BLP remains a leading firm for environmental law in Costa Rica, which is highlighted for its ‘comprehensive advice’ and ability to work ’in a completely multidisciplinary manner’. The team handles the full range of advisory and contentious matters for key players across the transport, hospitality, medical, food and retail sectors – to name but a few – and is widely recognised for its knowledge of compliance with environmental and sustainability regulations, planning and licensing for tourism, infrastructure and conservation projects, and concessions for the use of natural resources. In addition, the firm has a thriving environmental litigation practice, with particular strength in criminal cases. ‘Brilliant’ practice head Mauricio Salas, a highly experienced litigator, also directs the firm’s environmental consulting company, Zone. Other key names in the team include Andrea González, who focuses on matters involving hotel and real estate projects; Alejandro Rojas, an expert in environmental criminal cases; and director Luis Palacios, whose practice covers environmental compliance, natural resources utilisation rights and environmental litigation.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They understand how their clients' industries work.’
‘The entire team is wonderful. In addition to providing solutions to our questions or situations, they also have a human warmth that makes me seek them out frequently.’
‘They've always been there for us whenever we've needed them. They are very decisive and practical. We like that they put themselves in our company's shoes.’
'In the environmental field, this practice appeals to me because it works in a completely multidisciplinary manner through its Zone project. This makes things much easier, and they provide very comprehensive advice.'
'Mauricio Salas is a brilliant lawyer in this area and others. His background is in natural sciences, which makes it very easy to communicate with him on very specific topics.'
'Luis Palacios is a lawyer with a bright future.'
Key clients
- Globalvía
- FIFCO
- Uber
- Fundación CR x Siempre
- Gencom
- Discovery Zapotal
- Kraft Heinz
- Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI)
- Edwards LifeScience
- Amazon
- CEMPRO
Work highlights
Advising Uber on compliance with environmental regulations across Central America, working closely with the company’s environment, health, and safety department as its permanent legal advisor.
Providing Gencom, the operator of renowned hotels such as Hyatt, Four Seasons, and Andaz, with ongoing legal support, including with securing environmental permits for developments and obtaining concessions for access to natural resources.
Advising Amazon on environmental, health, and safety compliance across all its sites in Costa Rica, including on the regularisation of sanitary conditions and adherence to the highest standards of health and safety regulations in the country.
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.
Practice head
Mauricio Salas