The environment law practice at Barros & Errázuriz advises clients on a diverse range of environmental law issues across industries including energy, aquaculture, mining and technology. The team’s expertise ranges from project planning, permitting and compliance, to litigation and project closure, handling complex environmental impact assessments and indigenous consultation processes. It also advises on environmental emergencies, desalinisation and other water-related projects, and regulatory issues tied to waste, food law, and climate change. Litigation experts, the practice group’s lawyers are praised by clients for ‘always considering the technical aspects inherent to environmental disputes’. Recent major mandates include: representing the Eletrans II and III energy transmission lines against sanctioning proceedings before the Environmental Superintendence; providing ongoing environmental regulatory advice for the development of Microsoft’s data centres; and providing permitting advice to leading electricity generation company, Colbún. Counsel Matias Montoya leads the environmental group, bringing over 15 years’ experience in the sector – including prior service as General Counsel of the Environmental Assessment Agency; he oversees assessment processes, litigation, and compliance procedures. Partner Fernando Garrido is known for his work on energy project development and finance, often carrying out regulatory due diligence for energy companies. Key associate support is provided by senior Martín Vial Correa (environment, mining and water law) and intermediate Catalina Vergara Flores; however, former senior Mara Angelini moved in-house in November 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Matías Montoya is probably the best environmental lawyer in Chile. He stands out for his analytical skills, knowledge, and ability to propose ideas and implement strategies. He has a broad perspective, knows the industry, and understands its needs.'
- 'The B&E team is very comprehensive in the range of areas it covers (permits, inspections, sanctions, strategic issues, etc.) and the industries in which it has experience (mining, energy, agribusiness, infrastructure, etc.).'
- 'Matías Montoya has extensive experience and a wide network of contacts, both in the private sector (consultants, advisors, etc.) and in the public sector (Ministry of the Environment, SEA, SMA, environmental courts). He stands out for being pragmatic and highly effective in the results of his work.'
- 'The firm’s environmental practice stands out for its solid knowledge of the subject. They provide advice with an excellent practical focus, which makes them a great advisor for strategic decision-making.'
- 'The team is always available to analyse the different angles of each case, consistently taking into account the technical aspects inherent in environmental disputes. Furthermore, they are proactive in proposing solutions and anticipating the need for additional documentation to support the procedures we are working on together. Likewise, if a professional is not available, the quality of the advice remains consistent, ensuring a high-level service.'
- 'Matías Montoya has advised us on highly complex matters, providing agile and very practical advice. We particularly value his flexibility and client-focused approach, and he has also easily integrated himself into the multidisciplinary teams needed to address complex issues.'
- 'What distinguishes the firm’s lawyers is their ability to present ideas clearly and effectively, their strong focus on clients’ needs, and their skill in applying the issues discussed in each case to real-life situations. This combination of communication, strategic focus, and practical application sets them apart in the sector.'
- 'They have a great talent for analysing complex problems and finding direct solutions. Instead of getting bogged down in unnecessary analysis, they seek maximum efficiency.'
- 'I would like to highlight the director, Matías Montoya, a great lawyer with a lot of experience in environmental matters. He inspires a great deal of confidence and is always available to handle client requests or questions.'
- 'In environmental matters, they are one of the best in Chile.'
Key clients
- Eletrans II & III
- Colbún
- Coexca / Agrícola Coexca
- Interchile
- Albemarle
- RBT Energy / Sonedix
- CDPQ
- Almar Waters Solutions / Colbún / Transelec JV
- Delta Airlines
- Esval
- Bosch
- Minera Peñoles
- Pacific Hydro
- CORFO-Dictuc
Work highlights
Advising Eletrans II and Eletrans III on numerous sanctioning proceedings before the Environmental Superintendence (ES), as well as regarding an ES inspection processes at the project, on an environmental damage claim and on general environmental matters.
Advising Coexca and Agrícola Coexca on general environmental and regulatory matters, as well as day-to-day issues including changes in the ownership of environmental permits and the review of technical reports on operational matters, etc.
The firm is advising Colbún on its defence in the sanctioning procedure brought by the Environmental Superintendence against the ‘Santa María thermoelectric power plant, in relation to the environmental assessment of the modifications and operational adaptations to the Complejo Termoeléctrico Nehuenco project, and in relation to the Paposo pumping station project.
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Practice head
Fernando Garrido; Matías Montoya