With ‘extensive experience in both procedural techniques and strategy’, Garrigues Chile’s caseload covers a range of sectors, including large port and energy infrastructure construction arbitrations, as well as mining-related conflicts. Further to the June 2024 exit of partner Monica Van Der Schraft to become an independent arbitrator, former Jana & Gil Dispute Resolution partner Karen Werner now leads the firm’s disputes practice. Werner, who also regularly sits as arbitrator, has substantial expertise in arbitrations involving construction, shareholder, contractual and energy disputes. In the associate pool, principal José Joaquín Verdugo is ‘establishing himself, without a doubt, as one of the best lawyers of his generation’; while José Tomás Hirsch is a contractual, civil and commercial law expert, and fellow-senior María Ignacia Arratia focuses on commercial, construction, electricity, cybersecurity, and technology-related matters. In early 2025, former counsel Cristóbal Sarralde also departed the firm, since when the firm has hired Rodrigo Riquelme Yañez (formerly at his own firm) who has deep experience of ad hoc and institutional arbitration in relation to infrastructure, construction, and public works concessions-related disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘A highly trained team with a thorough understanding of judicial strategy.’
- ‘Not only fully familiar with the applicable procedures, but they also possess extensive experience in both procedural techniques and strategy.’
- ‘Garrigues’ highly cohesive and unique team consists of lawyers with equal expertise in both civil and procedural law, something unusual in the Chilean market.’
‘Karen Werner demonstrates extensive technical knowledge and astuteness in how to present defences and process cases.’
‘Karen Werner achieves very favourable results and facilitates the path to reaching agreements that are very significant for company clients.’
‘It is worth highlighting the work done by María Ignacia Arratia and José Joaquín Verdugo, who play a very important role in processing cases and defining strategies.’
‘José Joaquín Verdugo demonstrates a profound devotion to his cases, making him an invaluable asset for the prompt, and most satisfactory, resolution of disputes.’
‘José Joaquín Verdugo is outstanding, establishing himself, without a doubt, as one of the best lawyers of his generation. His attention to detail is unbeatable, his response times are exceptional, and his knowledge of civil law is dazzling.’
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
María Ignacia Arratia
José Joaquín Verdugo
Practice head
Karen Werner