Jana & Gil Dispute Resolution > SANTIAGO, Chile > Firm Profile

Jana & Gil Dispute Resolution Offices

Jana & Gil Dispute Resolution
AV. ANDRES BELLO 2711, PISO 9
LAS CONDES, SANTIAGO 7550611
Chile

Jana & Gil Dispute Resolution > The Legal 500 Rankings

Chile > Dispute resolution: arbitration Tier 1

Arising from Bofill Mir & Álvarez Jana Abogados (BMAJ)’s dissolution in early 2022, the 20-strong practice at boutique firm and ‘undisputed market leader' Jana & Gil Dispute Resolution has a strong market reputation for highly complex arbitrations. The team has enviable experience in acting as lead counsel in international foreign investment arbitrations; while its recent caseload includes major disputes involving both the Chilean Government and significant mining, energy and commercial companies. Co-heading the team, Andrés Jana is ‘the most prestigious and experienced Chilean lawyer in international arbitration', his recent track record including sitting as arbitrator in eight investor-state disputes, as well as several international commercial arbitrations; and ‘outstanding' co-founding partner Rodrigo Gil, who routinely plays a leading role in the practice’s arbitration work. The second line of key partners features Karen Werner, who is particularly experienced in energy, mining, infrastructure, construction, financial services and real estate sector disputes; Carla Dittus (a partner since January 2022), who ‘stands out for her professionalism and analytical acuity'; and domestic and international arbitration expert Francisco Grob, a July 2022 recruit from ICSID’s World Bank Group in Washington DC. Director Victoria Demarchi, and senior associates Alfonso Marcos, Benjamín Silva and Juan Pablo Labbé  also maintain active arbitration practices.

Practice head(s):

Andrés Jana; Rodrigo Gil

Testimonials

‘Knowledge, reputation and personal involvement of partners in cases, and they win cases that are both large and complex. Up to date on the latest international arbitration trends, as well as knowledge of the world’s arbitrators – undisputed market leader.’

‘Involvement, preparation and study of the cases – not only of what clients give them, as they know how to ask for background information that is sometimes ignored, in order to have clarity on the strengths and weaknesses of a case.’

‘Probably the most solid and experienced team in dispute resolution in the whole of Chile.’

‘The team from Jana & Gil is not only the leading Chilean arbitration team but also the leading Latin American arbitration team. It plays on the world stage and does it very well. The team is highly experienced and sophisticated, and combines vast experience in international arbitration with creative and innovative thinking.’

‘Andrés Jana is the most prestigious and experienced Chilean lawyer in international arbitration – he has accumulated enormous experience.‘

‘Andres Jana is among a small handful of top arbitrators worldwide. He is a creative and analytical thinker, has great advocacy skills, and is admired by his clients. He excels both as arbitrator and counsel – and in both roles is better prepared than most.’

‘Rodrigo Gil is an excellent litigator and a very decisive lawyer – a well-versed advocate who is outstanding.’

‘Carla Dittus stands out for her professionalism and analytical acuity.‘

Key clients

Republic of Chile, Ministerio de Obras Públicas

Empresa de Montajes Industriales SALFA

Antofagasta Minerals

Panama Canal Authority

CORFO

Barrick Gold Corp

Compañía Contractual Minera Candelaria

Innovación Energía

Work highlights

  • Currently advising a major mining company in a $240m dispute concerning a power purchase agreement with the subsidiary of a Chilean electrical distributor, which filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 in Delaware (US).
  • Providing ongoing co-counsel to the Panama Canal Authority in ICC arbitrations (totalling $4.2bn) against international construction consortium GUPC, in relation to the Panama Canal expansion project.
  • Successfully represented a French electrical company in a $10m arbitration (under Stockholm Chamber of Commerce rules) against a Russian electrical manufacturing company, which concerned the improper collection of guarantees within the framework of a joint venture agreement.

Chile > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 2

Emerging from Bofill Mir & Álvarez Jana Abogados (BMAJ)’s 2022 dissolution, boutique legal practice Jana & Gil Dispute Resolution is -according to one client- ‘probably the most complete dispute resolution firm around‘. With industry expertise ranging across the construction, mining, energy, real estate, financial and retail sectors, the 20-strong team  has a tight focus on the resolution of highly complex disputes and routinely handles cases before the ordinary and special courts, the Courts of Appeals, the Supreme Court and the full range of administrative entities. The recent track record of ‘great lawyer’ Andrés Jana and fellow co-founding partner and contractual disputes specialist Rodrigo Gil includes representing Chilean governmental organisation CORFO in a $150m embezzlement dispute; while the practice of managing partner and ‘brilliant lawyer’ Karen Werner covers judicial conflicts, shareholder disputes, and insolvency and corporate reorganisation proceedings. Also of note, young partner Francisco Grob is a July 2022 recruit from ICSID’s World Bank Group in Washington DC; and -leading the associate level support- recently promoted practice director Tomás Bown is a civil claims expert. Carla Dittus left the firm in September 2023.

Practice head(s):

Andrés Jana; Rodrigo Gil; Karen Werner

Testimonials

‘Probably the most complete dispute resolution firm around.’

‘A unique office with great teamwork.’

‘What makes it unique is the level of commitment and involvement.‘

‘They treat all clients with the most seriousness and professionalism.’

‘Solidity, professionalism and commitment.’

‘Andrés Jana is both a great lawyer and a great team player.‘

‘Andrés Jana is a complete pleasure to work with.‘

‘Karen Werner is extraordinary – a brilliant lawyer.’

Key clients

Republic of Chile

Pacal Grupo Inmobiliario and Constructora Pacal

Universidad de Chile

Sociedad Canalistas del Maipo

Liebherr Chile

Pacific Hydro Chacayes

Bice Vida Compañía de Seguros

CORFO

Compañía Contractual Minera Candelaria

Fábrica de Pavimentos y Revestimientos Budnik Hermanos

Casino Luckia Arica

Universidad de las Américas

Norte Abierto

Petropower Energía

Cermaq

Work highlights

  • Acted for the Universidad de Chile in a dispute brought against the Municipality of Recoleta, in relation to the allegedly illegal construction of a university and residential accomodation.
  • Acted for Casino Luckia against the Municipality of Arica, in relation to the successful annulment of an illegally-granted gambling licence.
  • Acted for Bice Vida (and others) in a $350m real estate conflict regarding the 400-hectare Valle Grande project.

Chile > Bankruptcy, insolvency and restructuring Tier 3