Advising a broad client portfolio spanning key industries such as mining, agribusiness, energy, utilities and infrastructure, Carey‘s seven-member water law practice provides high-level legal and commercial advice across a broad spectrum of water-related matters. The group provides end-to-end services, including the strategic planning of water rights, regulatory compliance advice and contract negotiations, along with litigation and contentious matters. The team is particularly noted for its ability to secure water supplies for critical projects, delivering solutions to major domestic and international clients in the face of ongoing regulatory reforms. Recent matter highlights include advising state-owned mining company Codelco on the water-related aspects of its landmark lithium production agreement with SQM in the Salar de Atacama; and providing strategic water rights counsel to major clients such as water utilities company Suralis, and large-scale agricultural producer Agroveen. On the contentious side, the team is advising Chilean salmon producer Aquafarms in a significant case concerning the validity of water rights under the Chilean Water Code. Practice head Alberto Cardemil is a water and natural resources law specialist who has successfully advised hydropower generators, mining companies, water utilities, and various stakeholders on critical water rights and supply issues for over a decade. Other key lawyers in the practice include senior associate Camila Lavín, an expert in water administration issues and lawsuits related to water rights titles; and associate Joaquín Granados, who advises on energy and natural resources matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Clarity, availability and constant support.'
  • 'I think their trustworthiness and the clarity of their explanations stand out.'
  • 'The team is very good, always available, and provides follow-up and reports, without us having to ask questions.'
  • 'In-house lawyers should be aware of the team's expertise, but also of its decisiveness and effectiveness. Carey's team is highly skilled and also familiar with the expectations of international clients.'
  • 'The team led by Alberto Cardemil is first-rate. He is always available to his clients and has excellent judgment in determining what is important to them.'

Key clients

  • Ferrero Group (Nutland and Frutícola Agrichile)
  • Baron Philippe de Rothschild
  • Amazon Web Services
  • Grupo De Prado
  • Corporación Nacional del Cobre de Chile (CODELCO)
  • Suralis
  • Aquafarms
  • Andescan (Ontario Teachers Pensión Plan)
  • Mountain Capital Partners
  • International Finance Corporation
  • Melón

Work highlights

Advising Corporación Nacional del Cobre on an association agreement with Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM), which regulates all the stages, rights, obligations and terms and conditions to optimize, modernize, and enhance the lithium production in the Atacama salt flat (Salar de Atacama) between the years 2025 and 2060, specifically in sensitive water law related matters that were absolutely key for the transaction.
Representing Baron Philippe de Rothschild on complex and lengthy judicial water procedures related to property of key water rights, submission and monitoring of administrative proceedings to modify water rights; due diligences processes for the purchase of water rights; and negotiation of contracts required for the development of the client´s agricultural business; and design and implementation of water rights strategy in general.
Advising International Finance Corporation (IFC) on the review and validation of the strategy that Alto Maipo followed in conducting tests and obtaining the authorizations required to commission the Alto Maipo power plants. The firm acts on behalf of the lenders from a water rights and hydraulic works regulations perspective.  

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Camila Lavín

Practice head

Alberto Cardamil

Other key lawyers

Camila Lavin; Joaquin Granados