Guerrero Olivos' multidisciplinary, standalone practice provides a full-service water law offering that handles both contentious and non-contentious water rights' matters. The group, led by co-heads Sebastián Abogabir and Benjamín Pérez, is engaged advising clients from sectors such as mining, energy and agribusiness on matters including regulatory compliance, permitting, litigation, inspections, due diligence and the structuring of water rights for complex infrastructure projects. Recent matter highlights include advising food and beverage producer Empresas Carozzi on water rights applications and supply agreements; representing Empresas Ariztía in litigation related to Chile’s first groundwater communities; assisting Rio2 with securing scarce water sources for the Maricunga gold project; and advising US based chemicals manufacturer, Albermarle, on acquiring water rights for its mining operations. The team has also played key roles in major desalination and sanitation infrastructure initiatives, including the landmark Aconcagua desalination plant. Abogabir is highly experienced at managing environmental assessments and conducting water due diligence in project finance and M&A matters, alongside obtaining regulatory approvals and water rights authorisations for infrastructure projects. Pérez, in turn, brings deep mining sector insight and expertise in the water access and availability components of large-scale developments. Newly made partner Francisca Pellegrini contributes to key regulatory and permitting work involving water rights issues from an environmental law perspective.
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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Excellent practice area of ​​Guerrero Olivos.'

  • 'They're a friendly and attentive team, eager to address any needs that may arise.'

  • 'Sebastián Abogabir is the key figure.'

  • 'The Guerrero Olivos team is distinguished by its experience, personal and direct approach, and excellent service. They are highly knowledgeable individuals who also have excellent teams in various areas, which interact cooperatively when addressing a problem.'

  • 'They constantly support us with all our needs, offering unique expertise. They understand our needs and are flexible regarding billing and workloads (they implemented a weekly appointment with a lawyer who comes to our offices one morning a week). They work hand-in-hand with us; they are a strategic partner in our business. Their knowledge, approachability and industry insight are key. I especially highlight Benjamín Pérez, whom we can trust completely. He thinks outside the box, offers innovative solutions, and works closely with clients. He understands the problems and provides quick and efficient solutions, without compromising our interests.'

Key clients

  • Empresas Carozzi
  • Empresas Ariztía
  • Albemarle
  • SCM Atacama Kozan
  • Agrícola Vespucio
  • Rio2 Limited/Fenix Gold
  • Viña Concha y Toro
  • Antofagasta Minerals (AMSA)
  • SMBC; Banco de Crédito e Inversiones; BNP Paribas Securities Corp.; DNB Bank ASA; Natixis, New York Branch; Mizuho Bank, Ltd.; Banco Bice; Scotia and Société Générale
  • AES Andes/Alto Maipo
  • Farm Melozal
  • Agua-Sol

Work highlights

Advising AMSA (Antofagasta Minerals, a leading global copper producer and one of Chile's largest mining companies), ensuring effective management of its operations across the country. The work focuses on water-related issues, a cornerstone for the mining sector given the critical role water plays in its processes and the challenges posed by its limited availability.
Advised Empresas Carozzi in a historic approval, which was one of the first approvals for changing the water intake point of a temporary water right. The firm successfully obtained this change, which is highly significant for ensuring the continuity of our client's production plant.
Advised Albemarle, a U.S.-based specialty chemicals manufacturer, operates three divisions: lithium, bromine specialties, and catalysts. It is notably the world’s leading supplier of lithium for electric vehicle batteries. The firm's work included a successful contentious water issue related to Albemarle’s water wells. (The investment is over USD1 billion in a direct extraction plant in the Atacama Salt Flat)

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.

Practice head

Sebastián Abogabir; Benjamín Pérez

Other key lawyers

Francisca Pellegrini