The 50-strong infrastructure and project development practice at Carey routinely acts for sponsors, lenders, contractors, operators and government entities on the development, financing, refinancing, acquisition and divestiture of large-scale infrastructure and energy projects. Its expertise ranges from toll roads, ports, rail systems, desalination plants, hospitals and schools, to prisons, liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, power plants, wind farms, green hydrogen facilities and mining infrastructure. The practice comprises numerous experienced practitioners, namely: mining specialist Rafael Vergara; Oscar Aitken, a longstanding adviser on negotiating engineering and construction contracts; Juan Francisco Mackenna, an expert in the development and regulation of energy and infrastructure projects; and water rights specialist Alberto Cardemil. Also integral to the department, Felipe Moro advises sponsors, developers and financial institutions on energy and infrastructure project financings; José Miguel Bustamante is particularly focused on renewable energy and transmission mandates; Juan Pablo Stitchkin handles large-scale infrastructure projects; Fernando Noriega regularly structures financial transactions involving renewable energy portfolios, transmission systems and industrial facilities; and José Tomás Hurley’s practice features transmission systems and regulatory strategy. Promoted to partner in July 2025, Juan Pablo Vukasovic’s track record includes advising on desalination plant, tailings transport systems and mine expansion developments.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- No team has a better understanding of market practices than Carey's team. I especially appreciate their constant communication with my internal team; they make my company's projects feel like "our projects." They're truly dedicated, and that sets them apart from other studios.
- I would like to highlight Oscar Aitken, Juan Pablo Stitchkin, Juan Pablo Vukasovic, and Tomás Varela for their approachability, excellent service, willingness to help, and, most importantly, for their up-to-date legal and even commercial knowledge regarding the projects they have assisted with. Juan Pablo Vukasovic: I would like to emphasize his clarity and expertise in explaining the various options for addressing the problems encountered, keeping abreast of how these issues have been resolved in the market and the pros and cons of each alternative. He is always available to work. Tomás Varela: He is arguably the most experienced real estate lawyer in Chile, from his work with foundations and the creation of parks to purely commercial transactions. He understands all aspects that can influence real estate law, and his advice and responses are always prompt and accurate.
Key clients
- Empresa Portuaria Antofagasta
- Latam Airlines Group
- Antofagasta Minerals
- Minera Los Pelambres
- Windin Capital
- Agua Sol
- Escondida (BHP Billiton)
- Codelco
- Aguas Pacífico (Patria Investments)
- Lima Airport Partners
Work highlights
Assisting Antofagasta Minerals with the preparation, negotiation and project management of several work packages for Centinela project's expansion, including EPC and PM contracts, as well as procurement agreements.
Assisting Codelco with the preparation and negotiations under a BOOT structure for a desalination plant to serve the water requirements of its northern mines.
Advising Aguas Pacífico (Patria Investments) on the preparation of tender documents for the Aconcagua desalination plant, including construction and EPC contracts with international and local contractors.
Lawyers
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Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Rafael Vergara; Oscar Aitken; Juan Francisco Mackenna; Alberto Cardemil; Felipe Moro; José Miguel Bustamante; Juan Pablo Stitchkin; Fernando Noriega; José Tomás Hurley; Juan Pablo Vukasovic