With over 50 specialist practitioners, Vergara Galindo Correa Abogados is the largest environmental law boutique in Chile and is highly active across the mining, metals, real estate, infrastructure and aquaculture industries, among others. The practice handles the full spectrum of sector specialties, providing comprehensive strategic advisory and consultation services, as well as acting at all stages of environmental disputes contentious proceedings, as well as accompanying clients throughout the environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedures. The firm is highly regarded for the strength of its senior bench. Founding partners Mario Galindo and Javier Vergara are both steeped in environmental policy and public law, with Galindo focusing on biodiversity, protected areas and -in particular- environmental litigation; while Vergara’s practice centres on environmental law and regulatory compliance – although he too has a substantial contentious track record. Further partner level expertise is provided by: Cecilia Urbina, who specialises in regulatory compliance, ESG matters and corporate sustainability; Ignacio Mujica, who focuses on environmental litigation, contentious public law and dispute resolution in general – particularly multi-jurisdictional disputes; and Pablo Ortiz, whose practice centres on criminal environmental law and compliance. Key associate support is led by practice directors Francisca Olivares (environmental approvals and permitting) and Lorna Püschel (biodiversity and protected areas). Former partner José Luis Fuenzalida left the firm in January 2026.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The key differentiator of VGC's lawyers is Mario Galindo. Mario is our trusted advisor. Besides being a wonderful person, he is an extraordinary lawyer and counselor. He has an exceptional ability to anticipate and mitigate risks, is a top-tier litigator, and possesses exceptional negotiation skills. Mario offers us invaluable, irreplaceable value.
- VGC Abogados (Vergara Galindo Correa Abogados) is one of Chile's pioneering environmental law firms and has maintained this prominent position for 20 years. What makes this practice truly remarkable is its combination of in-depth specialization and broad sectoral coverage: they have a team of approximately 60 lawyers dedicated exclusively to environmental and natural resource matters, making them, as far as I understand, the largest firm in the Chilean market focused on these areas of practice. There are few similar firms.
- - A thorough understanding of the environmental challenges presented by mining projects, and in particular, the company's mining operations, given that the firm has advised us for several years. - The experience of its partners, who have dedicated their entire professional lives to legal counsel in environmental matters and natural resource regulation, thus possessing extensive knowledge of the associated regulations. - Extensive experience in environmental litigation. The firm has a specialized legal team that understands the technical complexities associated with lawsuits of this nature. - The ability to translate legal reasoning into practical solutions or actions that are understandable to the company's technical counterparts.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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
Mario Galindo; Javier Vergara; Cecilia Urbina; Ignacio Mujica
Other key lawyers
Francisca Olivares; Lorna Püschel