Established in early 2023, RAM Abogados is the result of a merger between Acevedo, Allende, Mujica & Cía. and Ríos y Cía Abogados, the latter firm the previous home to various water law specialists. With a ‘great focus on water rights’, the nine-strong practice advises agro-industrial companies, along with other water users and organisations, on the constitution and regularisation of water use rights; transfers of catchment points; and authorisations for construction of water accumulation works. It also assists with audits, patents for non-use of water, contracts, title studies and technical reports. The group is co-led by Andrés Ríos, who has 'a deeply integrated, collaborative, pro-business approach', and Pablo Astorga, 'an excellent professional, committed and responsible, proactive', both of whom predominantly focus on water law and agricultural real estate projects. Young associate Gregorio Bustamante (water law, real estate and administrative law) is also highlighted by clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Regarding the team, their knowledge of the Chilean water code and all the regulations that follow from it stands out; being familiar with it makes it easier to find creative solutions. They have good technology and access to information.
- ‘The team is very agile and facilitates every stage of each process, providing clear instructions on the steps to follow in each case and the time required to complete them.
- ‘Direct, proactive client service and reporting on progress and solutions set them apart from other law firms.
- ‘They are legal professionals, but in our case, they are 100% on the ground in water rights and very close to us at all times. This gives us confidence in their service. Furthermore, their academic background in the area of law and ongoing training make them unique as strategic partners.
- ‘Pablo Astorga is outstanding as a professional and a person. He explains things clearly, makes risks clear, and also understands the commercial and financial considerations. He manages expectations but makes the effort to deliver more.
- ‘I am always assisted by Pablo Astorga, whom I consider an outstanding professional, with a thorough understanding of current legislation, processes, and the timescales for completing each stage of each case. Another aspect I find particularly noteworthy is his formality in dealing with clients, punctuality in meetings, and response to phone calls, emails, and messages.
Key clients
- Avoamerica Chile/Solum Partners
- Unifrutti Group
- Agrosuper
- Westfalia Fruit Group
- Solfrut
- Aqua Chile
- Inmobiliaria Pocuro
- Viña Santa Carolina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (Ministry of Agriculture)
- Toesca Renta Agrícola Fondo de Inversiones
- Agropacal / Viña Casas Patronales
- Viña Ventisquero Limitada
Work highlights
Advising Solfrut on its expansion operation, involving the purchase of 1,000 agricultural hectares. The advice that is being carried out corresponds to the due diligence of both the properties and the water rights and collection works.
Advising Aqua Chile on obtaining a solution to a problem that has affected the water rights of one of its fish farms for more than 10 years.
Advising the Water Law and Management Centre at the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile on the analysis of judicial rulings issued by Chilean courts from 2000 to the present.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Andrés Ríos; Pablo Astorga