Undoubtedly one of Chile’s leading law firms in infrastructure, energy and project finance, Carey brings deep experience advising on the most complex and large-scale developments in the region. The various departments involved in the practice handle major projects across sectors such as mining, energy (including hydro, solar, wind and thermal projects), desalination, public infrastructure, telecoms, ports and real estate, and cover the full life cycle of developments including financing, construction, operation and dispute resolution. The specialist construction and engineering team has advised on the most significant infrastructure projects across Latin America, handling contract structuring, bidding processes, claims, and arbitration proceedings; while the broader projects group’s most notable recent transactions include advising on the Agua Sol and Aguas Pacifico desalination plants, representing Lima Airport Partners on the expansion of the Jorge Chavez Airport, and advising Minera Centinela on the expansion of one of the regions largest mining projects. Rafael Vergara is a leading mining expert who advises on high-stakes transactions such as the Codelco-SQM lithium agreement and Teck’s $6.2bn Quebrada Blanca expansion. Juan Francisco Mackenna advises on energy and infrastructure projects (including solar, hydro, and wind mandates) for notable clients including Brookfield Asset Management and the IFC. Alberto Cardemil specialises in natural resources and water rights, advising on green hydrogen, agriculture and mining water strategies. Felipe Moro is an expert in project finance and frequently leads on billion-dollar financings for solar and wind portfolios. José Miguel Bustamante handles solar and wind project development matters, including Atlas Renewable Energy’s 300MW solar plant in Antofagasta. Juan Pablo Stitchkin co-heads the construction team, advising on EPC contracts, BOT tenders and real estate development for mining and energy projects. Fernando Noriega focuses on renewable energy financings, advising -among others- Andes Mainstream and Sonnedix on their solar power plant developments. José Tomás Hurley leads on major transmission projects, including ISA’s $200m Kimal-Lagunas line and CIFI’s solar financings. The senior team is completed by the construction and engineering-focused Juan Pablo Vukasovic who was raised to the partnership in July 2025 and has considerable expertise with regards to mining, as well as experience advising on public works such as ports and airports.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Carey's infrastructure team is highly comprehensive, combining several practice areas to provide comprehensive client service.'
- 'Felipe Moro has extensive experience, commercial acumen, and understands both the business and the legal documents. He is a marvel to work with because he is pro-deal and knows how to manage the appropriate risks. Fernando Noriega is an excellent partner with extensive international and transactional experience. His documents are pristine, and his delivery is excellent. The greatest quality of Fernando and Felipe's team is their rapid response capacity without sacrificing quality. They are my preferred team to work with at Carey. The same can be said of Rafael Vergara, Óscar Aitken, and associates Juan Pablo Vukasovic and Francisco Contreras.'
- 'The team is highly experienced in the field and has a well-rounded understanding of the mining business, which facilitates interaction with me as a client and facilitates decision-making. I also highlight their excellent handling of issues and their ongoing contribution to achieving the objectives set for me as an in-house lawyer.'
- 'I would like to highlight the team's experience, particularly that of Juan Pablo Stitchkin and Juan Pablo Vukasovic. They have a practical approach to the issues and excellent prediction and analysis of associated risks, which contributes to better decisions for in-house counsel.'
- 'The firm's team is distinguished by its deep knowledge of the energy sector and its highly specialized approach to project finance, making it a key strategic partner for investment banks and project owners requiring sophisticated, results-oriented legal advice. Its versatility and flexibility are key to supporting and providing solutions to clients in rapidly changing environments and processes due to the nature of project development.'
- 'Its main strengths include: Technical and regulatory expertise in complex matters such as power purchase agreements (PPAs), project finance structures, regulatory compliance, and international contractual frameworks, and creative structuring skills, especially in multilateral, syndicated, or infrastructure fund-involving financing schemes.'
Key clients
- Escondida (BHP Billiton)
- Agua Sol
- Austrian Solar (Sojitz Corporation and Shikoku Electric)
- Lima Airport Partners (LAP)
- Aguas Pacífico
- Minera Centinela (Antofagasta Minerals)
- Minera Pelambres (Antofagasta Minerals)
- Minera Santo Domingo (Capstone Copper)
- Cermaq Chile
- Strabag
- Windin Capital
- Codelco
- Atlas Renewable Energy
- GNLQ
- Ascenty
Work highlights
Acted as international counsel to Lima Airport Partners (the concessionaire of Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport - JCIA), on the contractual strategy and preparation of bidding documents and contracts for the expansion of the airport, involving a new runway, terminal, control tower and other ancillary facilities.
Advised Aguas Pacifico (Patria Investments) on the contractual strategy and preparation of tender documents and contracts for the new Aconcagua desalination plant.
Advised GNLQ on the preparation of an engineering, supply and construction agreement to develop a green hydrogen plant.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Juan Pablo Vukasovic
Practice head
Rafael Vergara; Óscar Aitken; Juan Francisco Mackenna; Alberto Cardemil; Felipe Moro; José Miguel Bustamante; Juan Pablo Stitchkin; Fernando Noriega; José Tomás Hurley