Hall of fameEsguerra JHR
Partner of the Public Law, Arbitration and Dispute Resolution practice areas
‘An expert in Colombian public and administrative law’, Esguerra JHR is particularly admired for its contentious firepower, where it frequently handles high-stakes constitutional and administrative law disputes — in both judicial and arbitral forums. The group also advises a diverse roster of local and multinational companies and public entities on bidding processes, project structuring and public contracts, among other matters. Name partner Juan Carlos Esguerra maintains a prominent disputes practice; he recently paired up with Felipe Piquero to represent Ecopetrol in two different collective rights protection suits aimed to block its $3.5bn acquisition of the government’s stake in ISA. The team also includes next-generation public law specialist Adriana Nieto, as well as public-law focused associates Jorge Andrés Gómez and María Fernanda Barraza Díaz. Associate Carlos Lasprilla left in July 2022 to study abroad. Since publication, the firm has merged with tax specialist firm Jiménez, Higuita, Rodríguez & Asociados (Tax & customs) to become Esguerra JHR – effective as of February 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The firm is an expert in Colombian public and administrative law. The team possesses deep experience in this field, so its advice is clear and appropriate; it warns of risks and proposes mitigation strategies.’
‘We particularly highlight the work of Felipe Piquero and Jorge Andrés Gómez Avendaño.’
‘The team's strongest points are its opportunity, closeness, proactivity, empathy with internal officials, willingness and openness. It is a highly outstanding firm, which provides a lot of security in its management, and in which we have great confidence.’
‘We recommend the tea, for its wide disposition to find solutions and strategies to take all the matters forward. I would say that its ability to provide a holistic view of the topics, with specialised focuses that interconnect, is its great differential.’
‘Felipe Piquero and Juan Carlos Esguerra provide complementary perspectives on the themes that we entrust to them. Undoubtedly, the direct attention of the partners is the great differential; they are always open, with the best disposition to talk about the different matters entrusted to them.’
Key clients
- Cemex Colombia
- Caja Colombiana de Subsidio Familiar (Colsubsidio)
- Ecopetrol
- Empresa de Teléfonos de Bogotá (ETB)
- UNE EPM Telecomunicaciones
- Hocol
- Ministerio de Transporte
- Payc
- Seguros Generales Suramericana
- Seguros de Vida Suramericana
Work highlights
- Represented a construction company in the fiscal liability process initiated by the Contraloría General de la República in connection with the construction of projects using public resources.
- Represented Caja Colombiana de Subsidio Familiar (Colsubsidio) in judicial proceedings arising from the performance of contracts for the construction of approximately 2000 new homes.
- Advised the Ministerio de Transporte on the legal structuring of the new concession that will operate the RUNT project, as well as on the auditing agreement by which an independent party will comprehensively supervise the concession agreement.
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 partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Juan Carlos Esguerra, Felipe Piquero, Adriana Nieto