The environmental law and natural resources group at Dentons is reputed for the high quality of its advisory services, particularly as regards environmental regulatory strategy for the mining, energy and real estate sectors. The group also maintains a strong judicial practice, regularly representing clients in sanctioning proceedings before the Environmental Superintendency. Combining regulatory expertise with a strong ESG focus to ensure sustainable project development, environmental and natural resources specialist José Ignacio Morán typically handles environmental impact assessments, compliance, liability and litigation. He co-leads the local team alongside Jose Domingo Villanueva (who also heads-up the firm’s regional practice) and is a key contact for sectoral and environmental permitting. Further partner-level support is provided by mining practice head Gonzalo Nieto and Pauline Chiffelle (environmental litigation). At associate level, senior Cristián Vial Janssens de G handles water and environmental law as part of his broader mining and natural resources practice.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

The environmental practice at this firm is characterized by combining a high level of technical expertise with a deep understanding of clients' operational and strategic needs, especially in highly regulated industries such as mining, energy, infrastructure, and agribusiness. I know firsthand that the team has extensive experience in environmental assessments, sector-specific environmental permits, environmental litigation, regulatory affairs, audits, environmental compliance, and engagement with authorities and communities. I greatly value the team's ability to deliver practical and viable solutions, understanding the real challenges of projects and businesses. They clearly understand the theory, but they don't offer abstract advice; rather, they offer practical solutions. I believe that perhaps one of the main differentiators is the direct and constant involvement of the partners in relevant matters. The practice also stands out for its rapid response and for maintaining close, long-term relationships with its clients. Compared to other firms, I believe the team combines international standards with a very solid knowledge of Chilean regulations and administrative practices, including relevant experience with the Environmental Assessment Service (SEA), the Environmental Superintendency (SMA), the General Water Directorate (DGA), environmental courts, and the Supreme Court. For years the team has been able to coordinate with other areas of the firm particularly linked to mining, water, energy and related litigation, allowing for more comprehensive and strategic advice.
I believe the lawyers on this team excel in their ability to anticipate regulatory and environmental risks, understand the criteria and operations of environmental authorities, and handle complex procedures before administrative bodies and courts. Beyond the specific issue, the lawyers strive to understand the client's business and the full context in which each project or contingency unfolds, designing realistic strategies aligned with long-term business objectives. José Ignacio Morán (partner in charge of the environmental and water area) has the ability to design and implement sound and appropriate strategies for each case, combining rapid response with in-depth analysis and a practical approach. I particularly value his direct involvement, his understanding of regulated industries—especially mining—and his skill in addressing complex issues by considering not only the legal aspects but also the regulatory, operational, and reputational dimensions. I also believe it's important to highlight the team's availability, the clarity of their recommendations, and their ability to work in a coordinated and efficient manner under pressure.
José Domingo stands out for his exceptional pragmatism: he doesn't limit himself to legal theory, but rather offers direct, executive solutions that facilitate internal decision-making. His deep technical knowledge of environmental matters, combined with his negotiation skills and close client relationships, make him an indispensable strategic partner for our operations.
What makes Dentons' Environmental practice unique is its proactive and business-oriented approach. Unlike other firms that only react to litigation, the Dentons team is integrated into strategic decision-making, allowing us to navigate complex regulations proactively. A key strength is its global reach with impeccable local execution; they understand international sustainability trends but know how to adapt them to the national regulatory framework.

Key clients

Compañía Minera Arqueros
Tewoo Group Co. (Atacama Minerals SCM)
TTM – Footprint Alliance
Agrícola Santa Sara
Inmobiliaria Codigua
Agrícola Pruitt Land & Timber Co.
Agrícola Tricao Limitada
Rentas Noviciado
Naturex

Work highlights

Advising Rockcheck Tewoo on mining, environmental and water regulatory matters for the Aguas Blancas iodine project, securing permits and compliance to support long-term sustainable operations in Chile.

Advised TTM – Footprint Alliance on the environmental regulatory strategy for an innovative mining liability revalorization project, including assessment of its submission to the SEIA.

Advised Agrícola Santa Sara on the environmental and regulatory strategy for its agro-industrial project, supporting environmental evaluation, water management compliance and sustainable operational modernization.

Lawyers

Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

José Domingo Villanueva

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Dentons

Chile

Environment