Widely hailed as ‘the leading firm in urban planning and real estate law in Colombia’, Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados is distinguished by its unrivalled sector coverage — spanning regulatory, transactional and contentious matters — as well as its considerable bench depth, which draws on three partners and more than 15 additional lawyers dedicated exclusively to real estate law. High-profile real estate expert Juan Manuel González leads the urban and real estate practice and is praised as ’one of a kind’. He paired up with planning specialist Ángela Caicedo, who heads the urban law department, to advise Amarilo on modifying the regulatory framework of a partial plan to allow the development of an area of urban land in Barranquilla. The group also includes senior dispute resolution-focused partner Carlos Felipe Pinilla and Laura Carolina Mesa Fonseca, who serves as managing associate of the real estate unit. Also at associate level, urbanism and real estate-focused senior Margarita Rosa González has over a decade's experience in the sector. However, the firm has endured partner-level departures over the second half of 2025, with Camilo Hermida leaving in June, and Sandra Lizcano and Julián Rojas exiting in August. Associate Susana Mowerman  left in June 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘It is the leading firm in urban planning and real estate law in Colombia, supported by its team's experience and extensive knowledge of the legal framework.’

  • ‘What sets PGP apart is that it is the only firm in the country with sufficient experience, business knowledge, and depth in urban planning and real estate law to adequately support its clients.’

  • ‘The team of professionals at PGP Abogados is knowledgeable in the real estate sector and has strong skills that allow clients' matters to evolve successfully.’

  • ‘It is important to highlight not only the team’s industry knowledge but also its soft skills (communication, assertiveness, management and/or control of complex situations), which allow for a constant open channel of communication that ensures successful processes.’ 

  • ‘The team's work, support, and accompaniment supports our company's processes and provides peace of mind to shareholders.’

  • ‘This legal practice stands out for its exceptional combination of expertise, national coverage, and a meticulous, collaborative approach to client matters. The team consists of highly capable, continuously updated professionals with deep knowledge of their fields, ensuring precise and reliable guidance.’

Key clients

  • Amarilo
  • Cemex Colombia
  • Calidad Inmobiliaria – Guatemala - Salvador
  • Inversiones Inmobiliarias Santa Cruz
  • Novus Civitas Sucursal Colombia
  • Universidad de los Andes
  • Constructora Colpatria
  • Arias Serna Saravia
  • Centro de Estudios Superiores de Administración (CESA)
  • Fernando Mazuera & Cía.
  • Epic Constructora Morros

Work highlights

Advised Cemex Colombia on the development of approximately 400 hectares in Bogotá, which will allow the construction of more than 40,000 housing solutions.
Advised Calidad Inmobiliaria on the implementation of the partial plans in the legislation of Guatemala City and San Salvador.
Advised Amarilo on obtaining the approval of a territorial financing instrument, resulting in an increase in buildability in an area that permits the development of land for residential and commercial use.

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.

Juan Manuel González

Leading partners

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

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Laura Carolina Mesa Fonseca

Practice head

Juan Manuel González; Ángela; Laura Carolina Mesa Fonseca