Allende Bascuñán & Cía‘s four-lawyer group is particularly active in relation to large mining, industrial and agricultural companies that have sizeable electricity requirements. The team’s experience covers tenders, negotiations, and disputes involving power purchase agreements, along with energy transmission contracts and legal reports on energy regulations. The ‘highly knowledgeable‘ department also advises on photovoltaic projects. The natural resources, energy and environment practices are led by name partner Felipe Bascuñán Montaner, who has ‘in-depth knowledge of Chile’s electricity regulations‘. Key support comes from former Environmental Assessment Service lawyer Diego Miranda who joined the team in early 2022. Former director Pablo Tejada left to co-found TM Abogados in July the same year.

The ‘very attentive' team at Arteaga Gorziglia & Cia Abogados is well known for its expertise in greenfield energy project developments. The 11-strong energy practice routinely negotiates power plant-related engineering, procurement, and construction agreements, as well as operation and maintenance contracts for solar and wind power plants. The firm is additionally active in regulatory and administrative proceedings before Chile’s energy authorities, and fields a go-to team for advice on electricity law regulations. The practice is jointly led by commercial, corporate and business law expert Ignacio Arteaga, who (in addition to arbitration) focuses on energy projects and related contractual matters, energy M&A, and project development and finance; and renewable energy project development and finance specialist Luciano Cruz. The second line of key advisers includes energy litigator María Fernanda Brahm; and recently-promoted director Cristián Carpentier, who advises on M&A and project finance involving renewable power plants and high-voltage transmission lines. In November 2022, former director and regulatory and environmental practice head Pedro Lagos C departed the firm for an in-house role at ACCIONA Energía.

With significant experience in a range of energy matters in Chile, Barros & Errázuriz's large’ 13-member practice covers energy contracts, regulatory issues, energy M&A, joint ventures, project finance, and associated disputes and arbitration. Recent highlights include advising various power generators and banks on complex power purchase agreements, tenders, and large-scale transmission and green hydrogen project developments. The key practitioners are dispute resolution leader José Tomás Errázuriz, whose track record covers both major energy projects and energy litigation; Fernando Garrido, an expert in energy and natural resources-related project developments, financings, litigation, M&A and general corporate matters; and Cristóbal Pellegrini (a partner since January 2022), who advises on energy projects, finance, M&A and litigation. Former senior associates Pedro Pablo Ballivian and Verónica Vergara left the firm for drinking water company Esval and utility company Colbún in August and November 2022, respectively.

The 13-member department at legal giant Carey has enviable experience in energy projects. The team’s track record covers advice to developers and financial entities on some of Chile’s most significant projects, including coal, natural gas, hydroelectric power, liquified natural gas, solar, wind and geothermal developments, along with floating storage and regasification-unit projects. Clients also turn to the group for its credentials in regulatory work, energy supply agreements, energy M&A, and joint ventures. It additionally acts for bidders and tenderers on electricity, oil and gas-related public and private bidding processes, as well as in relation to the construction of electric transmission lines. The team is co-led by energy regulatory and projects specialists Juan Francisco Mackenna and José Miguel Bustamante, along with José Tomás Hurley, who focuses on the development of energy projects and associated infrastructure. Within the associate ranks, Pablo Morales maintains a vibrant energy projects practice; and Carmenmaría Poblete is an expert in renewable energy projects and natural resources-related deals.

The longstanding track record at full-service firm Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos covers gas pipeline and coal-fired power plant developments, along with the development and financing of marine natural gas regasification terminal projects. The nine-member practice’s experience also encompasses negotiating power purchase agreements and arbitrations involving breach of energy supply contracts. The experience of regulatory law department head Gonzalo Jiménez, who ‘provides great support during energy transactions', includes advising electricity-consuming companies on tenders; Sergio Díez assists with greenfield wind farm projects; and Martín Astorga advises on the environmental issues surrounding energy projects. Within the firm’s associate pool, senior Verónica Cuadra maintains an active regulatory, environmental and energy law practice.

Full-service market stalwart Claro & Cia. is consistently mandated on high-stakes energy projects, with the firm’s sizeable team covering development, construction, acquisition, sale and financing aspects. Its track record incorporates hydro, wind and solar power plants, liquified gas terminals, gas plants, and transmission lines and sub-stations. Other areas of strength include regulatory work and energy sector-related litigation and arbitration. The practice’s principal figures are Rodrigo Ochagavía, who acts for generators, and transmission and distribution companies; and corporate finance, capital markets, international finance and M&A expert, José Luis Ambrosy. Also integral to the firm’s offering are experienced partners Luisa Núñez and José María Eyzaguirre F. Former partner Ariel Mihovilovic  left the firm in February 2023 to become a candidate for Chile’s Constitutional Council-Region of Magallanes and Chilean Antartic.

Providing ‘high-quality advice‘, CMS Carey & Allende‘s eight-member practice acts for major sector players on energy projects’ earliest stages, as well as during post-operation phases. The team’s expertise covers the structuring, development, acquisition, sale and financing of energy projects, as well as due diligence processes, the incorporation of special purpose vehicles and credit agreement negotiations. The group also houses specialists in power purchase and build-operate-transfer agreements. Other areas of activity include feasibility studies, pre-contract management issues and public concession bids, as well as growth areas such as green hydrogen. Among the firm’s several experienced advisers, Luis Felipe Arze focuses on non-conventional renewable energy projects; co-head of the firm’s energy and climate change group, Jorge Allende Z, advises on transmission line and electrical generation projects; and Fernando De Cárcer ‘always proposes solutions that work for all parties‘. At senior associate level, the energy experience of ‘extraordinary lawyer‘ Sebastián Barros covers transactions, financing and project development work.

Cuatrecasas‘ Santiago office advises on a range of energy projects, including renewables, oil, gas, nuclear plants, and electric roads. The 12-strong team also assists with tenders for energy transmission infrastructure developments, along with power purchase agreements. It additionally acts in energy disputes, as well as before Expert Panels. The team is led by energy M&A and projects specialist, Josefina Yávar with support provided by her fellow former Guerrero Olivos colleagues Roberto Guerrero V (who has considerable experience in energy transactions) and M&A expert Macarena Ravinet, along with energy arbitration partners Cristián Conejero and Gianfranco Lotito. January 2023 saw the team further strengthened with the arrival of Sebastián Leyton (as partner) from the Superintendency of Electricity and Fuels.

DLA Piper Chile‘s Santiago office houses experts in oil and gas, renewable and hydrogen projects, including associated regulatory issues. The seven-lawyer team advises at all stages of energy generation projects, including related works, such as transmission lines, substations, and gas pipelines; and (with Chile included) it is able to facilitate access to over 450 lawyers in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Puerto Rico. The Chilean energy and natural resources practice group is co-led by energy, natural gas and liquified natural gas project expert, Felipe Bahamondez; and  Diego Peña (a partner since 2022), whose track record encompasses natural gas, hydro, wind, biomass and solar energy plant projects. Former counsel Paulina Farias left the firm in August 2023.

Garrigues Chile‘s 10-strong multidisciplinary energy department routinely advises on the financing, development and regulatory aspects of large energy projects. The practice also advises energy, oil-and-gas and natural resources companies and private funds on M&A deals. Team leader and corporate, M&A and regulatory expert, Luis Felipe Merino advises on electricity generation project developments; Cristobal Fainé is experienced in both energy and corporate work; Pedro García is an energy finance specialist; and Rodrigo Fernández's experience covers renewable energy asset-related deals. In a boost to the team, Diego Perales, who advises energy sector companies on day-to-day issues and disputes, joined as of counsel in November 2022 from the CNE (the Chilean Energy Regulatory Agency), where he served as legal department head for three years.

Emerging out of Cubillos Evans Abogados’ dissolution in late 2021, the ‘very good' Grupo Evans' sizeable energy and green hydrogen department is highly focused on power generation infrastructure projects, energy transmission lines, water desalination plants, aqueducts, and ports. The group is also increasingly active in matters involving hydrogen and green ammonia plants, as well as the M&A and financing aspects of energy and large-scale projects. Jointly leading the team, Eugenio Evans is a specialist in high-stakes projects, regulatory issues, and litigation before Chile’s regulators; José Miguel Hernández acts along the entire power value chain, his practice covering generation and transmission work, renewables, communities and indigenous law; while younger partner Cristóbal Illanes is an expert in wind and solar developments, as well as hydro projects, conventional power and utilities-related regulatory work. The second line of key advisers features of counsel and regulatory specialist Andrés Peñaloza; and at senior associate level, Gustavo Benítez is experienced in land and regulatory issues; and Rafael Fernández‘s practice covers water rights, electrical concessions, easements, and negotiations with landowners. Other active associates are Macarena Cox, who focuses on energy permits and project development; projects and energy lawyer Andrea Duarte; and litigation department head Elías Soto.

With ‘solid knowledge of the energy business‘, the 18-member energy and natural resources practice at full-service firm Guerrero Olivos acts for owners, developers and operators of renewable energy projects (such as wind and solar), as well as thermal power plants and regasification terminals. Comprising energy, electricity, environment and water law specialists, the department’s workload encompasses energy generation, transmission and distribution project developments; and the group has particular expertise in the negotiation of power purchase agreements. It is also routinely mandated on regulatory issues, such as energy and transmission planning, rulemaking processes, public bids, and disputes; it is also increasingly sought out for green hydrogen projects. The practice is jointly led by Clemente Pérez, who has longstanding experience in transactional and regulatory energy matters; Sebastián Abogabir, a regulatory expert who is ‘great for his analysis‘; and recently-raised partner Felipe Frühling, who advises on energy project developments. At associate level, senior Francisca Pellegrini primarily acts for energy developers, but Andrea Olea  departed for the National Energy Commission in April 2022.

Known as Honorato | Delaveau until a recent reorganisation, HD Legal‘s seven-member energy practice advises on both energy sector investments, and the development and operation of projects. It also assists with the acquisition and financing of hydroelectric, wind, and solar projects; liquefied natural gas plants; and transmission and distribution projects. The ‘extremely practical‘ team is co-led by energy, water, and natural resources specialist, Gonzalo Delaveau, in conjunction with Juan Ignacio Peña, who heads the firm’s engineering and construction practice. An experienced and capable second line of key advisers comprises energy, mining and natural resources practice director Mauricio Riesco (a September-2022 recruit and former senior legal counsel at Antofagasta Minerals); and senior associate Paulina Castro, a corporate law specialist and recent hire from PAGBAM Schwencke Chile.

‘Distinguished by a very thorough knowledge of energy issues‘, Larrain y Asociados Abogados advises a range of companies on the gamut of energy projects, including wind, diesel, gas, carbon and hydro; moreover, its broad gas industry expertise covers liquefied natural gas sale and purchase agreements, regasification services, transport agreements and gas concessions. The seven-member group is also routinely mandated on energy and gas-related administrative and regulatory matters, along with regulatory and contractual energy and gas supply litigation, particularly claims before the Energy Panel of Experts, and ordinary, arbitral and antitrust courts. The practice is co-led by Jorge Granic, who has enviable experience in electricity regulation, power purchase agreements, power transmission projects and renewable power; and natural resources, energy law and project finance expert Cristóbal Morandé. Also highly regarded, of counsel Ricardo Peña’s energy expertise covers pipelines, power generation, and upstream, transmission and refining issues; and Joaquín Larrain is an experienced gas regulatory practitioner. At associate level, Javiera Méndez advises on the regulatory side to energy and gas work, while Francisco Cerda  assists with the development and regulatory aspects of energy projects.

Adopting ‘a highly developed client-service approach', mid-sized law firm Lavín Abogados & Consultores acts for domestic and international companies on the development side of energy projects; its expertise covers both contractual matters and permitting processes. The three-member team is headed by energy-sector expert Roberto Sepúlveda, who is experienced in processing electricity concessions; the acquisition of renewable energy project portfolios; and the drafting and negotiation of engineering, procurement and construction agreements, as well as power purchase and toll contracts. Routinely assisting clients from the energy and port sectors, the expertise of corporate law head Pedro Pablo Gutierrez Barros includes advice on commercial contracts and construction industry-related disputes; while associate Daniel Parra's practice covers both electricity concessions and the obtaining of key project permits.

Morales & Besa's energy practice covers both transactional work (alongside the firm’s projects, banking and finance, and M&A departments), and the regulatory aspects of energy projects. The ‘great team' particularly stands out for complex energy projects and transactions with cross-border elements. The group is jointly led by former Primer Energía general counsel Juan Carlos Valdivieso, who was raised to the partnership in January 2022 and whose recent track-record includes advising developers and lenders on the regulatory implications of insolvency cases in Chile’s power market; and projects and infrastructure practice head Carlos Silva. Experienced associate Constanza Araya has particular expertise advising on power sector-related regulatory issues.

The energy and projects practice at full-service international firm Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría houses specialists in both electricity law-related regulatory matters and energy transactions. The team’s representative experience covers major M&A deals and energy project financings, along with power purchase and off-take agreements. It also advises on complex engineering, procurement and construction contracts, and operation and maintenance agreements. The team’s principal advisers are projects, energy and M&A expert Carlos Alberto Reyes, whose practice covers natural resources and oil and gas-related transactions and developments, as well as electricity work; and Eduardo Escalona, a specialist in project development, international tenders, and economic litigation before the Panel of Electricity Experts.

Recent highlights for Prieto Abogados' ‘very responsive' and 23-strong energy and natural resources team include regulatory work, major M&A transactions, the construction of a large energy generation portfolio, and desalinisation projects. Its current caseload also includes the sale of a sizeable distributed generation portfolio and the acquisition, development and construction of non-conventional renewable energy projects (including the associated due diligence processes). The practice is co-led by M&A leader and energy and natural resources specialist, Juan Tagle; and corporate team head Fernando Bravo, who routinely acts for major energy sector clients. The second line of active advisers features Nicolás Yuraszeck K, who has longstanding experience in construction projects, tender processes, project finance, regulatory advice, and energy M&A; and Agustín Martorell, who acts on energy and natural resources-related projects and regulatory matters. At counsel level, Andrea Von Chrismar brings antitrust expertise to energy-related regulatory issues; and Federico Rodríguez‘s wide-ranging practice covers negotiations with developers, corporate matters, financing, and renewable generation projects.

Urenda, Rencoret, Orrego y Dörr's six-member practice covers all aspects of energy projects, including risk analysis, asset acquisition-related due diligence, strategic alliances, and projects’ environmental impact assessments. The team also advises on easements, permits, tax issues, project financing, and energy-related disputes and administrative procedures. Heading the firm’s energy and natural resources practice, ‘great negotiator' Sergio Orrego has longstanding experience in energy project development, including power plants and transmission lines; and he is particularly focused on non-conventional renewable energies, such as wind farms and run-of-the-river power plants. Key support is provided by energy and environmental law expert Ignacio Urrutia, whose career includes several years at CONAMA (the predecessor agency to the Government’s Environmental Assessment Service); and associate Javiera Vicuña, who advises on energy, water, mining and corporate law.