Our Team

Leadership & experience

Boutique by design means direct partner involvement in every matter. Our founding partner brings more than 35 years of experience, international credentials, and government-level expertise to your most complex disputes.

Founding Partner

Luis Alfredo Barragán Arango

35+ years experience | ICC & PCA Arbitrator

With more than 35 years of experience, Mr. Barragán has established himself as a leading practitioner in international arbitration and complex litigation. He has served as lead counsel in more than 100 international arbitrations under ICC, UNCITRAL, and other institutional rules, representing clients in disputes involving energy, infrastructure, telecommunications, and financial services.

After more than three decades in practice, we have forged strategic alliances and relationships that allow us to integrate the specialized teams required for any matter's unique requirements.

lbarragan@asterilaw.com

+57 601 721 6785

+57 310 688 4615

lbarragan@asterilaw.com

+57 601 721 6785

+57 310 688 4615

Strategic alliances & network

After more than 35 years in practice, we have cultivated deep professional relationships and strategic alliances that enable us to assemble specialized teams tailored to each matter's unique requirements. This network approach allows us to maintain our boutique focus while providing comprehensive expertise when needed.

Our network includes:

Expert Witnesses: Leading technical, financial, and industry experts across Latin America.
Co-counsel Relationships: Trusted partnerships with specialized firms for multi-jurisdictional matters.
FraudNet Global Network: Exclusive access to asset recovery specialists in 70+ jurisdictions.
Industry Specialists: Deep connections in energy, telecommunications, mining, and financial sectors.
Forensic & Investigation Firms: Partnerships for complex fraud investigations and digital forensics.
Local Counsel: Established relationships throughout Colombia and key Latin American jurisdictions.

Team assembly approach

Each matter receives a custom-built team:

Core team led by founding partner.
Subject matter experts as needed.
Technical specialists on demand.
Seamless coordination under single leadership.

Professional experience

Key highlights

Lead counsel in 100+ international arbitrations.
500+ complex litigation cases before Colombian courts.
Former Special Advisor to Colombia's Minister of Communications.
Consultant to World Bank, IDB, and USAID on judicial reforms.
Contributor to Colombia's General Procedural Code reforms (2011-2013).

FraudNet - Exclusive Colombian member (70+ jurisdictions).
INSOL International member.
ICC Latin American Arbitration Group member.
Listed arbitrator in Colombian Chambers of Commerce.
Professor at Universidad del Rosario.

2019 - Present

Founding Partner

Asteri Law

Founded and leads Colombia's premier boutique disputes firm specializing in international arbitration, complex litigation, and cross-border asset recovery. Selective caseload ensures partner-level attention for every client.

Founding Partner

Asteri Law

Founded and leads Colombia's premier boutique disputes firm specializing in international arbitration, complex litigation, and cross-border asset recovery. Selective caseload ensures partner-level attention for every client.

1989 – 2019

Independent Counsel & strategic advisor

Leading Colombian Firms & International Law Firms

Three decades building expertise in complex commercial disputes, international arbitration, and insolvency proceedings as independent counsel and strategic advisor. Provided specialized support to major international law firms on cross-border matters. Lead counsel in landmark cases establishing precedents in financial services and infrastructure sectors. Developed extensive network of professional relationships across Latin America.

Independent Counsel & Strategic Advisor

Leading Colombian Firms & International Law Firms

Three decades building expertise in complex commercial disputes, international arbitration, and insolvency proceedings as independent counsel and strategic advisor. Provided specialized support to major international law firms on cross-border matters. Lead counsel in landmark cases establishing precedents in financial services and infrastructure sectors. Developed extensive network of professional relationships across Latin America.

Government service

Special advisor

Ministry of Communications, Colombia

Drafted telecommunications regulatory framework. Advised on spectrum allocation policies and infrastructure concessions.

Special Advisor

Ministry of Communications, Colombia

Drafted telecommunications regulatory framework. Advised on spectrum allocation policies and infrastructure concessions.

Consulting

World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, USAID

Advised on judicial reforms, insolvency law modernization, and creditor rights strengthening. Contributed to Colombia's General Procedural Code reforms (2011-2013).

Consulting

World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, USAID

Advised on judicial reforms, insolvency law modernization, and creditor rights strengthening. Contributed to Colombia's General Procedural Code reforms (2011-2013).

International arbitration experience

As lead Counsel

100+ arbitrations as lead counsel.
ICC International Court of Arbitration proceedings.
UNCITRAL Rules arbitrations.
Ad hoc arbitrations.
Domestic arbitrations (Colombian Chambers).

Sectors represented

Energy & Power Generation.
Infrastructure & Construction.
Telecommunications.
Financial Services & Banking.
Mining & Natural Resources.
Government Contracts.

Professional networks

FraudNet - Exclusive Colombian Member (Since 2013).
INSOL International - Member.
ICC Latin American Arbitration Group - Member.
Listed Arbitrator - Colombian Chambers of Commerce.

Academic positions & publications

Selected publications

International Arbitration in Latin America

Globe Law & Business, 2023 (Co-author)

Cross-Border Insolvency: A practitioner's guide

Wolters Kluwer, 2022 (Contributing Author)

Enforcement of Arbitral awards in Colombia

International Bar Association, 2021

Teaching

Professor of Arbitration and Commercial Law

Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá

Speaking engagements

Regular speaker at international arbitration conferences in Latin America and Europe. Topics include enforcement of arbitral awards, emergency arbitrators, and cross-border insolvency.

Recognitions

Latest institutional recognitions:

Arbitration and Mediation

Best Lawyers

2026

Other recognitions:

Highly Recommended - Arbitration & Litigation

Leaders League

2025

Ranked in Dispute Resolution

Chambers & Partners

2024

Recommended Lawyer

Legal 500

Chambers & Partners

London, United Kingdom 2020

Latin Lawyer - LACCA Approved

Latin Lawyer

London, United Kingdom 2020

Leader of First Tier Firm in Litigation

The Legal 500 Latin America

London, United Kingdom 2014

International Who's Who Legal of Comercial Litigators

Law Business Research
Who's Who Legal
(Now Lexology Index)

London, United Kingdom 2014

International Who's Who Legal of Asset Recovery - Lawyers

Law Business Research
Who's Who Legal
(Now Lexology Index)

London, United Kingdom 2014

International Who's Who Legal of Insurance and Reinsurance

Law Business Research
Who's Who Legal
(Now Lexology Index)

Law Business Research
Who's Who Legal
(Now Lexology Index)

London, United Kingdom 2008-2011

Best Litigation Attorneys in Colombia

Chambers Global

London, United Kingdom 2008

Forty Best Attorneys Under Forty in Latin America

Latin Lawyer

London, United Kingdom 2005

World's Leading Litigation Lawyer

Euromoney Legal Media Group

London, United Kingdom 1999

Additional information

Languages

Spanish (Native).
English (Fluent).
Portuguese (Basic).

Bar Admissions

Colombia - All Courts.
Registered Arbitrator - Multiple Jurisdictions.

Education

J.D., Universidad del Rosario.
Specialization in Commercial Law.
International Arbitration Training, ICC.

Work directly with leadership

At Asteri Law, you work directly with our founding partner from day one. No junior associates. No delegated responsibilities. Just focused, experienced counsel for your most critical matters.

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