Colombian firm Benavides Mejía Dispute Resolution

“Driven by an innovative vision and a world-class track record, Benavides Mejía Dispute Resolution emerges as a boutique firm specialized in high-stakes, complex disputes with a strong focus on international arbitration,” the firm said.

“Founded by two of the sector's most influential legal minds, Claudia Benavides Galvis and Cristina Mejía Rivas, the firm aims to redefine companies’ approach to resolve disputes, offering efficient, rigorous, strategic, and ethical legal advice and representation,” it added.

The firm positions itself as a key player in the Latin American legal sector, boasting a global outlook, a profound understanding of the impact of conflicts on the clients’ businesses, and a unique ability to structure tailored and sustainable solutions for its clients.

Built upon the renowned track record of its founding partners, Benavides Mejía Dispute Resolution specializes in resolving disputes encompassing transnational litigation, international and domestic arbitration, across sectors such as infrastructure, construction, energy, technology, and pharmaceuticals, as well as controversies between shareholders and those arising from M&A transactions.

"In today's evolving and intricate landscape, where businesses face conflicts that are increasingly sophisticated, our commitment lies in structuring and implementing legal strategies that efficiently resolve the disputes and also safeguard the long-term sustainability and growth of our clients' businesses," said the firm’s founding partners.

Shortly after its inception, the Benavides Mejía Dispute Resolution team was further strengthened by the arrival of Felipe González Arrieta in late January 2025. His over 14 years of experience in litigation and arbitration have also garnered recognition from clients and peers alike.

The partners also serve as arbitrators in both domestic and international arbitrations conducted under the rules of various institutions.

Co-founding partner Claudia Benavides Galvis  has more than 27 years of experience in transnational litigation and arbitration, and has led landmark cases across the region. Prior to co-founding Benavides Mejía Dispute Resolution, Claudia served as global chair of the Dispute Resolution practice at Baker McKenzie, which extends across 45 countries.

"The efficient resolution of complex conflicts demands not only legal expertise but also a strategic vision for structuring innovative, timely, and sustainable solutions that incorporate local context, a global perspective, and the specificities of the relevant industry. That is the distinctive value we offer at Benavides Mejía Dispute Resolution," emphasizes Benavides.

For her part, Cristina Mejía Rivas brings over 18 years of experience in litigation and international and domestic arbitration, advising national and international companies across the construction, energy, infrastructure, pharmaceutical, technology, and oil and gas sectors.

Prior to co-founding Benavides Mejía Dispute Resolution, Cristina co-headed the dispute resolution practice at Baker McKenzie's office in Bogotá.

Her approach combines legal rigor, strategic insight, and meticulous attention to the nuances of each case. Her advice enables companies to make informed decisions and mitigate risks in complex disputes.

“The key to the effective resolution of controversies lies in formulating robust strategies and articulating solutions that genuinely safeguard our clients' long-term interests,” Mejía said.

Felipe González Arrieta, who joined Benavides Mejía Dispute Resolution in January, has more than 14 years of experience in litigation and arbitration. Prior to joining Benavides Mejía Dispute Resolution, Felipe was a senior associate at leading firms in the Colombian legal market, where he worked on several of the region's most notable and influential international arbitration cases.