Moreno Sáez & Avilés

Possessing a ‘precise knowledge of the [environmental] authority’s criteria, original defence proposals, and excellent turnaround time,‘ specialist boutique Moreno Sáez & Avilés is a recognised leader in Chilean environmental law. The firm advises major companies across Chile’s highest value industry sectors, from mining, energy, forestry and infrastructure, to oil and gas, ports, and real estate. Handling environmental-permitting matters totalling $15bn, and defending clients in enforcement actions involving potential fines exceeding $500m, the practice group also has significant expertise in negotiations with indigenous communities, carrying out consultations in relation to numerous large-scale infrastructure, energy and conservation projects. The team is working on high-impact projects for several major energy companies, including AES Andes’ three solar generation projects and HIF Global’s green hydrogen development, while also advising leading mining company Collahuasi on its expansion project, carrying out environmental impact assessments and obtaining sectoral permits. Founding partners José Adolfo Moreno Correa, Andrés Sáez Astaburuaga, and Sebastián Avilés Bezanilla are widely recognised for their roles in complex permitting, litigation, enforcement matters, along with community engagement. Moreno leads on high-profile mining and energy mandates, Sáez is known for his litigation and constitutional strategies in regard to major energy and infrastructure projects, and Avilés spearheads regulatory enforcement defence. The team was recently strengthened by the addition of Emanuel Ibarra Soto, a former deputy superintendent of the environment; and Jorge Bermúdez Soto, a former comptroller general of Chile, who now leads the firm’s public law practice. Associate practice directors Doris Sepúlveda Solar and Paulina Rivera Muñoz contribute additional expertise with extensive experience in risk assessment, compliance and regulatory procedures.