Claudia Benavides

Founding Partner

Education and Admissions

The London School of Economics and Political Science – LLM Master of Laws with merit (2001)

Universidad de los Andes – Economist (1999)

Universidad de los Andes – Lawyer (1997)

Contact details

Claudia.Benavides@benavidesmejia.com

Claudia has over 27 years of experience resolving complex disputes related to major infrastructure and construction projects, post-M&A and shareholders disputes, distribution and agency claims, and breach of sophisticated agreements in various sectors, including energy and utilities, mining, manufacturing, healthcare and technology. She also often advises investors on international protection in the context of government interference.

Before founding Benavides Mejía Dispute Resolution, Claudia was the Head of the Latin American Disputes practice of a major international law firm with global footprint, where Claudia served thereafter as Global Chair of the global Dispute Resolution practice group between 2019 and 2024. Claudia currently serves as a member of the Court of the International Chamber of Commerce.

Claudia is recognized by clients and peers for her strategic thinking, impressive cross-examination skills, and exceptional advocacy. Her ability to navigate complex legal issues in fact-intensive cases and deliver compelling reasoning has earned her a reputation as a formidable practitioner in the field of arbitration.
Claudia speaks Spanish and English.

What they say about us

“Head of department Claudia Ines Benavides Galvis garners praise in the market with interviewees labeling her as “fantastic lawyer” and commenting: “We are very impressed with her great expertise in arbitration” Clients note “her impressive analytical strength and decision-making abilities” allow Claudia “to form the best litigation strategy.”

Chambers and Partners 2024

“Claudia Ines Benavides Galvis is very responsive and provides thorough suggestions and alternatives to solve her client’s concerns. She is one of the best professionals in the dispute resolution realm due to her experience and skill to handle sophisticated matters. She is an excellent leader.”

Chambers and Partners 2023

“Claudia is a person with strong leadership skills. She approaches matters efficiently and accurately, always weighing the resources needed and costs, and has effectiveness in resolving conflicts.”

Chambers and Partners 2025

“Claudia Benavides assumed an important leadership position to consolidate a group of lawyers who acted as a team in a coordinated manner, with knowledge of the complete subject. Benavides managed to establish compelling arguments in favour of her clients and present them clearly.”

The Legal 500 2025

“Claudia Benavides demonstrated an in-depth knowledge of the case, the ability to structure the line of action, lead the team and present high-quality coordinated work.”

The Legal 500 2025

“Claudia Ines Benavides Galvis is a very knowledgeable lawyer and leader. She managed to structure a team with cohesion and commitment around the case to best handle it. Her work is exceptional.”

Chambers and Partners 2025

Recognitions

Professional Associations and Memberships

Member

– ALARB – Asociación Latinoamericana de Arbitraje
– International Arbitration Latin American Group of the ICC
– Court of the International Chamber of Commerce
– Board (Junta Directiva) of the Comité Colombiano de Arbitraje
– Singapore International Arbitration Center Users Council
– Chair of the Arbitration and ADR Commission of ICC Colombia (2018-2019)
– (Junta Directiva) of the Club Español e Iberoamericano del Arbitraje

Founding Member

Colombian Chapter of the Club Español e Iberoamericano del Arbitraje.

Listed Arbitrator

Panel of Arbitrators of the International Arbitration Center of the American Chamber of Commerce of Perú – AmCham Peru.

Professional Associations and Memberships

Court Member – International Chamber of Commerce
Arbitration and ADR Global Commission Member – International Chamber of Commerce, Delegate for Colombia
Arbitration and ADR Commission – ICC Colombia
Former President of the Arbitration and ADR Commission of ICC Colombia
Former Nominations Committee of ICC Colombia
Latin America International Arbitration Group – International Chamber of Commerce
Council Member – Hong Kong International Arbitration Center
Board Member – Comité Colombiano de Arbitraje
Board Member – Club Español e Iberoamericano del Arbitraje
Founding Member Colombian Chapter – Club Español e Iberoamericano del Arbitraje
ALARB – Asociación Latinoamericana de Arbitraje.
Former Challenges Commission member – CIAM-CIAR Centro Internacional de Arbitraje de Madrid / Centro Iberoamericano de Arbitraje
Users Council, Singapore International Arbitration Center
Panel of Arbitrators – International Arbitration Center of the American Chamber of Commerce of Perú, AmCham Peru