Santiago Torrijos – Abogado, Derecho Penal, Disciplinario y Constitucional

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About me

Santiago Torrijos Pulido is a distinguished attorney (admitted to practice law both in Colombia and in New York) who graduated cum laude from Universidad de Los Andes. He holds a Master’s degree in Criminology from the International University of Valencia and an LL.M. from Georgetown University Law Center. His professional background includes work at prominent law firms such as Mario Iguarán Abogados Asociados, where he worked alongside Colombia’s former Attorney General, as well as international firms including Picard, Kentz & Rowe LLP in Washington, D.C., and Lauro & Singer. Under the guidance of John Lauro, he played a key role in the successful defense of President Donald J. Trump in the January 6 (Capitol) case, which led to the dismissal of all charges. He is currently engaged in complex regulatory, civil, and criminal litigation at Fridman Fels & Soto. Torrijos is recognized for his expertise in criminal, disciplinary, and constitutional law.

Torrijos has been featured and consulted by both national and international media outlets, including Caracol Televisión, La FM, RCN Radio, and La Información (Texas), among others.

Focus Areas

Santiago Torrijos Pulido has provided legal counsel and representation in criminal proceedings before trial courts, appellate tribunals, high courts, and prosecutors’ offices. His practice spans a wide range of matters, including fraud, conspiracy, tax evasion, embezzlement, corruption, drug trafficking, money laundering, misappropriation of funds, offenses against public administration, violent crimes, and sexual offenses.

White-Collar
Criminal Law

Santiago Torrijos Pulido has provided legal counsel and representation in criminal matters before trial courts, appellate tribunals, high courts, and prosecutorial authorities. He has broad experience handling complex cases involving fraud, conspiracy, tax evasion, embezzlement, corruption, drug trafficking, money laundering, misappropriation of public funds, offenses against public administration, violent crimes, and sexual offenses.

Sanctions and
Regulatory Law

Santiago Torrijos Pulido possesses in-depth expertise in the Unified Disciplinary Code and the Attorney Disciplinary Regime (Law 1123 of 2007). He has advised and defended clients in disciplinary proceedings involving minor to extremely serious infractions, consistently ensuring effective representation for public officials and legal professionals across all levels of jurisdiction.

Constitutional Law

Santiago Torrijos Pulido has experience in the defense of fundamental rights across both domestic and international contexts. He has provided legal counsel and representation in constitutional protection actions—such as tutela proceedings (including those challenging judicial decisions) and habeas corpus petitions—ensuring legal safeguards against violations of constitutional and human rights. His work also extends to matters involving international sanctions and regulatory frameworks, where he brings a rights-based approach to defending clients in complex legal environments.

Extraditions

Santiago Torrijos Pulido has successfully represented numerous individuals facing criminal charges abroad, including cases involving drug trafficking, money laundering, and related offenses. His representation has extended to filing direct petitions before the Supreme Court of Justice of Colombia.

Asset Forfeiture

Santiago Torrijos Pulido ha realizado controles de legalidad para levantar medidas cautelares de embargo, secuestro y suspensión del poder dispositivo en casos de gran relevancia, en los cuales se ha recuperado el poder sobre bienes muy cuantiosos.

I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.

William Ernest Henley

Studies and Experience

Experience

He has extensive experience in investigations and litigation involving procurement fraud, health care fraud, wire fraud, securities fraud and bank fraud, conspiracy, tax evasion, drug trafficking, money laundering, crimes against the public administration, obstruction of justice, violent crimes, and sex offenses.

Since 2019, Santiago Torrijos Pulido has been involved in the defense of complex white-collar crime cases at the law firm Mario Iguarán Abogados Asociados, working directly with Colombia’s former Attorney General, Mario Iguarán. In 2024, he served as an extern at Picard, Kentz & Rowe LLP in Washington, D.C., where he conducted legal research on transnational repression, war crimes, and violations of privacy and human rights. That same year, he joined Lauro & Singer, where he actively contributed to the defense of President Donald J. Trump. He later became part of the litigation team at the renowned firm Fridman Fels & Soto, representing clients from around the world in highly complex criminal, civil, and regulatory matters.

> Fridman Fels & Soto, PLLC LC & White-Collar Liaison Engaged in high-stakes litigation involving criminal, regulatory, and civil matters.
> Mario Iguarán Abogados Asociados Partner – White-Collar Crime, Compliance & Human Rights Led complex white-collar defense strategies and advised on regulatory and human rights matters.
> Lauro & Singer LC Actively contributed to the legal defense team representing President Donald J. Trump in the January 6 case.
> Picard Kentz & Rowe LLP Extern – International Human Rights & International Criminal Law Conducted legal research on transnational repression, war crimes, and violations of international law.
> Jaime Lombana Villalba & Abogados Attorney – White-Collar, Regulatory & Compliance Provided legal counsel on corporate compliance, criminal liability, and regulatory matters.
> Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría Junior Associate – Corporate & M&A Corporate transactions, due diligence processes, and mergers and acquisitions.
> Universidad de los Andes Academic Assistant – Criminal Law Supported faculty in the Criminal Law department through research and teaching assistance.

Education

Santiago Torrijos Pulido graduated at the top of his class from the Faculty of Law at Universidad de Los Andes in Colombia, where he earned his law degree. He also holds an exchange diploma from the Center for Transnational Legal Studies (CTLS) in London, a Master’s degree in Criminology, Crime, and Victimology from the International University of Valencia in Spain, and an LL.M. from Georgetown University in the United States.

1 Georgetown University Law Center LL.M. (Master of Laws), 2023–2024 CALI Excellence for the Future Award
Dean’s List Distinction
2 VIU – International University of Valencia Master’s in Criminology, Crime, and Victimology, 2021–2022
3 Universidad de los Andes – Colombia Law Degree, 2012–2018
Cum Laude Ranked 1st out of 113 students
Speaker: Criminal Law and Corporate Compliance, 2015
4 Center for Transnational Legal Studies (CTLS), London – 2016 President and Founder, Colombian Alumni Association of Georgetown University’s CTLS