Litigation - Asteri Law Firm

Litigation expertise

Our litigation practice combines deep substantive knowledge with sophisticated courtroom advocacy. We handle complex commercial disputes that require not just legal expertise, but strategic thinking about business implications, regulatory consequences, and reputational considerations.

As a boutique firm, we can move quickly, make decisions without committee delays, and adapt strategies in real-time. This agility, combined with our founder's experience shaping Colombia's procedural code, gives clients a decisive edge in critical disputes.

Judicial insight

Our founding partner contributed to the 2011-2013 reforms of Colombia's General Procedural Code, providing unique insight into legislative intent and judicial interpretation.

Colombian Court system expertise

Supreme Court of Justice

Cassation appeals • Precedent-setting cases • Constitutional challenges • Extraordinary review

Council of State

Administrative disputes • Regulatory challenges • Government contracts • Public law matters

Constitutional Court

Tutela actions • Constitutional review • Fundamental rights • Legislative challenges

Superior Courts & Tribunals

Appeals • Complex commercial disputes • High-value claims • Interim relief

International Arbitration experience

Commercial Disputes

Breach of contract claims.
Shareholder and partnership disputes.
Joint venture conflicts.
M&A litigation.
Unfair competition.
Franchise disputes.

Financial Litigation

Banking disputes.
Derivatives and structured products.
Securities litigation.
Lender liability.
Insurance coverage.
Financial fraud.

Regulatory & Administrative

Regulatory enforcement defense.
License and permit disputes.
Government contract disputes.
Sanctions and penalties.
Administrative appeals.
Compliance proceedings.

Constitutional Actions

Tutela proceedings.
Popular actions.
Group actions.
Nullity actions.
Constitutional challenges.
Fundamental rights protection.

Energy & Infrastructure

Construction disputes.
Power purchase agreements.
Concession disputes.
Environmental litigation.
Regulatory compliance.
Force majeure claims.

Crisis Litigation

Emergency injunctions.
Asset freezing orders.
Provisional measures.
Expedited proceedings.
Reputation protection.
Parallel criminal/civil proceedings.

Strategic Litigation process

Case Assessment

Risk analysis, merits evaluation, cost-benefit assessment.

Strategy Development

Litigation roadmap, settlement options, forum selection.

Aggressive Advocacy

Pleadings, discovery, motions, interim relief.

Trial Excellence

Witness preparation, expert testimony, oral advocacy.

Enforcement

Judgment collection, appeals, final resolution.

Notable Victories & Representative Matters

Supreme Court Precedent - Arbitration & Res Judicata

Represented a major energy infrastructure company before the Supreme Court of Justice. The firm obtained a landmark ruling that rejected an annulment recourse and confirmed a final award, establishing a key precedent on the validity and res judicata effects of settlement agreements within complex corporate disputes.

Landmark Award - International M&A Dispute

Secured a favorable final award in an International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration regarding a Share Purchase Agreement for a leading regional laboratory. The tribunal ordered the immediate release of funds held in escrow, setting a significant precedent regarding contractual good faith and disclosure obligations in cross-border transactions.

Defense of Strategic Energy Infrastructure

Successfully defended a primary pipeline operator in a high-stakes dispute concerning "Ship or Pay" contracts and the regulatory framework for hydrocarbon transportation. The defense stabilized the interpretation of tariff settlement agreements and the allocation of investment risks in large-scale infrastructure projects.

High-Stake Enforcement & Asset Protection

Led urgent international enforcement proceedings and domestic litigation to protect assets and enforce an arbitral award against a multinational counterparty. The strategy focused on addressing deliberate non-compliance and raising high-level challenges regarding arbitrator transparency and international ethical standards.

Constitutional Litigation - Protection of Vested Rights

Promoted a Constitutional Tutela Action before the Supreme Court of Justice to challenge the retroactive application of new legislation. The case is a cornerstone for the protection of "vested rights" (derechos adquiridos) against sudden legislative changes that threaten legal certainty.

Complex Corporate Litigation - Minority Shareholder Protection

Represented minority shareholders in a corporate dispute involving allegations of administrative irregularities and undervalued asset sales. The case successfully transitioned from arbitration to ordinary jurisdiction to ensure the inclusion of all responsible parties and the protection of accounting transparency.

Why choose Asteri for Litigation

Procedural Mastery

Our founder helped draft Colombia's procedural code reforms, providing unmatched insight into judicial processes and strategic advantages others miss.

Rapid Response

Boutique structure enables immediate action. No committees, no delays. Critical for emergency relief and time-sensitive proceedings.

Trial-Tested

500+ complex cases. Multiple Supreme Court victories. We don't just file papers – we win trials.

Business Perspective

We understand litigation is a business tool. Strategies align with commercial objectives, not just legal victories.

Cross-Border Capability

Parallel proceedings coordination. International evidence gathering. Global enforcement through FraudNet.

Settlement Leverage

Reputation for trial success creates settlement leverage. Opponents know we're prepared to go the distance.

Litigation leadership

Luis Alfredo Barragán Arango

Founding Partner | Lead Trial Counsel

35+ years courtroom experience
Argued before Supreme Court, Council of State, and Constitutional Court
Contributor to General Procedural Code reforms (2011-2013)
Former advisor to Minister of Communications
Best Lawyers "Lawyer of the Year" - Litigation (2012)
Chambers & Partners ranked in Dispute Resolution

Facing a critical Ddispute?

Time is often your enemy in litigation. Early strategic decisions can determine outcomes. Contact us immediately for a confidential case assessment and litigation strategy.

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