Delivering ‘a strategic vision that allows for sound decision making’, Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos' sizeable arbitration practice assists at all stages of arbitrations, from the initial phases of potential arbitration cases, to preliminary steps, settlements, hearings and enforcement processes. The team, which includes three partners who sit as arbitrators for CAM Santiago (Centre of Arbitration and Mediation of the Santiago Chamber of Commerce), is experienced in disputes involving infrastructure, shareholder issues, and mining company-related energy supply contracts. Investment arbitration is another area of strength for the group. Heading the firm’s litigation and arbitration practices, Florencio Bernales' disputes experience covers construction, insurance, mining, environmental law, energy, and antitrust, as well as shareholder agreements, takeovers and indemnities; Fernando Urrutia's litigation and arbitration practice includes construction and insolvency cases; Raimundo Moreno's recent experience includes a major investment arbitration; Jorge Boldt, who has ’a solid track record’, maintains a notable arbitral practice, alongside his litigation, compliance and criminal liability caseload; and the expertise of director José Ignacio Azar, who also leads the firm’s consumer law offering, includes litigation and arbitration. In the senior associate ranks, Lorena Avendaño is pursuing an international arbitration-focused LLM degree in Paris since August 2024, while Francisca Larraín regularly serves as clerk in CAM Santiago arbitrations. Former senior associate Trinidad Torres departed the firm during 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The Cariola team knows the law, is creative, and has a commercial mindset, seeking the best solutions for its clients.’
  • ‘Excellent command of the issues involved in cases and a strategic vision that allows for sound decision making.’
  • ‘Timely information is provided to the client and they are available to resolve queries at all times. Very good analytical and negotiation skills.’
  • ‘A very cohesive team, so the cases are well known by both the partner and the associates involved, and clients can work directly with any of them.’
  • ‘Excellent team and they are close to their clients, allowing them to participate in the case strategy with a permanent communication channel, which is highly valued.’
  • ‘Excellent willingness to clarify doubts and answer questions, as well as to seek the best solutions and alternatives for each case.

Key clients

  • Sterling and Wilson
  • KPMG
  • Campbell
  • Minera Escondida
  • Minera Spence
  • UC CHRISTUS
  • Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
  • Besalco Maquinarias
  • WeWork Chile
  • Cognita Chile
  • Isapre Banmédica
  • Isapre Vida Tres

Work highlights

Asissted Alkhairat Shipping Co with a recognition proceeding before the Chilean Supreme Court, in relation to a London-rendered arbitral award.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

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.

Francisca Larraín

Practice head

Florencio Bernales; Fernando Urrutia; Raimundo Moreno; Jorge Boldt