Baker McKenzie Chile > Santiago, Chile > Firm Profile
Baker McKenzie Chile Offices
AVENIDA ANDRÉS BELLO 2457, PISO 19
PROVIDENCIA
SANTIAGO, CÓDIGO POSTAL 7510689
Chile
Baker McKenzie Chile > The Legal 500 Rankings
Energy and natural resources > Mining Tier 1
Baker McKenzie Chile houses a go-to mining team for mining companies’ transactional, regulatory and operational requirements. The group’s track record includes advising on several greenfield mining projects; and it is particularly well known for its representation of junior exploration companies. Clients with interests across Latin America also benefit notably from the firm’s extensive LatAm coverage. Recent highlights include assisting Battery Mineral Resources with the mining, environmental and corporate aspects of plans to resume mining and milling operations in the Altos de Punitaqui mine. Heading up the mining practice group for Santiago, Antonio Ortúzar Jr has longstanding experience in large-scale natural resources projects; and mining and foreign investment expert Mirco Hilgers routinely assists with the incorporation, maintenance and development of foreign mining industry companies (and their Chilean subsidiaries). At associate level, Santiago Vial is experienced in mining, infrastructure and corporate work.Practice head(s):
Antonio Ortúzar Jr; Mirco Hilgers
Key clients
Sierra Gorda
Weston Energy
Mantos Copper
Fortescue Metals Group
Battery Mineral Resources
Haldeman Mining Company
KGHM International
New Tech Mining
Orica Chile
China United Engineering Corporation
Fortescue Future Industries
Mantoverde
SBX Inversiones
Valbifrut
Work highlights
- Assisting Battery Mineral Resources with the mining, environmental and corporate aspects of plans to resume mining and milling operations in the Altos de Punitaqui mine.
- Advised Mantos Copper on legal, corporate, mining, labour and tax issues.
- Advising Fortescue Metals Group on mining, environmental and corporate matters.
Chile > Banking and finance Tier 2
Baker McKenzie Chile's nine-strong multi-disciplinary group is experienced in structuring, negotiating and documenting a broad range of banking, financing and capital markets deals. Its expertise ranges from project finance, corporate loans and refinancing, to acquisition finance, derivatives, securitisations and regulatory advice. The practice’s key figures are Sebastián Vivanco, whose track record includes project finance transactions, including syndicated loan agreements and local security packages; of counsel León Larrain, an expert in telecoms, securities and real estate projects; and corporate finance and securitisation specialist Jaime Munro. Within the firm’s associate ranks, senior Cristóbal Larrain regularly works with the firm’s New York team on corporate and project financings across the Lat Am region; and Jose Ignacio Berner acts for Chilean and international companies on banking and finance matters.Practice head(s):
Sebastián Vivanco; Jaime Munro; León Larrain
Key clients
Capstone Copper Corp
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria
Société Générale
Trafigura PTE
Natixis
EBANX
PayPal
Quilhuica
Societe Generale Corporate and Investment Banking
The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation
Landesbank Baden-Württemberg
PNC Bank, National Association
Credicorp Capital Asset management (Administradora General de Fondos)
Grupo Security
Grupo Vía Central
Work highlights
- Advised Capstone Copper Corp (as borrower) on the amendment and extension of a Capstone corporate revolving credit facility with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, The Bank of Nova Scotia, ING Capital, National Bank of Canada, Wells Fargo Bank (Canadian Branch), Citibank, Bank of Montreal and Royal Bank of Canada (as lenders).
- Advised Natixis, New York Branch, (as coordinating mandated lead arranger, structuring bank, administrative agent and green loan coordinator) and Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, New York Branch, (as mandated lead arranger) on an approximately $146m credit agreement to finance Centella Transmisión’s Centella and Tap Mauro power transmission line projects in Chile.
- Advised Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (as administrative agent and lender) on a $238m loan to Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional that was backed by the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency.
Chile > Competition and antitrust Tier 2
Baker McKenzie Chile's nine-strong Santiago antitrust practice is best known for multijurisdictional merger-control issues, global cartels, antitrust compliance, and competition litigation. Acting across the spectrum of antitrust work, the group also assists with compliance and internal investigations. Clients additionally benefit from the team’s leveraging of the firm’s global competition practice, which facilitates access to approximately 320 lawyers across 47 jurisdictions. The group is led by longstanding antitrust expert Rodrigo Díaz de Valdés, whose track record includes major victories before both the Competition Tribunal and the Supreme Court; with additional, key, partner-level support provided by fintech and TMT sector specialist Diego Ferrada and litigator Ignacio Naudon. Associate Juan Ignacio Donoso is a former FNE antitrust division deputy-head, whose practice covers merger-control proceedings, compliance, and abuse-of-dominance and cartel investigations.Practice head(s):
Rodrigo Díaz de Valdés
Key clients
HSBC Bank
Minera Altos Punitaqui
HP
Motorola
Cencosud
Cargill
Knight Therapeutics
Viña Concha y Toro
Sumitomo Chemicals
Colgate-Palmolive
Grupo Security
Enagás
MSD
General Electric
Aguas Antofagasta
Black & Decker
NYK
Daimler
Essity
Weir
Summerland Varieties
Continental
MSD
Work highlights
- Representing Cencosud in follow-on actions (submitted before the Competition Tribunal by consumer association Agrecu and the Chilean Consumer Service) for compensation for damage caused by a hub-and-spoke cartel.
- Representing tissue company Essity in follow-on actions submitted by a consumer association (Conadecus) and the Chilean Consumer Service, which are seeking compensation for damages arising from a cartel in the tissue sector.
- Representing Motorola in an unfair business complaint filed against Pegasus (representative of Hytera in Chile) and a former Motorola employee, who currently works at Pegasus.
Chile > Corporate and M&A Tier 2
Acting for both domestic and international clients, Baker McKenzie Chile has over 40 years’ experience in advising on cross-border deals involving Chile - including M&A, joint ventures, and other commercial transactions. During the course of the last year the sizeable practice group has been particularly active in both investment fund structuring and M&A transactions involving substantial industrial and residential real estate components. The teams’ recent track record also includes mandates involving the insurance and finance sectors, as well as ongoing advice to clients from the natural resources, telecoms, energy, technology and consumer products sectors. The practice is co-led by Jaime Munro and Fernando Castro, who ‘do a great job'; while Diego Ferrada is highly experienced in M&A, including stock and asset transactions, and Sebastian Vivanco's broad practice also includes M&A work. At of counsel level, Leon Larrain has over 30 years’ experience in transactional matters. Associates Verónica Barrios, Macarena Salazar, Cristobal Larrain and Martin Müller are all also active on corporate issues.Practice head(s):
Jaime Munro; Fernando Castro; Diego Ferrada; Sebastián Vivanco
Testimonials
‘Jaime Munro and his team go above and beyond to help clients complete transactions in a timely manner, suggesting terms and solutions that are acceptable to all parties.‘
‘Jaime Munro and Fernando Castro do a great job and they always respond promptly to questions.‘
‘The team is tremendously dedicated, creative and has a very good knowledge of the business that allows us to achieve good agreements and correctly translate them into the documentation. They are a great support in the negotiation and in seeking alternative solutions to the problems that arise in the process.‘
‘Jaime Munro’s direct involvement in the deals, with his knowledge and experience, is really a plus compared to the industry where issues are often delegated to less experienced lawyers. His strategic business vision is always a plus.‘
Key clients
Cargill
Credicorp Capital
Arval
Sodexo
Seguros Vida Security Previsión
Jamaica Producers Group
Mantos Copper
Grupo Security
Securitizadora Security
GlaxoSmithKline
Work highlights
- Advised Cargill on the acquisition of 24.5% of the shares of Salmones Multiexport (Multi X), a subsidiary of Multiexport Foods.
- Advised Credicorp on a transaction involving both the incorporation of a new public investment fund and securing investments by institutional investors.
- Advised Arval on the acquisition of the remaining 49.9% of shares that were held by Inversiones Juan Yarur in Arval Relsa, Rentaequipos Leasing, Comercializadora de Vehículos, Rentaequipos Leasing Perú, and Arval Relsa Colombia.
Chile > TMT Tier 2
Baker McKenzie Chile’s Santiago office fields a niche three-member TMT practice, yet is able to leverage the firm’s renowned international network, particularly in the technology sector where clients’ operations frequently necessitate globally-coordinated assistance. The practice acts for a wide-ranging portfolio of TMT clients, including major internet-based services and e-commerce businesses; and its representative experience includes projects involving digital tools, network infrastructure companies and media platforms. The team’s capabilities additionally comprise data security, international data flow and data centres, along with telecoms, big data, cloud-based services, and the IoT. The department is led by corporate law expert Diego Ferrada, who is admitted in both New York and Chile, and has longstanding experience in working with heavyweight telecoms and technology companies on regulatory issues and transactions. Corporate group associate Macarena Salazar also assists with the firm’s TMT work.Practice head(s):
Diego Ferrada
Key clients
Ingram Micro
Stanley Black and Decker
Work highlights
- Assisted Ingram Micro with the divestment of its commerce and lifestyle services business.
- Advised Stanley Black and Decker on consumer matters, in relation to sellers’ new obligations on platforms.
Chile > Consumer and advertising law Tier 3
The 10-strong consumer and advertising law practice at Baker McKenzie Chile provides both advisory and litigation services in relation to product liability, as well as handling compliance with advertising regulations and information obligations. Providing ‘solid advice', the team also assists with consumer legislation-related contract reviews, consumer claims before SERNAC, and class actions. The group is co-led by consumer class action litigators Rodrigo De Valdés and Ignacio Naudon, alongside Valentina Venturelli, who advises on advertising issues. The practice further comprises Diego Ferrada, a specialist in the consumer and advertising aspects of digital markets and platforms; and senior associate Juan Ignacio Donoso, who assists with consumer-related compliance work.Practice head(s):
Rodrigo Díaz de Valdés; Ignacio Naudon; Valentina Venturelli
Testimonials
‘Solid advice on issues of commercial and consumer law, advertising and free competition.‘
‘Exceptional advice led by senior associate Juan Ignacio Donoso.‘
Key clients
HDI Securities
Isapre Consalud
HP
Cencosud
Essity
Aguas Antofagasta
Colgate-Palmolive
Estee Lauder
AFP Habitat
Black & Decker
Costanera Norte
Work highlights
- Represented tissue company Essity in follow-on actions submitted by consumer associations (Conadecus) and the Chilean Consumer Service (SERNAC), which sought compensation for damages caused by a tissue cartel.
- Represented Cencosud in a class action filed by SERNAC for Consumer Protection Act infringements, in relation to sales on its e-commerce website, Paris.cl, during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Defended Aguas de Antofagasta against a class action brought by SERNAC before the civil courts, following an alleged turbidity outbreak that affected tap water services in Mejillones.
Chile > Dispute resolution: arbitration Tier 3
Acting for both domestic and international clients, Baker McKenzie Chile's specialised national and international arbitration practice is particularly active in disputes involving construction, infrastructure projects, securities and mining. The 13-strong group, which is additionally experienced in high-stakes investment arbitrations, is headed up by well-known arbitral practitioner Rodrigo Díaz de Valdés, who also leads the firm’s dispute resolution practice in Chile. Providing key partner-level support, Ignacio Naudon has broad expertise in both national and international arbitration concerning infrastructure projects, construction contracts and distribution agreements; and within the Santiago office’s associate group, both Antonio López and Arantxa Ereche Tuzzini participate in construction-related arbitrations.Practice head(s):
Rodrigo Díaz de Valdés
Testimonials
‘Rodrigo Díaz de Valdés demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the various procedures available to defend clients’ legal positions. The recognition of his experience is also made evident by how the different participants in the process react, even those sitting on the other side of the table.‘
Key clients
General Electric
Voith
MSL Technology
Vestas Wind Systems
Bain & Company
Sierra Gorda
Astaldi
Bupa
Ohio National
The Rohatyn Group
Work highlights
- Acted for US-based insurer Ohio National in an international investment dispute.
- Representing Italian construction company Astaldi in an international arbitration dispute against its joint venture partner, in relation to the expansion of Santiago’s International Airport.
- Representing The Rohatyn Group and the Wild Matalón brothers in an international investment dispute.
Chile > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 3
Specialising in complex litigation, Baker McKenzie Chile's 12-member group acts for both multinationals and major domestic companies in litigating class actions, as well as infrastructure, retail, securities, and mining-related disputes. Leading the dispute resolution practice in Chile, Rodrigo Díaz de Valdés ‘stands out' for his track record in representing the Chilean State, as well as major international and local companies, in cases involving long-term energy contracts, construction, projects and investment protection issues; while the wide-ranging disputes experience of Ignacio Naudon encompasses class actions, infrastructure projects, distribution agreements, and corporate and M&A-related litigation. Of note in the Santiago office’s associate group are dispute resolution and arbitration practitioner Antonio López, and public, civil and commercial law expert Felipe Soza.Practice head(s):
Rodrigo Díaz de Valdés; Ignacio Naudon
Testimonials
‘The team collaborates with the needs of the client.‘
‘Great availability for the client.‘
‘Rodrigo Díaz de Valdés stands out for his diligence and professionalism in handling litigation, which allows the client to feel confident that they have timely and professional legal representation.’
Key clients
BTG Pactual
HDI Securities
Generalli
Bupa
Motorola Solutions
Oracle Corporation
Cencosud
AFP Habitat (ILC – Prudential)
Delibest
Principal Financial
Work highlights
- Representing AFP Cuprum, AFP Habitat and AFP Planvital (as plaintiffs) in a lawsuit filed against PwC and La Polar’s executives for unlawfully covering up La Polar’s real financial situation.
- Representing Cencosud in follow-on actions submitted before the Competition Tribunal by consumer association Agrecu and the Chilean Consumer Service (SERNAC) for compensation for damage caused by a hub-and-spoke cartel (for which Cencosud was sanctioned in 2019).
- Representing tissue company Essity in follow-on actions submitted by consumer association Conadecus and SERNAC, which seek compensation for damage caused by a tissue cartel (for which Essity was sanctioned in 2020).
Chile > Intellectual property Tier 3
The seven-member IP practice at Baker McKenzie Chile advises significant domestic and international brands from a range of sectors, including pharma, fashion, manufacturing, and media and entertainment. The team advises on trade mark, copyright and patent matters, as well as domain names; and its offering covers prosecution, enforcement, litigation, regulatory and innovation-related assistance. The group is additionally experienced in IP-related transactional work, such as licensing and assignments. Heading the team, pharmaceutical and healthcare industry specialist Valentina Venturelli is consistently sought out for trade mark and patent prosecutions. At associate level, senior Sebastián Dorena is active in anti-counterfeiting matters, along with IP litigation, enforcements and prosecutions; and junior Carlos Lazcano also maintains an active IP practice.Practice head(s):
Valentina Venturelli
Testimonials
‘It is a team that provides quite technical advice. They are ordered in terms of billing and with keping the client up to date with advances in the procedures in their charge.‘
‘The service and attention of Carlos Lazcano stands out.‘
Key clients
Abbott Laboratories
Laboratorios Siegfried
Subway IP
General Motors
Hexxa Inversiones
Too Faced Cosmetics
Astellas Pharma Europe
Caterpillar
Foris Technology
Constructora de Pavimentos Asfálticos Bitumix
Work highlights
- Assisted SAP with filing an opposition against a referred trade mark application.
- Assisted Vestas Wind Systems with filing a trade mark application (“EnVentus”), which was opposed by Imega Ventus.
- Successfully acted for Caterpillar in prosecuting several revocation actions against different domain names.
Chile > Labour and employment Tier 3
The four-member labour and employment practice at Baker McKenzie Chile routinely taps into the wider firm’s global network of labour lawyers, particularly in relation to cross-border executive transfers and multinationals’ employment issues. The group’s expertise further encompasses employer-side litigation, including claims over unlawful dismissal, employee benefits, discrimination, and sexual harassment. Other key areas are collective bargaining, executive compensation, pensions, stock options, social security, workplace policies, and immigration. The department’s ‘specialised and experienced lawyers’ are led by Andrés Valdés, who acts for clients from the retail and mining sectors (among others); key associate support comes from senior José Ignacio Muñoz who handles labour, employment and employee benefit matters.Practice head(s):
Andrés Valdés
Testimonials
‘A practice that addresses various labour categories (individual relations, trials, health and safety at work) through the attention of specialised and experienced lawyers.’
‘Compares favourably with the teams of other law firms.’
‘Clients’ relationships with the lawyers are close, business oriented, and executed with a sense of urgency.’
‘They understand the needs of the client/business, and offer solutions based on their knowledge, experience and insights, so as to address complex situations.’
‘In addition to a lot of knowledge on the subject, they are real partners and seek to understand the business of the client and its own internal procedures.’
‘Always responds within the agreed timescale.’
Chile > Life sciences Tier 3
The eight-member group at Baker McKenzie Chile acts for a raft of international clients from the healthcare and life sciences industries, while the Santiago office’s market presence notably benefitting from membership of Baker McKenzie’s extensive global network. The practice’s scope of expertise ranges from regulatory, consumer safety and competition, to IP, data protection, and commercial contractual matters. It is also active in life sciences-related tax, compliance, M&A and dispute resolution work. The practice is led by intellectual and industrial property expert Valentina Venturelli, whose practice includes the import, distribution and commercialisation of products, sanitary regulation, clinical trials, and scientific research. Fernando Castro provides further partner-level support, while associates Carlos Lazcano, Maria Elena Dörr and Martín Muller are also key team members.Practice head(s):
Valentina Venturelli
Key clients
Colgate-Palmolive Chile
Boston Scientific
Mondelez
Abbott Laboratories
Work highlights
- Assisting Mondelez with corporate, labour, consumer protection, advertising and regulatory affairs.
- Assisted Deutsche Pharma with the registration and defence of its trade marks in Chile.
- Assisted Ferring Pharmaceuticals with the registration and defence of its trade marks in Chile.
Chile > Projects and infrastructure Tier 3
Baker McKenzie Chile’s five-member group is best known for its mining-sector credentials. The firm’s projects practice is also increasingly active in relation to renewable energy (solar, wind and geothermal), desalination plants, and port and road projects. The department is co-led by Antonio Ortúzar Jr, who has longstanding experience in natural resources and large-scale projects; and mining project specialist Mirco Hilgers. Experienced in energy, environmental and mining work, associate Santiago Vial re-joined the team in October 2022 (further to completing a Master’s Degree in London).Practice head(s):
Antonio Ortuzar Jr; Mirco Hilgers
Testimonials
‘This legal practice in infrastructure and projects in Chile stands out for having the best lawyers in the field, including partners Antonio Ortuzar Vicuña and Mirco Hilgers. Their recognition and leadership both nationally and internationally position them as indisputable benchmarks in legal advice for large-scale infrastructure projects. Their extensive experience in regulations and specific infrastructure legislation in Chile sets them apart in the industry. The team has a unique combination of talent and experience in the field of infrastructure and projects in Chile. Their in-depth knowledge of local regulations and their ability to negotiate and structure agreements make them valuable resources for clients. Compared to other firms, this practice stands out for the leadership and recognition of those mentioned in the field of infrastructure and projects. They have invested in advanced technology to improve efficiency in case management and industry-specific legal research. In addition, they have promoted diversity and inclusion in their team, recognising the importance of different perspectives in the legal advice of infrastructure projects. Their collaborative approach and ability to quickly adapt to regulatory changes in Chile set them apart from other law firms in the country.‘
‘The partners Antonio Ortuzar Vicuña and Mirco Hilgers stand out in the firm thanks to their efficiency, speed and solid technical training in infrastructure projects. They differentiate themselves from their competitors by their agile approach and ability to provide fast and accurate legal solutions.’ In addition, they stand out for their commitment to inclusiveness and diversity in the legal team, which allows them to approach challenges from different perspectives. Their experience and specialised skills make them leaders in the industry. Other outstanding associates complement the team, further strengthening the firm’s capacity in infrastructure and projects.‘
Key clients
Ferrovial Aeropuertos España
Nordex USA
Energía Viva
Emeco
Macquarie Bank
Aenza
Cargill
Deutsche Pharma
Gilbarco Andina Latin America
Battery Mineral Resources
Orica Chile
Work highlights
- Advised Ferrovial Aeropuertos España, which creates sustainable infrastructure in order to deliver mobility services, on the due diligence for an infrastructure project.
- Advising Nordex USA on the construction of wind farms.
- Advised Energía Viva on the development of small hydrological projects in southern Chile.
Chile > Real estate Tier 3
Baker McKenzie Chile’s practice acts across the entire real estate sector, its client list including buyers, sellers, developers and agribusinesses. The team is particularly noted for inbound investments in real estate, and the incorporation of real estate investment funds (and property acquisitions by such funds), but also has experience ranging from the establishment of medical cannabis facilities to advising religious organisation's on their real estate portfolios. It also routinely interacts with government agencies on zoning issues, and land usage and building requirements. The group is led by of counsel Andrés Wagner, an expert in property development and matters relating to the hospitality and tourism segments; he is flanked by experienced associates Francisco Nualart and Maria Elena Dörr who provide key support.Practice head(s):
Andrés Wagner
Key clients
Mattel
Credicorp
Avenida
GrowforChile
Rentas Inmobiliarias Security – Fénix REIT
Cencosud
Stanley Black and Decker
Bimbo
Prana – Frutillar Developments
Bain Consulting
Work highlights
- Advised Mattel on the sale of its toy manufacturing, packaging and distribution plant in Quilicura.
- Advised longstanding client Credicorp on the acquisition of a 650-apartment, 23-floor building in Ñuñoa.
- Assisted retail operator H&M with its local real estate contracts.
Chile > Capital markets Tier 4
Acting for financial institutions, issuers, managers and other capital markets-related providers, Baker McKenzie Chile's seven-member capital markets department is experienced in tender offer mandates, corporate debt placements and securitisations. It also regularly assists with the regulatory aspects of Chilean securities. The team is jointly led by securities law expert Fernando Castro and Jaime Munro, whose transactional workload encompasses capital markets matters. The practice of associate to note Cristóbal Larrain includes experience in tender offers.Practice head(s):
Fernando Castro; Jaime Munro
Key clients
Grupo Security
Viña Concha y Toro
Securitizadora Security
Administradora General de Fondos Security
Natixis
Credicorp Capital Asset Management
Banco Security
Seguros Vida Security Previsión
StepStone Group
Desarrollo Eléctrico Suria
Grupo Vía Central
Work highlights
- Advised the consortium Grupo Vía Central (comprising Sacyr, NGE, Saceem and Berkes) on the refinancing and additional financing for the construction of Uruguay’s Ferrocarril Central project, which consisted of a senior facility through a fixed rate B-bond private placement.
- Advised Grupo Security on amending the financial covenants affecting five separate lines of corporate bonds that were already registered with the Chilean Commission for the Financial Market.
- Advised Factoring Security on the issuance of a 10-year line of corporate bonds for approximately $970m, and the subsequent issuance and registration of bonds Series I, J, K and L against such line.
Chile > Environment Tier 4
Baker McKenzie Chile's environmental law practice routinely leverages the firm’s well-known mining law prowess. The team’s coverage includes assessments regarding compliance with environmental regulations and administrative procedures to obtain permits. In cross-border environmental work, clients additionally benefit from the Santiago office’s membership of the firm’s global and Latin America environment practices. Heading up the group, Chilean mining law expert Mirco Hilgers also has extensive experience in natural resources, energy and infrastructure work. During 2022, senior associate Santiago Vial (mining projects) re-joined the firm (further to completing a Master’s Degree in London), while former associate Rosario Preuss departed for an in-house role at Innergex.Practice head(s):
Mirco Hilgers
Key clients
Battery Mineral Resources Corporation
Eléctrica Cipresillos
Fortescue Metals Group
Trafigura PTE
Ferrovial Aeropuertos España
Aguas Pacífico
Mantos Copper
Cargill Inc
Haldeman Mining Company
Santiago Agrisupply
KGHM International
Deutsche Pharma
Vulco
Credicorp Asset Management
Gilbarco Latin America SRL
Live Oak Energy Investors
Minera Altair
San Miguel Industrias Pet
Unilever Chile
BHP Billiton Market
Camposol
Baskem
Pochteca Chile
G+E GTEC Holding
Marubeni Corporation
Nexus
Colgate Palmolive Comercial
Work highlights
- Advised Battery Mineral Resources Corporation (BMRC) on the review of various environmental matters, in relation to BMRC’s Chilean subsidiary (Minera BMR) becoming a pivotal shareholder of Minera Altos Del Punitaqui.
- Advising Aguas Pacífico on the construction and operation of a desalination plant, which includes the issuance (and compliance with) of environmental permits.
- Assisted Fortescue Metals Groups with the review of the environmental aspects of the development of a green hydrogen industry in Chile.
Chile > Public law Tier 4
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.
Chile > Tax Tier 4
Baker McKenzie Chile’s tax group is partcularly experienced in acting on behalf of technology, finance, pharma and mining companies; and the four-member team routinely leverages the firm’s regional and global network for cross-border tax matters. In addition to international taxation, the group assists with tax planning, industry-specific tax issues and tax disputes. The practice is led by international tax and tax planning expert Alberto Maturana; while at associate level, Cristián Bonacic ‘knows transfer pricing very well‘ and also assists with the tax aspects of banking, finance, mining, IT and manufacturing matters. Former senior Catalina Galleguillos moved to Lembeye in March 2023.Practice head(s):
Alberto Maturana
Testimonials
‘We reviewed several offices and thought that this is the best prepared.‘
‘Cristian Bonacic knows the matter of transfer pricing very well.‘
Latin America: International firms > Banking and finance
Baker McKenzie LLP’s prevalence across Latin America, with multiple offices, coupled with an established Latin America-focused team in the US, provides it with genuine credibility and a slew of impressive engagements. It has especially strong banking and finance teams in Brazil, Colombia, Chile and Peru, among other offices. It previously advised Banco Davivienda on the $906m refinancing of the Rumichaca-Pasto 4G toll road in Colombia. Buenos Aires partner Gabriel Gomez Giglio is chair of the Latin America banking and finance team, which includes Juan Carlos de los Heros Echecopar in Lima. Sebastian Vivanco, León Larrain and Jaime Munro are key figures in Santiago, notably for corporate lending and project finance; the firm recently advised the banks on the $146m credit facility to finance the Centella and Tap Mauro power transmission line projects in Chile. Bogota’s Ricardo Trejos Robledo is noted for project finance and acquisition finance. Former Bogota partner Carolina Duque left the firm in January 2023.Practice head(s):
Gabriel Gomez Giglio
Latin America: International firms > Projects and energy
Baker McKenzie LLP has made bold moves to expand its Latin America practice in the US, building on its existing network of offices from Argentina up to Mexico. The arrival of Michael Fitzgerald and a senior team from Paul Hastings LLP brings real gravitas to the firm’s Latin America standing, particularly in financings and capital markets-driven fundraisings. They join a wider group of energy and infrastructure specialists in Latin America itself, that has a fine reputation for power and renewables projects, along with energy and infrastructure M&A. Sao Paulo partner José Roberto Martins has an extensive record in energy and natural resources projects and transactions in Brazil. Juan Carlos De Los Heros is a key name in Lima, along with mining sector specialist Antonio Ortúzar in Santiago.Latin America: International firms > International arbitration
Baker McKenzie LLP’s international arbitration team is largely located in Latin America itself, primarily in Chile, Peru, Colombia and Argentina. The firm has are fine reputation in investment and commercial arbitration, notably in the energy, infrastructure and construction fields. Santiago partner Rodrigo Diaz de Valdes represents both state and private sector entities in cross border arbitrations, including those in the mining, energy and construction sectors. Lima’s Maria Del Carmen Tovar has represented the Peruvian state and state-entities in a series of investment arbitrations. Bogota partner Claudia Benavides Galvís is global chair of the firm’s dispute resolution group and an experienced figure in investment and commercial arbitrations, particularly for private companies. Luis Dates in Buenos Aires and Caracas-based Eugenio Hernández-Bretón are also key names.Baker McKenzie Chile > Firm Profile
https://www.bakermckenzie.com/es/locations/latin-america/chile
We are the go-to firm for Chilean companies, leading multinationals and financial institutions seeking advice on complex regulatory and high-profile transactions.
We have widely trained lawyers in the various areas of law, recognized for providing practical and innovative solutions. Most of them have postgraduate studies at international universities, and several of them are recognized professors at the best law schools in Chile.
We are part of Baker McKenzie, the largest law firm in the world, which allows to offer our clients global advice on virtually all of their international projects, coordinated with the different offices around the world.
Our Services:
- Antitrust & Competition
- Capital Markets
- Consumer Goods & Retail
- Dispute Resolution
- Energy, Mining & Infrastructure
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Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Energy, Mining & Infrastructure | Antonio Ortúzar | Antonio.Ortuzar.Jr@bakermckenzie.com | +56223677076 |
Corporate | Jaime Munro | Jaime.Munro@bakermckenzie.com | +56223677043 |
Corporate | Fernando Castro | Fernando.Castro@bakermckenzie.com | +56223677032 |
Dispute Resolution | Rodrigo Díaz de Valdés | Rodrigo.Diazdevaldes@bakermckenzie.com | +56223677028 |
Energy, Mining & Infrastructure | Mirco Hilgers | Mirco.Hilgers@bakermckenzie.com | +56223677076 |
Corporate | Diego Ferrada | Diego.Ferrada@bakermckenzie.com | +56223677043 |
Corporate | Sebastián Vivanco | Sebastian.Vivanco@bakermckenzie.com | +56223677032 |
Corporate | Cristóbal Larraín | Cristobal.Larrain@bakermckenzie.com | +56223677032 |
Corporate | León Larraín | Leon.Larrain@bakermckenzie.com | +56223677043 |
Tax | Alberto Maturana | Alberto.Maturana@bakermckenzie.com | +56223677072 |
Labor | Andrés Valdés | Andres.Valdes@bakermckenzie.com | +56223677072 |
Dispute Resolution | Ignacio Naudon | Ignacio.Naudon@bakermckenzie.com | +56223677028 |
IP | Valentina Venturelli | Valentina.Venturelli@bakermckenzie.com | +56223677072 |
Real Estate | Andrés Wagner | Andres.Wagner@bakermckenzie.com | +56223677076 |
Lawyer Profiles
Staff Figures
Marcela Latorre : General ManagerLanguages
Spanish EnglishLegal Briefings
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Enforcement of court judgments and arbitral awards in Saudi Arabia
Court judgments and arbitral awards are enforced in Saudi Arabia in accordance with the new Enforcement Law issued by Royal Decree No. M/53, dated 13 Shaban 1433H (corresponding to 3 July 2012) (the Enforcement Law); and the Implementing Regulations for the Enforcement Law issued by Ministerial Resolution No. 9892 dated 17 Rabi Thani 1434H (corresponding … -
Doing business in Colombia
Baker McKenzie reorganisations partner Clare Montgomery discusses the challenges and issues businesses face operating in the third-largest economy in Latin America -
Canada's evolving response to fraud and white-collar crime
As in most jurisdictions the pandemic has caused widespread disruption in Canada. The historic level of disruption has expedited reliance on technology and e-commerce across all sectors, setting the stage for a perfect storm when it comes to fraud and white-collar crime risks. Canada has long been considered a nation soft on white-collar crime, with … -
Prevention of corporate crimes as a compliance standard for Mexican companies
Since the inception of corporate criminal liability in Mexico in 2016, federal and state prosecutors have been increasingly active in pursuing both national and foreign-owned businesses for crimes as varied as money laundering, tax evasion and bribery. The legislation that was initially vague and challenging to interpret has, in the hands of regulators and by … -
Switzerland: increasing exposure of international businesses to criminal enforcement
Perception is not everything – general counsel should re-consider the risk exposure to criminal prosecution in Switzerland When it comes to the exposure of international business to criminal enforcement in Switzerland perception is not everything. In the past, Switzerland has not had a reputation as a tough environment. However, in recent years, the Federal Prosecutor … -
The opportunity for strategic corporate measures through compliance programmes in Colombia
In its economic report about Colombia, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) recognised efforts made by recent governments in the fight against corruption1. However, the perception on corruption being on the rise is still high: about 62% of Colombians believe that corruption levels have increased2. -
Doing business in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, the Middle East’s largest economy, offers a wide range of economic prospects as a result of its Vision 2030, an ambitious plan that aims to diversify the nation’s economy and open its doors wider to international investors. Understanding sector-specific criteria and potential constraints is critical to those considering doing business in the Kingdom. …
Comparative Guides
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Canada: Bribery & Corruption
Published: June 2023
Authors: John PirieJulia WebsterAhmed ShafeyBen Sakamoto
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Bribery & Corruption laws and regulations applicable in Canada.
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United States: TMT
Published: July 2023
Authors: Samuel G. Kramer
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of TMT laws and regulations applicable in United States.
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Colombia: Tax
Published: September 2023
Authors: Ciro MezaLaura Durán
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Tax laws and regulations applicable in Colombia.
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Saudi Arabia: International Arbitration
Published: November 2023
Authors: Abdulrahman AlajlanAnton MikelRami Bou Raad
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of International Arbitration laws and regulations applicable in Saudi Arabia.
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Malaysia: Private Equity
Published: January 2024
Authors: Stephanie Phua Mark Lim Licia Tan
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Private Equity laws and regulations applicable in Malaysia.
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Colombia: Investing In
Published: January 2024
Authors: Jaime Trujillo Catalina Garzón
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Investing In laws and regulations applicable in Colombia.
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Thailand: Investing In
Published: January 2024
Authors: Waratchaya TungsuwanMelanie GeslinPichayapa Aroonrat
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Investing In laws and regulations applicable in Thailand.
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Brazil: Employee Incentives
Published: February 2024
Authors: Leticia RibeiroClarissa LehmenPriscila KirchhoffTricia Oliveira
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Employee Incentives laws and regulations applicable in Brazil.
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Germany: Life Sciences
Published: March 2024
Authors: Dr. Martin Altschwager
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Life Sciences laws and regulations applicable in Germany.
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Thailand: Product Liability
Published: April 2024
Authors: Yuthana SivaraksPisut Attakamol Napatorn Dasananjali TermglinchanSirivat Jiruttikansakul Haruthai ChaisaneePongtorn JittapinijmasWoraphan Khunakornkorbkij
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Product Liability laws and regulations applicable in Thailand.
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Colombia: Doing Business In
Published: April 2024
Authors: Jaime Trujillo Carolina PardoJuliana GómezCarlos Arboleda
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Doing Business In laws and regulations applicable in Colombia.
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Brazil: Litigation
Published: June 2023
Authors: Marcio PoltoAndrea BrickGledson Marques de CamposFernanda Haddad
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Litigation laws and regulations applicable in Brazil.
- Energy and natural resources > Mining
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Banking and finance
- Competition and antitrust
- Corporate and M&A
- TMT