The highly regarded public law team at Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados impresses sources with its ‘creativity and analytical capacity to suggest actions and solutions’. The full-service group shines in all key areas of public law, with strong skill sets in transactional work, including infrastructure projects, as well as complex disputes and regulatory issues. Widely recognised as a reference in the area, department co-head Carlos Gustavo Arrieta is routinely sought after by public entities, and domestic and multinational companies to advise on judicial and arbitral proceedings. Fellow co-head Yady Villaquirán is an ’exceptional professional’, who specialises in constitutional law, administrative law, infrastructure projects and mining law. Associate Santiago Cardona is additionally recommended for his growing profile in public law and energy and natural resources-related work.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados’ public law team is very well formed, the professionals are of the highest level and provide a highly personalised service.’
‘Yady Villaquirán is an exceptional professional with great human qualities and an incomparable willingness to serve and care. Her extensive experience always makes us feel well supported in the matters under her responsibility.’
‘This firm stands out in all aspects. I highlight the excellent relationship with the work teams and the leadership that Yady Villaquirán assumes in these projects, where different actors and disciplines are combined. Its collaborative approach is impeccable and it always goes beyond its commitments.’
‘Yady Villaquirán is a very prominent leading lawyer in projects. Not only does she handle legal issues, but her knowledge in structuring projects with financial components is remarkable. The firm is always available for additional meetings. The commitment to close the project is total.’
‘The team demonstrates good understanding of public procurement processes, as well as understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the contracting modalities. We highlight its creativity and analytical capacity to suggest actions and solutions.’
‘In additional to their legal skills, we recommend lawyers for their human quality, communication skills and good interpersonal relationships.’

Key clients

Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN)
Bolsa Mercantil de Colombia (BMC)
Arbitration Tribunal: Air-E Vs Ufinet Colombia
Departamento Nacional de Planeación (DNP)
Colombiana de Escenarios
ICO Medios

Work highlights

Advising Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional, as contractor, on the legal structuring of the Ranchería-San Juan de Cesar and Triángulo del Tolima’s irrigation districts.
Advising Bolsa Mercantil de Colombia on new regulations concerning the acquisition of goods and services for public entities through commission agents.
Advising KMPG and Steer Davies Gleave on the development of a methodological proposal for the structuring of public infrastructure projects with private investment.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

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