Mr Diego Peña > DLA Piper Chile > Santiago, Chile > Lawyer Profile

The 10-strong projects practice at DLA Piper Chile advises both domestic and multinational companies on the development, acquisition, sale and financing of substantial energy and infrastructure projects (particularly wind and solar). The team is also able to leverage the expertise of the firm’s colleagues in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Mexico and Peru for regional projects. The core group of principal advisers consists of Felipe Bahamondez, an expert in energy, natural gas and LNG projects; Rodrigo Álvarez, whose track record includes over 100 commercial, housing and industrial project developments in Chile; and recently-elevated partner and energy and infrastructure specialist, Diego Peña. Former counsel Paulina Farias left the firm in August 2023.

DLA Piper Chile‘s Santiago office houses experts in oil and gas, renewable and hydrogen projects, including associated regulatory issues. The seven-lawyer team advises at all stages of energy generation projects, including related works, such as transmission lines, substations, and gas pipelines; and (with Chile included) it is able to facilitate access to over 450 lawyers in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Puerto Rico. The Chilean energy and natural resources practice group is co-led by energy, natural gas and liquified natural gas project expert, Felipe Bahamondez; and  Diego Peña (a partner since 2022), whose track record encompasses natural gas, hydro, wind, biomass and solar energy plant projects. Former counsel Paulina Farias left the firm in August 2023.

DLA Piper LLP (US) has a large team of Latin America specialists, spread across its US and Latin America offices. It has extensive connections to developers and project sponsors, and is increasingly building its presence in renewables and energy transition matters (including wind, solar, hydro and battery storage). The practice is also noted for PPP transactions, thanks to its headline role in advising LUMA Energy as the winning bidder in the PPP transaction for the management and operation of the transmission and distribution assets of the state-owned electricity utility in Puerto Rico. The firm is further noted for its M&A expertise in energy and infrastructure, including portfolio acquisitions of renewables assets. Marcello Hallake has joined the New York office from Jones Day, bringing significant energy sector transactional expertise. New York’s Margarita Oliva Sainz de Aja is Latin America head of banking and finance and has an excellent record in project financings in the region. San Juan partner Miriam Figueroa is a key figure in PPPs and infrastructure projects. Santiago partner Diego Peña is also an integral team member, as is Raul Farias in San Diego/New York. Since publication, the practice has been furhter strengthened with the hire of Sao Paulo-based Bruno Soares from Allen & Overy LLP – effective as of February 2024.