Separating out from Valdivia Legal in June 2025, Sánchez Legal is a specialist public law firm focused on regulatory, constitutional and administrative matters. The team’s expertise includes constitutional litigation, permitting, concessions, public procurement and disputes involving state-owned enterprises. Clients are typically drawn from the regulated sectors, including mining, energy and utilities. Recent significant mandates include the filing of a constitutional challenge against four Chilean state entities, including Codelco, concerning its activities in the lithium mining sector; and the defence of Transelec in a nationwide class action related to power disruptions. Partner Juan Francsico Sanchez focuses on litigation, regulatory issues relating to administrative law, public law and urban planning; he led on the above lithium-sector case.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Very involved and pro business.'
- 'It is a boutique firm made up of a multidisciplinary team specializing in public law matters, whose entry into the market drew significant attention within the legal community. Chile has many regulatory problems. Public law has become a key issue for the development of projects and well as to solving disputes. Valdivia Legal has the knowledge, the influence, and delivers. '
- 'The firm is a premier regulatory expertise over several industries. At our comapny, Big Sur Energy we have retained the firm to provide their legal opinion on energy infrastructure matters.'
- 'Valdivia Legal stands out for its specialized and in-depth focus on public law, providing highly qualified advice and commitment. In addition, Valdivia Legal offered us a personalised approch, studying and understanding our specific requests and needs.'
- 'it is a unique boutique in Chile’s legal market, combining deep academic expertise with elite litigation capabilities in public law. The team’s strengths lie in its ability to handle complex, high-stakes disputes involving the State. '
- 'Valdivia Legal is a team of public law specialists with a strong background in private law, competition law, and regulation. They uniquely combine professional practice with an academic spirit.'
Key clients
- Transelec
- Hot Chili
- VH Manufactura de Perfiles de Acero
- Colbún
- Sonda
- Möller & Pérez Cotapos
Work highlights
Defending Transelec in a nationwide class action arising from a major power supply disruption.
Successfully defended two power distribution companies in an abuse of dominance claim brought by a small power generator.
Advised a major mining company on the spin-off and regulatory structuring of an independent desalination entity to supply industrial and domestic water in northern Chile, aligning legal, economic, and ESG objectives.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Juan Francisco Sánchez