A powerhouse in public law, boutique firm Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados punches above its weight in this area due to its ‘deep market knowledge, and ability to offer innovative and customised solutions’. Routinely acting for a mix of domestic and multinational private- and public-sector clients, the team is equipped to support on the full range of matters, from public contracts and procurement through to administrative and constitutional law litigation. As one of the foremost specialists in the market, senior partner and practice co-head Carlos Gustavo Arrieta is sought after for complex contentious matters, including arbitral, judicial, and administrative disputes. The department is additionally co-led by Yady Villaquirán, who is recommended for her ‘extensive experience, and legal rigour’. In a key highlight, Arrieta and Villaquirán recently paired up to represent Mapfre Seguros Generales de Colombia in legal proceedings against the Contraloría General de la República connected to Bioenergy’s alleged loss of public assets — Mapfre is the insurer of the directors and administrators of Bioenergy deemed fiscally liable for the loss. At associate level, the group further draws on senior Nicolás Castro Espinel, who joined in September 2024 from Expósito Abogados SAS. In August 2024, associate Laura Arias left for the in-house team of Aeropuerto Internacional El Dorado.

The multidisciplinary public law team at Brigard Urrutia is widely recognised for its expertise in large-scale projects, with clients highlighting its ability to provide ‘practical solutions to complex problems in the construction and infrastructure industry’. The group draws on lawyers with backgrounds in public policy, public management, banking and finance, and corporate work to strike a balance between advising on the regulatory and transactional aspects of major transformational projects. Key contact Carlos Umaña is regarded by some as a ‘reference in the sector’ and splits his practice between infrastructure, public procurement, utilities and natural resources law. Umaña is acting for state development bank Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN) — as part of a wider group of advisers —  on the structuring of Bogota’s Second Metro Line project. Other senior names include infrastructure and public utilities partner Claudia Navarro; and director Mario Forero, who handles public procurement, projects and administrative law. Senior associate Rafael Cifuentes is additionally noted for his administrative law expertise and ability to ‘solve problems from both a legal and practical perspective’. In September 2024, director Julián Parra left to join ZEmobility, while associate Mariana Maya joined the same in-house team three months later.

Few firms can match Durán & Osorio Abogados Asociados’ breadth of public law expertise, with the team praised by clients for ‘setting the standard for how relationships between the State and the private sector are handled and structured’. High-profile expert Álvaro Mauricio Durán Leal is a first port of call for market-transforming public law mandates; he is currently advising IFC and ProPacífico on analysing financing mechanisms for Colombia’s tertiary road network to evaluate a potential bankable structure that could encourage private capital participation. Firm co-founder Jorge Gabriel Taboada also contributes premier public law experience and recently paired up with Álvaro Gasca, noted as an ‘absolute reference in the sector’, to advise the Secretariat of Infrastructure of Valle del Cauca on structuring a new public agency to develop regional infrastructure. Rounding out the partners is Felipe Herrera, who is commended as ‘one of the smartest minds in the region’; he specialises in public procurement and project structuring with a focus on the rail, road and airport sectors. A formidable second line of senior associates includes Sebastián Duque and Daniela Mejía, who are highlighted together for their ‘exceptional ability to handle matters of the highest complexity’, as well as Edgardo Maya Araújo, who specialises in projects, public law and dispute resolution.

Public law is a mainstay at Esguerra JHR, with clients highlighting the firm as an ‘expert in administrative law’. Primarily recognised for the strength of its contentious expertise, the team frequently represents both public-sector entities and corporate clients in complex administrative proceedings and constitutional law actions. On the non-contentious front, the group additionally advises on the negotiation of public contracts and project structuring, among other matters. The department is co-led by former Minister of National Defence Juan Carlos Esguerra, who brings heavyweight government-side experience; and go-to public law litigator Felipe Piquero, who is praised for his ‘strategic thinking’, and is well versed in fiscal liability and administrative sanctioning matters. The pair are currently representing Suramericana in multiple lawsuits connected to the construction of the Hidroituango hydroelectric power plant, including in proceedings brought by Empresas Públicas de Medellín concerning damages related to the blockage of one of the dam's tunnels that caused significant flooding. The practice also draws on next-generation partner Adriana Nieto, who is ‘sound in her opinions’, and specialises in PPP projects, administrative law and state contracts; and new managing associate Juan Diego Mojica, who joined from Serrano Martínez CMA in July 2024.

Well versed across a wide range of public law matters, Castro Leiva Rendón Abogados is particularly noted for its strong record of involvement in Colombia’s 4G highway concessions programme, with clients highlighting its ‘strong knowledge of the processes associated with road construction and concession contracts’. The team is also increasingly active in projects involving public transportation, water and sewage, where it advises on procurement, public contracts, construction and dispute resolution. The department is co-led by José Ignacio Leiva, who handles public law litigation and transactional matters; and Marcela Castro, who has ‘advised the vast majority of 4G highway concessions in Colombia’. Other key figures include Natalia Uribe, who brings ‘creativity in addressing complex issues’; and infrastructure and public law partner Camilo Andrés Acevedo, who joined in October 2024 following the firm’s absorption of boutique Acevedo Mondragón.

Lawyers in Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas’ public law team stand out for their combination of ‘extensive legal expertise with close, dedicated service’. The group is equipped to handle the full life cycle of government contracts, from advising on bidding processes, through to performance issues, administrative investigations and sanctions proceedings. Department head Ximena Zuleta is widely recognised as a go-to specialist for government procurement processes, while she is also highly sought after for complex administrative law disputes, including arbitration. Other key contacts include dispute resolution co-head Andrés Fernández de Soto, who is recommended for judicial and arbitral proceedings involving public law matters; Pablo Jaramillo, who leads the transactional projects practice and specialises in project structuring and development; and intermediate associate Nicolás Díaz, who supports on projects, infrastructure and public law.

Commended for its ‘good relationship with the public authorities’, Garrigues’ continues to diversity its public law practice. Traditionally recognised for representing concessionaires on the tendering and development of infrastructure projects, the group is increasingly active in regulatory proceedings, administrative litigation and the structuring of new infrastructure frameworks. Department co-head Adriana Espinosa specialises in infrastructure matters, advising on bidding processes through to administrative sanctioning proceedings. Former Superintendent of Industry and Commerce José Miguel De La Calle co-heads the team, bringing strong public-sector experience; he is notably advising the National Agency for the Legal Defense of the State (ANDJE) on developing a digital platform for the liquidation of judgments against the State. A deep bench of non-partners handling public law work includes counsels Iván Fierro and Melissa Castro; and senior associates Juan Ospina, David Toro and Julián Esteban Lozano.

Entering the market in July 2025 following its merger with Colombia’s Gómez-Pinzón Abogados, Pérez-Llorca ‘stands out for the quality of its legal professionals’, according to satisfied clients. Acting for a broad mix of corporate, state and semi-state entities, the team’s experience encompasses public tenders, infrastructure projects, administrative procedures and public law disputes. Paola Larrahondo spearheads the practice and specialises in administrative law, government contracts, PPPs, and contentious matters; she recently advised the National Planning Department (DNP) on the preparation of a contractual and post-contractual management guide for infrastructure projects structured under PPP schemes. The team also draws on corporate, finance and infrastructure partner José Luis Suárez; and senior associate Juan Antonio Ucrós, who supports on public law, government contracting, infrastructure and project finance.

A dispute resolution, public law and regulatory boutique, Chemás & Asociados brings to bear a strong track record in public law disputes, particularly within the infrastructure, transport, energy and telecoms sectors. The group is chiefly active on behalf of construction companies and consortiums in proceedings against state entities such as the National Infrastructure Agency (ANI) and ANDJE. Go-to public law and arbitration specialist Jorge Eduardo Chemás co-leads the department alongside Sergio Alejandro Chemás, who also focuses on dispute resolution. Ingrid Soraya Ortiz is currently on leave following her appointment as delegate in charge of the Consumer Protection Division at the SIC.

CMS Rodríguez-Azuero’s multidisciplinary practice stands out for integrating traditional public law areas, such as public procurement and infrastructure projects, with capabilities in project finance and anti-corruption. Increasingly active on behalf of public-sector entities, the team added the Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Knowledge and Empresa Metro de Bogotá as new clients during 2024/25; it also advises major corporations - such as Google - on public contracting matters. Key contacts include Carlos Andrés Sánchez, who co-leads the infrastructure and projects, telecoms, and public procurement areas; project finance specialist Daniel Rodríguez; and dispute resolution co-heads Felipe Andrade and Henry Sanabria. Associate practice director Gigliana Rivero Ramirez and senior associate Paula Andrea Gutiérrez are also noted.

Holland & Knight’s public law practice ‘approaches problems from different perspectives’, according to some. The group continues to develop its transport-sector experience, with infrastructure partner Edwin Cortés a key contact for bidding procedures, public contracts and administrative litigation. However, the team’s work at the intersection of public, environmental and energy law continues to take centre stage, with José Vicente Zapata widely considered ‘one of the most knowledgeable individuals on natural resources and public law issues in Colombia’. The department is co-led by Cortés, Zapata, and next-generation public law partner Juan Casallas, with support from senior associate Daniela Arbeláez, who focuses on public law and state contracts.

Medellín & Durán Abogados has established itself as a go-to firm for representing government departments, state entities, and their officials and agents, in contentious matters - including disciplinary proceedings, administrative and constitutional litigation, and arbitration. Carlos Eduardo Medellín is a former Legal Secretary to the Presidency of the Republic and brings significant government-side experience to his role; he jointly leads the department alongside fellow firm co-founder Rodrigo Antonio Durán, who is also a former Legal Secretary to the Presidency of the Republic. The team further includes senior associate and executive manager Adriana Medellín, who is recommended for dispute resolution, and administrative and constitutional law.

Public law is a key pillar of Palacios Lleras’ firm-wide offering, with the practice primarily focused on litigation against public entities (including administrative and judicial proceedings), as well as domestic and international arbitration. The team, which is noted for its ‘rapid and timely assessment of legal and reputational risks’, is co-led by Hugo Palacios Mejía — a former co-judge at Colombia’s State Council; and Óscar Gutiérrez, whose litigation expertise spans tax, mining, transport and utilities law. Other key contacts include Pedro Pacheco, who advises on public procurement, administrative law and dispute resolution; and Luis Miguel Falla, who specialises in public law litigation.

Lawyers at Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría are praised for their ‘availability to assist clients whenever needed’. The interdisciplinary team mainly advises concessionaires and construction companies on regulatory matters, infrastructure projects and public law disputes. Infrastructure and projects partner Carlos Padilla — valued for his ‘comprehensive business perspective’ — co-heads the department together with Jorge Di Terlizzi, who also specialises in infrastructure and projects-related work. The group additionally draws on litigator Juan Sebastián Arias, who was promoted to partner in January 202; and intermediate associate Ana Gabriela Franco, who sits in the infrastructure and projects team.

The public law team at Posse Herrera Ruiz works across several firm departments to seamlessly provide ‘practical and assertive advice’ to an array of energy and infrastructure entities, construction companies and concessionaires, among others. Covering a broad scope of matters, the group demonstrates robust skill sets in government contracting, licensing and permitting procedures, regulatory compliance and public law litigation. Cristina Vásquez fronts the infrastructure and public law offering and contributes experience in project structuring, development and financing. The practice also draws on dispute resolution co-heads Daniel Posse and Carolina Posada, newly promoted (December 2024) litigator Daniela Corchuelo, and dispute resolution-focused associate Juan David Fiallo.

Among Rincón Castro Abogados’ key attributes, it impresses with its ability to ‘translate legal complexities into clear solutions’. The public law practice is closely aligned with the firm’s flagship projects and infrastructure offering and advises clients across a wide range of public procurement and administrative law matters, as well as administrative and constitutional law disputes. Up-and-coming partner Jorge Tirado ‘combines a deep understanding of public law with practical solutions’ and co-heads the department alongside Felipe Mutis, who joined in September 2024 from Brigard Urrutia and brings experience in dispute resolution, government contracting, and administrative law. Miguel Castro and Rafael Rincón are also noted for projects and dispute resolution respectively.

Oriented towards constitutional and administrative law litigation, Ariza & Marin’s public law practice continued to gain traction during 2024/25, recording significant growth in administrative, disciplinary and fiscal liability proceedings. Public law, projects and dispute resolution partner, Carolina Ariza, heads the team, with strong support from María Paz Restrepo, who serves as associate director of the public law group; together they are highlighted for their ‘availability to assist clients whenever needed’.

Cuatrecasas’ public law offering is weighted towards non-contentious work, including advising domestic and multinational clients on private and public tender processes, project structuring and concession contracts. The team also acts alongside the dispute resolution practice to handle administrative and constitutional law disputes. Ana María Sánchez, who specialises in projects, infrastructure, public law and finance, heads a department that also includes senior associate Manuel Gómez Fajardo (infrastructure and public law). In February 2025, senior associate Diana Rueda joined the Council of State.

The multidisciplinary public law group at Lloreda Camacho & Co. fields lawyers who ‘align their knowledge with business needs’. Advising on a mix of regulatory compliance, bidding processes, government contracts and administrative proceedings, the team’s activity is primarily focused on the healthcare, infrastructure, energy and telecoms sectors. Corporate and infrastructure partner Andrés Hidalgo co-heads the department together with Carlos Carvajal, who handles public procurement, infrastructure and real estate. Senior associate Santiago Garzón is also noted for government procurement and infrastructure.

Martínez Quintero Mendoza González Laguado & de la Rosa’s public law team grew significantly during 2024/25, adding new clients such as the National Planning Department of Colombia, Metron Aviation and Terminal de Transporte de Bogotá to its portfolio. The team is co-led by regulatory litigator Julián Solorza, who specialises in dispute resolution related to government contracts and administrative sanctioning procedures; and Olga Lucía Ramírez, who focuses on structuring and implementing infrastructure projects, as well as regulatory matters.

During 2024/25, Muñoz Tamayo & Asociados handled numerous environmental sanctioning proceedings for clients such as Organización Terpel and Protela. The team also advises on regulatory compliance, bidding processes and public contracts. Practice head Diego Muñoz Tamayo is recommended for his expertise in projects and public law disputes. Other key contacts include Felipe Trías, who is noted for public tenders and project finance; Silvia Méndez, director of the environmental law practice; and senior associate Juanita Esguerra, who focuses on projects, corporate, and public law.

During 2024/25, Naranjo Abogados demonstrated its growing prominence in the public law arena through its involvement in several large-scale disputes, most notably representing 55 municipalities in a class action seeking damages and unpaid royalties from private mining operators and the central government. Firm founder Carlos Naranjo, recognised for his track record in complex public law class actions, led the litigation on behalf of the municipalities. Juan Pablo Naranjo and Oscar Aldana are also recommended for public law disputes.

Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados’ signature real estate and construction practice is reflected in its public law work, with the team increasingly active in advising construction companies on infrastructure projects. The ‘very well-trained, professional and technical’ group also handles administrative and judicial litigation, with a focus on proceedings involving environmental law, land use regulations and property tax. Litigator David Garzón leads the practice and specialises in disputes concerning land use and real estate law.

A boutique firm specialising in litigation, state contracts, and infrastructure law, Pombo Caballero Abogados S.A.S. is best known for its niche expertise in supervision contracts, particularly those related to public works and road and port concession agreements. Name partners Rodrigo Pombo and María Paula Caballero both specialise in administrative law and bring significant experience in road concessions. Practice director Juliana Fajury Patarroyo leads the consultancy team and is noted for her work in government contract-related matters.