Guerrero Olivos > Santiago, Chile > Firm Profile

Guerrero Olivos > The Legal 500 Rankings

Energy and natural resources > Mining Tier 1

Guerrero Olivos‘ ‘knowledge of mining law and everything associated with mining allows clients to carry out mining activities successfully'. Advising on the full spectrum of mining issues, the full-service team is experienced in several types of natural resources, and metallic and non-metallic mineral mining - including copper, gold, lithium, saltpetre, iodine, potassium and limestone; its scope of work ranges from regulatory work, to high-value project acquisitions, financing, joint ventures and M&A transactions. The practice is led by Pedro Lyon, who focuses on mining-related project development, project finance, project development-related corporate and financing structuring, mining agreements, regulatory matters and environmental permits; and Marco Zavala, who advises mining companies and investment funds on both the transactional side and regulatory mining issues. Benjamín Pérez, who was made partner in early 2020, is the current President of the Chilean-Australian Chamber of Commerce’s Mining Committee.

Chile > Real estate Tier 1

‘Great for its business vision‘, Guerrero Olivos‘ seven-strong team handles real estate transactions and real estate finance, as well as real estate asset management and project development. Its assistance ranges from pre-contractual matters (such as letters of intent for site acquisitions), purchases, permitting, and construction and architectural contracts, through to sales. It also has a robust regulatory team and is routinely sought out for major real estate litigation. The practice of managing partner and practice head Martín Santa María   straddles both transactional (AAA office matters, site deals and ongoing servicing of real estate developers) and regulatory work (zoning regulations and permit conflicts). Further key support at partner level is provided by public law and regulatory specialist José Gabriel Undurraga ; and senior associates Tomás Rosemary  and Macarena Montt  (a 2021 rehire after two years as legal manager at real estate developer Patagonland), who are both active in transactional real estate matters.

Chile > Banking and finance Tier 2

With a longstanding track-record in both local and international engagements, Guerrero Olivos‘ 16-strong practice is routinely sought out for its expertise in bilateral and syndicated loans, structured finance, acquisition financing, restructurings, project finance, refinancing and regulatory issues. Clients additionally benefit from the group’s notable sector expertise in telecoms, energy and mining. the department is co-lead by Jorge Delpiano, a structured finance and acquisition financing specialist, and Miguel Coddou, who regularly acts for international lenders on syndicated loans, debt restructurings and project finance. Also key members of the group, Juan Enrique Allard‘s workload takes in financing matters as part of his broader TMT and digital platforms practice; while, César Gálvez, who was made up to partner in February 2022, has experience of cross-border financings and representing international lenders in syndicated loans (he previously worked as an international associate at Winston & Strawn LLP‘s New York office). At senior associate level, Benjamín Novoa focuses on energy and mining-related syndicated loans and project finance. Since publication, Novoa has been promoted to the partnership - effective as of January 2023.

Chile > Compliance Tier 2

Recent activity for the 'extraordinary' compliance practice at Guerrero Olivos has focused on advising companies from the energy, services, finance, automotive, food and beverage, and automotive industries. The team is notably active in relation to the structuring and implementing of tailored compliance and crime prevention manuals and corporate protocols; and clients additionally benefit from the group’s leveraging the firm’s corporate governance, competition, environmental, tax, labour, finance and regulatory expertise, in relation to anti-corruption, corporate criminal liability and anti-money laundering. The department is led by corporate specialist and governance expert, Pedro Pellegrini, whose practice covers corporate risk, internal codes, mitigation plans, reporting (to internal and external entities), and antitrust-related compliance guidelines. Associate Alejandra Leiton is also a key compliance team member.

Chile > Data privacy Tier 2

The nine-member data privacy practice at full-service firm Guerrero Olivos routinely advises clients from the social media and technology sectors, as well as governmental bodies. Focused on data privacy, personal data and data protection work, the team assists with terms and conditions, and franchise, licensing, maintenance, technical support and development contracts. It also assists with adapting clients’ data privacy policies to Chilean legislative requirements. The practice is jointly led by TMT specialist Juan Enrique Allard, who advises on data privacy, IT, cybersecurity and new technological platforms; Miguel Coddou, a member of the banking and finance, data protection and new technologies, and corporate groups; and public law and regulated markets group leader, Eduardo Cordero. At associate level, senior Diego Morandé and Alejandra Leiton also both assist with data protection issues.

Energy and natural resources > Electricity and hydrocarbon Tier 2

Guerrero Olivos' large 18-strong department is highly experienced in the development of energy projects in the power generation, transmission and distribution sectors. It also assists final consumers with the negotiation of their PPAs; the practice’s expertise also covers contractual structures, finance and business plans, along with interactions with local communities and authorities. The team is additionally sought out for its advice on regulatory processes, such as energy and transmission planning, law-making procedures, public bids, and controversies before the local regulator and Expert Energy panels. The practice is jointly co-led by experienced figures Sebastián Abogabir, who acts for energy companies and international lenders on energy deals; and Clemente Pérez, an energy deal and regulatory specialist. Felipe Frühling, who ‘provides a quality service', was made partner in March 2022, while associates Francisca Pellegrini and Andrea Olea  both work on regulatory matters.

Chile > Environment Tier 2

The 13-strong practice at full-service firm Guerrero Olivos acts on a broad range of environment matters, with particular focus on M&A-related environmental work, litigation and regulatory compliance. It also fields specialists in wetlands, waste management, water rights and the environmental aspects of project finance and development. Among the firm’s several experienced partners, Clemente Pérez is consistently involved in major projects; Martín Santa María specialises in the environmental assessments of projects, environmental litigation, and urban planning; Benjamín Pérez is a water law expert; and Sebastián Abogabir is an ‘extraordinarily complete adviser' whose practice encompasses energy, natural resources, water law and environmental matters. Within the associate pool, Francisca Pellegrini advises on the environmental aspects of project finance and M&A, and project-related environmental assessments, and Antonia Ibarra is also a key team member.

Chile > Projects and infrastructure Tier 2

Recent activity for the 16-strong practice at full-service firm Guerrero Olivos focuses on project finance, infrastructure projects, power plants, and LNG regasification terminals. Representative expertise covers due diligence processes, credit agreements and special purpose vehicle incorporations. The practice also houses specialists in collateral packages, along with energy supply matters, and EPC, O&M, and build-operate-transfer (BOT) agreements. The practice is co-headed by Clemente Pérez, a specialist in renewable energy and infrastructure projects, public works concessions and regulatory law; energy projects specialist Sebastián Abogabir; Miguel Coddou, who acts for international lenders; mining and venture capital partner Pedro Lyon; and Benjamín Pérez, who is active in mining-related activities. Among the firm’s associates, senior Benjamín Novoa‘s practice includes project finance, while Francisca Pellegrini acts for energy developers and lenders. Raised to partner in February 2022, Felipe Frühling assists with project finance, developments and acquisitions.

Chile > Public law Tier 2

The 10-strong practice at full-service firm Guerrero Olivos covers public law litigation, judicial reviews and representing clients before the regulatory bodies. The team also assists with public-bid processes and public procurement, and obtaining permits and approvals; its recent caseload includes matters in the mining, real estate and utilities, banking and finance, TMT, aquaculture and transport sectors. The practice is co-led by Eduardo Cordero  , a specialist in constitutional and administrative law and regulated industries, who routinely assists with regulatory processes and transactional matters, and is experienced in filing reports before the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court; and José Gabriel Undurraga , whose recent workload includes advising on competitive tendering, public procurement and sanctioning. Further support is provided by projects-related public law expert Martín Santa María  ; and associate Roberto Burgos , who assists with public procurement, litigation and transactional matters. In June 2022, the firm incorporated highly respected public law professor, Rosa Fernanda Gómez , as senior counsel in its public law and regulated markets practice.

Chile > TMT Tier 2

Guerrero Olivos's TMT department acts for clients from across the TMT spectrum, including the telecoms, technology, and social media sectors; areas of particular growth for the practice include data privacy, cybersecurity and regulatory work, including data centres’ regulatory requirements. The practice is jointly led by Juan Enrique Allard, who is sought out by Chilean and foreign companies (and law firms) to advise on day-to-day issues, as well as data privacy, IT, cybersecurity and new technological platforms; Eduardo Cordero, whose regulatory practice covers acting for telecoms companies on tariff setting processes; and public law specialist José Gabriel Undurraga. At associate level, senior Diego Morandé is IP head, specialising in new technologies and data privacy; and Alejandra Leiton assists with regulatory, compliance and data privacy matters.

Chile > Venture capital Tier 2

Key areas of work for the seven-member practice at Guerrero Olivos range from funds-related corporate and tax structuring and restructuring of funds, to financing rounds, partner contracts and internationalisation processes. Acting for start-ups, entrepreneurs and investors, the group also assists with stock option plans, along with contract drafting for license and distribution agreements, personal data protection and cybersecurity. Clients additionally benefit from the firm’s cooperation alliance with Chile Global Ventures, a VC accelerator that belongs to a community of over 75 institutions worldwide. The department is led by Pedro Lyon, who is experienced in M&A work for VC and corporate VC investors, and advising start-ups with an international market presence. In addition to his disputes practice, experienced partner Benjamín Ferrada assists with VC structuring work, while associate Francisca Martínez also has an active VC practice.

Chile > Bankruptcy, insolvency and restructuring Tier 3

Guerrero Olivos‘ full-service team advises on the full gamut of bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganisation plans, including assisting corporate debtors and secured and unsecured creditors with both contentious and non-contentious bankruptcy-related matters. Jointly heading the department: Sergio Yávar has substantial experience in insolvency proceedings and restructurings; and Benjamín Ferrada focuses on disputes surrounding bankruptcy proceedings, and assisting creditors with reorganisations. At associate level, Juan Luis Vial is also experienced in reorganisation and insolvency work, while Pablo Rioseco focuses on judicial procedures.

Chile > Capital markets Tier 3

Recent work for Guerrero Olivos' 13-member practice includes international bond issuances, along with the issuance, placement and registration of local bonds with the local regulator (CMF). The group is also experienced in cross-border capital markets work, and structuring investments funds and fund managers. Three experienced, senior figures co-lead the practice: Jorge Delpiano advises banks and financial institutions on day-to-day capital markets matters; Pedro Pellegrini's broad corporate and finance practice includes capital markets’ transactions; and Pedro Lyon is particularly known for the structuring of investment funds. Also highly regarded, Miguel Coddou 's expertise takes in local debt offerings, international securities issuances, senior guaranteed notes, and capital markets regulatory matters. Debt issuance expert César Gálvez was made partner in February 2022.

Chile > Corporate and M&A Tier 3

Full-service firm Guerrero Olivos has bounced back strongly from the high-profile departure of former managing partner Roberto Guerrero, along with partners Macarena Ravinet, Josefina Yávar and Tomás Kubick at the end of 2020. The practice group has maintained its impressive track record in both local and multi-jurisdictional M&A, joint ventures and venture capital matters; and remains particularly well known for M&A involving the TMT, energy (/natural resources), food and beverage, and retail sectors. The core group of principal partners comprises: Jorge Delpiano, an expert in M&A, corporate reorganisations and corporate governance; TMT and energy deal specialist Juan Enrique Allard; deeply experienced corporate, M&A and finance structuring practitioner, Pedro Pellegrini (who also heads up the firm’s compliance and antitrust practices); and Pedro Lyon, who has a long track record in private equity and venture capital matters. The second line of key advisers includes César Gálvez (banking, capital markets and corporate/M&A), who was raised to the partnership in February 2022; and at associate level, senior Sebastián Marambio (who focuses on corporate/M&A and consumer law), and associate Francisca Martínez (private investment funds, venture capital and private equity matters).

Chile > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 3

‘Always providing good advice‘, the seven-member team at full-service firm Guerrero Olivos consistently acts before the civil, constitutional and arbitral courts for clients drawn from across a broad range of sectors; nevertheless, it is particularly noted for construction, energy, mining, and food and agribusiness-related disputes. The practice is led by Sergio Yávar, who specialises in highly complex civil and commercial trials and arbitrations, as well as insolvency proceedings; while Benjamín Ferrada handles civil and commercial lawsuits, constitutional claims, tax and regulatory litigation, and has an ‘outstanding ability to develop conflict management strategies‘. Constanza Urzúa and Andrés Cuevas are both active dispute resolution associates.

Chile > Labour and employment Tier 3

The five-member labour, employment and migration department at Guerrero Olivos regularly acts for clients from the mining and metals, technology, food and beverage, retail, media, and banking and finance sector clients; the practice primarily handles pre-emptive advice, disputes, and corporate, M&A and reorganisation-related labour issues. The practice also assists with employment litigation involving unfair dismissals, anti-union practices, the protection of fundamental rights, work-related accidents, collective bargaining, and expatriate matters. Lead partner Rocío García de la Pastora is an expert in labour law consultancy and litigation, collective bargaining and corporate labour matters. At associate level, Sergio Fuica specialises in the protection of fundamental rights and labour disputes, and Tomas Garnham ‘resolves all queries quickly with skill'.

Chile > Tax Tier 3

The recent track record for Guerrero Olivos‘ ‘exceptionally responsive‘ six-member tax practice includes advising companies from the mining and metals, renewables and financing sectors; and key areas for the team range from cross-border transactions and international taxation, to double taxation matters, and tax structures for corporate and project finance deals. The group is additionally active in tax disputes. Department leader Alejandro Chechilnitzky , who was made partner in February 2021, ‘gives practical, commercial advice that is easy to follow‘; and at associate level, Alfonso Niklitschek  specialises in local and international taxation, succession planning and corporate reorganisations. Macarena Toro left to found Toro y Cia in October 2021.

Chile > Competition and antitrust Tier 4

Handling both antitrust litigation and M&A-related competition work, Guerrero Olivos' eight-strong team has sector specialisms in mining and metals, energy distribution, retail, and food and beverages. The department is co-led by senior partner Pedro Pellegrini, who is experienced in advising on competition-related corporate risks and defence-side investigatory proceedings; constitutional and administrative law specialist Eduardo Cordero; and public law expert José Gabriel Undurraga. Key associate support is provided by Juan José García, a former member of the FNE’s litigation division; and Alejandra Leiton, whose experience includes merger filings and the implementation of antitrust compliance programmes for multinational companies.

Chile > Intellectual property Tier 4

The IP practice at full-service firm Guerrero Olivos focuses on trade mark and patent prosecution, IP litigation and contracts, and denomination of origin and geographical indications procedures, as well as technology transfer, data privacy, anti-counterfeiting matters and customs issues. Recently re-elected to the International Trademark Association Enforcement Committee for the 2022-2023 period, senior associate and IP group head Diego Morandé is an expert in trade mark and innovation protection, as well as being experienced in the defence of IP rights; and associate Alejandra Leiton is a key member of the IP, data protection and new technologies groups.

Chile > Dispute resolution: arbitration