Guerrero Olivos offers one of Chile’s most complete environmental law practices, acting for clients across sectors including mining, energy, real estate, logistics and manufacturing, as well as NGOs and environmental start-ups. With a thirteen-strong group comprising four partners and nine associates, the team is frequently seen advising on litigation, regulatory compliance, permitting and the environmental aspects of project development and M&A. Over the past year, the practice has added major clients such as state-owned mining company Codelco, leading Chilean winery Viña San Pedro, and global investment management firm Nuveen Capital. The team has also handled complex mandates including defending Puerto Ventanas in Chile’s most high-profile environmental case, advising Puerto Valparaíso on its $600m expansion, and representing the non-profit Fundación San Carlos de Maipo in the expansion of its conservation easement. Practice co-head Clemente Pérez leads on complex regulatory and litigation mandates for top-tier clients. Described as being 'directly involved in the day-to-day management of his clients’ affairs', practice co-head Sebastián Abogabir advises on environmental law and water rights, with a focus on non-conventional energy projects. Martín Santa María specialises in permitting and urban environmental assessments, while Benjamín Pérez handles mining and desalination matters. Newly promoted partner Francisca Pellegrini advises on the environmental aspects of energy projects, including impact assessments and regulatory compliance. Associate Vicente Palma rounds out the team with an evolving specialism in environmental litigation.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The deep involvement of the practice partner (Sebastián Abogabir) and the team's extensive knowledge of the market and industry allow them to provide comprehensive and practical insight and advice, enabling them to overcome difficulties and problems quickly and efficiently. I believe this distinguishes them from other firms with greater delegation.'
‘Sebastián Abogabir is a very professional and personable individual, very available and directly involved in the day-to-day management of his clients' affairs. He also has extensive knowledge and experience in various industries and areas, which allows him to provide comprehensive advice.'
‘An in-house lawyer needs to know whether the chosen team has the necessary knowledge and also what they're like when it comes to executing the work. Guerrero Olivos's environmental team stands out in the market and stands out from other law firms, not only because they're extremely knowledgeable, but also because they're highly executive, place few burdens on clients, and have an excellent instinct for what's important.’
‘The team led by Sebastián Abogabir is excellent. Its members are distinguished by their profound executive and effective approach. They care about their clients' resources, and there are no wasted efforts or pointless hours. Working with them, I feel I'm working with the best price/quality ratio in the market. Not only Sebastián Abogabir stands out as a partner, but also Vicente Palma as an associate, with his first-class service and unparalleled acumen when it comes to dealing with clients.’
Key clients
- Puerto Valparaíso
- CCU
- Rio2 Limited/Fenix Gold
- Cap Vert Energie
- Fundación San Carlos de Maipo
- Empresas Carozzi
- Codelco
- Bodenor/Flexcenter
- SCM Atacama Kozan
- Puerto Ventanas
- Ecoprial
- Nuveen Capital
Work highlights
Advised Puerto Valparaíso (in conjunction with environmental consultancy firm Sustentable), on the complex environmental requirements surrounding the $600m expansion of the port which is currently under a rigorous environmental assessment process, furhter complicated by its status as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Advised Rio2 on its $206m gold project in the Maricunga Mountains, and achieved a significant success in an environmental litigation case.
Advise Codelco, Chile’s state-owned copper mining company, Codelco, on developing a strategy to challenge the modification of the Valparaíso Metropolitan Plan.
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
Clemente Pérez; Martín Santa María; Sebastián Abogabir