (both firms maintain their independent branding), which should strengthen its service offering going forward. The two-partner practice is led jointly by firm founder Charles Chapman, who is recommended for collective bargaining matters, and Mirna Wilches, who handles the full range of labour and employment work, with recent strong showings in administrative law cases. A deep bench of associate directors includes Heimy Blanco, who serves as litigation manager; Leda Mejía Martínez, who manages guardianship disputes; Mauricio Crespo, who co-ordinates the advisory practice; Orianna Gentile who co-ordinates the cassation unit; and Elizabeth Jiménez, who directs the Medellín practice. In July 2023, the team hired senior associate Jorge Agudelo from Lopez & Asociados Abogados.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A firm that focuses on systematically understanding the problem presented, understanding the environment and the corporate needs, and then developing different practical and forceful options that generate solutions and add value. Its processes are simple and make the client feel that their time is valued.’
‘The team demonstrates strong understanding and knowledge of the client, providing solutions that are in tune with the purpose and culture of the company. It does not generalise, each client is handled differently. We highlight Charles Chapman, Mirna Wilches, Mauricio Crespo and Elizabeth Jiménez.’
‘The firm is innovative, creative and always seek to understand the needs of the client, going beyond the legal aspects to better understand the totality of the issues at hand. Other firms advise us, but their approaches often fall short and lack innovation.’
‘Heimy Blanco is a high-level litigator, she always achieves good results. Charles Chapman often makes disruptive approaches, looking for solutions in scenarios where one may think that there are no alternatives. Mirna Wilches is an excellent director, she guides the teams and supports us closely.’
‘The team is not only interested in providing legal advice, but also has an interdisciplinary focus that makes its advice comprehensive. That is, it sees the legal, the strategic and the impact on people, which combine to show the best way to do things.’
‘Lawyers are close, diligent, timely and unlike others, they provide concrete and clear advice.’
‘An excellent work team that recommends flexible alternatives from a legal point of view. Lawyers are excellent people, with human warmth, who are easy to understand and provide constant support. We highlight Charles Chapman, Heimy Blanco, Mirna Wilches, Jorge Agudelo and Mauricio Crespo.’
‘Lawyers are people with impeccable professional careers and, above all, who are highly recognised for their work and their commitment to each of the cases they resolve.’
Key clients
- Termocandelaria
- Grupo Éxito
- Compañía Global de Pinturas – Pintuco
- Procaps
- Metro de Medellin
- Bancamía (Grupo BBVA)
- Seguros Bolivar
- Zentria
- Ecopetrol
- Cementos Argos
Work highlights
- Successfully represented Operaciones de Mercadeo Open Market in litigation seeking the dissolution of a newly formed union organisation.
- Represented Banco de las Microfinanzas Bancamia, through a tutela action, in reversing a judicial decision.
- Successfully represented Compañía Global de Pinturas – Pintuco in an administrative investigation, following a complaint alleging its refusal to negotiate.
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.
Heimy Blanco
Chapman WilchesLeading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Mirna Wilches
Chapman WilchesCharles Chapman
Chapman WilchesPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Charles Chapman, Mirna Wilches