Environment in Argentina
Rattagan Macchiavello Arocena
Rattagan Macchiavello Arocena’s environmental law department is the jewel in the firm’s crown, with peers and clients alike testifying that the practice is ‘streets ahead of other groups in the market’. The ‘standout team’ is widely respected for its deep and broad focus, which encompasses a comprehensive spread of regulatory and compliance issues, corporate support matters, permitting and certifications, and administrative and judicial litigation. In terms of its industry strengths, it is best known for its expertise in the energy and natural resources spheres but it also acts for private and public sector clients within the transport, construction and automotive sectors, among other areas. High-profile specialist Gabriel Macchiavello, regarded by many as ‘absolutely the best in his field’, jointly heads the department alongside senior litigator Hugo Bunge Guerrico. The sizeable group also includes ‘very talented up-and-coming partner’ Mariana Hierro, energy specialist María Magdalena Venditti and contentious expert Pedro Zambrano. In a significant development as of September 2019, the firm announced its association with global firm Dentons.
Brons & Salas
Brons & Salas’ environmental law practice is distinguished by its close links with other firm departments, particularly the corporate and real estate teams, which translates into a steady stream of transactional support matters. The group also has significant capability in regulatory and contentious issues. Guillermo Malm Green, who chairs both the environmental and corporate law practices, is the key contact and has a focus on the automobile, pharmaceutical, energy and natural resources, and food industries, among other areas.
Franco Abogados
Sophisticated environmental boutique Franco Abogados houses a ‘specialist and dedicated practice’ that advises several multinational companies on day-to-day compliance and regulatory issues. The firm is also sought after for its weight in strategic matters, especially audits, administrative defence and environmental litigation. Founding partner Horacio Franco remains ‘at the forefront of trends in this area’ and brings to bear strong experience in the full spectrum of environmental and health and safety law. Representative clients include BASF and Yamana Gold.
Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal
Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal had a busy year on the project development front, which saw practice head Francisco Macías advise companies such as Senvion and Total on regulatory and permitting issues relating to renewable energy projects. The firm also continues to be a popular choice for complex environmental litigation, such as Macías’ representation of Compañía General de Combustibles in three environmental class actions filed by non-profit organisation ASSUPA, which seek remediation for the alleged damage caused by exploration and production activities. The group, working off its market-leading corporate and M&A practice, is also a strong performer in environmental due diligence matters. Senior associate Gabriel Fortuna is another key contact.
Nicholson y Cano Abogados
Nicholson y Cano Abogados’ practice is widely recognised for its deep expertise in the oil and gas industry — its recent work also spans the forestry, mining, waste management and power sectors. Sought-after department head Horacio Payá, who is highly regarded for his specialist experience across the full range of regulatory, due diligence and contentious issues, represented Shell in two environmental judicial actions. The firm has also recently provided environmental advice to Acindar, Coca-Cola and Total Austral.
Allende & Brea
Allende & Brea’s group, which takes in an array of regulatory, due diligence, administrative and criminal law matters, is increasingly prominent in energy and natural resources-related work. Among its key highlights in this area, mining specialist Florencia Heredia is providing ongoing environmental advice to Galaxy Lithium on the Sal de Vida lithium project. Administrative law specialist María Morena Del Río, who co-leads the department alongside Heredia, is assisting Ferrero Argentina with ongoing environmental law matters, including permitting and regulatory issues.
Beccar Varela
The ‘high-quality group’ at Beccar Varela is ‘formed of strong and experienced attorneys’, according to satisfied clients. In particular, senior associate Angeles Murgier is singled out for her ‘deep knowledge of the law and excellent client service’. Murgier, who co-heads the department alongside public law specialist Oscar Aguilar Valdez, has a focus on general regulatory and compliance matters, and she also brings to bear significant experience in environmental due diligence and litigation. The department’s growing client roster includes such high-profile names such as General Electric, Total Eren and Líneas de Transmisión del Litoral.
Bruchou, Fernández Madero & Lombardi
‘Responsive, prompt and accurate’, Bruchou, Fernández Madero & Lombardi’s practice stands out for its ‘excellent knowledge of the law and precedents’ as well as for its ‘multi-disciplinary approach to problem-solving’. The department, which is led jointly by Sebastián Vedoya and Sergio Arbeleche, spans a broad scope of regulatory, transactional and contentious work, with particular expertise in mining-related matters. Representative clients include Barrick Gold, Patagonia Gold and First Quantum Minerals subsidiary Corriente Argentina. Associate Pablo Crimer impresses with his ‘strong service levels’.
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie houses a robust cross-departmental practice, which handles a wide range of planning, infrastructure, transport, and energy and natural resources-related matters. On the non-contentious side, Adolfo Durañona provides ongoing advice to Albemarle on the lithium properties it operates in the province of Catamarca. On the contentious front, public law head Luis Dates represented an energy company in defending an environmental claim. M&A specialist Gustavo Boruchowicz is also a key contact.