Fielding ‘top-level partners and the best associates‘, Carey‘s nine-member department assists with the full spectrum of administrative and constitutional law, regulated markets and litigation. Representative areas include constitutional rights, public procurement and public concessions, sanctioning procedures and regulatory compliance, along with state-owned companies’ regulation, and legislation and regulations enactment. The group also has extensive litigation experience before the ordinary Courts, Courts of Appeal, Supreme Court, the Constitutional Court, Expert Panels, the Public Procurement Court, the Transparency Council and the General Comptroller of the Republic. In keeping with the country’s constitutional renewal, August 2021 saw the firm hire administrative and constitutional specialist Patricio Zapata as new practice lead; the former head the Citizen Council of Observers of the constituent process convened by then President Bachelet, he handles both advisory and litigious matters in his areas of specialization. Zapata joins an impressive group of key partners comprising Ignacio Gillmore, who is experienced in administrative contracts, litigation and public tenders; litigation group head Gonzalo Fernández; and Juan Carlos Riesco (elected partner in 2018), who assists with public entity-led administrative sanctions proceedings, as well as consequential matters before the civil courts. Notable associates include Cindy Thorsen, who focuses on administrative, constitutional and regulatory law; and public law and regulation group members Sergio Cifuentes, Pedro Martinez and January 2020 arrival Carolina Baeza; however, Camilo Lledó departed in May 2021 to co-found his own firm. Since the conclusion of research, Thorsen has moved in house at Copec with effect from July 2021.
Public law in Chile
Carey
Practice head(s):
Ignacio Gillmore; Gonzalo Fernández; Juan Carlos Riesco
Testimonials
‘Being the largest firm in the country and covering all areas of legal practice, allows them to provide comprehensive and integrated advice.‘
‘Prevents problems in an effective manner, and resolves them when they occur.‘
‘Carey has an interdisciplinary team that makes it very strong when offering its services and responding to daily matters.‘
‘It has the best law school students, and as a consequence top-level partners and the best associates.‘
‘Carey is a top-level firm in Chile that stands out in terms of collaboration between specialised departments, technology use, and its ability to adapt to different client billing systems.‘
‘Carey has simplified the way of charging for its services, in order to deliver as much information as possible, thereby delivering more transparency to the entire process.‘
‘Ignacio Gillmore stands out mainly for his large amount of knowledge in all areas of law, not only regulatory matters and the pharmaceutical and medical devices sectors, but also in judicial matters, technology, trade marks, and intellectual and industrial property – all this makes him a very complete lawyer.‘
Key clients
Sun Dreams
Banchile Administradora General de Fondos
MetLife Chile Seguros de Vida
ProVida
Universidad Católica de Chile – Red Salud UC
Liberty Compañía de Seguros
Track Group
Compass Group
BAE Systems (International)
Work highlights
- Acted for Sun Dreams in three lawsuits against the Chilean Gambling Regulator, in relation to the rightful application of regulations for casino licence renewals.
- Assisted Track Group with the bidding process for a telematic monitoring of convicts contract.
- Acted for Red Salud UC (branch of the Universidad Católica de Chile, which owns several hospitals and health centres in Chile) in four trials against private health insurer Isapre Nueva Masvida and the Health Superintendency.
Fermandois & Cía
'The most important in the country for public law matters', Fermandois & Cía houses a ten-strong practice that has an enviable name in the market for prominent public law litigation, including recent high-profile disputes before the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court; the group is also well known for its specialised legal opinions on complex private-public conflicts. Fielding several constitutional and administrative law professors from the Catholic University of Chile, the firm's principal figure is founding partner and former Chilean Ambassador to the US Arturo Fermandois ('the most prominent public law lawyer in Chile'), who, in relation to Chile's proposed new constitution, was recently appointed to the expert commission that drafted the constitutional amendment. Other key advisers are constitutional expert José Manuel Díaz de Valdés (an independent adviser and consultant in public law matters until 2018) and Domingo Poblete ('solid international background'), who consistently plays key roles in high-level cases. At associate level, litigator Cristóbal Zepeda and Andrés Vodanovic focus on constitutional and economic regulatory matters.
Testimonials
‘Great for the deep knowledge it has in all areas of Chilean public law, the professionalism of its lawyers, and the ease with which it adapts to the needs of clients.‘
‘The Fermandois law firm is the most important in the country for public law matters.‘
‘The team is made up of outstanding professionals, with great experience and skills, which, in my opinion, makes them the best when compared with other law firms.‘
‘The team led by Arturo Fermandois is extraordinary and the lawyers complement each other very well. They have deep legal knowledge because they are professors and also demonstrate practical knowledge that comes from years of experience in highly complex cases.‘
‘Arturo Fermandois is the most prominent public law lawyer in Chile – a university professor and longstanding lawyer with solid knowledge and ability that produce optimal results.‘
‘Arturo Fermandois is an expert in public law, but he also has great knowledge of the political, academic and international world. All these qualities enable him to be one day litigating in front of the Constitutional Court of Chile, and the next day acting for a CEO of a transnational corporation – few lawyers in Chile have this level of versatility coupled with world-class expertise.‘
‘Arturo Fermandois is characterised by his deep knowledge and judicial skills – having his support and that of his team are of vital importance for the development of our activities.‘
‘Domingo Poblete belongs to a new generation of constitutionalists; he has a solid international background that allows him to interact naturally with the figures defining the country from political and business points of view. He also understands the client’s business and anticipates the problems that a changing scenario, such as the Chilean one, generates for businesses.‘
Key clients
Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Latam Airlines Group
Coopeuch
Central Bank of Chile
Motorola
Banco Estado
AFP Provida (Metlife)
ANFP
RAM
Banco de Chile
Servitrans
Work highlights
- Successfully represented Coopeuch (financial institution) in a complex case against the General Comptroller’s Office and the Social Security Agency, which concerned the order of payment of its loans.
- Assisted The Central Bank of Chile, which (given its constitutional and regulatory status) requested an expert opinion regarding its capacity to conduct non-financial transactions in the market because of Covid-19-related economic consequences.
- Regularly advising Motorola on public procurement matters.
FerradaNehme
'Superior to the competition,' FerradaNehme's public law and government practice is co-led by 'high-level partners' Luis Cordero and Josefina Court; the department integrates the firm's expertise in administrative law, economic regulation and litigation (before public agencies, the General Comptroller Office and High Courts of Justice) with diverse legal areas, such as environmental law, urban planning, financial markets and public control. Cordero is highly rated for his advice to both private entities - when they conduct their business in regulated industries and interact with authorities - and several governmental agencies, when preparing new laws and regulations, and implementing new government policies and institutions. Previously serving in the Legislative Office of the Presidency of Chile under different administrations, Court regularly assists both public agencies and private companies with preparing legal reports and opinions, as well carrying out legal presentations before the competent authorities and court. Also integral to the group is José Tomás Correa (promoted to partner in 2021), who focuses on administrative matters, administrative sanctioning procedures and regulated markets.
Practice head(s):
Luis Cordero; Josefina Court
Testimonials
‘Superior to the competition, due to high-level partners Luis Cordero and Josefina Court.‘
Key clients
Asociación de Empresas de Telefonía Móvil
Television Nacional de Chile
Canal 13
Sociedad Pesquera Landes
Agencia de la Calidad de la Educación
Fundación Chile
Autopista Central
Cooperativa del Personal de la Universidad de Chile
Sociedad Inversiones y Tarjetas
Asociación de Notarios, Conservadores y Archiveros Judiciales de Chile
Work highlights
- Assisted Asociación de Telefonía Móvil (a trade association comprising most of Chile’s main telecoms companies) with several matters, including assessing the legality of a bill.
- Assisted Televisión Nacional de Chile and Canal 13 with its interactions with the Viña del Mar Municipality, in relation to the suspension of an international song festival because of the Covid-19 outbreak.
- Advised Sociedad Pesquera Landes in relation to the so-called Jibia Act (an amendment of the General Law on Fisheries and Aquaculture), which prohibits the capture of cuttlefish by trawling.
Barros & Errázuriz
Barros & Errázuriz's public, administrative law and economic regulation department predominantly acts for private entities on a wide range of public matters; the seven-member team is particularly focused on tariff-setting administrative procedures; contentious administrative proceedings; and administrative sanctioning procedures involving the natural gas, telecoms, electricity, water and wastewater, health, and education sectors. Other areas of focus are administrative contracts, government liability, public procurement and maritime concessions, along with government real estate and expert reports. The group also acts in litigation before common tribunals, Courts of Appeals, Supreme Court and the Comptroller General’s Office. Administrative law specialist David Cademártori heads the public law team, which also showcases renowned Chilean arbitration expert José Tomás Errázuriz and senior associate Andrea Batarce, whose contentious practice includes administrative proceedings.
Practice head(s):
José Tomás Errázuriz; David Cademartori
Key clients
Oxiquim
Eletrans II
Compañía Regional Aguas Marítimas
Compañia Minera Arbiodo
Colbún
Uriarte & Pérez-Cotapos Inmobiliaria
Crystal Lagoons
Inmobiliaria El Plomo
Empresa de Servicios Sanitarios Esval
Aguas del Valle
Essbio
Nuevosur
Independencia Administradora General de Fondos
Aramark
Torres Unidas Chile
Marine Gel Antartic
Enterprise Electronics Corp
Interacid Trading
Administradora de Fondos La Construcción
Red Sana
Metrogas
Directv Chile Televisión
Interchile
Fundación Educacional Colegio Los Leones de Quilpué
Sociedad Concesionaria Nuevo Complejo Fronterizo Los Libertadores
Gelymar
Albia
Work highlights
- Provides ongoing legal advice to Esval (and its subsidiary companies) on a wide array of administrative and judicial proceedings.
- Represents Oxiquim (Chilean chemical company) in various proceedings concerning fines imposed by the Health Authority.
- Represents Compañía Minera Arbiodo in a civil claim for damages against the State of Chile, which concerned the granting of concessions to third parties that interfered with a mining project.
Guerrero Olivos
With 'great knowledge of the administrative law sector', Guerrero Olivos' ten-member department assists with day-to-day public law matters, public law litigation and judicial reviews, acting before the regulatory bodies, and public biddings and public procurement; it is also sought our for its assistance with obtaining permits and approvals. The practice represents clients from a range of industries, including mining, real estate, utilities and TMT, while the team was recently additionally active in relation to aquaculture, casinos, retail, and energy distribution, transmission and generation. The practice co-heads are Eduardo Cordero, a specialist in constitutional and administrative law and regulated industries; and public law and regulatory expert José Gabriel Undurraga. Associate Roberto Burgos focuses exclusively on regulatory work.
Practice head(s):
Eduardo Cordero; José Gabriel Undurraga
Testimonials
‘Great knowledge of the administrative law sector, particularly aquaculture.‘
‘Constant communication with clients and follow-up of cases – such soft skills are not found in all law firms.‘
‘Excellent knowledge of administrative law, and a cordial and informal relationship with the client, which makes the relationship much more flexible and relaxed.‘
‘High levels of both academic and practical knowledge.‘
‘Complete and professional team that has extensive experience and knowledge of this area.‘
‘A professional and experienced team that gives good recommendations.‘
Key clients
Chilquinta
Aguas Andinas
Antofagasta Minerals
BCI Bank
Falabella Inmobiliario
Rentas Falabella
Australis Seafood
Mutual de Seguros de Chile
Sun Dreams
Telefónica Group
Hipermercados Tottus
Compañía Minera del Pacífico
Nova Austral
Beltec Group
Compañía Minera Santa Laura
Inmobiliaria Las Bellotas
Work highlights
- Assisted Antofagasta Minerals with a strategic plan, in order to face the regulatory measures imposed by the Chilean Ministry of Public Health in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Assisted Falabella Inmobiliario/Rentas Falabella with several regulatory issues, including assisting them with matters before the local authorities, obtaining permits, and public law litigation.
- Represents Chilquinta in a public law litigation matter (as defendant) before the Superintendence of Electricity and Fuels, which imposed one of the highest ever historical fines on the company.
Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría
The six-strong public law team at full-service law firm Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría has a strong name in the market for its contentious administrative disputes experience, including complex litigation before the Supreme Court, Courts of Appeals and Public Procurement Tribunal; it has also been active in relation to contract bids, urban affairs and public procurement matters. With 'deep knowledge of the regulations and administrative procedures', José Luis Lara's main area of practice are administrative law, public procurement and constitutional law; and with over 30 years' experience, senior counsel Guillermo Zavala specialises in public procurement, municipal law, state contracts, customs and ports. Other notable team members are senior associates Matías Larroulet and Florencia Portales, while former senior Diego Miranda left the firm in 2020.
Practice head(s):
José Luis Lara
Testimonials
‘The firm’s public law work team is of the highest quality.‘
‘Both the lead partner and team lawyers have solid knowledge in this area.‘
‘Stands out for understanding the details of each case that is presented to the team, no matter how diverse.‘
‘They do an excellent job and are especially meticulous and detailed, explaining every aspect to the client – this is highly valued and important.‘
‘Great for availability and deep knowledge of regulations and administrative procedures – compares very favourably.‘
‘José Luis Lara’s deep knowledge of the regulations and administrative procedures, as well as the main players in the Chilean environment, are huge pluses.‘
Key clients
Sun Dreams Closed Corporation
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile-RED
UC CHRISTUS
Sistema de Empresas Públicas
Empresa de Ferrocarriles del Estado
DHL Express (Chile)
Inmobiliaria Pereira Limitada – Grupo Espacios
Inmobiliaria del Puerto
Sika
Scotiabank
Ministerio de Minería
Work highlights
- Representing Dreams in various sanctioning procedures regarding its operating corporations.
- Assisted Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile with its defence against a Remedy of Protection that was lodged by a student.
- Assists (on an ongoing basis) Sistema de Empresas Públicas, a state technical advisory body, on public law matters.
Allende Bascuñán & Cía
Allende Bascuñán & Cía's 'knowledgeable and specialised professionals' have substantial expertise in regulatory, litigation, public contracts and procurement work; the practice assists clients from diverse industries, including mining, agriculture and food production, social security administration, utilities, and power generation, distribution and transmission. The co-heads of the six-member department are administrative, real estate and environmental law specialist Mauricio Viñuela, and Felipe Bascuñán Montaner, who is experienced in regulatory matters involving energy/electricity law, natural resources and general public law. The associates to note are Joaquín Corvalán, who focuses on administrative law and natural resources, and Pablo Tejada, recruited in 2018 from the Environmental Superintendency to boost the firm's public law and regulatory practices.
Practice head(s):
Mauricio Viñuela Hojas; Felipe Bascuñán Montaner
Testimonials
‘The firm’s public law lawyers stand out as knowledgeable and specialised professionals who respond in a solid and timely manner to our enquiries and requirements.‘
‘An effective team that is prepared to work beyond formal working hours.‘
‘It is worth noting the way in which the firm’s documents and resources are presented, which incorporate citations, images and jurisprudence (among others) in a novel way that make the specialised content more attractive and enjoyable.‘
‘Partners Mauricio Viñuela Hojas and Felipe Bascuñán Montaner, and associate Joaquín Corvalán, stand out for their commitment levels.‘
Key clients
Agrosuper
GMTO
Philips Chilena
Soquimich
Viña Ventisquero
Constructora Casablanca
Intrade
Frutícola Tantehue
Mantos Copper
Mantoverde
Viña Concha y Toro
Bulbo de Los Andes
Fedex
Santis Frut
Associated Universities
Agrícola El Toqui Ltda.
Cooperativa de Viviendas y Servicios Habitacionales José René Pérez Pérez
Anglo American Chile
Agrícola El Carmen de Pucalán
Fundación Las Rosas
Mundo Sur
SCM Lumina Copper Chile
TOC
Inmobiliaria Fundamenta
Inmobiliaria Armas
University of Chicago
Aguas Andina
Work highlights
- Advised Associated Universities on CORFO’s bidding process for the establishment and construction of the Chilean Institute of Clean Technologies.
- Represented Fundación Las Rosas de Ayuda Fraterna in a constitutional action to declare inapplicable a legal precept obliging the Municipality of Maipú to declare a land plot (belonging to Fundación Las Rosas) as public land.
- Successfully acted for Inmobilaria Fundamenta in an urban conflict that went up to the Supreme Court.
Bofill Mir Abogados
Regularly advising on regulatory and constitutional matters involving energy, telecoms, land use/development, public transport and water law, as well as handling customs, environmental law, health services, advertising, and gaming-related matters, the six-strong team at Bofill, Mir & Álvarez Jana has long had 'very good knowledge and availability to take on public law matters'. However, the late July 2021 departure of practice head Guillermo de la Jara (to Lembeye Abogados) is a severe blow. Fortunately, the team - which is also sought out for contentious and non-contentious judicial reviews, disputes before constitutional courts, and public procurement matters - has a strong second line of senior associates: Cristián Franetovic's practice is centred on environmental law, urban planning and construction, and the regulation of sanitary and electrical public services; Daniela Severín handles antitrust, unfair competition, regulated markets and administrative law; and Pablo Nogueira, who joined in early 2020 further to his Masters' degree, is an administrative and constitutional litigation specialist.
Testimonials
‘They have very good knowledge and availability to take on public law matters.‘
‘Compared with other firms, they have a very good public law practice.‘
‘What makes them stand out in relation to other firms is the care that they apply and the strategies they employ to obtain the best possible result.‘
‘BMAJ includes the internal lawyers of client companies in the whole process, which allows the generation of synergies and knowledge so as to facilitate the work.‘
‘The lawyers with whom we have interacted, not only have an outstanding technical level, but also stand out for working as a team with the company’s internal lawyers; this is the main difference with other firms.‘
‘A complete team of highly responsible professionals who cover the different perspectives of each topic, giving clients a comprehensive vision.‘
‘Stands out for the excellent jurisprudential support with which the firm analyses each case.‘
Key clients
Socicam
Pacal Grupo Inmobiliario
Universidad Alberto Hurtado
Bureau Veritas
Nephrocare Chile
Casino Luckia Arica
Fraunhofer
Karcher, Fraunhofer, Socicam
Clínica Sanatorio Alemán
Gran Casino de Copiapó
Work highlights
- Successfully assisted Pacal Grupo Inmobiliario with both a judicial and administrative procedure.
- Assisted Luckia Gaming Group with several judicial and administrative matters regarding gaming casinos, including successful procedures before the General Comptroller of the Republic and the Constitutional Court.
- Successfully defended Nephrocare against two constitutional procedures, which were rejected by the Courts of Appeals of La Serena and Temuco and upheld on appeal by the Supreme Court.
Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos
Full-service firm Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos has longstanding public law expertise that is historically geared towards heavily regulated industries, such as gas distribution, energy generation, transmission and distribution, water regulations and telecoms. The practice has also expanded to cover administrative procedure-related constitutional actions in areas such as securities and food and beverage regulations, and education. The five-strong department, which covers regulatory law (including administrative/constitutional law and energy and environmental law), is co-led by Gonzalo Jiménez, whose experience includes advising electricity consumption companies on tender processes; and environmental and regulatory law expert Martín Astorga, whose practice includes sanctions proceedings. Senior associate Verónica Cuadra, along with associates Miguel Ortiz and Raúl Alvarez, complete the team.
Practice head(s):
Gonzalo Jiménez; Martín Astorga
Key clients
BHP Billiton
Ripley
Dufry Group – Aldeasa Chile
Banco Estado
IBM Chile
B Braun
ATCO
Chilean Association of Subscription TV Operators (Acceso TV)
Nutreco (Skretting)
Inmobiliaria ISA
Work highlights
- Assisted Banco del Estado de Chile with an opinion regarding its agreements with certain municipalities, further to a public bid for the provision of banking services.
- Assisted Banco del Estado de Chile (BEC) with an opinion regarding the actions taken by certain municipalities that entered into banking services contracts with third parties, despite having an exclusivity clause with BEC.
- Advised Dufry on the application of force majeure principles to administrative agreements, and the remedies available.
Cisternas Concha y Compania Abogados
Cisternas Concha y Compania Abogados' five-member department has substantial experience in constitutional and administrative law issues that emerge during transactions, regulatory matters, due diligence processes, pre-litigation stages and legal disputes. With extensive public sector experience, Mauricio Cisternas Morales acts for different public services and councils in Chile, while in the private sector, he advises businesses from the electrical and construction sectors; fellow founding partner Jaime Concha Puigrredon is noted for public law, procurement matters and litigation before the Public Contracts Court. Additional attorney support is provided by Jaime Pilowsky Greene (former legal adviser to the Undersecretariat of the Interior) and Juan Pablo Solorza Kojakovic.
Practice head(s):
Mauricio Cisternas Morales
Testimonials
‘Great knowledge and expertise in this area, with speed in delivering answers that are based on technical skills and practical experience.‘
‘Mauricio Cisternas Morales is appreciated for his knowledge and availability.‘
‘The professional practice of this firm stands out for the solid legal training of its partners and associates, together with the firm’s practical and strategic experience, both in terms of preventive advice and legal representation before the public bodies.‘
‘24/7 availability of partners and associates, with strategic and tactical vision when proposing courses of action and the correct handling of information brought to their knowledge.‘
‘Great range in the firm’s training and expertise.‘
‘Achieves impressive successes in litigation.‘
Key clients
Servicio Electoral
Superintedencia de Casinos de Juego
Municipalidad de Estación Central
Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores
Municipalidad de Puente Alto
Municipalidad de Huechuraba
Municipalidad de Peñalolén
Subsecretaría de Pesca y Acuicultura
Municipalidad de La Reina
Subsecretaría de Desarrollo Regional
Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Occidente
Municipalidad de Curacaví
Municipalidad de Osorno
Municipalidad de Maipú
Work highlights
- Assisted the Superintendencia de Casino de Juego (Casino Superintendency) in relation to nine operators’ renewals of their authorisations for another 15 years.
- Acted for Municipalidad de Estación Central in relation to the invalidation of various building construction authorisations.
- Assisted Servicio Electoral in relation to a challenge of a tender involving data transmission network elections (2020-2021).
DLA Piper Chile
The four-member team at DLA Piper Chile consistently assists with administrative procedures before various authorities and agencies; the development of clients’ activities through regulatory reports; and public entities’ bidding processes. Other areas of expertise include food product labelling, responding to consumer claims filed before the Servicio Nacional del Consumidor, and public law litigation before the ordinary and special courts. Heading the regulated markets and antitrust practice group, Felipe Bahamondez has broad public law and regulatory experience; senior associate Paulina Farías has robust regulatory, public law, and energy and natural resources practices. Former counsel Ricardo López left the firm in early 2021.
Practice head(s):
Felipe Bahamondez
Testimonials
‘Great sense of urgency and practical points of view.‘
Key clients
Uber Chile
Solarcentury Chile
DCO
Antarctic Sea Fisheries
Oil-Dri Corporation of America
Airbnb
UberEats
American Tower Corporation
Work highlights
- Assisted Uber Chile with a claim before the Contraloría General de la República (an inspection body of the State Administration that controls the legality of administrative acts and safeguards the correct use of public funds).
- Assisted Oil-Dri Corporation of America with the registration of several products for animal consumption before the Agricultural and Livestock Service.
- Successfully advised Solarcentury Chile on the bidding process (carried out by the Ministry of National Assets) for a public land concession for the development of three solar energy projects.
Fleischmann & Román Abogados
Delivering ‘outstanding work’, the eight-member department at boutique law firm Fleischmann & León Abogados is well known for the construction of public works and public work concessions, as well as complex claims and disputes. The firm’s practice is particularly prominent in relation to public infrastructure, such as penitentiaries, hospitals, airports, highways, public roads and desalination plants. Construction and projects expert Hernán Fleischmann Chadwick assists with both non-contentious and contentious public law matters; fellow founding partner Juan Ignacio León‘s expertise includes project-related bidding processes, financing, audits and claims; and associate Cristián Repetti Aravena focuses on administrative procurement matters. Since publication, León’s early-2022 departure for Ontier Chile has seen the firm reorganise as Fleischmann & Román Abogados.
Practice head(s):
Hernán Fleischmann Chadwick
Testimonials
‘The execution of our project was favoured by the always timely and effective advice of Fleischmann & León Abogados.‘
‘Outstanding work from this firm.‘
‘Great experience and specialisation from the members of this office.‘
‘Skills in handling claims and negotiations with the public and private sectors, and a highly personalised service.‘
‘In addition to their legal and technical experience, it is worth mentioning their excellent negotiation skills.‘
‘Hernán Fleischmann Chadwick and Juan Ignacio León Lira have vast experience and are always attentive to our needs.‘
‘Hernán Fleischmann Chadwick Chile stands out for his academic and professional career, which brings added value to the team; and he is a lawyer who is always up to date with new trends in his area of specialisation.‘
‘Juan Ignacio León Lira’s remarkable skills for handling claims and negotiations, in addition to a deep concern for the interests of his clients, make him stand out from other legal services provided in the market.‘
Key clients
Echeverría Izquierdo Ingeniería y Construcción
Claro Vicuña Valenzuela
Sociedad Concesionaria Ruta G-21
Sociedad Concesionaria BAS
Sociedad Concesionaria Túnel El Melón II
Sociedad Concesionaria Teleférico
Bicentenario
Inima CVV
Work highlights
- Advised Consorcio Echeverría Izquierdo Ingeniería y Construcción and Ferrovial on the public works bidding process for Hospital Buin Paine.
- Acted for Sociedad Concesionaria Túnel el Melón II in an administrative claim before the technical panel of concessions, which allowed a beneficial modification of a public works concession contract.
- Advised Claro Vicuña Valenzuela on the construction of Iquique Airport.
Prieto Abogados
The eight-member department at Prieto Abogados has longstanding experience in advising on public law matters and utilities; clients particularly benefit from the team comprising litigation experts, academics and transactional lawyers, who together assist with dispute resolution, sanctioning proceedings, regulatory issues during transactions, and relations with the authorities. The diverse practice of litigation and arbitration head Fernando Samaniego includes proceedings before the administrative and regulatory authorities; at associate level, environmental team head Agustín Martorell (‘great dedication to each client and case‘) has approximately ten years’ experience in administrative, environmental and regulatory matters, while counsel Juan Pablo Riesco‘s litigation experience includes administrative and regulatory authority-related proceedings. Since publication, Martorell has been raised to the partnership with effect from January 2022.
Practice head(s):
Agustín Martorell; Juan Pablo Riesco
Testimonials
‘Always clarity to their work – compares favourably with other firms.‘
‘They stand out for the specific knowledge they have in environmental law.‘
‘Great for availability and quick responses, especially from associate Agustín Martorell.‘
‘One of the most prominent associates is Agustín Martorell, who combines professional specialisation with great dedication to each client and case.‘
Key clients
VivoCorp
Aguas Andinas
Metlife
VivoCorp
Engie Energía Chile
YPF Chile
Desarrollos Urbanos
Cofradía Náutica del Pacífico
Plaza
Engie Services
Work highlights
- Advising Vivocorp on the development of a major infrastructure project, which includes a judicial challenge of its construction permit.
- Successfully assisted Metlife/Vivocorp (before the Constitutional Court) with reversing the initial decision of a local police court to apply a fine.
- Assisted Plaza in relation to multiple alleged sanitary regulation infringements involving different commercial centres.
Baker McKenzie Chile
Baker McKenzie Chile fields experienced lawyers with substantial constitutional, administrative and human rights law backgrounds. The department regularly assists clients from the healthcare, insurance, infrastructure, construction, mining, pharmaceuticals, and defence and aerospace sectors on public law issues; the office also houses a robust litigation practice that frequently acts before both the Constitutional Court and ordinary tribunals. With approximately 20 years' experience in constitutional, public and administrative law, practice head Rodrigo Díaz de Valdés focuses on contentious matters. Former senior associate Ruggero Cozzi left the firm in January 2021.
Practice head(s):
Rodrigo Díaz de Valdés
Key clients
AFP Habitat
Continental Tires
Stanley Black and Decker
Shire Chile
Takeda
Isapre Consalud
Marina del Sol
Sierra Gorda SCM
Ohio National Seguros de Vida
SCM Franke
Astaldi
Work highlights
- Defended Ohio National Seguros de Vida in a case initiated by the Financial Market Commission, which related to widespread fraud.
- Represented SCM Franke in filing a Covid-19/strike-related constitutional action of protection against 23 trade union leaders.
- Represented Ferbas, a food catering company, in a breach of contract claim brought against the National Board of School Aid and Scholarships (a state agency).
Correa Squella
Fielding 'lawyers with extensive public and administrative law experience', Correa Squella's public law practice is well known for its litigation capabilities, along with industry sector expertise in ports regulation, real estate, energy and utilities, and gaming casinos. Founding partner Juan Ignacio Correa provides veteran-level experience; Carolina Squella, whose practice includes urban planning, infrastructure and concessions, leads the firm's real estate and state-owned companies work; and recently promoted senior associate Juan Francisco Sánchez, a public law all-rounder, is 'particularly creative in defining defence strategies'.
Practice head(s):
Juan Ignacio Correa; Juan Francisco Sánchez
Testimonials
‘The Correa Squella public law team is an extremely competent and versatile professional group.‘
‘A balanced team that combines great theoretical knowledge with brilliant strategic approaches to cases.‘
‘Lawyers with extensive public and administrative law experience.‘
‘The team comprises lawyers who have practised both in the private and public sector; this has made its mark on the the firm, allowing it to provide comprehensive advice to clients.‘
‘Great for the extensive experience of its founding partners and the commitment and knowledge of senior associate Juan Francisco Sánchez.‘
‘Young lawyer Juan Francisco Sánchez is a person of integrity and a lawyer with an enormous capacity for work – a studious professional who is particularly creative in defining defence strategies.‘
‘Juan Francisco Sánchez stands out for his deep knowledge in these matters, his great capacity for analysis, and relationships with clients.‘
‘Juan Francisco Sánchez is a bold, versatile lawyer and strategist, with a broad business vision.‘
Key clients
Transelec
Empresa Nacional del Petróleo
Empresa Portuaria San Antonio
Viña Cousiño Macul
Crillón
Vientos de Renaico
Empresa Portuaria Chacabuco
Empresa Portuaria Puerto Montt
Empresa Portuaria Austral
Work highlights
- Acted for several residents in successfully opposing a luxury real estate development.
- Advised a publicly owned enterprise on the renegotiation of its most significant concession.
- Defended class actions seeking the annulment of permits and authorisations.
Grasty Quintana Majlis – in association with Clyde & Co
Grasty Quintana Majlis – in association with Clyde & Co's public law team comprises highly specialised lawyers in relation to administrative and constitutional law, as well as regulatory matters; it consistently acts before Chile's public authorities and the Courts of Justice in urban issues, pharmaceutical investigations, public tenders, expropriations and real estate matters. The team also has substantial experience in complex litigation, including constitutional, public and administrative law disputes. With approximately 15 years' public law experience, Jorge Meneses leads the public law department, which also fields senior associate Andrés Cabello, an administrative and constitutional law specialist.
Practice head(s):
Jorge Meneses
Key clients
PwC Consultores Aditores y Cía.
Feller Rate Clasificadora de Riesgo
Laboratorio Maver
Farmacias Omari
Work highlights
- Representing PricewaterhouseCoopers Chile in its defence against administrative charges made by the Chilean Securities Superintendence for its role in the Cascadas case (major financial scandal).
- Representing Feller Rate Clasificadora De Riesgo, a rating agency, in relation to its alleged role in the La Polar case (a major accounting fraud in Chile that occurred in 2011).
- Representing Feller Rate Clasificadora De Riesgo, a rating agency, in relation to its alleged non-performance of a complete analysis of information contained in an auditor’s report on La Araucana.
Gómez, Pallavicini y García
Launched in 2018, Gómez, Pallavicini y García acts for diverse private and public companies and state entities on administrative and constitutional law and related litigation; natural resources and urban law; regulatory compliance and anti-corruption issues; and public policy design issues. Recent experience includes representing a trade association before the Constitutional Court and the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic, in relation to a bill that modifies the Law for the Protection of Consumer Rights. The firm's three experienced name partners are Gastón Gómez B, Julio Pallavicini and José Francisco García, while Francisco Cañas is the senior associate to note.
Mendoza, Oddo, Mori, Aguerrea & Gillmore Abogados
Public law and regulatory law boutique Mendoza, Oddo, Mori, Aguerrea & Gillmore Abogados (MOMAG) works across a range of administrative, constitutional and dispute resolution matters in relation to energy, urban planning, public works, concession contracts and public procurement. The principal advisers are former General Comptroller of the Republic Ramiro Mendoza Zúñiga, who is a regulated industries and public law specialist; administrative, regulatory, and environmental law expert Blanca Oddo; and former General Comptroller of the Republic deputy general counsel Pedro Aguerrea, an administrative law and regulated industries specialist. The associates to note are Maria Jesús Navarro and María Victoria Miranda Polanco. Former partner Robert Gillmore Landon and associate David Navea recently left the firm.
Osorio Vargas & Abogados
Launched in 2018, Osorio Vargas & Abogados is a specialist public law boutique that handles the full range of administrative and constitutional law matters, with particular specialisms in competition, environmental, labour and mining law, along with regulated markets and associated litigation and arbitration. Additional areas of strength range from administrative contracting, administrative sanctions and electoral law, to transparency and citizen participation issues. The principal figures are Gabriel Osorio, Cristóbal Osorio and Daniel Contreras, who have all previously held significant public sector roles.
Riquelme, Silva & Fuentes
Riquelme, Silva & Fuentes was launched in April 2021 by three former Reymond & Cía partners, who are well known for their advice on contract negotiations and disputes with Chilean state departments. The public law practice is also particularly noted for its advice on public work concessions, construction, public and private infrastructure, energy, public health services, real estate and family estates. Public law litigation and arbitration specialist Rodrigo Riquelme has 'vast experience in advising important companies on their relations with the state'; and Diego Fuentes González is a construction law and dispute resolution expert.
Practice head(s):
Rodrigo Riquelme
Testimonials
‘Personalised attention with excellent results.‘
‘They know how this industry works very well, which is key to obtaining good results.‘
‘Rodrigo Riquelme is a great lawyer.‘
‘Rodrigo Riquelme stands out in the team for his good judgement, excellent academic training, and vast experience in advising important companies on their relations with the state.‘
Rivadeneira Colombara Zegers
Rivadeneira Colombara Zegers 'provides a service with which clients feel absolutely comfortable'; the team consistently acts in cases of national and international significance that involve politicians and public figures, as well as complex disputes involving the state and its institutions. Founding partner Ciro Colombara has a diverse disputes practice covering criminal, civil, public and international law, along with human rights; complex litigation director Aldo Díaz's practice includes public law and contentious administrative proceedings; and Carola Cotroneo Ormeño focuses predominantly on complex litigation, regulatory matters, constitutional and administrative law, and contentious administrative proceedings.
Practice head(s):
Ciro Colombara; Aldo Díaz
Testimonials
‘I felt a lot of confidence throughout the process.‘
‘Provides a service with which clients feel absolutely comfortable.‘
‘Recognised for their public law expertise, frequently acting in major lawsuits in Chile.‘
Key clients
ANOP
Recoleta City hall
Upgrade
Jorge Cardemil
Pronova
Matías Riroroko
Magistrates Association
Young men of Til-Til (Innocent Project)
Council of Elders of the Rapa Nui people
Nido de Aguilas Foundation
Work highlights
- Assisted Recoleta City Hall with administrative litigation concerning the proposed demolition of illegally constructed buildings.
- Assisted Upgrade, which sells computer systems and software and was awarded important state contracts, with administrative litigation surrounding fraud and contract matters.
- Acted for Jorge Cardemil, a businessman who imported 27 fine blood mares from Argentina, in a lawsuit against the Agriculture and Livestock Agency.
Vergara y Cia
Specialist administrative law boutique Vergara y Cia has longstanding experience in the mining, water and energy sectors, and handles the full gamut of public law-related advisory and litigious matters, including associated regulatory issues. Experienced name partner Alejandro Vergara Blanco is widely respected for his assistance with public law, legal opinions and audits, arbitration, and representation before state entities and courts. Clients additionally benefit from the experience of partner Gonzalo Muñoz Escudero (a water law expert and former General Water Directorate lawyer), while Juan Andrés Rojas Briones provides associate-level support. Former partner Daniela Rivera Bravo recently left the firm.