Laura Tarchopulos

Laura Tarchopulos

Bilingual (English and Spanish) attorney licensed in Colombia and with a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the Pennsylvania State University. More than 15 years of sophisticated in-house corporate counsel experience in the energy, oil, and gas industries, handling cross-border transactions, including complex commercial contracts, project finance, mergers and acquisitions, EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) agreements, and international leasing. Strong background in Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) standards and compliance matters.

Areas of Interest

Energy
Oil and Gas
Ports

Education

The Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Law, University Park, PA. May 2024
LL.M. with a concentration in Commercial Law | GPA: 3.8
Award: Scholarship COLFUTURO
Activities: Corporate Law Society, Women’s Law Caucus
Bar Admission: Eligible to take New York, Texas, and California State Bar Examinations
Certificate Global Leadership and Competitiveness, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. 2009
Award: Scholarship Organización Ardila Lule
Specialist in International Contracting, Universidad Externado, Bogotá, Colombia 2008
Bachelor of Law, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia 2004
Award: Silver Medal For Academic Excellence, Rank: 1st place in a class of 39 students

Relevant Experiences

Promigas S.A. E.S.P., Barranquilla, Colombia 2022–2023
Colombian public trading natural gas and energy company with annual revenues of US$1.8 billion
Corporate Governance Leader of Subsidiaries – General Counsel of Subsidiary
• Responsible for the Corporate Governance of the parent company of 22 subsidiaries.
• Directed relationships between the subsidiary company and stakeholders.
• Provided legal advice to subsidiary company executives and board on various legal matters, including corporate governance, regulatory compliance, lawsuits, and risk management.
• Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating pipeline construction and maintenance contracts.
• Managing disputes with contractors and community claims.

SPEC LNG, Cartagena, Colombia 2016–2022
The only liquified natural gas port terminal in Colombia
General Counsel and Secretary of the Board
• Established and led the Legal Department.
• Participated in the sales process of 49% of the company, valued at US$ 90 million.
• Negotiated, reviewed, and drafted project finance contracts valued at US$ 180 million.
• Managed and led in-house legal team in various practice areas with regard to legal opinions, lawsuits, and general legal strategy.
• Directed relationships between the company and seven control/surveillance authorities.
• Obtained maritime, ports, customs, and environmental licenses.
• Served as compliance officer regarding anti-money laundering, financing of terrorism, and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Pacific Coal Resources LTD., Barranquilla, Colombia 2011–2016
Canadian-based mining company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and production of coal assets.
General Counsel of the Subsidiaries
• Participated in the sales process of a subsidiary, Sociedad Portuaria Terminal de las Flores S.A., for US$ 29 million.
• Negotiated, reviewed, and drafted international coal purchase contracts, mining operation services contracts, and settlement and release agreements, each valued at US$ 5 million.
• Attended hearings in judicial court proceedings as a witness representing the company.
• Provided legal advice regarding commercial, mining, and environmental issues.

Languages

Fluent in English and Spanish