Meet Isabel Barón
Senior Partner, LCG-Colombia
With more than eight years of legal experience, including service as a public defender, Isabel represents foreign nationals and Colombians living abroad in civil and criminal litigation in Colombia. Her practice covers debt recovery, breach of contract, property disputes, damages claims, tutela actions, criminal defense, and the representation of fraud victims. Working mainly through a power of attorney, she leads each case from strategy through to court, so clients abroad can take legal action in Colombia without having to travel.
When something goes wrong in Colombia, you need a lawyer who can take it to court and explain every step in plain English. LCG-Colombia represents foreigners, expats and international investors in lawsuits across the country. We handle civil claims, injury cases, debt recovery, property disputes and business conflicts. Many of our clients live outside Colombia, and we can run most cases from start to finish without you needing to come back.
English-Speaking Litigation Attorneys for Foreigners
Colombian courts work entirely in Spanish, and the system has its own rules, deadlines and mandatory steps that can catch foreigners off guard. Our litigation team knows the courts and speaks your language. We keep you informed in English throughout the case.
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We work for foreign nationals who have been injured, cheated, left unpaid or pulled into a dispute in Colombia, and we understand the extra challenges of being a foreigner in a Colombian lawsuit. Documents from your home country need apostilles and official translations, following a case from another time zone is difficult, and the other side often counts on a foreigner giving up and going home. We take care of the paperwork, keep you updated wherever you are, and make sure the other side knows you're not going away.
Cases We Handle
Personal Injury and Crime Victims
If you were hurt in a road or bus accident, robbed by a taxi or ride-share driver, drugged, or injured through someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. We pursue claims against drivers, transport companies and insurers. We also represent victims in criminal cases, so you can claim damages from the person responsible.
Tutela Actions
A tutela is a fast constitutional action that protects your fundamental rights when a government office, health provider or company is violating them. It isn't a lawsuit, and judges must decide within 10 days, which makes it one of the most useful tools in Colombian law.
Other Litigation Matters
We also defend foreigners who have been sued in Colombia. We apply to have foreign court judgments recognized and enforced in Colombia through the exequatur process, and we represent heirs in contested inheritance cases. For inheritance matters connected to a divorce or family relationship, see our Family Law services page.
Handling Your Case From Outside Colombia
You don't need to live in Colombia, or even be in the country, to bring or defend a lawsuit here. Most of our litigation clients are abroad for most or all of their case.
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It works through a power of attorney. You sign it in your home country before a notary, it gets an apostille, and you send it to us. From that point, our lawyers can file the claim, attend hearings, present evidence and negotiate on your behalf. Many hearings in Colombia are now held virtually, so if the court needs you to testify, you can often do it by video call.
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We send you regular updates in English and explain every important decision before it's made. You will always know where your case stands.
How a Lawsuit Works in Colombia
Most civil cases follow a set path. First, a mandatory conciliation attempt with the other side. Then the claim is filed, the defendant is served, evidence is presented and hearings are held, and finally the judge rules. Many cases settle along the way once the other side sees you are serious. For a step-by-step explanation of the process, read our guide to Filing a Lawsuit in Colombia.
What Does a Lawsuit Cost?
Costs depend on the type of case, the amount at stake and how hard the other side fights. Depending on the case, we offer fixed fees, staged fees and success-based arrangements. For a full breakdown of legal fees, court costs and typical timelines, see our guide to the cost of filing a lawsuit in Colombia.
Why Foreigners Choose LCG-Colombia
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English-speaking lawyers who explain everything clearly
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Experience representing foreign nationals against Colombian individuals and companies
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Cases handled remotely by power of attorney
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Clear fee arrangements agreed before we start
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Offices and lawyers across Colombia's major cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner sue someone in Colombia?
Yes. Foreigners have the same right to bring a lawsuit in Colombian courts as Colombian citizens. You don't need residency or a visa to be a party to a case.
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Do I need to be in Colombia for my lawsuit?
In most cases, no. With a power of attorney, our lawyers can represent you through the entire process, and many hearings can be attended by video if your testimony is needed.
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How long does a lawsuit take in Colombia?
It varies a lot by case type and court. A debt enforcement case can move within months, while a contested civil case can take a few years. Our Cost of a Lawsuit in Colombia guide covers typical timelines.
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Can I take legal action after I have left Colombia?
Yes. Many of our clients contact us after returning home, particularly after an accident, a robbery or a failed business deal. Time limits do apply, so it's best to get advice as soon as possible.
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Can I sue a company as well as an individual?
Yes. Companies can be held responsible, including transport companies for their drivers' actions and developers for defective or undelivered property.