Larrain y Asociados Abogados > Santiago, Chile > Firm Profile
Larrain y Asociados Abogados Offices
Avenida El Bosque 130
Piso 12, Las Condes
SANTIAGO
Chile
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Larrain y Asociados Abogados > The Legal 500 Rankings
Energy and natural resources > Electricity and hydrocarbon
The eight-member department at Larrain y Asociados Abogados has a strong name in the market for its work in energy and natural resources-related industries, such as mining, oil and gas, electricity and water. The team consistently advises on gas and energy projects, the desalinisation and conveyance of water, and the distribution of water and gas to residential customers; it also fields experts in gas supply, re-gasification and LNG contracts. In addition, the team has a strong track record in regulatory and contractual energy and gas supply litigation and claims. Jorge Granic is a widely respected energy and natural resources, project development and infrastructure lawyer; and the broad experience of Cristóbal Morandé (a partner since 2017) includes regulated services and natural resources, energy law and project finance. Further senior input comes from of counsel Ricardo Peña (project development), while a strong second line of advisors includes associates Joaquín Larrain (project development and regulatory aspects) and Javiera Méndez, a National Energy Commission deputy legal head until 2019. Former of counsel Cristián Araya moved to Albagli Zaliasnik in August 2020. Since publication, Larrain has been raised to the partnership - effective January 2022.Practice head(s):
Jorge Granic; Cristóbal Morandé
Key clients
BHP
Transchile Charrúa Chile
Flux Solar Energías Renovables
Metka EGN
Emoac
Generadora Metropolitana
Reden Solar
Compañía Siderúrgica Huachipato
Interchile
Work highlights
- Advised Emoac, a subsidiary of Empresas Copec, on a PPA with major energy provider Colbún.
- Advised BHP on a large, private energy supply tender.
- Advised Metka EGN on the acquisition of a 119MW solar photovoltaic project.
Chile > Projects and infrastructure Tier 1
The 15-strong practice at Larrain y Asociados Abogados has an enviable name in the market for project development and construction in Chile, while its ‘BOOT project finance knowledge is excellent – impossible to compare with other local firms.’ The projects team has particular expertise in infrastructure projects involving the mining, energy and roads sectors, while areas of recent growth include desalinisation and seawater conveyance projects, along with hospitals, ports and railways. Infrastructure experts Arturo Bulnes and Jorge Granic (‘unique and very valuable experience‘) co-head the practice, which additionally showcases litigation, arbitration and construction contract specialist Carlos Aravena; Cristóbal Morandé, whose practice includes project finance; Juan Carlos Bulnes (real estate, energy, mining, tourism and infrastructure projects); and of counsel Ricardo Peña, a project development expert. The firm also fields several active senior associates Joaquín Larrain (‘great lawyer‘), M&A and construction specialist Juan de Dios Ferrada and Javiera Méndez, who brings significant regulatory and administrative law experience to the group. Since publication, de Dios Ferrada and Larrain have been raised to the partnership – effective January 2022.Practice head(s):
Arturo Bulnes; Jorge Granic
Testimonials
‘Its BOOT project finance knowledge is excellent – impossible to compare with other local firms.‘
‘Jorge Granic is a senior, professional lawyer who has unique and very valuable experience.‘
‘Jorge Granic is very senior, but also very flexible in his working style and very strong in legal aspects/knowledge; he is therefore well respected by many clients in Chile.‘
‘Senior associate Joaquín Larrain is a great lawyer who has a great working attitude, and will work even at midnight and weekends.‘
Key clients
Gold Fields
Empresas CMPC
Empresas La Polar
Flux Solar Energías Renovables
Metka EGN
Ferrovial Airports International
Sociedad Punta del Cobre
Global Via
Grupo Abertis
Consorcio Salud Santiago Oriente
Work highlights
- Advised a consortium (comprising Marubeni Corporation and Transelec Rentas Holding) on the bidding process conducted by Codelco to build, finance, operate and own a desalinisation plant.
- Advised South African mining company Gold Fields on the construction and development of Chile’s Salares Norte mining project.
- Advised Grupo Abertis on a tunnel-related bidding process and construction contract.
Energy and natural resources > Mining Tier 2
Larrain y Asociados Abogados‘ eight-strong practice has a strong name in the market for its advice to significant mining companies and mining projects at the survey and exploration, development, construction and operational stages. The scope of its expertise also covers the acquisition and sale of mining companies, real estate and mining assets, along with project financing, option agreements, the commercialisation of ores, mining-related technology agreements, and proceedings to create mining properties and rights of way. A regular counsel to large mining companies, Jorge Granic leads the practice group alongside Cristóbal Morandé, whose practice includes energy and natural resources, project finance, commercial/corporate law and M&A. Further support is drawn from experienced of counsel Ricardo Peña, and associates Javiera Méndez, Joaquín Larrain and Francisco Cerda. Since publication, Larrain has been raised to the partnership - effective January 2022.Practice head(s):
Jorge Granic; Cristóbal Morandé
Testimonials
‘Experience in mining issues with the support of lawyers who are specialised in other areas.‘
‘Their experience and clarity when defining strategies to face different cases are highly appreciated.‘
Key clients
Gold Fields
Flux Solar Energías Renovables
Pucobre
Metka EGN
Ferrovial Airports International
Reden Solar
Work highlights
- Advises South African mining company, Gold Fields, on the construction and development of Chile’s Salares Norte mining project.
- Advised Pucobre on the El Espino Mining Project, which is a greenfield deposit located approximately 30km north of Illapel (Coquimbo Region).
- Advised Pucobre on a joint venture with Codelco for the exploration and development of a copper mining project in Antofagasta.
Chile > Real estate Tier 2
Widely respected for its infrastructure and construction expertise, Larrain y Asociados Abogados‘ seven-member real estate department consistently advises developers, sponsors, buyers, sellers and lenders on property transactions and project developments, including due diligence, finance and M&A work. The firm also fields experts in real estate litigation, title reviews, collateral issues, co-ownership regulations, and purchase and transactional agreements; and its sector knowledge covers housing, hospitality, viticulture, energy and mining. The practice is co-led by José Pedro Baraona (residential and commercial real estate developments and transactions); and Juan Carlos Bulnes, a former Undersecretary at Chile’s National Property Ministry, who is active in agro-industry, tourism and public property-related matters. The senior associates to note are José Spoerer (over nine years’ real estate experience), Juan de Dios Ferrada (recently active in zoning and land use matters), and real estate transactions expert Manuel Larrain. Since publication, de Dios Ferrada and Joaquín Larrain have been raised to the partnership – effective January 2022.Practice head(s):
José Pedro Baraona; Juan Carlos Bulnes
Key clients
Banchile Administradora General de Fondos
Sociedad Concesionaria Vespucio Oriente
Empresas CMPC
Inmobiliaria PY
Empresas La Polar
Sociedad Concesionaria Camino Nogales-Puchuncaví
The Singular Hotels
Sociedad Concesionaria Intermodal La Cisterna
Hook Chile
Work highlights
- Assisted La Polar on the development of a distribution centre and warehouse in Pudahuel.
- Advised Australian Commonwealth Government on the sale of its ambassadorial residence property.
- Advised SQM on territorial permits for the development of a desalination plant in northern Chile.
Chile > Banking and finance Tier 3
Larrain y Asociados Abogados‘ five-member team ‘offers solutions that are tailored to clients’ needs‘; the practice advises banks, brokers and financial institutions (as well as companies) on syndicated loans and acquisition and structured finance, along with energy project financings involving the petrochemical, mining and infrastructure sectors. The banking and financing team is led by experienced partners Patricio Montes (project finance) and Jorge Granic (complex industrial project financings). Senior associate Diego Garay‘s practice also includes project finance work, while the team additionally fields associates Teresita Vinagre and Michelle Inzunza. Since publication, Garay has been raised to the partnership - effective January 2022.Practice head(s):
Patricio Montes
Testimonials
‘They have a lot of practical knowledge and the team offers solutions that are tailored to clients’ needs.‘
‘Patricio Montes and senior associate Diego Garay stand out for their flexibility, and for always being available to serve the client – even when working under high levels of pressure.‘
‘The experience and attention to detail are highly evident.‘
Key clients
Banco del Estado de Chile
Banco Consorcio
Itaú Corpbanca
Sacyr Agua
Fundación Viento Sur
Toesca Infraestructura II Fondo de Inversión
Nordex SE
Reden Development Chile
Sociedad Concesionaria Nuevo Camino Nogales Puchuncaví
Work highlights
- Advised Nordex on the Chilean aspects of an international financing.
- Advised Banco del Estado de Chile on a project refinancing.
- Advised Toesca Infraestructura II Fondo de Inversión on a syndicated acquisition financing.
Chile > Corporate and M&A Tier 3
Larrain y Asociados Abogados‘ 14-strong corporate department specialises in transactional work, including M&A, asset purchases and disposals, sales of operations and restructuring; its representative work includes M&A deals involving the infrastructure and energy and natural resources sectors. The firm has also broadened its client base to cover retail, manufacturing and financial institutions. The corporate team is co-led by highly experienced partners Arturo Bulnes (infrastructure, transportation, retail and services industries), and energy, infrastructure and mining specialist Jorge Granic. The second line of key members includes Juan Carlos Bulnes, whose clients range from fund managers to tourism operators; Cristóbal Morandé, whose recent experience includes M&A deals involving power, real estate and infrastructure assets; and of counsel Ricardo Peña, a gas-related M&A expert. Juan de Dios Ferrada is the associate to note. Since publication, de Dios Ferrada has been raised to the partnership - effective January 2022.Practice head(s):
Arturo Bulnes; Jorge Granic
Testimonials
‘A team of lawyers that stands out for its excellence.‘
‘They advise with dedication, client orientation, efficiency and reliability.‘
‘They work as a team, delivering a personalised service, attending to client needs, and providing possible alternatives that are tailored to the transaction’s context – they are pro-deal.‘
‘Because of their knowledge and experience in corporate and M&A, we have confidence in them.‘
‘Their responsibility and commitment are the dominant features.‘
‘Arturo Bulnes and Juan de Dios Ferrada Walker stood out for their excellence.‘
‘Juan de Dios Ferrada Walker is an enthusiastic and dedicated lawyer, who is highly qualified and always collaborative. He facilitates effective advice and management between the parties; and manages to provide support in ad-hoc transactions, as he not only has technical mastery but also strategic vision.‘
‘Arturo Bulnes has excellent legal qualities; his analytical skills and solid legal knowledge stand out.‘
Key clients
Banchile Administradora General de Fondos
Cemento Polpaico
Gamma Cementos
Metka EGN Chile
Sacyr Agua
Flux Solar Energías Renovables (Empresas Copec)
Minera Centinela (Antofagasta Minerals)
Seguros de Vida Suramericana
Seguros Generales Suramericana
Reden Solar
Ferrovial Airports International
Empresas CMPC
Work highlights
- Advised Toesca Infraestructura II Fondo de Inversión on the purchase from Norgener Inversiones of an indirect stake in Empresa Eléctrica Cochrane (a subsidiary of AES Gener), which operates the Cochrane thermoelectric power plant.
- Advised Cemento Polpaico and Gamma Cementos on a merger by which Polpaico absorbed Gamma.
- Advised Banchile Administradora General de Fondos (through a subsidiary called Inmobiliaria Rentas Inmobiliarias Beta) on the acquisition of all the shares issued by Inmobiliaria GSI I (which owns ten gas stations).
Chile > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 4
With extensive litigation and arbitration experience, Larrain y Asociados Abogados‘ nine-member practice is consistently involved in major commercial, civil, labour, bankruptcy, taxation and administrative disputes. The team is particularly focused on advising clients from sectors such as construction, mining, energy and public works, as well as undertaking cases with a constitutional aspect and having developed specific consumer disputes expertise. The team is led by highly experienced partners José Pedro Baraona (litigation) and Carlos Aravena (arbitration); also integral to the practice group, Pedro Zelaya is an insurance and litigation partner and Víctor Manuel Avilés, an energy and tax lawyer who advises on litigation. Other key members include senior associates Isabel Palacios, César Vásquez and Claudio Torres, along with associate Macarena Gonzalez. Since publication Palacios has been elected to the firm's partnership (as of January 2022), thereby becoming the firm's first female partner.Practice head(s):
José Pedro Baraona; Carlos Aravena
Testimonials
‘Very well developed lawyers with great ability – far superior to other firms.‘
‘Great client support and seriousness in handling issues.‘
‘Their ability to learn about underlying technical subjects, knowledge of laws and sectoral norms are remarkable.‘
‘Good capacity for innovation when implementing the legal strategy.‘
‘Supported clients in various fields of work, with a shared vision of the solution and very good availability – and they listen to the client.‘
‘A very good firm with extensive knowledge, good contacts and skillful in reaching solutions.‘
‘Permanent and timely feedback on the case, with a good support team in various legal matters.‘
Key clients
Consorcio Aeródromo de Chiloé
Grupo SAESA
Banco Consorcio
Minera Altos de Punitaqui
Condominio Parque Monasterio
San Sebastian Inmobiliaria
AIM Futbol
Sistema de Transmisión del Sur
Work highlights
- Defended Codelco, the biggest copper company in the world, against a claim involving mining easements.
- Represented Consorcio Aeródromo de Chiloé in a lawsuit against the State of Chile, which involved cost overruns during the construction of an airport.
- Acted for Grupo SAESA in judicial proceedings against the National Consumer Service (SERNAC), which related to supply disruptions caused by a period of bad weather during the winter of 2017.
Chile > Environment Tier 4
Larrain y Asociados Abogados fields an eight-strong team that advises primarily on the environmental law aspects arising from the energy and gas industries; the practice also has notable water law expertise. Sample work includes obtaining environmental permits, assessing the performance of environmental standards, environmental auditing, and investigations and environmental damage claims. The key figures are energy and natural resources specialist Jorge Granic and projects expert Cristóbal Morandé; notable support is provided by experienced of counsel Ricardo Peña, along with associates Javiera Méndez and Joaquín Larrain.
Practice head(s):
Jorge Granic; Cristóbal Morandé
Key clients
Flux Solar Energías Renovables
Metka EGN
Reden Solar
Work highlights
- Advised Flux Solar Energías Renovables on a joint venture agreement with Sphera Energy for the development and construction of a photovoltaic project near Los Angeles, which included due diligence work.
- Advised Metka EGN on the due diligence process surrounding the acquisition of several solar projects.
- Advised Reden Solar on the purchase of several solar plants, which included regulatory matters.
Chile > Intellectual property Tier 4
Larrain y Asociados Abogados‘ IP department is characterised by its specialisations in industrial property matters, plant varieties and copyright, along with particular expertise in music industry-related agreements; it also assists with issues that combine both constitutional law and IP, as well as litigation and domain name disputes. José Pedro Baraona is current team leader, following Pablo Ruiz-Tagle’s temporary departure to serve as Dean of the University of Chile’s School of Law; active senior associate Sebastián Prieto is an intellectual and industrial property expert with specialist knowledge regarding new technologies.Practice head(s):
José Pedro Baraona; Sebastián Prieto
Testimonials
‘Professionalism and good availability, with knowledge of the subject and the ability to provide answers to our concerns.’
‘They helped us a lot with our IP management matters – we only had to explain what we needed and they handled all the paperwork.’
‘They take the time to answer our questions.’
‘The firm’s lawyers stand out for their analytical criteria, always in pursuit of satisfying clients’ needs in the most cost-effective way. In this regard, the associate Sebastián Prieto Damm stands out for his clarity in the answers and the search for the best alternatives to carry out the cases that arise.‘
‘The team is very solid and provides us with good advice that helps us to effectively carry out the cases of our clients in Chile. The most favourable point that I see with respect to other firms is the team’s speed in the response, without losing detail in the analysis.‘
‘Very good disposition and take the time to solve our questions and advise us on intellectual property and trade mark registration.‘
‘Professionalism and good disposition, knowledge of the subject and ability to provide answers to our concerns.‘
‘The response time to our requirements is fast and they are ordered in the handling of the information that has been requested from them regarding the matters on which they advise us. For their part, they have been effective in winning the instances where oppositions filed by third parties are discussed in the context of registration of new brands.‘
Key clients
Watt’s
Universal Music
Empresas Coipsa
Ab Tetra Pak
McCain Foods
Viña Santa Carolina
Promarca
Distribuidora De Alimentos Globeitalia
Sun World International
Confio
Datco Chile
Aeroports De Paris
Prolab Industria E Comercio De Cosméticos
LUP
Fundacion Minera Escondida
Work highlights
- Assisting Aeroports De Paris with all its IP matters in Chile, including its trade marks and defending it against third parties in IP matters.
- Defended Latin American artist Mon Laferte against various domain name arbitrations.
- Assisted Viña Santa Carolina with brand positioning strategy in China, which included co-ordinating the filing of trade mark applications.
Chile > Labour and employment Tier 4
The four-member team at Larrain y Asociados Abogados is consistently sought out by mining, education, and services industry clients for litigation, labour-related corporate advice, recruitment matters and cross-border employment issues, as well as for collective bargaining, M&A and general advice on employment and social security issues. The department also assists with major litigation involving accidents at work, employees’ fundamental rights, and claims before Chile’s administrative labour authority. Collective bargaining and general labour/corporate advisory specialist Andrés Silva heads the department, which also includes associates Jorge Parro and Miriela González.Practice head(s):
Andrés Silva
Testimonials
‘Stands out for its speed, knowledge and willingness to resolve issues.’
‘The performance of these attorneys is of a very high standard, based on their deep knowledge of legal issues and personal qualities.’
‘If there is something that characterises and distinguishes the members of this firm, it is their value as people as they carry out their activities to high ethical standards.’
‘Andrés Silva is a standout partner.’
Key clients
Sociedad Punta del Cobre
Santo Tomás Educational Group
Polpaico Group
La Polar Group
Constructora de Infraestructura de Chile Seguros Sura Chile
Larrain Vial Companies
Chep Chile
Sealed Air Chile Industrial
Cinemark Chile
Work highlights
- Advised Cementos Polpaico on a dismissal process that involved a significant number of employees, following a merger-related reorganisation.
- Assisted Colegio Santo Tomás de Puerto Montt during a collective bargaining with a union.
- Represented Pucobre in filing a lawsuit against the National Geology and Mining Service (Sernageomin), in order to obtain the court’s annulment of a resolution and fine imposed by said public entity.
Chile > Tax Tier 4
Housing a 'remarkable' four-strong team, Larrain y Asociados Abogados has longstanding experience in providing tax consultancy and tax litigation services, including advising on the framework of audits conducted by the Chilean Tax and Customs Authorities. On the advisory side, the group has broad experience in the structuring of clients' businesses, in relation to income tax, VAT and withholding tax issues. Former vice-president of the Chilean Institute of Tax Law, Víctor Manuel Avilés heads the practice, which includes key associates Gonzalo Guerra ('excellent job'), Manuel Larrain and Teresita Vinagre.
Practice head(s):
Víctor Manuel Avilés
Testimonials
‘What makes this firm remarkable is that the breadth and knowledge of its lawyers is outstanding.‘
‘Associate Gonzalo Guerra did an excellent job and was able to resolve issues with clients and operational partners of our firm. He was very hands-on, always available, and ready to help beyond what was agreed.‘
Work highlights
- Assists BHP with customs matters surrounding the operations of BHP’s subsidiaries in Chile (Minera Escondida, Compañía Minera Cerro Colorado, and Spence).
- Assisted CHL Asset Management with an audit process and administrative claim against the Chilean Tax Authority, which concerns an income tax contingency.
- Advised large retail company La Polar on the reorganisation and simplification of its corporate structure, which included reorganising inactive subsidiaries and a stock option plan structure for company executives.
Larrain y Asociados Abogados > Firm Profile
Larrain y Asociados Abogados was founded in 1994 and has grown to become among 40 lawyer firm’s with significant accumulated legal expertise. The experience and understanding of the legal team allow them to fully and efficiently advise clients in the most relevant areas of law and is internally organized in different practice groups based on areas of expertise.
One of the Firm’s characteristics is to privilege, above a significant growth, the recruitment of lawyers of the best universities and with excellent qualifications. So, It has sought to hire well-qualified lawyers to keep the firm’s size in such a way that it is not prevented from embracing complex transactions while permitting it to have a competitive and efficient cost structure.
Larrain y Asociados, through a well integrated and collaborative work, seeks to provide high quality and prompt service to its clients. Integration in the quality of work is a guarantee, as long as the lawyer in charge can confer with experts, maximizing the depth and without increasing the cost for clients.
All of its lawyers are graduates from Chile’s leading law schools and many have postgraduate degrees and doctorates from the finest prestigious foreign programs and have also worked in renowned law firms in United States, Canada, Germany and France.
Lawyers are encouraged to do pro bono work and commit to academic endeavors, as teachers or researchers in connection with their legal practice.
Larrain y Asociados is a member of the International Lawyers Network and the International Trademark Association (INTA).
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Arbitration | Carlos Aravena | caravena@larrain.cl | |
Tax | Víctor Manuel Avilés | vm_aviles@larrain.cl | |
Litigation / Real Estate | José Pedro Baraona | jpbaraona@larrain.cl | |
Projects/ Concessions | Arturo Bulnes | abulnes@larrain.cl | |
Corporate M&A / Real Estate | Juan Carlos Bulnes | jcbulnes@larrain.cl | |
Energy / Mining | Jorge Granic | jgranic@larrain.cl | |
Aviation /Corporate M&A | Carlos I Larrain | cilarrain@larrain.cl | |
Banks and Financing | Patricio Montes | pmontes@larrain.cl | |
Energy / Regulated Services | Cristóbal Moránde | cmorande@larrain.cl | |
Labour | Andrés Silva | asilva@larrain.cl | |
Insurance and Reinsurance | Pedro Zelaya | pzelaya@larrain.cl |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Mr Carlos Aravena | Carlos Aravena joined Larrain y Asociados in 1997 and has been a… | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Víctor Manuel Avilés | Víctor Manuel Avilés joined the firm in 1998 and has been a… | View Profile |
![]() | Mr José Pedro Baraona | José Pedro Baraona joined Larrain y Asociados in 2000, after a long… | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Arturo Bulnes | Arturo Bulnes joined Larrain y Asociados in 1994 and is a partner… | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Juan Carlos Bulnes | Juan Carlos Bulnes joined Larrain y Asociados in 2002 and is a… | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Jorge Granic | Jorge Granic has been a partner of Larrain y Asociados since 1994. | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Carlos Ignacio Larrain | Carlos Ignacio Larrain has been a partner of Larrain y Asociados since… | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Patricio Montes | Patricio Montes joined Larrain y Asociados in 1996 and has been a… | View Profile |
![]() | Cristóbal Morandé | Cristóbal Morandé joined Larrain y Asociados in 2004 and has been a… | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Pablo Ruiz-Tagle | At the present he is Dean of Universidad de Chile School of… | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Andrés Silva | Andrés Silva joined Larrain y Asociados in 1999 and has been a… | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Pedro Zelaya | Pedro Zelaya is partner of Larrain y Asociados since 1994. | View Profile |
Languages
English Spanish French GermanMemberships
IBA (International Bar Association) AIDA International Insurance Law Association International Trademark Association (INTA) ASIPI ICC- Energy and natural resources > Electricity and hydrocarbon
- Projects and infrastructure
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Energy and natural resources > Mining
- Real estate