FerradaNehme‘s ’consumer law team has a high level of expertise and excellent knowledge of current legal trends’. The longstanding consumer and advertising practice acts for mass consumption companies from the retail, telecoms, airline, technology, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, automotive, entertainment, insurance, banking and water services sectors (among others). The practice has a stellar reputation for the litigation of individual consumer rights protection lawsuits, as well as class actions. It also assists with the definition of SERNAC-related strategies and responding to SERNAC communications and requirements, along with participating in roundtables, individual mediations and voluntary collective procedures. Other notable areas are prevention and compliance models for consumer matters, as well as advertising practices. The group recently represented Chilean telecoms company VTR Comunicaciones in class actions that were brought by SERNAC and three consumer associations, in connection with disruptions to internet access service during the Covid-19 pandemic. The experience of Stella Muñoz, who has ‘extensive knowledge of SERNAC jurisprudence’, includes the resolution of several high-stakes consumer law disputes, along with mediations, voluntary collective procedures and compliance strategies. In the firm’s senior associate ranks, litigation lawyer Mario Garfias represents clients before SERNAC, as well as before Chile’s regulatory telecoms agency (SUBTEL), particularly matters concerning information and auditing requirements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘They are a serious team with excellent client service. It is the firm I would rate highest compared to the others my company works with.’
- ‘An expert team in consumer protection with deep knowledge of the aeronautical industry. They have a very thorough knowledge of the jurisprudence of SERNAC (the consumer agency), both in litigation and in collective voluntary proceedings.’
- ‘Beyond just giving an opinion, the team led by Stella Muñoz advises by collaborating in the structuring of new business lines, which is a significant advantage compared to other firms.’
- ‘What differentiates them is their ability to find solutions for new business ventures, always with a pro-business outlook while still safeguarding the company's interests.’
- ‘Stella Muñoz's deep knowledge of the subject generates a great deal of comfort. She is very attentive to details, and it is clear that she is an expert in the area.’
- ‘In those exceptional cases where lead partner Stella Muñoz cannot participate, Mario Garfias provides the same high level of service, ensuring consistency.’
- ‘They have an expert team that responds quickly, adapting to our way of working and showing a great willingness to resolve everything from day-to-day questions to detailed legal analyses.’
- ‘The work of Stella Muñoz stands out for her timely, clear, and complete answers. The work of Mario Garfias also stands out for his willingness, knowledge, and the clarity of his solutions.’
- ‘They have a close yet very professional manner. They adapt to the client and get to know their business in depth.’
- ‘A tremendous and very complete team, with a very good partner in charge, who understands our business and provides us with very solid solutions tailored to our needs.’
Key clients
- Nuevosur
- Banco del Estado de Chile
- Indumotora (KIA Chile)
- Zurich Chile Seguros Generales
- VTR Comunicaciones
- Latamfit Chile
- Sky Airline
- Comercializadora Skechers Chile
- Banco Santander Chile
- Claro Chile
Work highlights
Representing Grupo Indumotora in the prosecution of lawsuits, which relate to the protection of its consumers.
Assisting Nuevosur with the processing of a voluntary collective proceeding before SERNAC, concerning service suspensions that occurred during 2022 and 2023.
Representing VTR Comunicaciones in class actions brought by SERNAC and three consumer associations, in connection with disruptions to internet access service during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Mario Garfias
Practice head
Stella Muñoz