Barros Silva Varela & Vigil's eleven-strong environmental group advises on a wide range of issues including environmental assessments, sectoral permitting, compliance, sanctioning procedures before the SMA and environmental crime defence. The team is especially active in the real estate and land development sector, where it continues to advise clients on regulatory interpretation and compliance strategy before the environmental and administrative authorities. The practice is jointly led by partners Claudia Ferreiro and Felipe Riesco, who bring great expertise in administrative and sanctioning matters, where they leverage their experience in public law to advise clients across environmental issues, both regulatory and contentious. As associate level, seniors José Ignacio Vial and Esteban Carmona are the names to note: Viál is a seasoned litigator who has notched up victories before both the Environmental Courts and the Supreme Court; while Carmona frequently leads the team in filing and obtaining environmental permit applications before various government agencies.
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Key clients

  • CMPC Group | CMPC Maderas
  • CMPC Pulp
  • Bioenergías Forestales
  • Forestal Mininco
  • Statkraft
  • Inversiones Pacífico Sur
  • Hot Chili
  • Rucalhue Energía
  • Ingevec Inmobiliaria
  • Petrohué Riverside

Work highlights

Felipe Riesco was appointed by the Senate of the Republic as one of the five experts who will work in coordination with the Ministry of the Environment to elaborate proposals to replace article 86 of Law No. 19,300 on the Bases of the Environment.
The group advises Statkraft Energías Renovables in the development of the “Los Lagos Hydroelectric Plant” project in southern Chile; the project is almost fully constructed (96% complete) but is currently halted, pending the conclusion of an indigenous consultation with representatives of the Mapuche Williche people, following the discovery of archaeological artifacts within the project’s area of influence, presumably attributable to the Mapuche culture.
Represented China International Water & Electric's Rucalhue Hydroelectric Plant project against a protection action filed by representatives of the Mapuche indigenous people.

Lawyers

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

Claudia Ferreiro, Felipe Riesco