The 10-strong department at full-service legal giant Carey acts across the full spectrum of administrative and constitutional law, regulated markets, and public litigation. The team regularly assists in relation to administrative and constitutional litigation, constitutional rights, and public procurement and public concessions. Other areas of strength range from sanctioning procedures, regulatory compliance, and state-owned companies’ regulations, to legislative and regulatory enactment; and the group is particularly well known for its legal opinions on complex private-public conflicts. The practice fields a number of experienced partners, namely: Ignacio Gillmore, who has vast experience in administrative contracts, public tenders, and administrative litigation; litigation head Gonzalo Fernández, a regulatory disputes specialist; Juan Carlos Riesco, who focuses on administrative sanctioning procedures that are led by public entities; and senior counsel and renowned constitutional practitioner Patricio Zapata, who was hired in August 2021 from Zapata y Compañía and is a former President of the Citizen Council of Observers of the Constituent Process. At associate level, senior Juan Ignacio Alarcón, along with Sergio Cifuentes, Martin Canessa and Carolina Baeza, are all key public law group members. However, mid-2021 saw Camilo Lledó leave to co-found Chahuán Letelier Lledó, and Cindy Thorsen move in house at Copec.
Public law in Chile
Carey
Practice head(s):
Patricio Zapata; Ignacio Gillmore; Gonzalo Fernández; Juan Carlos Riesco
Testimonials
‘The lawyers thoroughly understand what we are, which allows them to give very complete and professional advice that is of great help.‘
‘Timely, great-quality advice.‘
‘High levels of professionalism and legal knowledge.‘
‘Solid knowledge of this area and the practical application of specific sector standards, and with good working knowledge of the application of the rules.‘
‘Patricio Zapata’s performance is superior.‘
Key clients
Sun Dreams
Banchile Administradora General de Fondos
Metlife Chile Seguros de Vida
Codelco
Universidad Católica de Chile – Red Salud UC
Track Group
Australis
DESCLab
Acrux Foundation
Work highlights
- Assisted Codelco in relation to an internal investigation that showed that certain workers used their position as union leaders to hire an intermediary that utilised overpriced insurances and received economic benefits in return.
- Advised Track Group on the bidding process for the Telematic Monitoring of Convicts Contract carried out by the Gendarmería de Chile.
- Assisted Australis with a legal opinion on the unconstitutionality of revoking judicial sentences through legal remedies not intended for such purposes.
Estudio Fermandois
Estudio Fermandois has an oustanding profile in the sector and a strong market reputation for its public law litigation credentials in particular, including major disputes before both the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court; the team is highly rated for its specialised legal opinions on significant private-public conflicts. The firm houses several constitutional and administrative law professors from the Catholic University of Chile and its principal figure, founding partner Arturo Fermandois, is a former Chilean Ambassador to the US; he specialises in public law, the regulated sectors and dispute resolution. Also integral to the practice are constitutional law specialist José Manuel Díaz de Valdés; and Domingo Poblete, whose experience includes high-stakes cases. Among the associate pool Cristóbal Zepeda‘s practice covers public law litigation, while Andrés Vodanovic‘s experience includes serving as Executive Secretary of the Constituent Process’ Council of Observers. In a significant development for a firm long specialised exclusively in public law matters, August 2022 saw the firm hire Ignacio Urbina -formerly a senior associate at Barros & Errázuriz- to head up its nascent environmental practice.
FerradaNehme
The public law and government department at FerradaNehme consistently assists clients with the public law aspects affecting their companies day-to-day activities; but it is also sought out for its experience in defending individuals facing administrative law proceedings and Supreme Court matters. The practice is jointly led by Luis Cordero , who advises private entities on regulated industry issues and their interactions with the authorities, as well as assisting several governmental agencies on the preparation of new laws and regulations, and the implementation of government policies; and Josefina Court , who leverages her previous experience at the Legislative Office of the Presidency of Chile (under different administrations) to advise on regulatory matters and public institutions’ internal systems. In key growth, José Tomás Correa , who acts for public agencies and private companies on administrative law, sanctioning procedures and regulated markets, was elevated to the partnership in April 2021; and senior associate Fernanda Skewes is also a key public law and government team member.
Practice head(s):
Luis Cordero; Josefina Court; José Tomás Correa
Testimonials
‘A team that is comprehensive, collaborative and with a special concern that the recipients of its advice feel part of the decisions that are made and which affect them.‘
‘A large number of people who are familiar with all the latest developments in regulatory issues in different sectors of the economy; and the team is very up to date with everything that is published in this area and the most recent opinions.‘
‘Outstanding expertise and strategic litigation skills.‘
‘Luis Cordero is an exceptionally good lawyer who knows everything there is to know about public law, and he writes articles and books on public law that are consulted by judges and lawyers.‘
‘Luis Cordero prepares legal opinions on important public law conflicts that are of excellent quality.‘
Key clients
Zoccalo Proyect
Civil Registry and Identification Service
San Antonio Port Company
AES Andes
COPSA
Los Libertadores Border Complex Concessionaire Company
Essbio
María Luisa Brahm (ex-President of the Constitutional Court)
The Children’s Ombudsperson
National Copper Corporation of Chile (Codelco)
Work highlights
- Successfully defended The Children’s Ombudsperson (Patricia Muñoz), in relation to the request before the Supreme Court to remove her for alleged manifest and inexcusable negligence in the exercise of her functions.
- Assisted The Civil Registry and Identification Service in relation to its bidding process for the contracting of identification system and travel documents-related services.
- Advised energy company AES Andes on the public law aspects of a project in the Antofagasta region.
Barros & Errázuriz
The six-strong team at full-service firm Barros & Errázuriz handles administrative tariff-setting matters, contentious administrative proceedings, and administrative sanctioning procedures involving the natural gas, telecoms, electricity, water and wastewater, health and education sectors. Other areas of expertise range from administrative contracts, government liability and public procurement, to maritime concessions, government real estate and expert reports. The practice also houses experts in litigation (concerning government agencies), who act before the common tribunals and Courts of Appeals, as well as the Supreme Court and Comptroller General’s Office. The public, administrative law and economic regulation department is led by renowned Chilean arbitration expert José Tomás Errázuriz , while administrative law expert David Cademartori is the partner in charge of the public law team. Moreover, the firm has also significantly strengthened its constitutional practice, with the September-2022 hire of Juan José Romero , formerly a member of the Constiutional Tribunal from 2013-22 and the court’s President during the last two years of that period. At associate level, the dispute resolution practice of senior Andrea Batarce also includes contentious administrative proceedings.
Practice head(s):
José Tomás Errázuriz; David Cademartori
Testimonials
‘Experience and coherence, with unequivocal ethics as a hallmark of good service.‘
‘Extensive knowledge of public law processes, and the team concerns itself with the different aspects that clients must take into account when litigating.‘
Key clients
Oxiquim
Cooke Aquaculture Chile
Compañía Regional Aguas Marítimas
Compañia Minera Arbiodo
Colbún
Crystal Lagoons
Inmobiliaria El Plomo
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
Association of Career Diplomatic Officials (Ministry of External Affairs)
Metrogas
DirecTv Chile Televisión
Interchile
Nuevo Complejo Fronterizo Los Libertadores
Solvtrans Chile
Coordinador Eléctrico Nacional
Comisión Nacional de Energía
Grupo Brick
Tuin Inversiones
Delta Airlines
Inmobiliaria La Reserva
DiDi
Laboratorios
Work highlights
- Acts for Esval and Aguas del Valle in complex public law issues.
- Defended Cooke Aquaculture Chile against a sanctioning procedure, which was initiated by the Environmental Auhority for allegedly operating in an environmentally protected area without the necessary permits.
- Acting for Solvtrans Chile in relation to its conflict with ARMASUR, a maritime industry trade association.
Guerrero Olivos
The 10-strong practice at full-service firm Guerrero Olivos covers public law litigation, judicial reviews and representing clients before the regulatory bodies. The team also assists with public-bid processes and public procurement, and obtaining permits and approvals; its recent caseload includes matters in the mining, real estate and utilities, banking and finance, TMT, aquaculture and transport sectors. The practice is co-led by Eduardo Cordero , a specialist in constitutional and administrative law and regulated industries, who routinely assists with regulatory processes and transactional matters, and is experienced in filing reports before the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court; and José Gabriel Undurraga , whose recent workload includes advising on competitive tendering, public procurement and sanctioning. Further support is provided by projects-related public law expert Martín Santa María ; and associate Roberto Burgos , who assists with public procurement, litigation and transactional matters. In June 2022, the firm incorporated highly respected public law professor, Rosa Fernanda Gómez , as senior counsel in its public law and regulated markets practice.
Practice head(s):
Eduardo Cordero; José Gabriel Undurraga
Testimonials
‘Comprehensive knowledge of its subjects with clarity.‘
‘Ability to analyse the problem from different perspectives and anticipate scenarios.‘
‘Guerrero Olivos has a professional and experienced team, with specialists who are dedicated exclusively to this area – they also write academic publications and are recognised in the industry for it.‘
‘Solid work and direct involvement of both partners and associates through a collaborative work scheme with clients.‘
‘Eduardo Cordero is appreciated for his rigour and knowledge.‘
‘José Gabriel Undurraga and Roberto Burgos have great capacity for work.‘
Key clients
Empresa de Transporte Metropolitano de Santiago
Empresa Nacional del Petróleo
Antofagasta Minerals
Mutual de Seguros de Chile
Banco Falabella
Transelec
Aguas Andinas
Telefónica Group
Banco BCI
Compañía Siderúrgica Huachipato
Work highlights
- Assisted Metro with a process carried out by the General Comptroller’s Office.
- Acted for Empresa Nacional de Petróleos in a matter before the Superintendency of the Environment.
- Acted for Transelec in a challenging process before the Superintendency of Electricity and Fuels.
Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría
Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría‘s nine-strong public law practice acts for a broad range of clients on a range of work, but it particularly stands out for its expertise in administrative law-related dispute resolution, including major litigation before the Supreme Court, Courts of Appeals and Public Procurement Tribunal. Other recent work includes successfully advising on a bid for a concession over land on which a wind farm will be constructed; and the team is increasingly active in public procurement matters. Practice leader José Luis Lara focuses primarily on advising both public and private entities on administrative and constitutional law and public procurement issues; public law is also the main practice area of highly experienced senior counsel Guillermo Zavala . Dispute resolution director and counsel Jorge Femenías , a 2021 hire from ICFF Abogados; and experienced senior associates Matías Larroulet and Florencia Portales , are the other team members to note.
Practice head(s):
José Luis Lara
Testimonials
‘The firm’s lawyers transmit an excellent predisposition towards adopting our company’s usual practices, as well as high levels of knowledge in regulatory matters and public law, particularly in relation to telecoms and antitrust.‘
‘Excellent quality and services, with extensive knowledge of the subjects consulted upon and the practical application of sector knowledge. Proximity to the client in relation to the strategy and approach.‘
‘Extensive knowledge of the practical application of the rules, which makes the analysis and proposed strategy accurate. We also appreciate the direct involvement of the partner in charge of the matter.‘
‘José Luis Lara and senior associate Florencia Portales have both demonstrated extensive knowledge in regulatory matters and public law. We highlight their proactivity in advancing our interests, as well as their efficiency and speed in the face of urgent queries, and clear and complete answers. We especially value their direct approach to authorities and government agencies.‘
Key clients
Municipalidad Las Condes
Fresenius Kabi Chile
UC Christus
ENAP
SAP
Fundación Imagen Chile
Comercial Kaufmann
Metro
Inmobiliaria e Inversiones La Cumbre
Work highlights
- Assisted the Municipality of Las Condes in relation to complex disputes and trials with private entities.
- Advised Fresenius Kabi Chile on a dialysis treatments’ tender issued by Fondo Nacional de Salud.
- Assisting UC Christus with a sanctioning procedure initiated by a public health clinic further to an alleged breach of a tendered contract.
Allende Bascuñán & Cía
Regularly acting for both foreign and local companies in high-stakes administrative matters, Allende Bascuñán & Cía fields specialists in regulatory matters, litigation, public contracts and procurement. The broad sector expertise of the six-member practice covers utilities, mining, agriculture and food production, as well as power generation, distribution and transmission matters. Heading up the group, public law expert Felipe Bascuñán Montaner has substantial experience in regulatory matters involving energy, natural resources and electricity law; the associate to note, Joaquín Corvalán, routinely advises on constitutional and procedural law. Former partner Mauricio Vinuela departed the firm in July 2021.
Practice head(s):
Felipe Bascuñán Montaner
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
Asociación de Productores de Cerdos de Chile
Anglo American Chile
Agrícola El Carmen de Pucalán
Fundación Las Rosas
Mundo Sur
Lumina Copper Chile
TOC
Inmobiliaria Fundamenta
Inmobiliaria Armas
Asociación de Exportadores de Carne
Aguas Andina
Work highlights
- Advised Associated Universities on the bidding process to establish and incorporate an Institute of Clean Technologies.
- Acted for Fundación Las Rosas de Ayuda Fraterna in a constitutional action to declare inapplicable a legal precept that obliges the Municipality of Maipú to declare a plot as public land.
- Acted for Inmobilaria Fundamenta in an urban conflict that reached the Supreme Court in October 2020.
Bofill Mir Abogados
Further to the departure of former practice head Guillermo de la Jara in June 2021, Bofill Mir Abogados was one of three firms to emerge from the dissolution of Bofill, Mir & Álvarez Jana in March 2022; its public law department is now led by name partner Octavio Bofill. The team regularly assists with judicial reviews and litigation before the constitutional courts, as well as handling public procurement issues. Bofill oversees regulatory matters; and the practice of recently promoted director Cristián Franetovic includes urban planning and the regulation of sanitary and electrical public services. At senior associate level, Pablo Nogueira is the key figure and acts in constitutional and administrative litigation. Former practice head Jorge Barrera left in October 2022 (he is currently teaching in the US); and senior associate Daniela Severin also departed, moving into the public sector at Sistema de Empresas Públicas (SEP) in June.
Practice head(s):
Octavio Bofill
Testimonials
‘A team comprising expert lawyers in different subjects, who work very well together, utilising the knowledge and experience of each team member.‘
‘Always available to meet with other public law-related real estate players to discuss and seek solutions.‘
‘Excellent knowledge of public law and how to approach public officials.‘
‘A good, full service.‘
‘Senior associate Cristián Franetovic has very clear knowledge of public law and is always available to find solutions.‘
Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos
Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos‘ six-member regulatory law department comprises experts in the relationships between private companies and governmental agencies and institutions. The team is particularly focused on environmental matters and energy projects, while also offering assistance with matters ranging from gas distribution, water regulations, telecoms and retail, to medical devices, public procurement, urban planning, and the food and beverage sector. The practice is co-led by regulatory law specialist Gonzalo Jiménez , and Martín Astorga , whose track record includes sanctions proceedings before the administrative authorities, as well as related legal claims. At associate level, senior Verónica Cuadra , as well as Miguel Ortiz , Raúl Alvarez and Beatriz Prieto are all active team members.
Practice head(s):
Gonzalo Jiménez; Martín Astorga
Key clients
Sodexo
IBM
Nutreco
Enex
ATCO
Prolesur
Asociación Chilena de Operadores de Servicios por Suscripción
B Braun Medical
Medtronic Latin America
Work highlights
- Assisted Sodexo with the legal requirements to be met to enable its expansion in Chile.
- Assisted Asociación Chilena de Operadores de Servicios por Suscripción with filing a request to the General Comptroller of the Republic for an opinion on the legality of regulations.
- Advised IBM on the legal requirements to be met to comply with local regulations, in relation to a public procurement bidding process with Codelco (a government-owned mining company).
Cisternas Concha y Compania Abogados
Cisternas Concha y Compania Abogados' practice has extensive experience in constitutional and administrative law issues that arise during transactions, regulatory matters and due diligence processes, as well as in pre-litigation phases and judicial disputes. Group leader Mauricio Cisternas Morales is a former head of the local council division of the Regional Development Undersecretary; fellow founding partner Jaime Concha Puigrredon focuses on public law, public procurement and litigation in the Public Contracts Court; and Jaime Pilowsky Greene is a former chief of staff at the Ministry of the Interior. The second line of advisers includes Juan Pablo Solorza Kojakovic, an experienced administrative and regulatory law practitioner.
Practice head(s):
Mauricio Cisternas Morales
Testimonials
‘The ability to address with a sense of urgency and timeliness the defence of corporate and institutional interests in specialised litigation areas, such as the Public Procurement Court.‘
‘They quickly adapt and understand the scope and implications of the matters entrusted to them, with high levels of willingness and flexibility to meet, analyse and attend to the different types of requirements made.‘
‘They have high degrees of specialisation and proven experience in consulting and litigation involving public procurement and contracting.‘
Key clients
Servicio Electoral
Superintendencia de Casinos de Juego
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
Asociación de Municipalidades de Chile
A3 Electric Mobility
Gobierno Regional Metropolitano de Santiago
Work highlights
- Acted for Superintendencia de Casino de Juego in relation to multiple cases brought by industry players seeking an automatic right-of-renewal of their 15-year authorisations as operators.
- Assisted Servicio Electoral with its judicial defence of a challenge to the tender for the Data Transmission Network Elections 2020-2021.
Correa Squella
Particularly focused on litigation matters, Correa Squella‘s four-member public law practice ‘handles a large number of legal matters and its advice is versatile and innovative‘. Moreover, ‘although it is a small team, it has a great capacity for work and advises excellent clients‘. It has notable sector expertise in real estate, port regulations, gaming casinos, and energy and utilities. Founding partner Juan Ignacio Correa is a business disputes, regulatory conflicts and free competition expert; while fellow name partner Carolina Squella‘s practice includes urban planning, infrastructure and concessions, along with particular niche expertise in the ports segment. The practice of ‘young and enormously competent‘ senior associate, Juan Francisco Sánchez covers a wide range of public law matters, such as constitutional and administrative law, public law litigation, state liability, and authorisations and public concessions. Moreover, in a sign of the firm’s intention’s to further develop and expand the practice, in August 2022 it hired two young associates – Antonia Cabrera and César Alarcón – who will be fully dedicated to the practice. Recent matters saw Sánchez arguing the case on behalf of client Empresa Portuaria San Antonio (EPSA) at the Supreme Court in the ongoing ‘Patio Barrancas’ case, concerning the logistics sector.
Practice head(s):
Juan Ignacio Correa; Juan Francisco Sánchez
Testimonials
‘Solid experience and problem-solving skills.‘
‘The lawyers are creative, write well, express ideas very well and execute excellently.‘
‘The public law team handles a large number of legal matters, and its advice is versatile and innovative. Although it is a small team, it has a great capacity for work and advises excellent clients.‘
Key clients
Transelec
Luzparral
Chilquinta
Colbún
AFP Capital
Empresa Portuaria San Antonio
Viña Cousiño Macul
Agrícola Santa Isabel
Empresa Portuaria Austral
Empresa Portuaria Puerto Montt
Empresa Portuaria Chacabuco
Felipe Irarrazával Ovalle
Work highlights
- Defended a wind farm’s environmental assessment resolutions before the Supreme Court.
- Acted for a real estate developer in class actions against its permits and authorisations.
- Successfully opposed a luxury real estate development.
DLA Piper Chile
‘Capable of proposing solid solutions', DLA Piper Chile's public law practice provides assistance with the obtaining of operational authorisations; administrative procedures before various authorities and agencies; regulatory reports; and public entities’ bidding processes. Additional key areas include food product labelling, consumer claims and public law litigation. The team is led by regulated markets and administrative law specialist, Felipe Bahamondez; while senior associate and regulatory expert Paulina Farías is ‘a lawyer who has great knowledge of various regulations', and whose recent track record includes assisting several companies with allocations of services, and telecoms and electricity sector-related bids.
Practice head(s):
Felipe Bahamondez
Testimonials
‘DLA Piper Chile’s public law team stands out for responding quickly and concisely to very specific industry requirements.‘
‘Capable of proposing solid solutions and answers to complex and novel problems.‘
‘Practicality, speed of responses and excellent quality.‘
‘Senior associate Paulina Farías is a lawyer who has great knowledge of various regulations, which allows her to draw interesting conclusions when facing problems that are not easy to resolve.‘
Key clients
Oil-Dri Corporation of America
Advanced Sterilization Products
Work highlights
- Assisting Oil-Dri Corporation of America with several filings for the registration of products before the Agricultural and Livestock Service.
- Advised Advanced Sterilization Products on the execution of several contracts with public entities for the provision of supplies for public health facilities.
Prieto Abogados
Prieto Abogados' ‘very good' ten-strong practice has broad experience in public law-related dispute resolution, sanctioning proceedings, regulatory-review issues during transactions, and clients’ relations with authorities. Clients additionally benefit from the team’s ongoing analysis of new rulings and regulations. Elevated to the partnership in January 2022, environmental law specialist Agustín Martorell regularly assists companies before governmental authorities and agencies, including advising on permitting issues, administrative procedures, environmental judicial actions and environmental assessment processes. Former counsel Juan Pablo Riesco (‘an exceptional lawyer with in-depth knowledge') was promoted to director of the firm’s administrative litigation practice in December 2021, and routinely advises national and international companies on contentious regulatory and administrative matters.
Practice head(s):
Agustín Martorell; Juan Pablo Riesco
Testimonials
‘It has managed to grow, while managing the pandemic in a good way, and has even further strengthened trust with its clients, which is highly valuable.‘
‘Prieto is a very good office. In public law, it stands above others because it has vast experience in these matters as the firm has many regulated clients. I have had to work with the team on conflicts and its lawyers handle this area perfectly.‘
‘Innovative responses and clear deadlines – always available.‘
‘An office at the highest level – I want to highlight director Juan Pablo Riesco, who is an exceptional lawyer with in-depth knowledge, good legal judgement, extraordinary strategic vision and great professional ethics.‘
‘Juan Pablo Riesco manages to gain the client’s trust in a very good way.‘
‘I would highlight the work ethic of the lawyers, especially that of Juan Pablo Riesco, whose knowledge of complex matters and adoption of legally sound and solid strategies ultimately differentiate him from the rest.‘
‘Juan Pablo Riesco is a very comprehensive, available and sincere lawyer.‘
‘Juan Pablo Riesco is a truly excellent lawyer.‘
Key clients
Metlife/Vivocorp
Transmisora Eléctrica del Norte
Mantos Copper
Alimentos y Bebidas Chile
Plaza
Coulson Aviation
Vivocorp
YPF Chile
Engie Energía Chile
Delivery Hero Chile
Work highlights
- Assisted Metlife/Vivocorp with obtaining a reduction to a construction fine.
- Assisting Transmisora Eléctrica del Norte with two different compliance programmes, which relate to administrative environmental sanctioning proceedings.
- Assisting Vivocorp with the environmental permission for a major infrastructure project.
Baker McKenzie Chile
Acting for both companies and statutory bodies, the five-member practice at Baker McKenzie Chile comprises practitioners with notable backgrounds in constitutional, administrative and human rights law. It regularly advises clients from highly regulated sectors, such as healthcare, insurance, infrastructure, construction, mining, defence and pharmaceuticals; and routinely defends its clients’ interests before the Constitutional Court, as well as ordinary and special tribunals. Leading the team, contentious expert Rodrigo Díaz de Valdés, who currently heads the firm’s dispute resolution group in Latin America, has longstanding experience in constitutional, public and administrative law.
Practice head(s):
Rodrigo Díaz de Valdés
Key clients
AFP Habitat
Continental Tires
The President of the Republic
Takeda
Isapre Consalud
Viña Concha y Toro
Asociación de AFP de Chile
Ohio National Seguros de Vida
Bupa Chile
Astaldi
Work highlights
- Acted for AFP Habitat (before the Court of Appeals of Santiago) in proceedings concerning freedom of expression for private entities.
- Successfully represented the President of the Republic before the Constitutional Court, which declared that certain articles of the Childhood Guarantees Act breached the Constitution, as they posed a threat to parents’ rights over their children’s education.
- Assisting Astaldi Sucursal Chile (part of Italy’s Webuild group) with administrative contentious litigation against the Health Authority, which concerned contractual obligations involving the Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau.
Clyde & Co
Formed following the merger of Halperin Pino and Grasty Quintana Majlis (which alread had an association with the London-based insurance giant) in August 2022, Clyde & Co fields a public law and regulatory practice with expertise across a broad range of industries, including securities, insurance, pharmaceuticals and retail. It is particularly active in assisting clients (on a day-to-day basis) with their interactions with public agencies, and the team routinely acts in administrative proceedings and related litigation. Regularly acting in complex and high-profile cases, practice head Jorge Meneses combines his strong dispute resolution credentials with public law expertise. The practice of senior associate Andrés Cabello also covers public and administrative law proceedings.
Practice head(s):
Jorge Meneses
Testimonials
‘Jorge Meneses stands out for his handling of public matters and ability to anticipate the State’s offensives with different strategies.‘
Key clients
Feller Rate Clasificadora de Riesgo
Laboratorio Maver
Tepillé
Constructora Bimoli
Orión Seguros Generales
Nike de Chile
Hendrix Genetics Aquaculture
Farmacias Omari
Work highlights
- Representing Feller Rate in relation to its alleged role in the La Polar case (a major accounting fraud that occurred in 2011 in Chile), which includes defence in administrative law cases.
- Assists Laboratorio Maver with its day-to-day interactions with the Public Health Institute, as well as administrative proceedings and litigation.
- Acted for Constructora Bimoli in administrative law proceedings concerning the termination of a construction contract.
Colombara Estrategia Legal
Unwinding from Rivadeneira Colombara Zegers (RCZ), Ciro Colombara, who frequently litigates before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals and the Constitutional Court, launched Colombara Estrategia Legal in mid-2022, taking with him former RCZ complex litigation director Aldo Díaz -whose practice includes civil, commercial and contentious administrative matters- as partner. The new firm continues to act in major cases involving politicians and public figures. It is the first firm in Latin America to operate a virtual office located in the “Metaverse”.
Fleischmann & Román Abogados
Fleischmann & León Abogados is now known as Fleischmann & Román Abogados, following the early 2022 departure of former co-founding partner Juan Ignacio León for Ontier Chile. The capable practice remains focused primarily on the construction of public works and public work concessions, along with associated disputes; it is particularly active in matters involving public infrastructure, such as penitentiaries, hospitals, airports, highways and desalination plants. Hernán Fleischmann Chadwick is a construction and projects specialist, who assists with non-contentious and contentious public law matters; and associate Cristián Repetti Aravena advises public institutions and private companies on public works contracts and public works concession agreements.
Garrigues Chile
Led by of counsel and public law and administrative law specialist, Claudio Moraga, Garrigues Chile's practice routinely advises concessionaire companies on concession contracts with the Ministry of Public Works. It also assists clients with public tenders and the implementation of public-private partnerships in the toll roads, telecoms, public transport and airports sectors. The team additionally represents clients in administrative proceedings and litigation with public bodies. Key support is provided by principal associate Sebastián Hassi, who advises on public tenders, administrative sanctions and administrative procedures; and senior associate Francisco Irarrázaval, who assists with energy and natural resources-related administrative law matters.
Practice head(s):
Claudio Moraga
Key clients
Rutas del Loa
Gtd Intesis
Intervial Chile
Ruta del Maule Sociedad Concesionaria
Ruta del Bosque Sociedad Concesionaria
Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María
Ruta de la Araucanía Sociedad Concesionaria
Ruta de los Ríos Sociedad Concesionaria
Work highlights
- Assisting GTD Intesis with its participation in several different public tenders, as well as the subsequent performance of the public procurement contract.
- Advising Intervial on the development of a private initiative for an 86km highway, which included advising on the process with the Ministry of Public Works.
- Assisted Ruta del Maule Sociedad Concesionaria with the organisation of a private tender to select a construction company for a contract for works for the Talca-Chillán section of Ruta 5 Sur.
Gómez, Pallavicini y García
Founded in 2018, specialist public law boutique Gómez, Pallavicini y García routinely assists private and public companies (and state entities) with administrative and constitutional law matters (and associated litigation). Other key areas include urban law, natural resources, regulatory compliance, anti-corruption, and public policy design issues. The principal advisers are name partners Gastón Gómez B, whose recent experience includes advising a national urban transport company on Santiago’s public transport tender process; administrative and constitutional law expert Julio Pallavicini (a former member of the Tercera Sala of the Supreme Court); and José Francisco García, whose experience includes advising a transport technology platform on sectoral regulations. Experienced associate Francisco Cañas is also noted.
Lembeye
Lembeye recruited Guillermo de la Jara in July 2021 (from the former Bofill, Mir, Álvarez & Jana) to head up the firm’s TMT, public law, regulated markets and competition law practice. De la Jara routinely advises on administrative law, as well as contentious administrative disputes before the higher courts of justice, special courts and decision-making bodies, such as the Constitutional Court. He also has extensive experience in assisting public and private sector clients with regulated matters concerning state powers, public contracts, administrative sanctions, and interactions with public agencies.
Practice head(s):
Guillermo de la Jara
Key clients
Universidad Alberto Hurtado
Biwo Renovables
Asociación Nacional de Diálisis Independiente
Río Explorations
Terquim
Itelecom Holding Chile
Instituto Hebreo
Sociedad Agrícola Mesquihué
Fondo de Infraestructura
Work highlights
- Advised the Universidad Alberto Hurtado on several matters concerning the regulations for higher education.
- Advising Biwo Renovables on the development of electricity generation projects, which includes different requests to the Superintendency of Electricity and Fuels.
- Assists Asociación Nacional de Diálisis Independiente (on an ongoing basis) on regulatory and public law matters.
MOMAG Abogados
Acting for central government (and its agencies) and private sector entities, MOMAG Abogados is a public law and regulatory law boutique that houses specialists in administrative and constitutional law, as well as dispute resolution - particularly in relation to urban planning, public works, concession contracts and public procurement. Former General Comptroller of the Republic, Ramiro Mendoza Zúñiga, is a renowned regulated-industries and public law expert; and former General Comptroller of the Republic deputy general counsel, Pedro Aguerrea, advises on administrative law and regulated industries-related matters.
Osorio Vargas & Abogados
Founded in 2018, specialist public law boutique Osorio Vargas & Abogados handles the full range of administrative and constitutional law work. The practice fields highly regarded experts in competition, environmental, labour and mining law, as well as the regulated markets and related litigation and arbitration issues. Other key areas include administrative contracting, administrative sanctions and electoral law, along with citizen participation issues. Experienced partners Gabriel Osorio, Cristóbal Osorio and Daniel Contreras, all of whom are active in constitutional and administrative litigation, are the key practitioners; all three have former public-sector role experience.
Riquelme, Silva & Fuentes
Founded as recently as April 2021 by three former Reymond & Cía partners, Riquelme, Silva & Fuentes' public law practice focuses on assisting clients with all aspects of their relations with the Chilean State; the seven-strong team fields specialists in administrative and public regulation, along with litigation at all levels, including the Supreme Court and Constitutional Tribunal. Heading up the group, Rodrigo Riquelme (who also leads the firm’s dispute resolution department), routinely acts in matters before the Technical Review Board on Public Works Concessions; while construction law and dispute resolution expert Diego Fuentes González is experienced in public works concessions’ arbitration commissions.
Practice head(s):
Rodrigo Riquelme Yáñez
Key clients
Ruta Del Limarí
Consorcio Embalse Chironta
República Federativa de Brasil
Besalco Construcciones
Rutas del Algarrobo
Autopista de los Andes
Rutas Nahuelbuta
Sacyr Concesiones Chile
Empresa Constructora Trébol – Arauco
Consorcio Hospital de Talca
Work highlights
- Acted for Sociedad Concesionaria Rutas del Limarí in challenging a series of fines imposed by the Ministry of Public Works of the State of Chile.
- Assisted Consorcio Embalse Chironta with the construction of a reservoir and its ongoing conflict with the Chilean State.
- Acted for República Federativa de Brasil in a matter concerning a building in Chile that has been declared a national monument.
Vergara y Cia
Vergara y Cia is a specialist administrative law boutique with a strong track record in mining, water and energy sector-related matters. The practice covers a broad range of public law advisory and contentious matters, including relevant regulatory issues. Highly regarded name partner Alejandro Vergara Blanco routinely assists with public law, legal opinions and audits, along with arbitration, and representation before state entities and courts. Also integral to the group is former General Water Directorate lawyer Gonzalo Muñoz Escudero.