Tax: Colombia

An expanding boutique that sits comfortably at the top of the market, this firm is appreciated for its "great experience, analytical skills and profound knowledge of the legislation." While it is large enough to handle a wide range of matters, including foreign exchange, customs work, state and tax planning and M&A, it remains "just the right size in the sense that clients can always reach an experienced partner and never feel forgotten." The group has a great deal of experience in the energy sector, where it advises clients such as BP and Shell, and in banking, where HSBC is a notable client. "One of the brightest lawyers in Colombia," tax expert Alfredo Lewin is a reliable and practical counsel. He manages the firm alongside Emilio Wills, who has long-standing experience in the field and excellent knowledge of foreign exchange work. He is also widely respected for his litigation skills.

This team is one of the biggest in the market, with sufficient resources to ensure that it is always available for its clients and able to handle the largest cases in the sector. "There's always someone ready to answer your questions, and if that person doesn't have the answer it's guaranteed that someone there will," sources say. While the group is primarily renowned for its work in structuring projects in the energy sector and creating private equity funds, it also has a number of significant clients in the finance and capital markets arena, including JPMorgan and Citibank. The team is commercially astute and keeps its clients up to date with any developments affecting their businesses, helping them to interpret new legislation and integrate it into their overall tax strategies. Offering an exceptional degree of knowledge and a wealth of experience, Juan Guillermo Ruiz is undoubtedly one of the best lawyers for tax work in the country. "He gives excellent, straightforward advice and he knows everything," clients say. A fund structuring specialist with a good business understanding, he is also experienced in assisting financial institutions and energy companies.

This is "a brilliantly customer-oriented team that really understands our needs and is permanently at our disposal," agree clients. The tax lawyers often assist colleagues in the firm with corporate matters, particularly in the energy, natural resources and banking sectors; however, the tax department is also prominent enough to attract a large number of clients in its own right. A recent highlight was the team's tax planning advice to Refinería de Cartagena, one of the biggest oil companies in the country. Formerly at tax boutique Lewin & Wills, head of practice Camilo Cortés combines an incredible knowledge of the law with a practical approach: "He understands our business brilliantly and gives excellent commercial advice."

This team has an excellent domestic tax practice and handles a wide range of work, including all elements of corporate tax transactions. It recently advised Diageo Colombia on due diligence and tax planning. In addition to its strong domestic profile, it has a significant international workload, including multi-jurisdictional acquisitions and joint ventures. It notably assisted Computec with a matter that involved numerous tax jurisdictions throughout Latin America. While primarily a corporate lawyer, Martín Acero is also widely recognised for his tax expertise and remains a popular choice in the market. "He's an incredibly intelligent lawyer who has all the facts at his fingertips – and he's a great guy as well," enthused one client.

"These lawyers have a great can-do attitude and are really responsive – they also have a fantastic ability to form strong partnerships with their clients in difficult circumstances," sources comment. The team assists local and international companies with a wide range of matters, including tax compliance and corporate tax, and also helps clients establish themselves in tax-free zones in Colombia. Given the volume of work the team handles, some sources suggest that the team could benefit from expanding its ranks; however, as one client noted, "the lawyers are dynamic and never fail to meet our requests on time." Laura Cecilia Ramirez Ruiz is "extremely clever and has incredible expertise in tax."  Noted for his collaborative approach and excellent technical knowledge, Sergio Felipe Corredor is a lawyer with a bright future in the market. "He has a practical and realistic approach to any challenge," asserted one source.

This firm has a specialisation in tax law and advises on transactions, contracts and litigation, acting for an impressive client base that includes local and multinational companies. Paul Cahn-Speyer Wells is considered "one of the best lawyers in the country for tax matters," with one source noting: "Everyone knows his name in the local market." Thanks to his previous position as president of the Colombian Institute of Tax Law, he has good contacts with tax institutions – an added benefit when it comes to negotiations. Interviewees are full of praise for associate Claudia Rodriguez, who excels in tax-related litigation issues.

Recognised for its great work in transactional matters, this firm provides "true one-shop legal assistance" to clients and an excellent service in a large array of areas, including tax. It represents both local and foreign companies. Tax practitioner Mauricio Piñeros leads the team, and is recommended for his prowess in transactional matters.  

"These lawyers have a business-oriented approach, and help you develop new and efficient tax structures that can bring important cost reductions for your company," sources say. The team assists local clients with all transactional and non-transactional tax matters, and is also skilled in disputes. It acts for businesses in all industry sectors, with particular expertise in banking and energy. Clients include Citibank, Corelca and Techint Group. The firm is also a popular choice for fast-growing local companies. Thanks to her total dedication and deep knowledge of local tax, Lucy Cruz provides clients with excellent service. She has a strong focus on litigation and administrative arbitration and has successfully defended clients against the Colombian state.

Interviewees highlight this young and dynamic firm's personalised assistance and attentiveness: "As the team is quite small, you have direct contact with the partners and the service you get is excellent." In addition to its strong knowledge of tax, custom and exchange control matters, the group is up-to-date on local regulations and their impact on foreign investment and taxation. Previously at Brigard & Urrutia, Monica Reyes Rodriguez enjoys a strong track record in the tax sector. She is appreciated for her excellent advice on commercial agreements and her assistance to both local and foreign companies.