Carey continues to house a leading environmental practice in the Chilean market, assisting domestic and multinational clients with transactions, administrative and judicial litigation, permits, and a diverse range of environmental compliance and regulatory work. The group is primarily active in the aquaculture, data centres, and mining industries. Its notable recent work includes representing a major salmon farming company in multiple environmental litigation proceedings before the Supreme Court, securing favourable decisions for the client. Manuel José Barros, who is recognised for his expertise in environmental dispute resolution and regulatory matters, co-leads the team alongside Julio Recordon, who excels in enforcement actions and compliance. Rafael Vergara is a key contact for the natural resources sector.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • Highly qualified lawyers. They have extensive experience and excellent training.
  • Customer focus. Outstanding legal expertise.
  • Manuel José Barros is a lawyer with in-depth knowledge of environmental law. He has extensive experience in industry and also in the public sector. Furthermore, he has a very approachable style of working, without compromising professional rigor.
  • Their main strength lies in their deep understanding of environmental regulations and the industries to which those regulations apply. The team comprises lawyers at a stage of their careers characterized by intense practice, ensuring a high level of commitment. Furthermore, the two partners make an excellent team, combining experience from the private sector, the public sector, and environmental consulting.
  • They stand out for their technical excellence combined with a strategic, business-oriented approach. They differentiate themselves from their competitors through their proactive approach, acting as true partners to their clients and anticipating complex scenarios with practical and efficient solutions. Their main strengths are legal rigor, responsiveness, clear communication, and strong negotiation skills.
  • Manuel José Barros stands out in the team for his excellent and prompt attention, knowledge of the issues, and strategic approach.
  • In Chile, environmental issues require not only sectoral knowledge of the various environmental areas, but also extensive expertise in conflict resolution. This includes both strategic problem-solving and knowledge of the authorities that resolve matters in administrative and judicial proceedings. In this respect, Carey's team stands out from the rest, approaching each problem with a distinct, long-term vision and strategy.

Key clients

  • Nova Austral
  • Piscicultura Tierra del Fuego

Work highlights

Acted for Nova Austral, one of Chile’s leading salmon farming companies, on five different environmental litigation cases before the Supreme Court.
Advised Piscicultura Tierra del Fuego on the submission and approval of a compliance program in a sanctioning proceeding initiated against it by the Superintendence of the Environment.

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

Manuel José Barros; Julio Recordon

Other key lawyers

Rafael Vergara