HD Legal > Santiago, Chile > Firm Profile

HD Legal Offices

HD Legal
AV. EL GOLF 82, 3RD FLOOR, LAS CONDES
SANTIAGO
Chile
Visit website 56 2 2405 3200

HD Legal > The Legal 500 Rankings

Chile > Capital markets Tier 2

Known as Honorato | Delaveau until its 2023 rebrand, HD Legal‘s seven-strong capital markets practice advises on public and private equities’ offering, commercial paper, fund units, and corporate and securitised bonds. The ‘multi-service, dynamic and technological‘ firm also fields experts in the creation of investment vehicles and securities; registering equity and debt instruments; advising on stock market relations; and reporting obligations for publicly-listed securities issuers and private securities placements. The group is led by longstanding capital markets expert Sebastián Delpiano; and Matías Langevin, who is experienced in assisting underwriters and issuers with international capital markets transactions. The track record of securities law director Carlos Frias includes in-house counsel stints at banking and multilateral financial institutions in Chile and the US; and at senior associate level, Nicolás Garcia advises fund managers on the incorporation of investment funds. Former partner Felipe Divin departed the firm in September 2022, as did senior associate Andrea Alarcón in October 2023.

Practice head(s):

Sebastián Delpiano

Testimonials

‘A very well-disposed 24/7 team that is always ready and willing to answer calls and resolve doubts – without doubt a team of excellence.‘

‘HD stands above other law firms for its high levels of specialisation and the multidisciplinary team that makes up its capital markets practice.‘

‘Recognised for understanding the requirements of the dynamic financial and capital markets industry, always providing timely and high-quality advice.‘

‘A team that is capable of delivering creative, innovative solutions with legal sophistication, which allows clients to make better and far-sighted decisions.‘

‘HD is a multi-service, dynamic and technological team that is constantly aware of the latest legal trends.‘

‘The main characteristics are the quality of the advice and the speed of the results.‘

‘An office that has evolved very positively, applying the necessary changes and practices that suit clients.‘

‘The outstanding lawyers are Sebastián Delpiano, Nicolás Garcia and Andrea Alarcón.‘

Key clients

Sura Corredores de Bolsa

Chilena Consolidada

Ameris Capital

Banchile Inversiones

Capital Advisors

Credit Suisse

Falcom

Finasset

Focus

FYNSA

HMC

Nevasa

Paragon Advisors

Primus Capital

Quest

Racional

Sartor Financial Group

Vantrust

XLC

Zurich

Credicorp

EFG

Manulife

Stone Harbor

PGIM

Oddó

Planvital

The Vanguard

Columbia Threadneedle Investment

Vontobel

Open Trading

Regum Capital

Buda

Goldman Sachs

Jeeves Inc

Philippo

Santander Asset Management (Administradora General de Fondos)

Julius Baer

BNP Paribas

Caja los Andes

Singular AGF

Work highlights

  • Advised Nevasa Corredores de Bolsa on its IPO (pursuant to new regulations for start-up companies).
  • Assisted Primus Capital with issuing short-term securities.
  • Assisted several clients with their registration processes at the Financial Market Commission as investment advisers.

Chile > Compliance Tier 2

Known as Honorato | Delaveau until its 2023 rebrand, HD Legal‘s ‘technically good‘ six-member group routinely creates and implements tailored compliance programmes that focus on the risk of corruption, financial crimes, illegal competition, tax crimes, consumer violations, data protection, information security, labour violations, and environmental infringements. Clients additionally benefit from the firm’s sister organisation HD Compliance, a dedicated compliance consulting firm that evaluates and certifies companies’ compliance programmes. With ‘vast knowledge of this area‘, Rebeca Zamora is a criminal law specialist, whose experience encompasses advising compliance officers on the development of their activities, particularly in relation to investigations and internal audits. Former Moneda Asset Management general counsel and compliance manager, Carlos Frías, is notably experienced in financial sector-related compliance work. Further support within the partnership is provided by name partner and arbitration and dispute resolution expert, José Luis Honorato.

Practice head(s):

Rebeca Zamora; Carlos Frías; José Luis Honorato

Testimonials

‘Technically good – the only firm in Chile with this level of dedication to this area.‘

‘Excellent lawyers who know a lot about their subjects.‘

‘Agile and personalised advice and work that stand out from other professionals.‘

‘The deep technical knowledge and professionalism stand out – always up to date with new trends.‘

‘A team of professionals where diversity prevails, which is why it can also provide viewpoints from alternative angles.‘

‘Its process of collecting expenses and invoicing of services is a timely process, which allows management of legal expenses in a timely manner.‘

‘Rebeca Zamora and Carlos Frías stand out – very pleasant professionals, and their empathy and humility distinguish them, as well as their ability to understand clients’ businesses and the search for personalised solutions over standard opinions.‘

‘Rebeca Zamora has vast knowledge of this area and excellent human skills.‘

Key clients

SAAM

Citelum

Team Foods

Regum

Transelec

Open Trading

DirecTV

San Vicente Terminal Internacional

Credicorp Capital Chile

Derechos Digitales

Banco de Crédito del Perú, oficina de representación en Chile

Aerosan

PL Compliance

Conexión Kimal Lo Aguirre

Inmobiliaria Espacios

Intervial

Work highlights

  • Assisted RG Corp with the review, recommendation and implementation of its prevention model on corporate crime.
  • Assisted Dreams with certifying the model for the prevention of corporate crimes at Dreams Group and its seven facilities.
  • Advising Intervial on its corporate crimes prevention programme, including conducting internal investigations as well as training.

Chile > Banking and finance Tier 3

Known as Honorato | Delaveau until its 2023 rebrand, HD Legal‘s practice regularly handles significant M&A-related financings, as well as restructuring, bankruptcy and liquidation work. The fintech and finance department is led by project finance specialist Matías Langevin; Sebastián Delpiano is a structured and asset finance expert; and key support at name-partner level is provided by José Luis Honorato and Gonzalo Delaveau. Among the associates, Antonia Vial advises on real estate project financing, while senior Ignacio Araya Paredes, who assists with fintech work, is a September 2022 recruit from Banco Central de Chile. Former partner Felipe Divin left in August 2022 to establish his own firm.

Practice head(s):

Matías Langevin

Chile > Corporate and M&A Tier 3

The former Honorato | Delaveau reorganised as 'HD' in March 2023, the new platform now housing sister entities HD Compliance and HD Systems as well as core legal division, HD Legal. The firm's corporate practice handles general corporate matters, M&A, shareholder agreements, and corporate governance, and is also experienced in company reorganisations, divisions, dissolutions and liquidations, along with joint ventures and due diligence processes. Gonzalo Delaveau consistently advises on corporate, financial and commercial matters, while Matias Langevin is an international M&A specialist. Key associate support comes from a strong group of seniors, namely: Paulina Castro, an expert in corporate affairs and IT; Andrea Alarcón, whose practice takes in complex corporate and M&A work; and Ignacio Araya Paredes (a September 2022 hire from Banco Central de Chile) who primarily acts for fintech companies.

Energy and natural resources > Electricity and hydrocarbons Tier 3

Known as Honorato | Delaveau until a recent reorganisation, HD Legal‘s seven-member energy practice advises on both energy sector investments, and the development and operation of projects. It also assists with the acquisition and financing of hydroelectric, wind, and solar projects; liquefied natural gas plants; and transmission and distribution projects. The ‘extremely practical‘ team is co-led by energy, water, and natural resources specialist, Gonzalo Delaveau, in conjunction with Juan Ignacio Peña, who heads the firm’s engineering and construction practice. An experienced and capable second line of key advisers comprises energy, mining and natural resources practice director Mauricio Riesco (a September-2022 recruit and former senior legal counsel at Antofagasta Minerals); and senior associate Paulina Castro, a corporate law specialist and recent hire from PAGBAM Schwencke Chile.

Practice head(s):

Gonzalo Delaveau

Testimonials

‘Extremely practical – the lawyers know what is important from a client’s perspective and keep their focus on the prize.’

Key clients

BlackRock PMGD Holdings

Aediles Talinay

EDF Renewable Energy

Tritec Intervento

Consorcio Constructor BOV

Innergex Renewable Energy

Ebi Environment

Viña MontGras

Almarwater

Tralca

BlackRock Global Renewable Power III

Work highlights

  • Assisted Blackrock with the transaction documents for the acquisition of several PMGD portfolios.
  • Assisting Aediles Talinay in relation to the operation of a photovoltaic plant.
  • Assisting Viña MontGras with the development of a photovoltaic power project.

Chile > Real estate Tier 3

Focused on advising major domestic and foreign clients, HD Legal’s six-member practice primarily handles residential, industrial, office and commercial real estate projects. The team demonstrates noteworthy expertise as regards real estate investment structuring, financings, title searches, land purchases, and the incorporation of development and investment vehicles. The practice also houses experience as regards construction bids, project execution and sales processes. Practice leader Juan Ignacio Peña routinely advises on real estate, project finance, and engineering and construction; while at associate level, the broad practice of senior Andrea Alarcón includes real estate work and that of the more junior Antonia Vial includes security agreements and regulatory permitting. December 2022 saw Javiera Lira (who handles corporate real estate and related financings) arrive from the Ministry of Women and Gender Equity; former fellow senior Andrea Maldonado exited firm the same month.

Practice head(s):

Juan Ignacio Peña

Key clients

Fynsa AGF

Nevasa AGF

Vantrust Capital AGF

Zurich Chile Asset Management AGF

Socovesa

Inmobiliaria Parque Los Alerces

Centro Urbano La Dehesa

Inmobiliaria JMI

HMC

Buydepa

Inmobiliaria Manquehue

Asesorías e Inversiones Rupanco

Work highlights

  • Advised Vantrust Capital on the mezzanine investment of an investment fund (managed by Vantrust Capital AGF) in two real estate projects.
  • Advising Inmobiliaria JMI on a residential project involving apartments in Providencia.
  • Advising Vantrust Capital on its investments in real estate projects.

Chile > Venture capital Tier 4

HD Legal's ‘very proactive' VC group is experienced in advising investors, entrepreneurs and project managers on financing structures. In the VC space, the team assists clients from the finance, food-tech, retail, software and mining sectors (among others). The practice is co-led by Sebastián Delpiano, an active participant within the Chilean Fintech Association’s legal committee, who advises funds that undertake VC investments; and international capital markets expert Matías Langevin. At associate level, senior Andrea Alarcón Fiorentino specialises in investor regulations; and Ignacio Ruiz-Tagle, a former adviser to the Comité Acreditación Mercado de Valores (CAMV), advises on investment and feeder funds.

Practice head(s):

Sebastián Delpiano; Matías Langevin

Testimonials

‘Lawyers who are very clear in their responses to queries.‘

‘The team conducts a great deal of preparation and background reading for each internal meeting and with third parties.‘

‘Lawyers who are very proactive and very specialised in their work.‘

‘The big difference is that the lawyers are very proactive in relation to consultations with clients, and they know how to defend clients’ interests (during meetings with third parties) in an informed manner.‘

‘Updated on foreign legislation and clearly interpret clients’ positions and expectations.‘

Key clients

Valorizaciones Inmobilairias Refy

Wild Foods

Comercializadora Sikerei

Darkstore

Wild Labs

Apiux Tecnologías

Buydepa

Work highlights

  • Advised Darkstore on its first pre-seed capital round.
  • Advising Wild Foods on its day-to-day corporate, labour, compliance and tax issues.
  • Advising Comercializadora Sikerei on its day-to-day corporate, labour, compliance and tax issues.

Chile > Dispute resolution: arbitration

HD Legal‘s arbitration department has handled disputes in sectors ranging from industrial waste management, transportation and food, to capital markets and real estate; the practice  is led by arbitration and dispute resolution specialist, José Luis Honorato, a longstanding member of CAM Santiago’s panel of arbitrators.

Chile > Dispute resolution: litigation

HD Legal's litigation department, which specialises in the resolution of civil and commercial proceedings, is led by founding-partner José Luis Honorato, who has 30 years’ experience in civil and commercial litigation, as well as arbitration; Honorato is supported by senior associate Irene Bracho, who maintains a broad disputes practice.

HD Legal > Firm Profile

HD was founded in 2014 by José Luis Honorato, Gonzalo Delaveau, and Sebastián Delpiano, attorneys with vast experience in the areas of corporate, finance, and capital markets law. Juan Ignacio Peña, an expert in the areas of real estate, engineering, and construction law, was incorporated as a partner in 2017. Then, and due to the strong growth experienced by HD, Matías Langevin was incorporated as a partner in June 2019. He has extensive practice in banking and financial operations, and also on international transactions.

HD provides personalized advice, where its partners are constantly and permanently involved. This differentiating aspect is key to achieve the expected results. The firm offers a value proposal that goes beyond quality in the service since this is inherent in any legal advice. The team seeks to be proactive, efficient, innovative, and always governed by strict ethical conduct.

HD has a recognized leadership in the legal market for providing personalized legal advice, according to the needs of each client. In order to achieve this, the company structures efficient and professional work teams, through a strict selection process.

Main Contacts

Department Name Email Telephone
Corporate, M & A, Arbitration and mediantion, Public Law, Criminal Law José Luis Honorato jlhonorato@hdgroup.cl 562 24053200
Corporate, M & A, Energy, Mining and Natural Resources, Conssesions and Infrastructure, Antitrust Gonzalo Delaveau gdelaveau@hdgroup.cl 562 24053200
Capital Markets, Asset Management, M & A, Corporate, Venture Capital Sebastián Delpiano sdelpiano@hdgroup.cl 562 24053200
Real Estate, Engineering and Construction Juan Ignacio Peña jipena@hdgroup.cl 562 24053200
Banking, Finance and Derivatives, Corporate, M & A, Project Finance, Capital Markets, FinTech Matías Langevin mlangevin@hdgroup.cl 562 24053200
Compliance and Administrative Procedures, Public law Carlos Frías cfrias@hdgroup.cl 562 24053216
Compliance and Corporative Integrity, Labor Law, Antitrust and Consumer Protection Rebeca Zamora rzamora@hdgroup.cl 562 24053211
Capital Market, Asset Management Nicolás García ngarcia@hdgroup.cl 562 24053215
Tax Law Juan Andrés Larrondo jalarrondo@hdgroup.cl 562 24053214

Staff Figures

Partners : 6
Director : 4
Associate : 15

Languages

Spanish
English (fluent)

Memberships

• Our firm is member the Ibero-American Legal Network RLI, union of prestigious law firms in 18 jurisdictions around the world, united by their leadership, trajectory, and recognition.