Carey’s wide-ranging public law practice covers administrative and constitutional law, along with Chile’s regulated markets and high-stakes litigation. The team’s representative workload encompasses administrative and constitutional litigation, constitutional rights, and public procurement and public concessions. In litigation, the team regularly appears before the Ordinary Courts, Court of Appeals and Supreme Court, along with Expert Panels, the Constitutional Court, Public Procurement Court, Transparency Council, and General Comptroller of the Republic. It is also consistently mandated on sanctioning procedures, regulatory compliance, state-owned companies’ regulations, and legislative enactments. The group is co-led by senior counsel Patricio Zapata, a renowned specialist in administrative, constitutional, and regulatory law, whose experience includes serving as a President of the Citizen Council of Observers of the Constituent Process (under President Michelle Bachele’s second term); and Ignacio Gillmore, an expert in administrative contracts, public tenders and administrative litigation. From the firm’s enviable associate pool, senior Juan Ignacio Alarcón advises on regulatory issues, sanctioning procedures, public policy, and administrative contracting and concessions; while Sergio Cifuentes, Martin Canessa, Carolina Baeza and José Ignacio Millañir all maintain active public law practices. Since publication the team has been further strengthened with the hire of administrative law specialist Camilo Lledó (formerly at Chahuán Letelier Lledó) as a partner - effective as of Janaury 2024.
Public law in Chile
Carey
Practice head(s):
Patricio Zapata; Ignacio Gillmore
Key clients
Arauco
Ontario
Track
Strabag
Metrogas
ANFP
Sun Dreams
Melón
GNL Quintero
Work highlights
- Advised Arauco on a series of conferences with Arauco’s board of directors regarding Chile’s proposed new Constitution.
- Advised Track Group on the bidding process for the Telematic Monitoring of Convicts contract (carried out by the Gendarmería de Chile).
- Assisted Metrogas with a legal report regarding the unconstitutionality of certain rules contained in the Natural Gas Bill.
Estudio Fermandois
One of the first law firms in Chile to specialise in public law and economic regulation, Estudio Fermandois’ 11-strong team has a prominent record in public law litigation, along with legal opinions on complex private-public conflicts. Major highlights include litigation surrounding Covid-19 emergency legislation, as well as the involvement of the firm’s partners in Chile’s Constitution-making process. Founding partner and former Chilean Ambassador to the US, Arturo Fermandois, is a renowned specialist in public law, dispute resolution, and the regulated sectors; and José Manuel Díaz de Valdés is a well-known constitutional law expert. Providing additional partner-level support are Domingo Poblete, who regularly leads associate teams during Constitutional Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court cases; and environmental law practice head Ignacio Urbina, an August 2022 recruit from Barros & Errázuriz. From the firm’s associate ranks, both Cristóbal Zepeda and Andrés Vodanovic focus on constitutional and economic regulatory matters.
Key clients
Penta Vida Compañía de Seguros de Vida
Enel Distribución Chile
COPEC
Isapre Colmena
Concremag
Municipality of Providencia
Cencosud
Uber
Uber Eats
Minera Los Pelambres
Conix
Work highlights
- Representing Uber and Uber Eats in two fundamental rights-related writs against a regulation issued by the Labour Relations Agency.
- Co-represented Penta Vida and 4 Life in their constitutional conflict-related judicial claims.
- Acted for Enel Distribución in its challenge against a law-mandated moratorium on the disconnection of domestic clients, which was initially imposed as an emergency Covid-19-related measure but was subsequently extended twice.
Barros & Errázuriz
With ‘an unmatched level of knowledge of public law practice’, Barros & Errázuriz’s public, administrative law and economic regulation department is particularly focused on constitutional and administrative law, as well as economic regulation. Its representative experience ranges from tariff-setting administrative procedures and contentious administrative proceedings, to administrative sanctioning procedures concerning the natural gas, telecoms, electricity, healthcare, education, and water and wastewater sectors. Other areas of strength include administrative contracts, government liability, public procurement, and maritime concessions. The widely-respected group is co-led by arbitration specialist José Tomás Errázuriz and David Cademartori, whose ‘level of knowledge is difficult to find’. Cademartori’s experience encompasses administrative proceedings before government entities, and civil and administrative litigation before Chile’s ordinary courts of justice. The associates to note are public law-focused senior Martin Gutiérrez, along with Marissa Baldazzi, Valeria Donoso, Cristóbal Millar, and Cristián Dorador (‘an excellent lawyer with a bright future’). The firm also boosted its constitutional offering recently, with the September-2022 hire of former Constitutional Court president, Juan José Romero.
Practice head(s):
José Tomás Errázuriz; David Cademartori
Testimonials
‘An unmatched level of knowledge of public law practice, which makes it unique in terms of conflict resolution – the team handles the law, jurisprudence and opinions of public bodies very well.‘
‘Lawyers that give clients peace of mind that they are in good hands.‘
‘David Cademartori’s level of knowledge is difficult to find, and he gives very practical answers to problems that arise – a lot of knowledge of jurisprudence and the functioning of public bodies.‘
‘Associate Cristián Dorador is an excellent lawyer with a bright future – always fast and efficient attention, and with clear answers.‘
Key clients
Esval
Aguas del Valle
Cooke Aquaculture Chile
Solvtrans Chile
Inmobiliaria Costa Calán
Delta Airlines (Chilean Branch)
Essbio
Directv Chile Televisión
Laboratorios Andrómaco
Inmobiliaria La Reserva
Oxiquim
Grupo Pasmar
Comercializadora P&E Soluciones Industriales
Work highlights
- Assisting Esval with a proceeding before the Ministry of Defense that seeks to renew a maritime concession in Higuerillas, (Valparaíso Region).
- Defended Cooke Aquaculture Chile against an administrative sanctioning procedure.
- Assisted Solvtrans Chile with filing a claim before the Valparaíso Civil Courts, requesting the annulment of the cancellation of the registration of two Solvtrans Chile vessels.
Cisternas Concha y Compania Abogados
The six-strong team at Cisternas Concha y Compania Abogados routinely acts for the Superintendencia de Casinos de Juegos (Gambling Casinos Authority) in public litigation and regulatory matters. The firm’s client base also comprises central and local government agencies. The team is led by Mauricio Cisternas Morales, whose current practice encompasses acting for both municipalities and Chilean public services, as well as advising private sector electricity and construction clients on administrative law. Fellow founding partner Jaime Concha Puigrredon, an expert in public law and Public Procurement Court litigation is also key to the group, as is Jaime Pilowsky Greene, who specialises in public law, probity and transparency, along with litigation before Chile’s Superior Courts of Justice. At associate level, senior Maximiliano Ravest Ibarra and Cristián Rodríguez Gángale are 2022 hires from the Undersecretary of Regional and Administrative Development and the UDD Constitutional Justice Centre (respectively), while Juan Pablo Solorza Kojakovic moved in house at Compagnia Generale di Elettricità.
Practice head(s):
Mauricio Cisternas Morales
Testimonials
‘The team has solid and permanently updated knowledge and a strong spirit of work and responsibility. Its innovation is to be fully up to date with the most recent legislation, doctrine and jurisprudence so as to be able to predict with great certainty the decisions of the Higher Courts on a particular case.‘
‘Mauricio Cisternas, being a university professor in his area of practice, is permanently updated in doctrine and jurisprudence, and also has a great capacity for multidisciplinary teamwork. Jaime Concha, has a great ability to work under pressure as sometimes required by this practice area, is assertive and with an outstanding capacity for teamwork, as well as having solid knowledge.‘
‘They have consolidated and proven experience in the matters entrusted to them along with a strategic vision of how to address and resolve them.‘
Key clients
Servicio Electoral
Superintendencia de Casinos de Juego
Municipalidad de Lo Barnechea
Municipalidad de Puente Alto
Corporación Municipal de Educación, Salud y Atención de Menores de Puente Alto
Corporación Municipal Yunus de Peñalolén
Municipalidad de Huechuraba
Municipalidad de Peñalolén
Municipalidad de La Reina
Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Occidente
Municipalidad de Pumanque
Work highlights
- Acted for the Superintendence of Gaming Casinos in relation to permit renewals.
- Defended Servicio Electoral against a challenge to the bidding process for the Election 2020-2021 Data Transmission Network service.
- Acted for Grupo Colgram before the General Comptroller of the Republic (and before the courts of justice), in relation to the correct application of the law on the application of municipal tax reductions.
FerradaNehme
With ‘great technical knowledge of regulatory, administrative and constitutional law', FerradaNehme's public law and government practice encompasses expertise in administrative law, economic regulation and litigation; while recent mandates include both environmental and urban planning issues. Following the January 2023 departure of former partner and practice co-head Luis Cordero to become Minister of Justice and Human Rights, the department is co-led by public and environmental law expert Josefina Court, whose career includes serving in the Legislative Office of the Presidency of Chile; and José Tomás Correa, who advises public agencies and private companies on administrative matters, administrative sanctioning procedures, and the regulated markets. Promoted to director level in May 2022, Fernanda Skewes focuses on regulatory work, administrative procedures, concessions, and administrative sanctioning and contentious proceedings before the Comptroller General of the Republic and the Superior Courts of Justice.
Practice head(s):
Josefina Court; José Tomás Correa
Testimonials
‘Much handling of country issues, public policy and administrative acts. Management of the energy sector and regulatory coherence.‘
‘Human and empathic people in their work and manner. Fernanda Skewes, the best lawyer.‘
‘Ferrada Nehme has an excellent team of professionals related to public and regulatory law. They have a deep knowledge of the issues, and provide a timely response to the requirements that are formulated.‘
‘José Tomás Correa stands out in the field of public law, coordinating and managing different tasks within the office.‘
‘Great technical knowledge on regulatory, administrative and constitutional aspects, in the national market.‘
‘Jose Tomas Correa. Closeness in his relationship with customers and great specialised knowledge.‘
‘We believe that FerradaNehme is a firm that stands out in this area of practice, characterised by its professionalism and for being at the forefront in relation to other firms.‘
‘We highlight Joaquín Carbone, a young lawyer of professional excellence. He makes the firm stand out further because of his ability to study, to be constantly updated and to keep clients updated.‘
Key clients
AES Andes
Transelec
National Copper Corporation of Chile
San Antonio Port Company
National Energy Commission
Municipality of Renca
Claro and VTR joint venture
Moller & Perez -Cotapo
Eurocorp
Transbank
Work highlights
- Assisted The Municipality of Renca with an urban conflict that concerned a new Communal Regulatory Plan, which resulted in a claim for alleged legal violations committed within the legislation that approved the plan.
- Advised AES Andes on the set of applicable rules and territorial compatibility issues, which concern the development of a project in the Antofagasta region.
- Represented Transelec in the filing of two claims of illegality before the Court of Appeals of Santiago (against sanctions by the Superintendency of Electricity and Fuels for alleged violations of the General Law of Electricity Services).
Guerrero Olivos
Guerrero Olivos’ sizeable 11-lawyer public law practice consistently acts for private, publicly-listed and state-owned companies from highly-regulated sectors, such as mining, oil and gas, power, public utilities, financial services, healthcare, insurance, and telecoms. The team’s representative expertise covers defence-side public law litigation, judicial reviews, and representation before regulatory bodies. It also advises on public bids and public procurement matters, along with assisting with administrative procedures to obtain permits. Jointly heading the group, renowned constitutional and administrative lawyer Eduardo Cordero is sought out particularly to file reports before the Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court, the Constitutional Court, and Comptroller General of the Republic; and José Gabriel Undurraga is a specialist in both administrative litigation and public procurement work. Administrative law professor Rosa Fernanda Gómez is a 2022 senior counsel hire who advises on administrative law penalties, along with urban, environmental, and municipal law matters; while senior associate Roberto Burgos focuses exclusively on regulatory and public law.
Practice head(s):
Eduardo Cordero; José Gabriel Undurraga
Testimonials
‘I have dealt with several law offices. Guerrero & Olivos (G&O) presents itself with a team of various specialties that provides me with possible solutions. At other offices its 1 or 2 interlocutors with the possible solution(s), limiting my ability to inquire further.‘
‘At G&O, José Undurraga has a team with specialists in each area with whom you can interact simultaneously so as to reach solutions faster.‘
‘The firm has a professor (Rosa Fernanda Gómez) who is an expert in public law and who is constantly updated from an academic, regulatory, media, and electricity industry point of view.‘
‘Eduardo Cordero, stands out for his good legal judgment, theoretical and practical knowledge, agile understanding of the matters on which he is consulted; his responses are diligent and appropriate in terms of timeliness, length and practical utility.‘
‘High level of knowledge of the partner who attends us. Currently he is already a highly cited professional in the academy as in dispute resolution related to public law.‘
‘Competence and speed of attention.‘
Key clients
Empresa Nacional de Petróleos
Australis Mar
Antofagasta Minerals
Colmena Golden Cross
Mowi
Chilquinta
CGE
Banco BCI
Mutual de Seguros de Chile
Aguas Andinas
Asociación de Locatarios de Alonso de Córdova
Telefónica
Banco Falabella
Casa de Moneda
Salmones Blumar
CCU
Novaguas
Bodegas San Martín
Work highlights
- Defended energy distribution, transmission and generation company Chilquinta against public law litigation before the Superintendence of Electricity and Fuels, which imposed a very large fine on the company (based on the number of consumers affected by a storm-related service outage.
- Assisted the mining arm of London Stock Exchange-listed company, Antofagasta, with an administrative sanctioning procedure before the General National Mobilisation Directorate of the Chilean Ministry of Defence, as well as with administrative procedures initiated by the National Forestry Corporation.
- Assisted health insurance institution Colmena Golden Cross with high-stakes public law litigation, which concerned a constitutional action filed against several health insurance companies (in relation to health plan price increases).
Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría
‘A team with solid knowledge’, the public law department at full-service international law firm Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría is particularly active in administrative law disputes, and -of late- increasingly involved in urban affairs (on behalf of real estate companies) and public procurement issues. Recent mandates also include acting for telecoms clients, as well as a raft of state agencies and state-owned enterprises. The 10-strong team is led by José Luis Lara, a longstanding expert in public procurement, and administrative and constitutional law. Lara is flanked by public law-focused senior counsel Guillermo Zavala, who also advises on related areas, such as environmental law, regulatory work, public procurement, and municipal and urban law; and counsel Jorge Femenías, a dispute resolution director who is experienced in environmental damage-related liability issues, administrative sanctioning law, and negotiations involving Chile’s public authorities. At senior associate level, Matías Larroulet and Florencia Portales are also key group team members.
Practice head(s):
José Luis Lara
Testimonials
‘A team with solid knowledge of the public/administrative area, which is well positioned within the market and fields lawyers with experience in different areas.‘
‘Lawyers with extensive experience in several areas.‘
‘Great public law knowledge.’
‘Excellent relationship and coordination with the client. A great deal of knowledge from the partners and associates, not only of the matter to hand, but also of the market, the environment, the entities involved, and the people linked to this space – this greatly facilitates the work, especially when compared with other law firms.’
‘The whole team is very willing to work together and has very good strategic vision.’
‘PPU has a very good regulatory law team. It has professionals who are specialised in different areas and its sub-areas are well-organised, which makes the work efficient and of quality.’
‘Excellent mastery of the subjects by the entire team. José Luis Lara is highlighted for being personally involved in the issues, as well as the dedication of senior associates Matías Larroulet and Florencia Portales.‘
‘Matías Larroulet has outstanding skills in constitutional and customs matters, and his availability to solve complex queries is especially valued.’
Key clients
UC Christus
Globenet Cabos Submarinos Chile
Enap (Empresa Nacional del Petróleo)
Fundación Ciudad del Niño
SAP Chile
Inmobiliaria del Puerto
Comercial Kaufmann
Metro
Municipalidad Las Condes
Minera Los Pelambres
Work highlights
- Currently assisting Ventisqueros with a legal action against the Undersecretary of the Armed Forces, in relation to the expiration of a concession for installing a salmon farm in Chiloe (due to lack of activity).
- Assisting Globenet Cabos Submarinos with obtaining a telecoms concession.
- Defended Fundación Ciudad del Niño against an invalidation proceeding initiated by the Municipality of San Miguel Urbanistic Department, in relation to construction project-related licenses.
Allende Bascuñán & Cía
The five-lawyer practice at Allende Bascuñán & Cía is highly experienced in public contracts, procurement issues, regulatory work, and litigation. The ‘committed‘ group is routinely sought out by both international and domestic clients on major administrative and regulatory matters concerning the mining, agriculture and food production sectors. It is also experienced in public law issues concerning social security administration, public utilities, and energy. Heading the department, Felipe Bascuñán Montaner‘s regulatory expertise encompasses public law, energy, natural resources and electricity law; while at associate level, senior Diego Miranda is a recent lawyer hire from Chile’s Environmental Assessment Service.
Practice head(s):
Felipe Bascuñán Montaner
Testimonials
‘Good teamwork, with interaction in different specialties that makes clients feel safe and very well advised.’
‘The willingness and effort to understand clients’ problems, together with the ability to form a long-term view when defining strategy, are remarkable.‘
‘Committed set of lawyers, who cater to specific needs and provide prompt and excellent service.‘
Key clients
Associated Universities Inc
Fundación Las Rosas de Ayuda Fraterna
Food Group
Signify Chilena
Philips Chilena
Asprocer
Constructora Casablanca
Agrosuper
Soquimich
SCM Minera Lumina Copper Chile – Caserones
GMTO
Work highlights
- Advised Associate Universities on the CORFO-sponsored bidding process to establish and build a Clean Technology Institute.
- Assisted non-profit organisation Fundación Las Rosas de Ayuda Fraterna with the filing of an appeal before the Constitutional Court, to declare inapplicable a legal precept that obliges the Municipality of Maipú to declare land belonging to the Las Rosas Foundation to be of public utility.
- Acted for Food Group, Fino Mornasco and Macrofood in actions to restore their powdered milk products in the public system (after a bid for one-third of the country’s public education system removed all powdered milks and powdered milk-based food).
Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos
The regulatory law practice at full-service law firm Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos fields specialists in defence-side work involving administrative sanctions, or inspections conducted by Chile’s Health Authority, Superintendencies and Under-Secretariats. The team additionally assists with analysing the legality of regulatory provisions; report preparation; and defending the rights of individuals and legal entities before the State Administration (through judicial and administrative appeals). The department’s principal figures are infrastructure project expert Gonzalo Jiménez, who advises on environmental impact studies, concessions, permits, and other administrative authorisations; and Martín Astorga, an experienced adviser on administrative authorities’ sanctions proceedings. Senior associate Verónica Cuadra routinely advises on regulatory, environmental and energy law issues.
Clyde & Co
Clyde & Co was launched during 2022 following the merger of Halperin Pino and Grasty Quintana Majlis (the latter firm previously in association with London-headquartered global law firm Clyde & Co). The Santiago office houses sector experts in insurance, pharma and construction, while providing ongoing advice on matters involving public agencies. The four-member team also acts for clients during administrative proceedings, including litigation. Leader of the Santiago office’s public, administrative and regulatory law practice, Jorge Meneses, acts for rating agencies, auditing companies and board members before Chile’s Supervisory Authority; and senior consultant Jorge Burgos’s experience includes serving as Interior and Public Security Minister during President Michelle Bachelet’s second term. At associate level, senior Andrés Cabello is the firm’s litigation, arbitration and public law legal director, while Ignacio Arriagada’s disputes practice covers constitutional and regulatory proceedings.
Practice head(s):
Jorge Meneses
Key clients
Feller Rate Clasificadora de Riesgo
Laboratorio Maver
Constructora Bimoli
Alto del Sol
Hendrix Genetics Aquaculture
Orión Seguros Generales
Servicios Alimenticios Hendaya
Work highlights
- Defended Feller Rate Clasificadora de Riesgo against a risk classification-related fine imposed by the Superintendence of Insurance and Securities in Chile.
- Assisted Laboratorio Maver with the processing of application documents before Chile’s Institute of Public Health.
- Represented Constructora Bimoli, a contractor of National Board of Nursery/Kindergarten, in judicial and administrative proceedings.
Correa Squella
Fielding ‘very versatile' lawyers, Correa Squella's practice ‘can address a wide spectrum of public law issues'. Best known for its litigation prowess, the four-member group handles complex disputes concerning planning permission and building control issues. It is also active in relation to energy and utilities, port regulations, and casinos. An expert in business disputes, regulatory conflicts and competition, name partner Juan Ignacio Correa heads-up the department. Former senior associate and co-head Juan Francisco Sánchez departed the firm in March 2023.
Practice head(s):
Juan Ignacio Correa
Testimonials
‘It is a very good firm. Its members have solid legal knowledge and are extremely diligent.‘
‘Lawyers that are very versatile, since they can address a wide spectrum of public law issues.‘
‘Clients particularly rate Juan Ignacio Correa.‘
Key clients
Transelec
Luzparral
Chilquinta
Colbún
AFP Capital
Viña Cousiño Macul
Agrícola Santa Isabel
Vientos de Renaico
Empresa Portuaria Austral
Empresa Portuaria Puerto Montt
Empresa Portuaria Chacabuco
Work highlights
- Acted for a large port before the Supreme Court in a complex logistics case.
- Defending a real estate developer against class actions over its permits and authorisations.
- Successfully opposed a luxury real estate development in a dispute regarding urban planning matters.
DLA Piper Chile
The five-strong public law practice at full-service firm DLA Piper Chile is increasingly active in administrative procedures before Chile’s authorities. The team, which consists of figures with former public-sector experience, handles matters involving a range of sectors, from technology, public infrastructure, construction and real estate, to energy, education, media, and food and beverage. Heading up the Santiago office’s regulated markets and antitrust practice group, Felipe Bahamondez has broad public law and regulatory experience; and the practice of Paulina Farías (promoted to counsel in March 2023) covers the regulatory aspects of energy, telecoms, and public health and infrastructure, as well as public bidding processes, and administrative actions and procedures. Since the conclusion of research, Farias has left the firm – effective as of August 2023.
Practice head(s):
Felipe Bahamondez
Testimonials
‘There is clarity in the role that each member of the team assumes and there is clear coordination between team members.‘
‘There is always good follow-up on matters, and the client is constantly informed about the status of work.‘
Key clients
Oil-Dri Corporation of America
Advanced Sterilization Products
Centro Renal
Canal Dos
Inversiones Torca
Work highlights
- Advised Advanced Sterilization Products on the review of several contracts executed with public entities (further to the award of public bids).
- Assisted Centro Renal with the filing of administrative and judicial actions that challenged a public bidding process.
- Advised Canal Dos on the digitalisation of its signal, which involved making various presentations to governmental authorities.
Lembeye
Lembeye’s five-member team specialises in the regulatory aspects of several sectors, such as energy, mining, telecoms and media, as well as transportation, higher education, health services and casinos. It also advises on the regulations concerning environmental matters, water law, consumer protection, public procurement, health, and urban planning. The department is led by Guillermo de la Jara who consistently represents clients before the administrative law authorities and Chile’s courts, including the Constitutional Court. The disputes practice of associate Lukas Hudson includes punitive administrative proceedings before state administrative agencies.
Practice head(s):
Guillermo de la Jara
Key clients
Sanatorio Alemán de Concepción
Biwo Renovables
Río Explorations
Terquim
Summit Nanotech Chile
Inspectorate Chile
Fondo de Infraestructura
Casino Luckia Arica
Instituto Hebreo
Masser Ingeniería, Construcción y Servicios Generales
Casino Antay
Conservapatagonia
Work highlights
- Defended Sanatorio Alemán de Concepción, a private clinic in Concepción, in relation to administrative and judicial health procedure-related fines.
- Assisting Biwo Renovables with several applications before the Superintendency of Electricity and Fuels.
- Advising Río Explorations on the administrative law aspects of an audit by the Superintendency of the Environment.
Prieto Abogados
The ‘proactive, committed and responsible’ 10-member public and administrative law department at full-service practice Prieto Abogados covers public law disputes, sanctioning proceedings, transactions-related regulatory reviews, and interactions with authorities; the team’s recent caseload includes public law matters involving healthcare, telecoms, infrastructure, and environmental sector clients. The group is led by the ‘very innovative’ counsel Juan Pablo Riesco, who acts for both national and international companies on regulatory and administrative matters. Partner-level support is provided by Fernando Samaniego, whose disputes practice covers proceedings before administrative and regulatory authorities; and Agustín Martorell, a recently-promoted partner who is increasingly active in administrative, public and regulatory law-related work.
Practice head(s):
Juan Pablo Riesco
Testimonials
‘The Prieto team stands out for being proactive, committed and responsible.‘
‘Empathetic and has developed very satisfactory communication skills.‘
‘Very adequate cost-benefit ratio according to clients’ needs.’
‘Effective communication, emotional intelligence, integrity, and creativity.‘
‘Juan Pablo Riesco is very innovative.‘
Key clients
Consalud
Inacap
Metro
SBA
Cofradía Náutica Del Pacífico
Alimentos y Bebidas Chile
Delivery Hero
Empresa de Transporte de Pasajeros
Autoplaza
Plaza
Work highlights
- Represented Consalud in its appeal for protection against the Superintendency of Health’s promulgation of an administrative act that changed the rules allowing modification of the base prices of health insurance plans.
- Successfully assisted Inacap with its Supreme Court appeal to annul the Undersecretary of Higher Education’s Resolution 2607, which affected the enrolment capacity that IP Inacap and CFT Inacap could offer to thousands of students throughout Chile.
- Advising Delivery Hero on the implementation of new business models, which includes assisting with obtaining permits and licenses.
Baker McKenzie Chile
Baker McKenzie Chile’’s five-strong team fields constitutional, administrative and human rights lawyers who advise clients from the healthcare, insurance, infrastructure, construction, mining, pharma, and defence and aerospace sectors. With ‘an edge over other law firms’, the group additionally works on defence-side Constitutional Court matters, while recent highlights further include working alongside industry guilds during discussions on Chile’s new Constitution. The practice is led by Rodrigo Díaz de Valdés (a professor of civil and constitutional law at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile), who frequently advises legislative commissions on high-profile public issues. Associate Felipe Soza’s practice covers constitutional litigation and administrative law.
Practice head(s):
Rodrigo Díaz de Valdés
Testimonials
‘Great availability when providing client service, multiple skills, and compliance with requested delivery times. Because of this and the quality of the work, the office has an edge over other law firms.’
‘In addition to the lawyers’ legal knowledge and proven experience, they are distinguished by their personalised attention and dynamism, and this is why their answers are assertive and prompt.‘
‘Impressive holistic perspective on other branches of law.’
‘Great rapport with clients and very involved with clients’ issues.‘
‘Passion for defending clients is demonstrated by Felipe Soza.‘
Key clients
Bupa
Motorola Solutions
Webuild
Cencosud
AFP Habitat
Ohio National
Amazon
Boston Scientific
Takeda
Viña Concha y Toro
Stryker
Moderna
Embraer
Banco Security
Work highlights
- Successfully represented pension fund administrator Habitat in proceedings it brought against the Superintendence of Pensions (before the Court of Appeals of Santiago).
- Representing Minera Cruz in filing a Recurso de Protección (a special constitutional protection action) before the Court of Appeals of La Serena to prevent ENAMI from taking retaliatory action.
- Representing pension fund administrators Capital, Habitat and Cuprum in constitutional actions for protection that they brought to annul a Superintendence of Pensions order.
Barros Silva Varela & Vigil
Barros Silva Varela & Vigil’s eight-strong public law department regularly works alongside the firm’s real estate and energy and natural resources groups, particularly in relation to electricity regulations and urban matters. It is also increasingly active in public procurement work. The team is co-led by public and administrative law specialist Felipe Riesco, a former Undersecretary of the Ministry of the Environment; and Claudia Ferreiro, whose practice covers public sanctioning law, as well as administrative and electricity law. At senior associate level, José Ignacio Vial focuses on regulatory and environmental issues, including administrative and judicial proceedings; and Esteban Carmona acts in Constitutional Court cases and contentious administrative matters.
Practice head(s):
Felipe Riesco; Claudia Ferreiro
Key clients
Allibera Solar
Fedir Chile
Inmobiliaria Ilumina
Mundo Pacífico
Asociación Gremial de Loteadores Chile Rural
Municipalidad de Puerto Natales
Agrícola El Noviciado
Rucalhue Energía
Work highlights
- Advised 16 senators of the Republic who sought to enact a law via the Constitutional Court, further to the President of the Republic’s non-compliance with his constitutional obligation to enact a National Congress-approved law within the term established by the Constitution.
- Advising Chile Rura Trade Association on its legal strategy before the Authorities, further to a change in how land plot regulations are interpreted.
- Advised Delibest on the terms and conditions for participation in tenders, preparation of bids, formalisation of awards, and challenges to sanctioning processes (arising from public procurement contracts).
Bofill Mir Abogados
Bofill Mir Abogados' public law department consists of experts in constitutional and administrative proceedings and evidences a caseload that extends to judicial reviews, as well as litigation before the local courts, Courts of Appeals, Supreme Court and Constitutional Court. The group is led by Cristián Franetovic, whose practice includes administrative law and litigation, regulatory matters, and environmental law. Senior associate Pablo Nogueira, whose career includes working at the Superintendence of Pensions and General Secretariat of the Presidency, provides key support, while name partner Octavio Bofill brings additional senior involvement in the sector. Former practice leader Jorge Barrera and senior associate Daniela Severin both recently departed the firm.
Practice head(s):
Cristián Franetovic
Testimonials
‘The Bofill team delivers comprehensive advice on public law. It stands out from other firms for its knowledge, but also for the years spent in advising clients.‘
‘Availability and willingness to respond and attend to clients. Senior associate Pablo Nogueira stands out.‘
Key clients
Avianca
Enjoy
Socicam
Work highlights
- Assisted Enjoy with an administrative sanctioning procedure carried out by the Superintendence of Gaming Casinos against Casino Puerto Varas.
- Retained as permanent adviser to airline Avianca in relation to procedures involving governmental authorities, as well as regulatory matters.
- Represented Socicam in a public law nullity action against a decree that terminated the municipal concession of a bus terminal.
Colombara Estrategia Legal
Spinning out of Rivadeneira Colombara Zegers during 2022, the 10-strong practice at boutique firm Colombara Estrategia Legal has ‘great capacity for resolution and speedy decision-making'. The first firm in Latin America to establish itself as apresence in the Metaverse, its experience includes litigating constitutional, regulatory and public procurement matters at national level. Internationally, the group is often involved before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the United Nations, and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. Founding partner Ciro Colombara regularly appears before the Constitutional Court, Courts of Appeals and Supreme Court, while Aldo Díaz focuses on public law, contentious administrative matters, and complex civil litigation. Further support is provided by litigation director Anna Albano, a recent hire from Holmes & Cia.
Practice head(s):
Aldo Díaz; Ciro Colombara
Testimonials
‘Great capacity for resolution and speedy decision-making.‘
‘Lawyers who are experts in their fields and manage the traditional aspects of law perfectly, applying them with innovative and strategic perspectives.‘
‘A quick-resolution firm that is interested in modern issues such as the Metaverse and other technologies that are applied to law.‘
Key clients
Universidad de la República (ULARE)
Marco Enríquez-Ominami
Partido Progresista
Municipality of Recoleta
Daniela Ramírez
Haras Carioca
Asociación Nacional de Oficiales Penitenciarios de Gendarmería de Chile
Gloria Calisto
Claudia Pincheira
Ex-Senador Guido Girardi
Ex-Senador Fulvio Rossi
Work highlights
- Assisted Universidad de la República (ULRE) with appealing against sanctions imposed by the Superintendency of Higher Education.
- Acted for Chilean politician Marco Enríquez-Ominami, in relation to The Chilean Electoral Service’s suspension of his civil and political rights.
- Acted for the Partido Progresista in its demands that the Chilean Electoral Service correctly pay public campaign financing to the Partido Progresista for the May 2021 election of Constitutional Convention delegates, regional governors, mayors, and municipal councillors.
Fleischmann & Román Abogados
Fleischmann & Román Abogados (known as Fleischmann & León Abogados until the early 2022 departure of former co-founding partner Juan Ignacio León) is experienced in advising on public contracts, particularly in relation to the construction of public works and public work concessions; the retained four-member team encompasses broad expertise, particularly in relation to infrastructure such as hospitals, airports, highways, penitentiaries, public roads and desalination plants. The principal figures are name partner Hernán Fleischmann Chadwick, who advises on the public law aspects of projects; and Juan Diego Rabat Celis, a specialist in construction disputes involving local authorities. The public law practice of associate Cristián Repetti Aravena includes the regulations that apply to Government-related construction contracts and public works concessions.
Practice head(s):
Hernán Fleischmann Chadwick; Juan Diego Rabat Celis
Testimonials
‘Hernán Fleischmann has known the public sector for decades since he has negotiated and litigated with the State administration in different instances, both in public works lawsuits and in public works concession arbitrations with excellent results. He leads an extrordianry team which -in the area of Public Law- has been strengthened over time with partners Juan Diego Rabat and lately with Orlando Palominos; so, the team -completed by a dozen or so high standard associates- is first class. Fleischmann and Román team is comparable to top level offices in this area such as Fermandois, Ferrada & Nehme, MOMAG.‘
‘They are knowledgeable about the Public Administration, with a focus on public infrastructure projects, relating to different companies for more than 20 years in their affairs with the State of Chile, likewise, their strategies usually include procedures before the Comptroller General of the Republic. Outstanding partner: Hernán Fleischmann Chadwick.‘
Key clients
Ferrovial Construcción Chile
R&Q Ingeniería
Sociedad Concesionaria Aeropuerto
Atacama
China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation
Sociedad Concesionaria Túnel El Melón II
Claro Vicuña Valenzuela
Consorcio Cobra Instalaciones y Servicios
Sociedad Española De Montajes Industriales
Sociedad Concesionaria Aeropuerto
Regional de La Araucanía
Constructora Bravo Izquierdo
Constructora de Pavimentos Asfálticos Bitumix
Cobra Montajes, Servicios y Agua
Work highlights
- Advising Grupo Azvi on the negotiation of an EPC contract for Balmaceda Airport, as well as its relationships with the concessionaire and Ministry of Public Works.
- Assisting R&Q Ingeniería with the development of a private initiative, which was filed before the Ministry of Public Works to establish a desalination plant under Concession Law regulations.
- Assisting R&Q Ingeniería with the analysis of claims and proceedings before local authorities to obtain approval for different public initiatives.
Garrigues Chile
Garrigues Chile‘s four-member public law practice is particularly experienced in advising concessionaire companies on the management of concession contracts with the Ministry of Public Works. Other key areas include public tenders, and the implementation of public-private partnerships involving telecoms, toll roads, public transport and airports. The department also has a robust administrative litigation practice. The practice is led by of counsel Claudio Moraga, who has ‘vast administrative law experience‘. At associate level, principal Sebastián Hassi routinely acts for public works concessionaires, while junior Isabel Canales advises on public tenders. Former senior associate Francisco Irarrázaval left the firm in March 2022.
Practice head(s):
Claudio Moraga
Testimonials
‘Of counsel Claudio Moraga is a lawyer with vast administrative law experience and knowledge. He is very up-to-date with jurisprudential developments, and is also very thorough and accurate in his analyses.‘
‘They have lawyers with extensive experience in administrative law, an issue in which we sought support.‘
‘We arrived at the firm seeking the participation of the lawyer Claudio Moraga and the experience working with Garrigues has been very good.‘
‘Very experienced and high quality team to resolve doubts and prevent conflicts in the public law of Chilean legislation.‘
‘Claudio Moraga has outstanding quality and knowledge that makes him the ideal advisor when reviewing projects that involve the State and Chilean public law.‘
Key clients
Rutas del Limarí
Intervial Chile
Ruta del Loa
Valles del Desierto
Ruta de la Araucanía
Ruta de los Ríos
Rutas del Pacífico
Rutas del Desierto
GTD Teleductos
Scotiabank
Colmena Golden Cross
Sociedad Concesionaria Costanera Norte
Terminal Marítimo Patache
Sacyr Chile
Sacyr Operación y Servicios
Work highlights
- Advised Ruta del Loa Sociedad Concesionaria on the amendment of its concession.
- Defending Sociedad Concesionaria Ruta del Limarí (holder of the Concession Improvement and Conservation of Route 43 in the Coquimbo Region) against a discrepancy claim over sums owed, which was filed by the Ministry of Public Works.
- Defending Ruta de la Araucanía (owner of the Concession Route 5 Collipulli-Temuco Section), against a constitutional injunction filed by the owner of a restaurant, who claimed to have been affected by the construction of public works.