Comparative Guide
Doing Business In
Colombia
Carolina Pardo, Jaime Trujillo, Clare Montgomery & Carlos Arboleda
Widely hailed as ‘one of the best firms in Colombia’, Baker McKenzie S.A.S.’s impressive domestic platform combines with its extensive global network to mark it as a top choice for multinational companies seeking local support on M&A transactions. The team, which also acts for an impressive raft of domestic companies, is equipped to handle deals across all key industries but is predominantly recognised for its record in highly regulated sectors including energy, life sciences, financial services and TMT. A go-to specialist for high-stakes M&A, department co-chair Jaime Trujillo recently acted as part of a cross-office regional team to advise AccorInvest Group on the local aspects of the sale of a portfolio of Latin American hotel properties to BTG Pactual. Clare Montgomery spearheads the companies, restructuring and investment practice and is recognised for her strength in highly structured transactions. Next-generation partner Natalia Ponce de León is also a key contact; she was at the helm for the firm’s advice to Zelestra on its acquisition of a project to develop a solar plant. A strong second line of associates includes seniors Karen Santamaría – who ’provides exceptionally fast and high-quality service’; and Juliana Tobón, who possesses extensive cross-border experience. A trio of senior associate departures saw Juliana Gómez depart in November 2024 to join IDB Invest; in the same month Paola Gonzalez became senior legal manager at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Latinoamérica; while Alexandra Montealegre also recently left. Former practice co-head Andrés Crump left the firm in July 2025.
L'éditorial du Legal 500
Témoignages
Collectés indépendamment par l'équipe de recherche du Legal 500.
‘Baker McKenzie can bring a diverse group of specialist to a complex engagement at a moments notice. We value the team's ability to focus on the commercial needs of the client without getting lost in the legal forest.’
‘Baker McKenzie is one of the best firms in Colombia. Communication is usually clear, fast, and timely. I often recommend the firm to others.’
‘BM's lawyers are highly available to support clients, demonstrating initiative, clear communication, and prompt responses. When they are not the best person to handle a matter, they help identify the right people to collaborate. Karen Santamaría provides exceptionally fast and high-quality service.’
- ‘It stands out for its ability to understand client needs and generate alternative solutions for complex situations. It has experience, market and legal knowledge, and business vision; ensuring quality advice that creates value and is delivered promptly. It inspires trust, due to timely and technically sound advice.’
- ‘The team differentiates itself from competitors by taking a comprehensive business approach. Its advice is provided promptly and with high professional quality, generating alternatives and solutions. We highlight partners Clare Montgomery and Jaime Trujillo and associate Karen Santamaría.’
- ‘The team demonstrates great technical expertise in M&A and oil & gas matters and provides service with great personal and professional skill. The personal attention of all the firm's lawyers is outstanding, which they complement with in-depth technical knowledge.’
Clients clés
- Brookfield
- Grupo Romero
- AES Colombia
- I Squared
- Isagen
- Promigas
- Empresas Públicas de Medellín E.S.P. (EPM)
- Aimbridge Hospitality
- Inspired Group
- Accor Invest Group
- Frontera Corporation
- Talisman Energy (Repsol)
Points forts
Advised AccorInvest Group on the sale of a portfolio of Latin American hotel properties to BTG Pactual.
Advised Inspired Group on the acquisition of the British International School of Barranquilla.
Advised Silgan Holdings on the acquisition of Weener Plastics, including the indirect acquisition of Proenfar Colombia.
Responsable de la pratique
Clare Montgomery; Jaime Trujillo; Natalia Ponce de León