Mr Santiago Balbi > Bruchou & Funes de Rioja > Buenos Aires, Argentina > Lawyer Profile

Bruchou & Funes de Rioja’s regulatory and commercial oil-and-gas expertise sees it regularly called on to advise multinational and domestic industry players on big-ticket transactions in the sector. In addition to M&A and regulatory work, the team is also prominent in exploration and production, and has played a key role supporting large upstream operators on the development of the Vaca Muerta shale oil and gas formation. Unconventional hydrocarbon development, liquefied natural gas infrastructure project work and energy transition are other active areas. Javier Galli, ‘one of the lawyers with the most knowledge and experience in the sector’, leads the practice and is recognised for his exceptional transactional and operational record. Corporate law and M&A-focused partner Santiago Balbi also has extensive industry experience, with senior associate Nicolás Dulce providing the next line of support. Since publication, Dulce has been raised to the partnership – effective as of March 2024.

Bruchou & Funes de Rioja is known for its expertise in regulatory matters related to authorisations, permits and licenses for the provision of broadcasting and telecommunications services. Intellectual property is another strong area, with internet, IT, software licensing and fintech matters also covered, as well as class actions, copyright litigation and transactional matters in technology, entertainment, sports and broadcasting. Appointed practice head in 2021, young partner Juan Zocca is an administrative law specialist with a primary focus on TMT matters – particularly as regards telecommunications, media and broadcasting services; he co-leads the practice alongside IP, data privacy and new-technologies partner Alejandro Barrientos; IP specialist Dámaso Pardo; and corporate and M&A lawyer, Santiago Balbi.

Bruchou & Funes de Rioja advises local and international clients on large, complex domestic and cross-border transactions across a wide range of sectors, including energy, industrials, financial services and agribusiness. The team’s deep bench of talent is also regularly called on for day-to-day support on corporate matters. Veteran transactional lawyer Mariano Luchetti, who also has a notable energy practice, co-leads the department alongside respected oil-and-gas specialist Javier Galli and María Winschel, who focuses on corporate law and governance matters. Firm founder and chairman Enrique Bruchou continues to support the leadership team, drawing on more than three-decades’ worth of high level experience. ‘Sharp and creative’ M&A lawyer Estanislao Olmos and real estate expert Exequiel Buenaventura bring further senior level expertise to the table, with an ambitious cohort of younger partners, including Santiago Balbi and Florencia Angélico (who was raised to the partnership in 2022) also prominent. While Pablo Falabella  left the firm to move in house at YPF, a high quality cadre of senior associates provide ample back-up, with Nicolás Dulce and Hernán Alal among the key names. Since publication, Dulce has been raised to the partnership – effective as of March 2024.