Standing as a benchmark for real estate law in Colombia, Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados’ group impresses with its ‘first-class lawyers’ and ‘remarkable level of experience’, according to sources. The comprehensive practice spans the full spectrum of industry issues, from regulatory matters through to real estate financing and project development. Fielding one of the deepest real estate benches in the market, the group includes go-to specialist Juan Manuel González, who is widely recognised as a dean of the real estate bar. González teamed up with urban law head Ángela Caicedo, transactional real estate expert Felipe Pinilla, and corporate law partner Julián Rojas to advise Cemex Colombia on the development of almost 400 hectares of land in Bogotá. Other key names include urban planning specialist Sandra Milena Lizcano — who co-heads the department together with González and Caicedo — and Camilo Hermida, who ‘provides impeccable service’. The experienced Susana Mowerman Ocampo is noted at associate. Laura Carolina Mesa Fonseca was promoted to managing associate in October 2023. Luis Miguel González left the firm in September 2023.

‘Highly knowledgeable on real estate law issues’, Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) combines activity in urban and planning law, as well as construction projects, transactional real estate matters, and litigation. Paula Samper Salazar solely leads the practice, following the departure of former group head Felipe Mariño; she brings to bear significant experience in representing real estate investment funds, developers, construction companies and retail chains, among others, in real estate transactions. The team also include María Camila Parra, who was promoted to director in January 2023, and is noted for her 18-year record in advising on urban and planning law.

Lawyers at Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría are ‘fast and precise in their responses and analysis’, according to sources. The full-service practice advises on a wide scope of planning and real estate law, from zoning and environmental law issues through to land disposals and acquisitions, and lease agreements. High-profile department head Juan Carlos Rocha is recommended for his ‘innovation and legal creativity’; he is advising Carvajal Propiedades e Inversiones on several transactional and zoning matters regarding real properties located in Bogotá, Yumbo and Cali. Senior associate Jaime Andrés Ramírez D, who is an ‘excellent strategist’, provides support. Senior associate Diana Lozano left the firm in March 2023.

Posse Herrera Ruiz ‘demonstrates infinite patience and seeks the best way to reconcile difficulties’, according to sources. Routinely working alongside other teams from across the firm, including corporate, environmental law and energy, the real estate practice’s broad focus encompasses traditional real estate, agroindustry and forestry law, as well as energy and infrastructure projects. Department head Andrés Montoya advises domestic and multinational clients on a mix of transactional, project development, and contentious work; he recently advised Phoenix Tower International on the acquisition of 628 rooftop sites from Colombia Telecomunicaciones. Other key contacts include Alejandro Turbay, who leads the urban planning and zoning regulation team, and talented associate Héctor Otálora.

Real estate boutique Ramirez & Cardona Abogados is valued by sources for its ‘practical solutions and balanced opinions’. The firm’s dedicated industry focus pays dividends, with domestic and multinational clients turning to the team for support on the full range of urban planning, project development, and transactional issues. The group also provides complementary advice on environmental law and tax matters. Managing partner José Ramón Ramírez is highly regarded for his ‘knowledge and skills in negotiation together with his practicality’. The group additionally benefits from the support of urban law director Angie Yulieth Monsalve, who is also a qualified architect, as well as corporate director Diana Rodríguez.

Noted for its ‘excellent communication and availability’, the team at Baker McKenzie S.A.S. brings to bear a strong record in real estate transactions. With experience across the full industry life cycle, from permitting issues through to project structuring and corporate matters, the team is particularly noted for its ability to leverage its international platform in cross-border work. Energy and project finance specialist Alejandro Mesa steers the department with strong support from Lucía Murgueytio who was promoted to senior associated in July 2023 and specialises in urban and real estate transactions.

Brigard Urrutia’s real estate, urban regulation, hotel, and agribusiness practice acts for a diverse client base, which includes developers, investment funds, concessionaires and property owners. Primarily recognised for its transactional work, particularly real estate finance, the team is also equipped to handle regulatory and planning matters. Group head Francisco Uribe’s comprehensive industry experience spans tourism and hotels, urban operations and agribusiness, among other segments. The team also includes director of the urban law department Wilben Palacios, and Juanita Bermúdez, who was promoted to director of the transactional real estate unit in September 2022.

‘Reliable, easy to work with and knowledgeable’, CMS Rodríguez-Azuero’s practice is well weighted between real estate transactions, development projects and regulatory matters. Over the past year, it has been particularly active on behalf of real estate developer Promotora ACR, which it is advising on several projects including the Makani Luxury Beach Club development. Corporate and M&A specialist Juan Camilo Rodríguez jointly leads the department alongside Jacques Simhon, who also co-heads the compliance and dispute resolution practices. Senior associate Laura Ospina provides dedicated practice support. Experienced former counsel Carolina Lozano left the firm in March 2023.

UH Abogados is commended for its ‘extensive knowledge of real estate law’. The Medellín-based group is particularly recognised for its strong relationships with some of the city’s key real estate companies, with recent activity in the investment, development and management of real estate assets. The practice is also well versed in regulatory matters, while clients additionally appreciate its focus on ‘expanding its knowledge at the tax level’. Real estate specialists Carolina Uribe and Carlos Fernando Henao are the key contacts, while associate Maria Adelaida Zapata provides support on real estate transactions.

Brick Abogados is recommended for its advice on the acquisition and development of real estate projects, both in Colombia and across Latin America. The team acts for a varied mix of investors, developers and construction companies, with notable recent activity in transactions involving insolvent companies. Sector specialist Ana Lucía Rodríguez spearheads the department and represents domestic and multinational clients on real estate transactions and regulatory matters. Junior partner Santiago Arias is also noted for real estate transactional work.

CMM Abogados Colombia’s group ‘takes ownership of the closing goal’, according to some. The newly merged firm — which is the result of an August 2022 combination between real estate and urban law boutique Acosta & Gaviria Legal and the former Cáez Muñoz Mejía — has extensive experience in real estate and urban planning matters, with notable activity in the hotels, retail, healthcare, co-working and logistics segments. The department is co-led by up-and-coming specialists Natalia Gaviria Parra and Patricia Acosta, with support from ‘committed and results-oriented’ associate Ana Lucía Gutiérrez.

Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas’ real estate team finds favour for its ‘deep knowledge of national and municipal regulations’. Acting for a range of industry participants — including domestic and international investors, developers, occupants and lenders — the group is particularly well versed in transactional work, but is also equipped to handle regulatory matters. Corporate head Eduardo Cárdenas oversees a practice that also draws on tax partner Camilo Cortés and María Paula Álvarez, who was promoted to real estate practice director in April 2022.

Garrigues’ real estate team is characterised by its ‘strong professionalism, commitment and seriousness’, according to sources. The group strikes a balance between planning and transactional work, with extensive experience in land acquisition and management - particularly in the infrastructure sphere. Principal associate Melissa Castro heads the department and maintains a broad practice spanning administrative law, dispute resolution, and real estate. Senior associate Carolina Pérez Forero stands out for her ‘commitment and quality’.

Lloreda Camacho & Co.’s multidisciplinary real estate group has experience in the full life cycle of industry matters, from title review and permitting issues, through to project development and transactional work. Department co-head Santiago Gutiérrez has a strong transactional dimension to his practice; notably, he also directs the corporate, capital markets, and banking teams. Fellow co-head Carlos Carvajal, who additionally leads the government-contracting and infrastructure practices, brings to bear significant projects experience. Associates Natalia Soto (environmental law) and Santiago Garzón (public law) are also noted.

Following the October 2023 tie-up between Bogotá based Serrano Martínez and Medellin-based Correa Merino Agudelo Abogados, the ‘young and dynamic team’ at Serrano Martínez CMA has the opportunity to grow its footprint into that of a national, rather than regional practice. The group has solid experience advising developers, construction companies, investors and retail chains, among others, on real estate deals and development projects. The practice -regarded as both ‘expert’ and ‘interdisciplinary’- is led by Juan Esteban Agudelo, who is highlighted for his ‘great mastery of urban planning’; he combines strength in real estate transactions, urban development law, and dispute resolution. Key associates include seniors Catalina Posada and María Camila Maya, as well as intermediate Alejandro Molina.