The undoubtedly robust practice at environmental law boutique Moreno Sáez & Avilés specialises in sectorial and environmental permitting, dispute resolution and enforcement procedures. Moreover, with deep experience advising companies before the environmental tribunals, Courts of Appeal, and the Supreme Court, it is highly regarded for its strong litigation capability. The team recently advised a client on all stages of a high-value renewable energy initiative, conducting environmental assessment accompaniment, as well as providing administrative and judicial defence. The practice is led by the firm's name partners: José Adolfo Moreno Correa is recognised for his enforcement procedures and litigation expertise; Andrés Sáez Astaburuaga focuses on permitting and related judicial review processes; and Sebastián Avilés Bezanilla has a proven track record defending clients in regulatory enforcement and sanctioning procedures. Additional partner-level input is provided by Emanuel Ibarra who is a key contact for strategic advice on administrative proceedings and environmental compliance. Primary support is provided by associate practice director Doris Sepúlveda Solar and senior Paula Gajardo Matthews, both of whom are deeply experienced
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • His prestige in the industry, the closeness and ease of contact with the partners (José Adolfo Moreno, Emanuel Ibarra) and, finally, the concern to accompany us in the process during its duration.
  • Great team of professionals, with experience and good judgment.
  • Excellent team of people and professionals.
  • Strategic vision and foresight: They don't just tell you what the regulations say; they design strategies to obtain complex sectoral and environmental permits and know how to protect them against potential legal challenges. Expertise with regulatory authorities: They have supported us in critical negotiations; their leadership and the respect they command in negotiations with the authorities regarding mitigation measures is a significant advantage of this boutique firm. The partners are constantly "on the ground" and involved in discussions about regulations and guidelines. They integrate seamlessly with our internal teams and technical consultants as if they were part of the company.
  • Expert knowledge from both the regulatory and private sector perspectives. Technical capacity to assemble multidisciplinary teams and understand complex engineering processes, then adapt their approach to the client's needs. Their partners come from the public sector, where they led the creation of the environmental framework that governs us and have discussed every guideline that regulates us. That gives you enormous peace of mind, because they not only know the law, but they also know why it was written that way.
  • The MSyA team distinguishes itself from other firms through the quality and timeliness of its responses, consistently providing the analyses, recommendations, and deliverables necessary for the company's decision-making. They are also characterized by their exceptional knowledge of regulations and their constant updates on the criteria of administrative and judicial authorities, which allows them to add value to their opinions. Furthermore, they have modern gender equity and diversity policies, recognized for their cross-cutting approach and inclusivity. Finally, they are at the forefront of technology, utilizing AI tools that enable them to validate their conclusions with concrete cases and data. It is undoubtedly the most robust team in the market.

Key clients

  • AES Andes
  • Compañía Minera El Abra
  • Los Andes Copper
  • Mainstream Renewable Power
  • Australis Seafood
  • HIF Global
  • Piscicultura Nilahue SpA
  • Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)
  • Inmobiliaria Crillón
  • Aclara Resources
  • Piscicultura San Joaquín
  • Aguas CAP

Work highlights

Advised the INNA Green Hydrogen and Ammonia Project, a landmark $10bn+ renewable energy initiative.
Advised HIF Global on Chile’s first large-scale green hydrogen project, supporting the environmental permitting process and securing approval for the Cabo Negro synthetic fuels plant in November 2025.
Advised Nilahue in the defense of environmental charges related to a salmon farming project, leading the successful submission of a Compliance Program before the Environmental Superintendence.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Emanuel Ibarra
Emanuel Ibarra
Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Practice head

José Adolfo Moreno Correa; Andrés Sáez Astaburuaga; Sebastián Avilés Bezanilla

Other key lawyers

Emanuel Ibarra; Doris Sepúlveda Solar; Paula Gajardo Matthews