Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP continues to see growth in its practice, driven in part by its strong connections to multilateral agencies and DFIs. It remains active in Central America project financings and has landed a series of substantial engagements relating to projects in Guyana. The firm is additionally at the forefront of digital infrastructure and subsea fibre optic cable projects; as well as being noted for public-private partnership transactions and other key areas such as desalination plants. Fernando Alonso is chair of the Latin America group and a real authority on transactions in the region, including project financings and energy M&A. Washington DC-based Vera Rechsteiner has an extensive record in Latin America projects and is a key relationship partner for IDB Invest, alongside Uriel Mendieta, who is noted for subsea fibre optic cable systems, terrestrial fibre projects and other digital infrastructure matters. Fernando Margarit is another key name on telecoms and subsea cable systems, while Washington DC’s Alejandro Silva is a regular adviser to International Finance Corporation on Latin America project financings. The firm is also rated for projects in Chile, with New York counsel Christian Rudloff being admitted to practice in Chile, Mexico and New York; along with Washington DC associate James Channing, who is dual qualified in Chile and New York. Since publication, Rudloff has left the firm - effective as of February 2025.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Attention to detail, responsiveness, accessible team, knowledgeable of the market and sector.’
‘Great experience with Christian Rudloff and James Channing. Addressed all questions promptly and in great level of detail, but what was more helpful and stood out was that they understood lenders' concerns and discussed the sponsors' technical terms directly in order to find a way that was acceptable to the sponsors.’
‘Christian Rudloff, counsel - we have pulled him into discussions on various critical situations where he gave sound advice obviously from a legal basis, but trying to work in tandem with the developer in seeking commercial and technical solutions. ’
‘It is a team with members with special expertise in projects in Latam, particularly in the Chilean market, since at least two of its members, in addition to being excellent American lawyers, are experienced Chilean lawyers and have worked on many projects in Chile, especially in energy and infrastructure. This gives them a more global and flexible vision that facilitates transactions and an advantage over most others.’
‘They have a broad vision, as a North American and Latin American lawyer, bilingual and with connections and deep knowledge of the market and project culture in Latam.’
Key clients
- Inter-American Investment Corporation
- International Finance Corporation (Latin America)
- Servicio di Telecomunicacion di Aruba (SETAR)
- Telconet
- Corporación Interamericana para el Financiamiento de Infraestructura (CIFI)
- Credit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank
Work highlights
- Co-counsel to a consortium of lenders in the financing of Corporación Nacional del Cobre de Chile’s (Codelco) desalination plant in Chile that is being developed by an international consortium under a development agreement.
- Advised the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and another DFI on a $400m million finance package to ENGIE Energía Chile.
- Advised the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IDB Invest) with respect to a R$280m A/B secured loan to Brazilian company Usina Cerradão.
Lawyers
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
Fernando Alonso