GVB International Legal Studio

With successful, high-caliber practical experience in various economic sectors, including international commercial and investment arbitration, we are prepared to advise on decision-making in relation to regulatory actions that affect the rights and interests of private actors. We also have extensive experience in complex areas of public international law and specialize in building capacity so that in-house legal teams can tackle complex challenges independently.

Giovanny Vega-Barbosa

Colombian lawyer with 15 years of experience. In his professional career, he has advised on matters of the highest level in the field of public and international law, including in the context of international commercial and investment arbitration, as well as in litigation related to international human rights law, international law of armed conflict, law of the sea, and environmental law, among others.

He was Director of International Legal Defense and Coordinator of the investment arbitration group of the Republic of Colombia, being in charge of emblematic litigation such as the saga of litigation associated with the ban on mining in the Santurbán páramo, the arbitration for the extinction of ownership related to the Meritage project, and the investment arbitrations associated with the expansion and modernization project of the Cartagena Refinery.

In his current private practice, he represents and advises public and private companies on highly complex matters involving connections between the public, private, and international sectors.

He has complemented his professional career with extensive teaching and research experience. He is an undergraduate and graduate professor at Colombia's leading private and public universities, and his research has been published in highly prestigious Latin American and European journals.

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“Giovanny Vega-Barbosa, as part of the arbitration team for the Cartagena Refinery, and within the framework of the disputes arising from the expansion and modernization process of this strategic asset in Colombia, made decisive contributions by combining technical and legal knowledge, strategic vision, and absolute commitment to the objectives of the ECOPETROL Business Group.”

Cost Manager during the Reficar project, now Founder, Actual Cost S.A.S.

“Mr. Vega Barbosa is a solid generalist international lawyer with excellent knowledge of fundamental issues and their application in specialized fields and institutions. His advice is based on his practical experience in dispute resolution at the International Court of Justice, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, and, in particular, in investor-state arbitration, including in leadership positions.”

Member, International Law Commission

“What makes Giovanny exceptional is not only that he is one of Colombia's leading experts in international investment law and arbitration, but also that he has the necessary experience to translate and convey an understanding of local laws and dynamics to international courts. Beyond a question of linguistic ability, that is advocacy in its purest form”.

Partner, Peter & Kim

“Mr. Vega-Barbosa is Colombia's leading authority on maritime law. His knowledge is not only up-to-date and theoretically rigorous, but also regularly put to the test in solving highly complex and impactful practical problems. He is also noted for his discipline and sense of responsibility in handling confidential and classified government information, values of exceptional importance in the management of public affairs.”

Admiral, Colombian Navy

“EAFIT owes its return to Jessup to Giovanny. His methodical and thorough approach to international law issues and his determination to bring out the best in students and fellow coaches were matched only by his human qualities, a testament to the best of coaching, when team members needed encouragement and help. Today, the broad outlines of our selection process, our study sessions, and the students' rigorous training and practice are imbued with Giovanny's approach.”

EAFIT University

“Giovanny played an essential role in Colombia's successful defense in the first two generations of investment arbitrations. His strategic vision, deep knowledge of public international law and investment arbitration, as well as his ability to coordinate effectively between state entities and external lawyers, were decisive. Giovanny always faced challenges with rigor, integrity, and an exemplary spirit of collaboration.”

Director, De Gaulle

“GVB International Legal Studio has been our strategic partner in analyzing complex legal situations in Peru's oil and gas sector, bringing all its international experience in megaprojects and applying disruptive and innovative ideas to contract analysis.”

Socio Director en Consultus Group.

“GVB International Legal Studio, through its founding partner, has interdisciplinary expertise in various areas of law, as well as an extensive network of contacts, which can be used to defend private interests in complex contexts, including conflicts with international actors.”

Trisesma SAS

“GVB International Legal Studio is an ideal partner for understanding the role of law in managing complex social dynamics that impact business.”

Corporate Affairs and Organizational Development, BIOS Group

“As a special consultant, Giovanny contributed his extensive experience, excellent analytical skills, and contextual knowledge to our research project on international arbitration in Colombia’s extractive sector.”

Senior Researcher, Rosario University and Higher Technical School of Western Switzerland-Geneva