The multidisciplinary public law team at Brigard Urrutia is widely recognised for its expertise in large-scale projects, with clients highlighting its ability to provide ‘practical solutions to complex problems in the construction and infrastructure industry’. The group draws on lawyers with backgrounds in public policy, public management, banking and finance, and corporate work to strike a balance between advising on the regulatory and transactional aspects of major transformational projects. Key contact Carlos Umaña is regarded by some as a ’reference in the sector’ and splits his practice between infrastructure, public procurement, utilities and natural resources law. Umaña is acting for state development bank Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN) — as part of a wider group of advisers —  on the structuring of Bogota’s Second Metro Line project. Other senior names include infrastructure and public utilities partner Claudia Navarro; and director Mario Forero, who handles public procurement, projects and administrative law. Senior associate Rafael Cifuentes is additionally noted for his administrative law expertise and ability to ‘solve problems from both a legal and practical perspective’. In September 2024, director Julián Parra left to join ZEmobility, while associate Mariana Maya joined the same in-house team three months later.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Brigard Urrutia's team of lawyers specialise in public law, they are always at the forefront in terms of up-to-date knowledge and, above all, provide practical solutions to complex problems in the construction and infrastructure industry.’

  • ‘In particular, Carlos Umaña, Mario Forero, and María Alejandra Salamanca stand out for their attentiveness to their clients' needs and ability to offer practical, objective solutions aimed at resolving the core of the dispute at hand.’

Key clients

  • Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN) – Second Metro Line project
  • Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN) – Corredor Férreo del Pacifico

Work highlights

Selected by state development bank, Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN), to form part of the group advising on the structuring of Bogota’s Second Metro Line project.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

Carlos Umaña; Claudia Navarro; Mario Forero; Carlos Bernal Pulido