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.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘It's a highly experienced team, distinguished by its ability to adapt its management and solutions to the client's needs. A very similar situation applies to invoicing, as they are highly flexible in issuing payment statements, separating them by project, which is managed jointly month-by-month. Likewise, their work proposals are highly convenient because they seek to create a harmonious balance between the needs of each party.'
‘Experience that is constantly updated, and the resilience to address customer needs and generate innovative solutions.’
‘They are distinguished by having a team capable of providing quick and decisive responses to urgent and contingent situations.’
‘Sebastián Avilés and José Adolfo Moreno stand out for their extensive experience and sound judgment, which allows them to provide comprehensive consulting services from the business perspective. They are clear, prompt, and deliver effective results. They propose innovative solutions and are involved in the details of all procedures. I particularly highlight the fact that they are personally involved in the assignments we carry out at my company, as their non-delegable participation is essential to us.’
‘This is a solid team that provides outstanding service on environmental issues. It is also diverse, both in terms of its equal gender ratio and the professional background of its members (many with relevant experience in the public sector).’
‘Precise knowledge of the authority's criteria, original defence proposals, and excellent turnaround time.’
Key clients
- AES Andes
- Generadora Metropolitana
- Albemarle Corporation
- COPEC
- HIF Global
- Compañía Minera Doña Inés de Collahuasi
- Compañía Minera El Abra
- Empresa Portuaria Valparaíso
- Crillon
- Celulosa Arauco y Constitución
Work highlights
Advised AES Andes on the strategy for the environmental impact assessment of several projects including four of the top ten by investment in the country currently in process; three are solar generation projects and the other one seeks to produce carbon-neutral fuels with green hydrogen and ammonia.
Advised HIF Global on the strategic design of the permitting procedure of all stages of the first green hydrogen project to be based in Chile.
Advised Albemarle Corporation on beginning a procedure to review its environmental permit, as well as that of SQM Salar, which also operates in the the same area of the Atacama Sal Flat; the request was made after Albemarle discovered that sensitive areas near lagoons were been affected by the decrease of brine.
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
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