Claudia Benavides Galvis

• Successfully represented a major Chinese company in arbitration proceedings filed by a major Colombian company pursuant to the civil works contract entered into between the parties for the constructions of a power plant. Value exceeding USD 45.000.000.
• Represented the subsidiary of a major British company in a dispute that provided for international arbitration seated in New York regarding breach of a multimillionaire stock purchase agreement of a Colombian company, under ICC rules. She obtained outstanding results for our client. Value around USD 60.0000.000.
• Represented a major French company in international arbitration proceedings, under ICC rules, seated in New York, regarding the disputes that arose for alleged breach of representations and warrantied within an interest purchase agreement of a Colombian company. Value around USD 24.000.000.
• Successfully represented a major international consortium in international arbitration proceedings against a state owned company regarding the breach of an EPC contract for the engineering, acquisition, construction, installation and commercial operation of a power plant in Colombia. Value exceeding USD 200.000.000.
• Representing an infrastructure company in arbitration proceedings arisen from the breach of a contract related to the assembly and installation of conveyor belts. Value around USD 10.000.000.
• Successfully represented an energy company in an arbitration related to the liquidation of an energy distribution and operation contract. Value around USD 25.000.000.
• Represented an energy company in relation to arbitration proceedings, under ICC rules, regarding the alleged breach of obligations of a contract for the implementation and operation of an operation system in the oil sector. Value around USD 4.000.000.
• Representing a multilatina in regards to a dispute related to a contract stating international arbitration proceedings under CCI rules, for the non-fulfilment of obligations in relation to the construction of a water treatment plant. Value around USD 120.000.000.
• Representing a subsidiary of a French multinational within a class action in which claimants are seeking the recognition and payment of damages allegedly caused by an oil spill that occurred on July 20, 2014 in a port in the Republic of Colombia. Value around USD 1 billion.
• Represented a Swiss pharmaceutical company within a litigation brought by a local company seeking the declaration of a de facto commercial agency agreement. The plaintiff is claiming payment of the commercial severance pay and the equitable indemnity due under Colombian law to commercial agents upon termination of the relationship. Value around USD 50.000.000.

Our International Arbitration practice is one of the largest, busiest and most ranked arbitration teams in the world. With arbitration practitioners in major financial and arbitration centers worldwide, as well as key emerging markets, we are already on the ground when disputes arise, providing easy access and cost savings, backed by the strength and resources of a global law firm. We advise on a full range of arbitral matters, including:

Investor-State and Treaty – We act in some of the largest investment arbitration matters with enormous political and economic ramifications, as well as setting the standard on significant procedural and legal issues in this field. Baker McKenzie has the expertise and experience to assist in treaty structuring at the time of investment, leveraging treaties at the time the state contemplates expropriatory measures and acting in proceedings if a treaty has been violated. When investment treaty matters arise, we’re on hand to provide straightforward, strategic advice in difficult and complex situations.

Construction – Some of the most significant international arbitrations involve construction and infrastructure projects. We regularly advise on construction-related arbitrations around the world, including claims involving FIDIC and the other major standard forms of construction contracts. Our presence in emerging markets where many of these large infrastructure projects are under construction enables us to provide local assistance without a learning curve.

Energy and Natural Resources – We advise oil and gas clients on matters involving upstream, midstream and downstream disputes, including those arising out of construction projects, pipelines, “take or pay” provisions and solar, wind, photovoltaic and other renewable energies. Given our strong presence in regions such as Africa, Latin America and Australia, we also represent clients in high-stakes mining disputes.

Post-M&A – Resolving corporate and M&A-related disputes is a key part of our practice. Because we understand both the legal framework of corporate transactions and the wider commercial context, we are able to provide tailored practical advice that adds value. We advise on corporate disputes arising out of shareholder agreements, joint venture agreements, letters of intent and minority shareholder claims. We also represent clients in M&A disputes involving warranty and indemnity claims, completion and escrow account disputes, earn-out disputes and claims involving tag-along and drag-along rights.

Baker McKenzie brings insight and foresight to clients across more than 70 global offices. Our team of 13,000 people, including over 6,500 lawyers, works alongside our clients to drive growth that is both sustainable – and inclusive.

The global business community is more interconnected than ever before. Opportunities and risks spill across different markets, sectors and areas of law, so a connected perspective is essential in delivering business objectives while mitigating risk. Our integrated client solutions provide seamless advice, underpinned by deep practice and sector expertise, as well as first-rate local market knowledge.

In today’s interconnected world, it is impossible to separate commercial opportunities and risks from environmental and social context. From fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that allows all people to contribute, to slowing the effects of climate change and creating greater longevity for all, we believe that taking the sustainable path to growth is not only critical to success, but is part of our central role as businesses.