The Colombian branch of Baker McKenzie S.A.S.’s formidable global tax group stands out for being ‘sensitive to the needs of the business’. The full-service practice demonstrates strong capability across all key pillars of tax law, with its recent experience spanning tax planning and wealth management, transactional support work, regulatory issues, dispute resolution and transfer pricing. The team is additionally recognised for its ability to plug into the wider firm’s international platform, which marks it as a popular choice to advise major multinationals on local issues, including Amazon, Chevron, and Public Sector Pension Investment Board. Among the names to note, high-profile tax expert Ciro Meza is sought after for his expertise in tax planning and consulting, and litigation. Meza co-heads the department together with transfer pricing specialist Gustavo Sánchez, and transactional tax partner Juan David Velasco, who joined from Posse Herrera Ruiz in April 2022. At associate level, Laura Durán and Andrea Jimenez are recommended. In November 2022, associate Carlos Gómez left to join Kuehne+Nagel.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The team is highly competent, close, and sensitive to the needs of the business.’
‘Juan David Velasco is, in addition to a deep knowledge of tax matters, a person with a global focus who understands the international implications of a decision. He is very practical and works with a deep understanding of the business and the client's concerns to accompany strategic decisions.’
‘The Colombia team is super-responsive and always provides well-thought-out advice that considers our factual nuances. The Colombia team is also well-connected and is able to share valuable info that is happening behind the scenes.’
‘Ciro Meza and associate Laura Duran make a fantastic team that works well together. As mentioned, they are super-responsive and have a deep understanding of our complex facts. They are easy to work with, and I feel like they are part of our team.’
‘What makes the practice unique is the service and knowledge that the tax team provides.’
‘Juan David Velasco is always available and, due to his experience, gives correct direction.’

Key clients

Chevron Petroleum
Gate Gourmet
SierraCol Energy
D1
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)
Altra Investments
Public Sector Pension Investment Board
Amazon
Google
Meta
Novator Parners LLP – Partners Telecom
Airbnb
Geopark Colombia
Femsa Indega
Alianza Teams
Cementos Tequendama
Minka
Yellowstone Capital Partners

Work highlights

Advising Novator Partners on its financing structure, its corporate structure and the tax regime in Colombia.
Advising Airbnb on VAT, income tax, contributions and the significant economical presence measures implemented by the Colombian government in the 2022 tax reform.
Advising Meta on a day-to-day basis on local laws and regulations that affect its business, as well as on its tax obligations in Colombia.