Mr Carlos Aravena > Larrain y Asociados Abogados > Santiago, Chile > Lawyer Profile

Larrain y Asociados Abogados‘ ‘great’ eight-strong arbitration team maintains a significant presence before both CAM Santiago and arbitration panels. Notably focused on clients from the construction, mining, infrastructure, energy and public works sectors, it routinely acts in public works concessions-related disputes, such as conflicts between contractors and construction companies, or disputes between concessionaires and the Public Works Ministry. Litigation and arbitration expert Carlos Aravena ‘makes clients feel that they are very well advised‘; while Isabel Palacios , a partner since January 2022 (and the firm’s first female partner), is a dedicated arbitration specialist.

The ‘serious, prepared and creative’ litigation department at Larrain y Asociados Abogados regularly acts in trials before Chile’s different courts and tribunals. The nine-strong team is experienced in commercial, civil, bankruptcy, tax and contentious-administrative litigation, as well as disputes over public works concessions. The firm has additionally developed a consumer law practice that assists with disputes before Chile’s Consumer Agency (SERNAC), particularly in relation to the energy, water, public services and sanitation sectors. An ‘outstanding and strategic professional’, José Pedro Baraona represents highway concession holders, individuals and construction and energy companies in civil trials; Isabel Palacios (the firm’s first female partner) and Carlos Aravena are both experienced litigation and arbitration practitioners; and Víctor Manuel Avilés is a tax litigation expert. The associates to note are Claudio Torres, Macarena Gonzalez and César Vásquez, while Daniela Baron left the firm in July 2023.

Larrain y Asociados Abogados ‘has the experience and capabilities that few firms have in Chile regarding complex infrastructure projects’. The 15-strong projects and infrastructure team advises on the development, financing, construction, operation, sale and acquisition of infrastructure projects. Acting for project developers, construction companies and lenders, the team’s specialisms cover LNG regasification terminals, port facilities, gas pipelines, hospitals, highways, railways and industrial facilities. It also advises on gas and diesel-fuelled power plants, renewable energy and petrochemicals. Recent highlights include advising Pucobre on the development, construction and operation of an open pit copper and gold mine. The group is co-led by Jorge Granic, a renowned project development, infrastructure and energy and natural resources expert; and Arturo Bulnes, who consistently assists with infrastructure projects. The team further showcases energy law specialist Cristóbal Morandé; Carlos Aravena, who is ‘one of the best lawyers for concessions and infrastructure matters in Chile’; and Joaquín Larrain, an adviser on project development, construction and financing work. In the firm’s associate ranks, Javiera Méndez assists with the regulatory and administrative law aspects of project development; Francisco Cerda ‘does a stellar job’; and the recent experience of project finance lawyer Michelle Inzunza includes the negotiation of a BOOT contract for a seawater supply system.