The seven-strong team at Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría‘s environment and sustainable development department provides comprehensive environmental law advice throughout the lifecycle of complex projects, from development and permitting to litigation, M&A, financing, and project closure. The group are specialists at carrying out environmental impact assessments, obtaining local environmental permits, and providing strategic advice for technically and politically sensitive projects. The team is also expert when it comes to representing corporate clients in high-profile litigation and is currently advising energy company Elecnor on its defence against more than 15 claims challenging the environmental permit for the development of a high voltage transmission line in the Valparaíso and Metropolitan Regions. The team’s senior leadership includes partner Juan José Eyzaguirre, a recognised leader in natural resources and environmental law with approaching 30 years' experience, with clients noting he ’stands out as the leader of the environmental area for his extensive knowledge of the subject matter’; and partner Felipe Arévalo, a key figure in major environmental litigation since his arrival at the firm in 2014. Newly appointed counsel Mario Mozó rounds out the team with over a decade's experience advising international clients on environmental and project finance matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘What makes the team special is its level of involvement in the associated issues, both legal (expected) and technical (a comparative advantage), which sets it apart from other firms.'

  • ‘The lawyers always anticipate possible scenarios, forseeing risks, and developing solutions. The differentiation lies in the firm's thorough understanding of regulations, as well as its ability to intertwine this with its understanding of its clients' technical challenges. Juan José Eyzaguirre stands out as the leader of the environmental area for his extensive knowledge of the subject matter and how it has evolved over the years. Felipe Arévalo also stands out for his rigour, analytical skills, and rapid understanding of his clients' requirements.'

  • ‘It's good practice for the team to assess the company's multidimensional risks. We therefore seek their input on legal matters, as well as on other dimensions, since their input is valuable.'

Key clients

  • Elecnor
  • Inmobiliaria Las Salinas
  • Minera Salar Blanco
  • Bodegas San Francisco
  • Minera Las Cenizas
  • ENAP (Empresa Nacional del Petróleo)
  • SONACOL
  • Empresa de Transporte de Pasajeros Metro
  • Softys
  • Productos del Mar Ventisqueros (Schörghuber Stiftung & Co.)
  • Consorcio Eólico
  • Consorcio Austral

Work highlights

Retained by Elecnor in order to represent its interest in the rejection of the environmental permit associated with a high voltage transmission line project spanning three different regions (almost 400 kms in length); it is currently the second most important energy transmission project in Chile, valued at $325m
Advised on the environmental impact assessment of a remediation project (and subsequent urban development) of ILS' Las Salinas site located in the Valparaíso Region; it was previously used for more than 50 years for activities related to petroleum and hydrocarbons storage and will constitute the largest remediation project in Chile.
Advised Minera Salar Blanco on navigating the complexities surrounding the Maricunga lithium project, a world-class lithium brine deposit that is the most advanced of its kind in Chile.

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.

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

Juan José Eyzaguirre; Felipe Arévalo