Garrigues Chile’s ‘litigation practice stands out for its ability to handle complex disputes with a highly effective combination of technical depth, procedural order and strategic focus’. The seven-member dispute resolution is best known for handling high-stakes civil, commercial and infrastructure-related litigation; and it is particularly experienced in construction, energy and shareholder disputes, as well as consumer class actions. Combining ’outstanding technical expertise with remarkably refined strategic judgement’, practice leader Karen Werner ‘clearly stands out as one of the most prominent lawyers in the market’. In the senior associate pool, Sebastián Fuentes Prince, a December 2025 hire from Carey, ’stands out for his analytical skills and technical rigour’; José Tomás Hirsch’s practice covers major litigation before Chile’s national courts, along with insolvency and restructuring proceedings; and María Ignacia Arratia assists with procedural strategy, written pleadings, evidentiary stages and appellate litigation. Former principal associate José Joaquín Verdugo departed the firm in October 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Garrigues' litigation practice stands out for its ability to handle complex disputes with a highly effective combination of technical depth, procedural order, and strategic focus. What makes it particularly unique is its skill in structuring cases clearly from the outset, defining consistent and sustainable lines of argument over time, even in highly dynamic environments. For in-house counsel, one of its main strengths is the way it manages litigation as a strategic, rather than merely reactive, process. They have excellent foresight, control over procedural milestones, and risk management, enabling informed decision making at every stage. Furthermore, they excel at clearly communicating the status of cases and the available alternatives. The team compares very favourably with other firms, particularly for its level of engagement, consistent quality of work, and ability to manage multiple fronts simultaneously. In terms of operations, there is a well-coordinated structure with clear roles and fluid interaction across all levels of the team. Internal collaboration is evident and results in consistent, well-thought-out, and timely deliverables. They also demonstrate a good ability to adapt to client needs, with agile and efficient interaction.
- The team's main differentiator lies in the quality of its members, but especially in the leadership of Karen Werner, who clearly stands out as one of the most prominent lawyers in the market. Karen is an exceptional professional in every sense. She combines outstanding technical expertise with remarkably refined strategic judgement, allowing her to approach complex litigation with uncommon clarity, confidence, and depth. She has a remarkable ability to grasp the core issues quickly, identify the truly critical points, and define strategies that are not only legally sound but also highly effective in practice. Her leadership makes a real difference. She handles cases with firmness, order, and conviction, conveying confidence at all times and maintaining control even in high-pressure or uncertain situations. She is a lawyer who raises the team's standard and brings a level of confidence to decision-making that is hard to find. In addition, she possesses exceptional interpersonal skills. Karen is known for her approachability, her ability to build trust, and her direct, clear, and constructive way of interacting. She is highly committed, always available, and deeply involved in the issues, making her a true strategic partner rather than just an external adviser. The team of associates is also top-notch. Sebastián Fuentes Prince stands out for his analytical skills and technical rigour; and José Tomás Hirsch for his precision and consistency in execution. They all operate to a very high standard, aligned with Karen's leadership. Together, they are an exceptional team, but it is Karen Werner's leadership that truly positions them at the highest level of the market, both for her professional excellence and her personal qualities.
- Karen Werner is a lawyer with an impeccable track record. I have had the opportunity to work with her on various matters, and she consistently stands out for her flawless knowledge of applicable law, her availability and dedication to her clients, and her friendly demeanor. She leads a highly skilled team, a testament to her own merits and her leadership style, which fosters best practices within her teams. Tomás Hirsch is a lawyer who excels in developing defense strategies, combining legal expertise with market practices and technical expertise to create truly innovative approaches.
- The team has in-depth knowledge of the legal system and the ability to structure solid and creative solutions and defenses. Furthermore, they are responsive and attentive to client concerns, and clients always feel very well protected in their interests. This sets them apart from other firms. Whether clients are assisted by a partner or a junior lawyer, they always feel very confident in their judgement and knowledge of the regulations applicable to cases. The firm has platforms that facilitate information sharing from different locations, offers flexible fees, and is very client focused.
- Their practice is very solid because they combine technical expertise with strategic thinking and a deep understanding of their clients' businesses, delivering clear and accurate analyses (and solutions). They are consistent, efficient, and thorough in their analyses. In short, they are a highly recommended team, especially José Tomás Hirsch. He is an exceptional lawyer, quite possibly one of the best litigators of his generation.
Key clients
- GTD Teleductos
- Punto Ticket
- GTD Manquehue
- Sociedad Concesionaria Costanera Norte
- Nala Renewables Chile
- Cloudflare
- Parque Solar Alianza
- Reign Digital Creatives
- Isapre Masvida
- Enel Chile
Work highlights
Defending GTD Teleductos against a contractual damages claim, arising from a major cyberattack affecting its IaaS platform, including force majeure arguments and counterclaims.
Acted for Punto Ticket in a high-profile consumer class action, which was brought by SERNAC following the cancellation of large-scale concerts, the matter involving alleged breaches of Chilean consumer protection law and significant financial exposure.
Acted for GTD Manquehue in litigation concerning the alleged failure to block illegal online gambling platforms, raising key issues on net neutrality and the scope of telecom operators’ liability for third-party content.
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.
Sebastián Fuentes Prince
María Ignacia Arratia
Practice head
Karen Werner
