Bofill Escobar Silva Abogados is a specialised disputes practice with an enviable reputation for representing individuals and legal entities before the Chilean Public Prosecutor’s Office. The eight-strong criminal law practice is consistently sought out by plaintiffs and defendants to act in heavyweight white-collar cases, as well as substantial investigations into corruption allegations. The team is also increasingly focused on compliance and crime prevention work, including the development of crime prevention models. The practice is co-led by name partner Jorge Bofill, a renowned litigator and 'visionary strategist' whose experience also includes conducting internal corporate investigations on behalf of corporation owners and boards; and criminal law director César Ramos (a partner since late 2021), whose criminal litigation practice covers finance, property, tax and securities. Key associate support is provided by Andrea Lema (whose past experience includes time at the Public Defender’s Office) who regularly acts before Chile’s criminal trial courts and the Santiago Court of Appeal.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team is characterised by its quality and legal knowledge.'

  • 'A fine and deep evaluation of the context, current legislation, as well as the characteristics of Chile's socio-political environment that can affect cases.'

  • 'A strategic direction that produces a clear definition of objectives, tasks and ways of dealing with each case.'

  • 'The technological support, both on the legal and administrative side, is strong and modern.’

  • ‘Jorge Bofill - in addition to his personal skills, is a visionary strategist, which unites the personal involvement and direction of the professionals who handle each case.'

Key clients

  • Cintac
  • Compañía Contractual Minera Candelaria
  • Julio Ponce Lerou
  • Luis Alberto Yapur
  • Sociedad Administradora de Casinos y Servicios Aliservice
  • Distribuidora Las Lagunas
  • Casinos Mogado
  • Juan Emilio Cheyre
  • Inmobiliaria e Inversiones Chicureo
  • Desarrollos la Dehesa
  • High-ranking officers of Empresas Penta
  • Pedro Guerra Guerrero
  • Valeria Ronchera
  • Paula Labra Besserer
  • Carlos Capurro
  • Enel Chile

Work highlights

  • Acting for Cintac, its Peruvian subsidiary Sehover and Peruvian litigants, in proceedings initiated by the company following the findings of an internal investigation (conducted by the firm) which determined the existence of fraudulent administration.
  • Representing Compañía Contractual Minera Candelaria in an ongoing investigation regarding alleged bribery charges in relation to an agreement with the Municipality of Tierra Amarilla.
  • Representing Julio Ponce Lerou (controller of SQM), who is accused of stock market manipulation, in relation to transactions carried out between companies of the holding and third parties to the detriment of minority shareholders.

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 associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Jorge Bofill, César Ramos