Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: Environment

Bomchil is best known for handling complex litigation related to transnational environmental matters, involving both public and private parties. The incorporation of partner Cristian Galansky, who has a strong roster of natural resources and hydrocarbons clients, has raised the firm’s environmental law profile. Galansky co-leads the practice alongside experienced administrative law and international arbitration practitioner María Inés Corrá.
The Nicholson y Cano Abogados environmental law practice is recognised for its outstanding litigation expertise, environmental legal compliance audits and preventive legal advice on environmental issues; deeply experienced environmental law specialist Horacio Payá leads the team.
Pozo Gowland Abogados leverages its significant energy sector expertise to support clients in the electricity and oil-and-gas sectors in high stakes environmental damage litigation, as well as to advise on environmental regulation and compliance. Veteran litigator Gustavo Campobassi and dispute resolution all-rounder Maria Rossi co-lead the team.

Environment in Argentina

Estudio Gabriel Macchiavello

Specialist environmental boutique Estudio Gabriel Macchiavello handles a wide range of environmental disputes and litigation, representing companies in lawsuits and administrative procedures related to collective damages, mass toxic torts, environmental damages, remediation and the recovery of damages. Clients also turn to the firm’s team of 14 lawyers (and five paralegals) for advice on technical environmental standards and regulations. Additionally the team handles the environmental aspects of transactional work, compliance, permitting, legal audits and insurance. The firm’s sizeable of practice-head group includes: Pedro Zambrano (environmental disputes and regulation); Juliana Salvucci (contentious administrative, civil and criminal matters); Belén Counduros (administrative and regulatory issues related to permits and  environmental legislation); Hugo Bunge Guerrico (environmental disputes and litigation); and Ramon Santamarina (reinsurance and environmental insurance law). Environmental audit and litigation partner Andrea Gonda and Florencia Borsani, who focuses on environmental, regulatory, health and hygiene advice, are other key contacts.

Practice head(s):

Hugo Bunge Guerrico; Pedro Zambrano; Juliana Salvucci; Belén Counduros; Ramón Santamarina


Key clients

YPF


PBB Polisur


Pla


Monsanto – Bayer


Industrias John Deere Argentina


Nestlé Argentina


Exxon Mobil


Sherwin Williams


Central Puerto


Cofco


Total Austral


Chevron


Sinopec


Syngenta Agro


Wintershall


Trafigura Argentina


Arauco Argentina


GDN


Hebos


Work highlights


  • Representing YPF in an environmental lawsuit related to past contamination of surface water and sediments of a water course near a major oil refinery (the largest in the country) located in Ensenada, Province of Buenos Aires.
  • Advisory services to PBBPolisur regarding administrative proceedings before the authorities of the Province of Buenos Aires, such as sanctions and permitting matters.
  • Represents biotechnological, agrochemical, crop science and seed producers in a collective environmental lawsuit brought by a group of citizens and NGO seeking the prohibition of the use of genetically modified organism and glyphosate.

Marval O’Farrell Mairal

Marval O’Farrell Mairal handles the complete range of environmental work, from regulatory matters and litigation to due diligence and other environmental aspects of M&A transactions. Environmental issues affecting manufacturing, infrastructure, oil-and-gas, and energy companies are a particular area of focus. On the litigation front, the firm handles a large portfolio of civil and criminal claims pending before the Argentine Supreme Court, as well as local and federal courts. The compact team is led by Francisco MacÍas, who has extensive environmental claims' experience (and also runs a busy oil-and-gas practice). Senior Gabriel Fortuna, who handles environment matters relating to the mining, food, energy, manufacturing and oil-and-gas sectors; and the experienced Jimena Montoya, a specialist in environmental regulatory matters, audits and due diligence, are teh key contacts at associate level.

Practice head(s):

Francisco Macías


Testimonials

The team stands out for delving into the detail and understanding the problem from a 360 degree perspective.

The team stands out for its clarity and explaining complex arguments simply.

They have a lot of experience. Very professional and good at evaluating the scenarios and agreeing the best route forward.

Key clients

Volkswagen Argentina


Grupo PSA


Tuboscope


Raízen


Danone Argentina


Glencore


Cargill


Compañía General de Combustibles


Compañía Mega


Adecoagro


Pachón


Petro


Summit Agro Argentina


Newmont


Work highlights


  • Advising Volkswagen in connection with the environmental proceedings related to the so called ‘diesel gate’ scandal.
  • Advising Petro AP on an environmental claim brought by the Province of Jujuy in connection with its oil-and-gas operations at Calilegua National Park.
  • Assisting Compañía General de Combustibles with four environmental class actions filed by non-profit organisation ASSUPA (and other individuals), seeking remediation in relation to alleged damage in the North-Western, Austral, Neuquina and the San Jorge Gulf basins.

Venditti Hierro Quinteros

Venditti Hierro Quinteros is an environmental law boutique offering extensive coverage of all the environmental aspects of regulatory, judicial and transactional matters. Clients turn to the firm for support on environmental liability risk assessments, regulation, contractual issues and representation before administrative agencies. Environmental audits, compliance and due diligence are additional areas of activity, with the team also experienced when it comes to handling environmental damage claims and toxic tort actions. Co-founders Magdalena Venditti (environmental and regulatory law) and Mariana Hierro (environmental, industrial and oil-and-gas matters) jointly lead the practice alongside environmental standards and sanctioning procedures specialist Lucía Sesto. Co-founder and former partner Carolina Quinteros has changed roles and now works with the firm as of-counsel. Associate Andres Di Maio, meanwhile, has moved in-house role with Lake Resources.

Practice head(s):

María Magdalena Venditti; Mariana Hierro; Lucía Sesto


Testimonials

Deep knowledge of environmental legislation in its depth. Always up to date on the latest developments.

They are very methodical, knowledgeable and pragmatic.

An efficient and effective group. Very collaborative and are always willing to provide the necessary support on projects.

Key clients

Acerbrag


Agro Corteva Argentina


Ardion


Asociación Civil Campo Limpio


Corteva Agriscience Argentina


Cosméticos Avon


Logística Milo


Meranol


Metalúrgica Tandil


Molinos Río de la Plata


Pioneer Argentina


Renault Argentina


SC Johnson & Son de Argentina


Syngenta Agro


Terminal Puerto Rosario


Allende & Brea

Allende & Brea takes an integrated approach to environmental law and is focused on helping clients manage the environmental, social and governance risks that impact long-term commercial sustainability. With extensive experience in the extractive and industrials sectors, the firm is well-versed in business and human rights issues; anti-corruption; corporate governance; green financing; climate change and renewable energy matters. Areas covered by the team include compliance with Argentine environmental legislation; environmental audits and due diligence; climate change disclosure and the representation of clients in individual and collective environmental litigation and environmental administrative proceedings. Administrative and environmental law specialist Maria Morena Del Rio co-leads the team alongside formidable mining and natural resources lawyer Florencia Heredia. Senior associate Martín Alejo Prieto, an expert in environmental compliance and individual and collective environmental disputes and litigation, leads the second line.

Practice head(s):

María Morena del Río; Florencia Heredia


Testimonials

The team has specific environmental law knowledge and is always up-to-date on the latest legislation and procedures. They are excellent when it comes to collecting and developing evidence.

Partner María Morena del Río stands out for her technical legal skills, as well as her negotiation skills and excellent customer service.

Key clients

Sustentabilidad sin Fronteras


Global Clean


Van Hessen


Allkem


La Primavera Argentina


YPF


Ferrero Argentina


HyCite


FMC Química


Syngenta Agro


Unipar Indupa


Minera del Altiplano (Livent Corporation)


Estancias Unidas del Sud


Aspen Argentina


Banco Itaú Argentina


Sherwin Williams


Ball Envases de Aluminio


Resource Capital Funds


Sprott Capital Partners


Scotiabank


Work highlights


  • Advise Allkem on environmental, social and governance matters related to the Sal de Vida Project, one of the most important lithium projects in Argentina.
  • Provided environmental advice to Scotiabank and Sprott Capital as underwriters on the IPO of ming company Mineros on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
  • Advising La Primavera Argentina in connection with the potential impact of the construction of a road by the provincial government through property that could cause environmental damage in a protected area.

Brons & Salas

Brons & Salas has a strong grounding in general environmental consultancy, compliance and due diligence. The firm has beefed up its capability with the incorporation of a technical team of engineers and health and safety professionals into the the practice, allowing for an interdisciplinary approach to environmental advisory matters. The team is noted for its expertise handling the environmental law aspects of corporate transactions, and also has established regulatory and legislative practices that cover the inter-related sectors of mining, renewable energy, nuclear energy and oil-and-gas. The ‘smart, practical and creativeGuillermo Malm Green leads the practice; he has extensive experience that spans corporate litigation arising from environmental issues and the environmental aspects of M&A deals. an experienced figure, Maria Agostina Mandrini is the key contact at associate level and has handled environmental litigation, compliance, audit and remediation matters for more than 15 years.

Practice head(s):

Guillermo Malm Green


Testimonials

Guillermo Malm Green is smart, practical and creative. He thinks ahead, avoids problems before they arrive, and calmly solves those that do come. He’s a great lawyer.’

Guillermo Malm Green is a fantastic lawyer. He has encyclopedic knowledge of local and international law and has built long-term client relationships based on trust and built up over the years.

 

Key clients

The Clorox Company


Schlumberger Argentina


Hewlett Packard


3M Argentina


Mercedes Benz Argentina


Sun Chemical Argentina


Grupo Peñaflor


Rotoplas Argentina


Coster Packaging


Kimberly-Clark


Greif Argentina


Archroma Argentina


Work highlights


  • Ongoing support to the Clorox Company on general environmental compliance and permitting issues, including securing approval for the reconversion of a Clorox plant that had been declared as a polluting agent by ACUMAR.
  • Acting for Hewlett Packard on the approval of the Planet Partners Program for used toner and ink cartridges coming from consumers in Argentina.
  • Advised Mercedes Benz Argentina on a significant environment-related complaint entitled “Beatriz Silvia Mendoza et al v. Argentine Government et al“, on damages.

Bruchou & Funes de Rioja

Bruchou & Funes de Rioja provides clients with support on the environmental aspects of corporate transactions; preventive environmental advice and the management of environmental conflicts and litigation. Environmental audits; project development and impact assessments are also areas of activity. Sebastián Vedoya, an expert in environmental issues arising on mining and hydrocarbon projects, co-leads the practice alongside Sergio Arbeleche, who handles environmental matters related to contracts, administrative regulation, and constitutional and international public international law. At associate level, senior Pablo Crimer -who focuses on environmental law and natural resources- is the contact of note. Additional partner-level expertise regarding Administrative and public law specialist Juan Zocca provides additional partner-level expertise regarding regulatory matters as required. Since publication, Crimer has been promoted to practice head and 'expert consultant'.

Practice head(s):

Sebastián Vedoya; Sergio Arbeleche


Testimonials

The team is always looking for solutions according to the needs of the business and is focused on resolving issues efficiently.

Excellent professionals, with great knowledge of their subjects and client understanding.

Key clients

Minerva Foods


Syngenta


Arcor


Yazaki


Laboratorios Baliarda


Barrick Gold Corporation


First Quantum Minerals


Patagonia Gold


Klabin


CMPC


Compañía Cervecerías Unidas


Cargill


Nabors Argentina


AES Argentina Generación


Minas Argentinas


Petronas Argentina


Yamana Gold


The Rohatyn Group


Nicoll (Aliaxis)


Unipar


Ugen


Minera Peregrine Argentina


Work highlights


  • Advising Minerva Foods on a pioneering ESG project including the design, drafting and implementation of supply-chain ESG-compliance guidelines to assess all its providers throughout Latin America.
  • Providing legal advice to AES Argentina Corporation on an environmental litigation case involving the operation of a thermal power plant located in the city of San Nicolás.
  • Providing legal advice to Compañía Cervecerías Unidas on environmental compliance, permitting, litigation and administrative proceedings.

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie is known for its involvement in international transactions, dealing with industrial sites and environmental liability issues, as well as for its handling of complex environmental class action lawsuits, environmental compliance matters and environmental authority proceedings. Its expertise across national and global regulatory trends, encompassing global warming regulations, carbon credits and the disposal of soon-to-be-banned substances, is also noted. The practice takes a multidisciplinary approach and works closely with the firm’s public law, dispute resolution, M&A, energy, mining and infrastructure teams. Dispute resolution expert Santiago Maqueda leads the practice with Trinidad Basaldúa providing associate level support.

Practice head(s):

Santiago Maqueda


Testimonials

The team stands out for the depth of its analysis and understanding of the impact on a business.

‘Santiago Maqueda is an excellent lawyer with very deep knowledge of the environmental regula7tions that regulate agro-industry activity.

Key clients

Shell


Wal-Mart


Albemarle


China Triumph International Engineering Co.


Shawcor


Solenis


Estee Lauder


Colgate


Carrefour


Facebook


Work highlights


  • Advising and assisting Shell’s subsidiaries in Argentina with an environmental lawsuit in the Province of Neuquén.
  • Advised Albemarle in connection with the lithium properties it operates in the Province of Catamarca, Argentina, known as “Project Antofalla”.
  • Advising China Triumph International Engineering Company on evaluating potential environmental liabilities and risks related to a solar plant project in the Province of Córdoba.

Beccar Varela

International and local clients call on Beccar Varela for support on regulatory and permitting issues, new environmental bills that could impact commercial operations, and environmental audits. Environmental due diligence in M&A processes and representing clients in judicial and administrative proceedings concerning waste management, contamination, and clean-ups are other areas of expertise. The practice group's ork in the climate change and carbon credits segement is also noted. Environmental law and climate change expert Manuel Frávega has worked in industry and as a regulator previously, and brings broad experience to the table as practice head. The practice strengthened its bench during the course of 2022 with the hires of senior associate Florencia Marcelli and associate Camilla Caballero.

Practice head(s):

Manuel Frávega


Testimonials

Deep and broad knowledge of the environmental law landscape in Argentine, and good cross-functional coordination with corporate and real estate teams.

Manuel Frávega has deep experience working as a regulator and in government, giving him insight into potential and developing risks, helping us stay ahead of the curve.

I’d highlight the quality and accuracy of the information and advice provided; Manuel Frávega: human quality, expertise, experience, manner.’

Key clients

Jomsalva


Asociación Civil Sumatoria


Work highlights


  • Advised rubber manufacturer Jomsalva on an environmental legal compliance audit.
  • Advised the NGO Sumatoria on the drafting of the environmental and climate chapter of the Sustainable Housing Guide for a sustainable housing development project funded by green financing schemes.

Franco Abogados

Environmental and safety-regulation boutique Franco Abogados handles environmental audits, administrative matters, litigation and training programmes, and its well-known for its track record in contentious matters, particularly in reparatory and criminal actions; founding partner and veteran practitioner Horacio Franco leads the team.

Practice head(s):

Horacio Franco


O'Farrell

O'Farrell draws on expertise from its public law, energy and litigation practices to advise clients in the extractive industries and heavily regulated power and telecoms sectors on a broad range of environmental law matters, including land remediation, visual contamination and renewable energy project development. The team also handles contentious environmental matters at the local, provincial and federal levels. Public law and economic regulation expert Jorge Muratorio leads the team, with the experienced regulatory practitioner Agustina Fanelli Evans and energy-focused Agustin Siboldi providing additional senior level support.

Practice head(s):

Jorge Muratorio


Key clients

ENI Petroleum


AMX Argentina


Dycasa


Resinas Concordia


Pampa Energía


YPF


Latinoamericana de Energía


Naturgy


Compañía General de Electricidad


Transener and Transba


Parques Eólico


EDET


ENERSA


EJESA


Unipar Indupa


Fundación Torcuato Di Tella


Work highlights


  • Provided legal advice to ENI regarding environmental issues related to the bidding process for the offshore exploration and exploitation of petroleum.
  • Advice and representation of América Móvil subsidiary Claro Argentina, as a defendant, following a claim by the city of Posadas (Misiones province), that the release of non-ionizing radiation by antennas could potentially be detrimental to the community’s health.
  • Advised American Tower Argentina in connection with the environmental impact of non-ionising radiation emissions.

Pérez Alati, Grondona, Benites & Arntsen

Pérez Alati, Grondona, Benites & Arntsen handles a complete range of environmental work from compliance, regulatory matters, administrative proceedings and litigation, to due diligence and other environmental aspects of M&A transactions. Led by partner Nicole Jaureguiberry, the team is well known for representing not-for-profit conservation organisations and advising clients on the national and international regulatory frameworks governing the carbon bond markets.

Practice head(s):

Nicole Jaureguiberry


Key clients

Fundación Rewilding Argentina


Fundación Por El Mar


Sumitomo Chemical Argentina


Los Grobo Agropecuaria


Agrofina


Wintershall


Sinopec Argentina Exploration and Production


Fundación Habitat Humanitas


Banco Santander Río


Club Harrods


CMPC Papeles


Forestal del Plata


Fabi Bolsas


Mercuria


Phoenix Global Resources


Inversiones Meliquina


Work highlights


  • Advised Rewilding Argentina on the reintroduction of extinct species, such as the jaguar and the marsh deer in the Ibera National Park and El Impenetrable National Park.
  • Advised two companies in the agribusiness industry against fines applied by the environmental authority of the Province of Buenos Aires for alleged non-compliance of the regulation of phitosanitary containers.
  • Advised Los Grobo Agropecuaria in the revocation of a municipal Decree of the Municipality of Carlos Casares which ordered the relocation of its main agrochemical storage facility on the grounds that it contaminated the surrounding area with toxic substances.