Recognised for its ‘ability to thoroughly understand the issues, even in areas that are not exclusively legal’, Barros & Errázuriz is a major player in energy and infrastructure project development and finance. The group is regularly involved in some of Chile’s most complex and large-scale infrastructure transactions, advising a broad range of clients including constructors, developers, financiers and operators. The multidisciplinary team offers end-to-end legal support for strategic projects including highways, ports, airports, prisons, desalination plants and logistics centres. In the energy sector, the team advises on hydro, wind, solar, LNG and gas utility projects, assisting domestic and international companies from development and permitting through to financing and operation. It also advises on a number of the largest desalination and mining projects, recently advising Aguas Esperanza and Transelec on a seawater transport system for the expansion of Minera Centinela, one of the largest copper mines in the country. Attracting praise for his ’strong network and reputation‘, practice co-head Nicolás Balmaceda is specialised in infrastructure, public works concessions and financing, and advises public and private entities, banks and construction companies – particularly on engineering and arbitration matters. Fellow co-head Francisco De la Barra has developed strong expertise in project development and finance, advising sponsors, lenders and development banks on cross-border energy and infrastructure deals. Other notable practitioners include Fernando Garrido, an energy sector expert who regularly advises on development, environmental permitting and regulatory compliance for generation and transmission projects. María Olga Rivera, who has deep experience in corporate and project finance (particularly in the port and energy sectors), and has led numerous cross-border infrastructure financings; and Cristóbal Pellegrini, who works primarily on the development, financing and operation of energy generation and transmission projects, and has significant experience structuring large-scale facilities.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'María Olga Rivera and José Miguel Poblete are an optimal team. Both are very solid, providing security, knowledge, and assertiveness in negotiations and project execution. Without a doubt, they are a safe bet for any highly complex project. They are 100% available, know the project in all its details, and are timely in their responses and experienced in their decision-making.'
- 'They know the client very well and are very proactive, they don't wait for the client to make a request before they act. They are also very approachable and 100% available.'
- 'A very positive aspect is that they are a highly qualified team, but at the same time have a realistic and grounded approach, always trying to reach solutions that work for all sides. I've had the opportunity to work with them on my side and also as a counterparty, and in both roles, it has been a pleasure to work with them, especially for the practical focus they bring to various issues. Given the above, they compare very favourably to other firms where a more theoretical view often prevails, which, while it works on paper, is often not feasible in reality.'
- 'Their great ability to deeply understand issues, even in areas that are not exclusively legal (technical matters, for example, that affect legal issues). This makes it easier to find solutions that work because they understand the overall implications associated with the answers they propose.'
- 'The partners I would highlight above the rest I have worked with are María Olga Rivera and Fernando Garrido. As for associates, I would mention Geraldine Ugueto.'
- 'They have a good understanding of the infrastructure business. They handle technical issues and are able to transfer that knowledge to legal texts, such as contracts, addenda, claims, and letters.'
- 'Nicolas Balmaceda has a complete understanding of the technical and legal concepts involved in infrastructure contracts. His good network of contacts and reputation facilitate relationships with the counterparty.'
Key clients
- Aguas Esperanza / Transelec
- Vías Chile
- Grupo Kaufmann
- Colbún
- Conexión Kimal Lo Aguirre
- Interconexión Eléctrica (ISA) & Interchile (Chilean subsidiary)
- Administradora D’E Capital
- Empresas Gasco
- COPEC Voltex
Work highlights
Advised a consortium comprised of Spanish water infrastructure developer Almar Water Solutions, and Chilean energy transmission company Transelec, on the acquisition and development of a seawater transport system for the expansion of the operations of Minera Centinela.
Advised Vías Chile (and its shareholders), throughout the bidding process for the public work Route 5 Santiago-Los Vilos Tranche.
Advised Kaufmann Group and Andes Motor on the public tender for the provision of electric buses to the Public Transport System of the Province of Santiago and the municipalities of San Bernardo and Puente Alto.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Nicolás Balmaceda; Francisco de la Barra