The environmental law team at Barros & Errázuriz is recognised for its prominent client roster, which includes major international companies across energy, mining, water utilities, and electricity. The group regularly acts as local counsel on a diverse range of matters, including sanctioning procedures, regulatory compliance, and administrative appeals. Fernando Garrido is a well known energy and natural resources and project development specialist who has amassed environmental expertise as part of his wider practice; he co-leads the team alongside practice director Matias Montoya, a former General Counsel of the Environmental Assessment Agency (SEA), whose workload is centred on environmental assessment processes, environmental compliance, and environment-related litigation and due diligence; he has particular expertise as regards the energy, mining, oil & gas, infrastructure, aquiculture, and agribusiness sectors. Key associate support is provided by senior Martín Vial Correa and intermediate Catalina Vergara Flores.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- B&E is a studio that combines a good knowledge of environmental regulations with a very good level of contacts with the State administration, which allows access to public services.
- Matias Montoya is a very approachable person with an exceptionally high level of legal knowledge, yet highly adaptable to the specific circumstances of each case. He is capable of deeply understanding complex technical situations and offering integrated solutions within his area of expertise. Ignacio Quintana is a professional who stays completely up-to-date in his field, anticipates developments, and ensures preparedness for various scenarios. Martín Vial also offers diverse solutions and remains attentive to how new rulings might benefit different clients.
- I believe the team has two strengths. The first is their collaboration; it's very easy to communicate with the different lawyers without having to explain the company's situation in detail, because they communicate so effectively with each other. The second strength is their ability to work in interdisciplinary environments, receive highly complex technical input, and integrate and incorporate it into legal strategies.
- I like that it's a cohesive team, where each person makes a contribution based on their role.
- I believe their differentiating factor is their human qualities, vast knowledge of the subject in practical terms (similar cases, jurisprudence, etc.) and the ability to put the business first in every transaction.
- Matías Montoya is an excellent lawyer and knows how to solve problems practically, without overcomplicating matters.
- The team is known for its practical service. Every time we work with them, we know their advice will carefully consider all aspects, and their approach to problems aims to generate maximum benefit at the lowest cost/risk.
- Matías Montoya, for the good relationship with the authorities and clients, and for the strategic vision of the best way to solve problems. Martín Vial, for his commitment and rigor in addressing the details.
- Barros & Errázuriz has implemented artificial intelligence tools that have allowed them to deliver higher-quality products by efficiently reviewing various documents that previously would have required a significant effort. I work directly with several law firms on environmental issues, and what I particularly appreciate about B&E is their high level of involvement in projects and with clients.
Key clients
- Eletrans II & III
- Interchile
- Coexca & Agrícola Coexca
- RBT Energy / Sonedix
- Colbún
- Minera Peñoles
- Pacific Hydro
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.
Practice head
Fernando Garrido; Matías Montoya