Echeverría Ilharreborde Scagliotti’s ‘environmental practice is top-notch’ and ’compares favourably with any other team in this branch of law’, according to clients. Predominantly focused on the energy, aquaculture, mining and industrial sectors, the eight-strong environment group comprises specialists with backgrounds in both litigation and corporate law. Regulatory highlights include advising Chilean mining-and-chemical giant, SQM, on the environmental assessment procedure for a pipeline’s modification, which will deliver desalinated water to the Nueva Victoria plant; while on the contentious front, the team defended aquaculture company Aqua Chile against nine sanctioning procedures before the SMA (Chile’s Environmental Authority), which concerned overproduction beyond the limits of environmental permits. The practice is co-led by Jose Domingo Ilharreborde (‘an outstanding lawyer for environmental issues’), whose practice covers the environmental assessment of energy and industrial projects, particularly in relation to environmental and administrative litigation; and ’great strategist’ José Pedro Scagliotti, who has notable environmental litigation expertise. In the firm’s associate team, recently-raised senior Juan Pablo Wiegand focuses on environmental and energy matters; and Santiago Samaniego is an adviser on environmental assessments, administrative litigation and regulatory matters. In a boost to the firm, former senior associate and environmental, mining, energy and aquaculture law practitioner, Felipe Infante, was promoted to the partnership in January 2024.
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‘EIS’ environmental team is characterised by having a lot of experience in project evaluation and development. They can quickly identify contingencies and propose appropriate solutions. They also understand the technical aspects of the industry very well, which makes it easier for clients’ internal teams to understand and achieve very fluid advice.’
‘One of the strong points is that the partners are permanently involved in the issues that clients entrust them with. The environmental practice is top-notch and compares favourably with any other team in this branch of law.’
‘José Pedro Scagliotti is a great strategist, who has a lot of experience in the development of energy projects, and knows the key problems that developers face - this allows him to anticipate and prevent them.’
‘José Pedro Scagliotti is an outstanding partner, who is very available to support whenever he is needed, and with the necessary flexibility to adapt to the needs of companies.’
‘José Domingo Ilharreborde is an outstanding lawyer for environmental issues - a personalised service is always provided with a business-oriented approach. High-level knowledge of the industry and the environmental authorities and regulations.’
‘José Domingo Ilharreborde is outstanding. Very intelligent, very prepared, expert, and very discerning.’
‘Felipe Infante is a great adviser, who provides a high-quality service and constant availability for clients’ requirements.’
‘Santiago Samaniego is serious, reliable, constant, hard-working, and very dedicated.’
Key clients
- SQM
- Anglo American Sur
- Aqua Chile
- Blumar
- Guacolda
- Salmones Aysén
- Fotovatio Renewable Ventures
- DP World
- AMA Time
- Embotelladora Andina
Work highlights
- Advised SQM on the environmental assessment procedure for the modification of a pipeline to provide desalinated water to the Nueva Victoria facility.
- Provided strategic advice on crisis management in relation to a fire incident.
- Defended Aqua Chile against nine sanctioning procedures before the SMA.
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Practice head
José Domingo Ilharreborde; José Pedro Scagliotti