For certain clients, Carey's sizeable infrastructure and project development team is ‘undoubtedly the market leader in this practice area’. The group has extensive experience in the development, financing and execution of projects involving energy infrastructure (thermoelectric, hydroelectric, hydrocarbons, wind, photovoltaic and biomass). It also fields specialists in mining, roadways, hospitals, telecoms networks, and ports and airports, as well as concessions, and housing and hospitality services. Recent highlights include advising Aguas Pacifico on the contractual strategy and preparation of tender documents for a desalination plant. The practice group houses various experienced partners, namely: Rafael Vergara, an adviser on mining transactions in Chile; Oscar Aitken, who co-heads the firm’s construction and engineering group alongside ‘leading partner for infrastructure projects’, Juan Pablo Stitchkin; and Juan Francisco Mackenna and José Miguel Bustamante, who both advise on a range of energy and infrastructure projects. The practice further includes water rights specialist Alberto Cardemil; project finance practitioners Felipe Moro and Fernando Noriega; and José Tomás Hurley, who focuses on the development of projects involving energy and related infrastructure. The senior associate to note, Juan Pablo Vukasovic, advises on power plants, infrastructure, engineering and construction projects, and mining and fish farming complexes, as well as road, hospital and port infrastructure.

Claro & Cia. houses ‘a deep bench and agile and commercially-oriented partners’. The sizeable project development team is consistently sought out to advise on high-profile energy and infrastructure projects, including greenfield and brownfield projects. It also fields experts in power plants, transmission lines and substations. The group’s representative workload routinely encompasses project finance, development and construction work, as well as operational issues, acquisitions, sales, and infrastructure-related public concessions. Its expertise further extends to engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) agreements, along with operation and maintenance (O&M) contracts. The practice is led by Rodrigo Ochagavía, who has extensive experience in projects and infrastructure; Jorge Martín assists with the structuring, developing and financing of international infrastructure and transportation projects, as well as the acquisition and sale of energy and infrastructure assets; and José Luis Ambrosy who ‘knows his projects very well’. Also key to the firm’s offering, Luisa Núñez's wide-ranging expertise includes project finance; Ariel Mihovilovic is an energy and project finance specialist; Hernán Felipe Valdés is an adviser on the development of construction and development projects; and José María Eyzaguirre F's broad sector expertise covers energy and infrastructure. Counsel Patricio Smart is experienced in the negotiation of project-related O&M and EPC contracts.

Larrain y Asociados Abogados ‘has the experience and capabilities that few firms have in Chile regarding complex infrastructure projects’. The 15-strong projects and infrastructure team advises on the development, financing, construction, operation, sale and acquisition of infrastructure projects. Acting for project developers, construction companies and lenders, the team’s specialisms cover LNG regasification terminals, port facilities, gas pipelines, hospitals, highways, railways and industrial facilities. It also advises on gas and diesel-fuelled power plants, renewable energy and petrochemicals. Recent highlights include advising Pucobre on the development, construction and operation of an open pit copper and gold mine. The group is co-led by Jorge Granic, a renowned project development, infrastructure and energy and natural resources expert; and Arturo Bulnes, who consistently assists with infrastructure projects. The team further showcases energy law specialist Cristóbal Morandé; Carlos Aravena, who is ‘one of the best lawyers for concessions and infrastructure matters in Chile’; and Joaquín Larrain, an adviser on project development, construction and financing work. In the firm’s associate ranks, Javiera Méndez assists with the regulatory and administrative law aspects of project development; Francisco Cerda ‘does a stellar job’; and the recent experience of project finance lawyer Michelle Inzunza includes the negotiation of a BOOT contract for a seawater supply system.

In addition to its ‘great knowledge of the legal processes associated with project financing’, Morales & Besa's 22-strong projects and infrastructure team covers energy and infrastructure-related project development, acquisitions, contracts, regulations and dispute resolution. The practice is consistently mandated by banks and financial institutions on energy, road, and port projects; and it is highly experienced in PPP issues, tender processes, financing arrangements and loan agreements. Clients also turn to the group for its project-related regulatory expertise. The practice is led by project expert Carlos Silva, who predominantly focuses on the infrastructure and energy sectors; José Miguel Carvajal's wide-ranging experience extends to project finance; Myriam Barahona advises on energy and natural resources-related project financings; and Macarena Laso heads the firm’s real estate and construction practice. The department further showcases Juan Carlos Valdivieso, who acts at all stages of projects, from obtaining permits and concessions, to financing, M&A and O&M matters; and Aldo Cardinali, whose career includes working at the Ministry of Mining. In the firm’s senior associate ranks, Nicolás Corbeaux is a construction disputes expert, while Carolina Stalder advises on infrastructure and energy-related project contracts and bidding processes. In July 2023, former senior associate Macarena López departed the firm for an in-house role.

Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría's ‘highly competent and involved team’ is particularly active in the renewable energy, mining and water sectors. Encompassing project contracts, environmental assessments, permitting and community affairs, the full-service firm’s 11-strong group also assists with the negotiation of partnerships, strategic alliances and joint ventures, along with project acquisitions and sales. In relation to infrastructure projects, the group covers toll roads, ports, airports and railways, as well as hospitals, jails and schools. The team additionally advises on major public utilities infrastructure for the telecoms, water and sewerage system sectors, and real estate developments for hotels, buildings and urban renovations. Among the department’s several highly-rated practitioners, Carlos Alberto Reyes has longstanding experience in natural resources, energy, and oil and gas development services agreements; Andrés Sanfuentes advises on infrastructure projects at all stages; and Marcela Silva acts for both lenders and borrowers on the financing of mining, infrastructure and energy projects, including desalination plants. In a notable boost to the group, Daniel Parodi, whose expertise includes project financings, and key team member Guillermo Vial, were both made partners in January 2024. The principal associates to note are energy, infrastructure and natural resources lawyer Mario Fava, and recently-promoted Pedro Pablo Valenzuela.

Delivering ‘effective solutions’, Barros & Errázuriz’s sizeable practice has longstanding experience in high-stakes infrastructure and energy projects (and related transactions). The group is consistently mandated by developers, sponsors, constructors, operators, suppliers and financiers on tendering processes, as well as public and private works concessions, in relation to highways, prisons, airports, logistics centres, seaports and land terminals. It also assists with both renewable, conventional and transmission energy projects; mining companies’ large desalination projects; and high-value project financings. The practice is co-led by Nicolás Balmaceda, who focuses on infrastructure and financing work, as well as energy projects, public works concessions, engineering, construction, and arbitration; and infrastructure and energy project expert Francisco De la Barra, a regular adviser to sponsors, financial institutions, equity investors, export credit agencies, construction companies and development banks on project development and financing. The department further includes Fernando Garrido, who assists energy industry clients with the development, permitting, environmental and contractual aspects of generation and transmission projects; Cristóbal Pellegrini, a specialist in the project financing of large generation and transmission facilities; María Olga Rivera, who has notable port industry expertise; and mining project practitioner Felipe Allende. At senior associate level, Diego Ovalle and Nicole Ubal are the names to note.

Full-service law firm Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos is home to a 20-strong projects team that focuses on energy, telecoms and mining projects. The group is also well known for its expertise in infrastructure and real estate. On the energy side, it is consistently mandated to assist with greenfield projects. It additionally acts for multinational mining companies and industrial clients (that require large volumes of energy) on power purchase agreements. The group is further able to leverage the expertise of the firm’s specialists in planning, development, construction, M&A and financing for infrastructure matters. It provides ongoing advice to Google on the development of data centres in Chile, its assistance including corporate, contractual, real estate, construction, regulatory, environmental, contentious ad tax issues. The group showcases corporate, commercial, mining and environmental law expert, Carlos Pérez-Cotapos; M&A specialists Sergio Díez and Cristián Herrera; Juan Pablo Matus, whose track record includes multiple investment projects; and Gonzalo Grez, who provides both corporate and mining advice. The team also includes regulatory law head Gonzalo Jiménez and Rodrigo Sepúlveda, an adviser on the financing of electricity distribution and generation projects. At associate level, senior Verónica Cuadra advises on project development work, while Daniela Fierro assists with major infrastructure projects.

Fleischmann & Román Abogados‘ 12-strong practice has ‘extensive knowledge of the infrastructure project industry’. Highly active in both the private and public sector, the boutique law firm is home to specialists in public works concessions, as well as projects for penitentiary infrastructure, energy, airports, desalination plants, mining, highways, and telecoms. The team’s involvement in projects covers development phases, as well as the negotiation, execution and preparation of related claims. The practice is currently advising construction industry company Grupo Azvi on the negotiation of the EPC contract for Balmaceda Airport. The group’s principal advisers are: founding partner Hernán Fleischmann Chadwick, who assists with both the transactional and contentious aspects of infrastructure and construction projects in relation to mining, hospitals, energy, public infrastructure and real estate; and construction disputes specialist Orlando Palominos. At associate level, Mariajosé Pérez Jiménez regularly acts in high-stakes disputes involving construction and public works concessions. In a boost to the team, former lawyer for the Directorate of Roads of the Ministry of Public Works, Francisca Rochet Vásquez, was recruited as partner from DS Abogados in June 2023; however, former partner Juan Diego Rabat left the firm in mid-2024.

The 17-strong projects team at Guerrero Olivos advises on the financing and development of major energy and infrastructure projects. It also assists with the acquisition and sale of such projects. In relation to energy, the team covers solar, wind, power plant and green hydrogen projects, as well as LNG regasification terminals. The department’s expertise further encompasses desalination and water supply facilities, along with waste biodigesters, transport infrastructure (roads and cable cars), and social infrastructure (hospitals). Among the firm’s several experienced partners, Clemente Pérez's broad practice covers both significant energy and infrastructure projects; Miguel Coddou is an adviser to international lenders on project financings; energy projects expert Sebastián Abogabir's recent experience includes acting for Agua-Sol on the acquisition and development of a project that combines a reverse osmosis desalination plant with a photovoltaic plant and a large reservoir; Benjamín Novoa is notably active in the financing and refinancing of renewable energy projects; and Felipe Frühling advises on project finance and development mandates. The group also includes Benjamín Pérez, who assists with mining and water-related infrastructure projects, while senior associate Francisca Pellegrini is a key member of the energy and natural resources, environmental, agribusiness, water law and project finance teams.

Molina Ríos Abogados' 18-strong team has ‘extensive experience in projects and infrastructure’. It handles a diverse range of projects, ranging from desalination facilities to wind farms, hospitals, roads and mining infrastructure; its expertise encompasses both public and private contracts, as well as PPP projects. Recent mandates additionally include railway infrastructure projects. In relation to large-scale projects that run for several years, the group’s coverage includes the establishment of international companies in Chile, litigation in the Supreme Court and filing complaints with the Chilean Government. The practice is led by Victor Ríos, who is a specialist in engineering and construction project-related litigation and contractual matters; and Carlos Molina's expertise encompasses public works-related construction issues and concessions for airports, highways, reservoirs, gas pipelines, railways and public buildings. The department further showcases Felipe Correa, who routinely advises on major infrastructure and construction projects. At associate level, senior Catalina Binder’s experience covers bidding, construction and operation phases; and Raimundo Lagos ​​advises on the contractual aspects of engineering and construction projects. In a notable boost to the practice, the firm formed an alliance with UK-based Fenwick Elliott LLP in March 2024, which strengthens both firms’ construction, energy and infrastructure expertise across Latin America.

Prieto Abogados' 27-strong projects and infrastructure team has a strong market reputation for its advice on the development, implementation, financing and acquisition of projects. The group was recently notably active in relation to the construction of battery energy storage systems, desalinisation plants and a power transmission line project. The team’s key practitioners are: Juan Tagle, whose expertise covers power plants, transmission lines, ports, and mining and desalinisation construction projects, as well as joint ventures and bidding processes; banking and finance head Mario Gorziglia, an adviser on significant corporate reorganisations and project financing; projects and infrastructure specialist Nicolás Yuraszeck K, who has ‘a very global vision of the interests of each party involved’ and longstanding experience in construction projects, tender processes, project finance, regulatory matters and project-related M&A deals; and counsel Isabel Monge, who is experienced in the financing of mining, electricity transmission and renewable energy projects, as well as automobile, agriculture and electro mobility sector-related work. At associate level, intermediate Emilio Del Real is another consistent adviser on projects and infrastructure. In a boost to the practice, Andrés Laymuns, whose wide-ranging expertise includes engineering projects for the energy, green hydrogen and mining industries, was promoted to practice director in January 2024.

Abogados MLV fields ‘a balanced team with extensive knowledge of the topics handled’. The seven-member group routinely advises on the development, financing, refinancing and acquisition of large projects (both public and privately owned). The practice is also well known for construction litigation. With ‘extensive experience in construction and infrastructure matters’, Jose Manuel Valencia ‘stands out’, while Álvaro Mendoza Negri specialises in civil, commercial, tax, customs and electricity law. At practice director level, Cristina Santibáñez Boric is ‘very involved in projects’ day-to-day issues', while Alfredo Vial Rodriguez is a construction law expert. Associate Nicole Camilli Santiago predominantly focuses on infrastructure litigation.

Demonstrating ‘willingness to resolve the challenges of projects’, Baker McKenzie Chile is a familiar presence in the area, where it is well known for its mining-sector credentials. The nine-strong team is also increasingly mandated on renewable energy (solar, wind and geothermal), desalinisation, port and road projects, with clients additionally benefitting from the group’s access to the firm’s enviable regional and international networks. The team’s key practitioners are Santiago mining practice leader Antonio Ortúzar Jr; Mirco Hilgers, an adviser to energy, mining and infrastructure companies; and Jaime Munro, whose broad expertise encompasses major infrastructure projects. In the firm’s associate group, Santiago Vial is experienced in energy, environmental and mining matters.

The ‘skilled’ projects and infrastructure group at Dentons advises on all stages of projects (and their related legal   requirements). The nine-strong team’s expertise ranges from wind farms, toll roads, airports and ports, to railroads, light railways and water desalination plants. In the energy sector, the firm fields specialists in power plants, wind power, and LNG and petrochemical terminals. The department is co-led by ‘great strategist’ José Manuel Larraín, who is a highly-regarded infrastructure project practitioner; and Ignacio Vargas, who has notable experience in the public and private infrastructure sectors and is ‘outstanding when it comes to construction arbitrations’.

’At all times well prepared, strategic and optimistic’, DLA Piper Chile's nine-member team advises on the development, acquisition, sale and financing of energy and infrastructure projects. Assisting at every stage of projects’ lifecycles, it is notably experienced in the energy and natural resources space. The key practitioners are project and infrastructure specialist Diego Peña, who ‘definitely deserves to be ranked among the best lawyers’; and Felipe Bahamondez, who has a significant track record in energy, natural gas and LNG projects. At associate level, senior Felipe Massardo acts for clients from the energy, infrastructure, construction, transportation and telecoms sectors; while intermediate Roberta Andreani focuses on renewable energy projects and energy transition work.

'A leader in the Chilean market for infrastructure project advice’, Riquelme, Silva & Fuentes' five-member team is notable for its advice to clients (including contractors) on construction contracts. The practice covers public works contracts and concessions, as well as reservoir, hospital, highway and energy projects. The group is co-led by ‘great litigator’ Rodrigo Riquelme Yañez, who routinely acts in judicial and administrative claims before public and private entities, as well as in ad hoc and institutional domestic and international arbitration; and construction litigation specialist Camilo Silva Correa. The group also showcases Diego Fuentes, who has particular experience in institutional arbitrations. Former counsel Felipe Montoya Aguilera joined Guerrero Iturra Abogados in April 2023.

Alcalde & Cía.'s ‘extraordinary’ concessions and infrastructure team has ‘thorough knowledge of the projects and infrastructure industry’, including the mining, public works, energy and ports sectors. The six-strong group has longstanding experience in advising public infrastructure concessionaires and construction companies on registration processes, re-qualification stages, bidding, construction work and related disputes. The team is co-led by Enrique Alcalde Undurraga, who routinely advises on high-stakes projects; and engineering and construction contracts specialist Carolina Candia Manríquez, whose ‘knowledge of regulations and practices is unmatched’.

With an ‘ability to understand commercial contexts’, Arteaga Gorziglia & Cia Abogados' 10-strong projects practice covers the development, construction, financing and operation of wind and photovoltaic farms, as well as hydropower generation and thermoelectric power plants. The team also advises on associated matters such as high-voltage transmission lines. The department is led by infr1astructure project specialist Arnaldo Gorziglia, who is flanked by commercial, corporate and business law expert Ignacio Arteaga; and energy law practitioner Luciano Cruz. The practice further includes project finance, restructuring and capital markets group associate director, Cristián Carpentier.

Adopting ‘a very commercial approach to all matters’, CMS Carey & Allende comprises experts in structuring, developing, acquiring, selling and financing energy and infrastructure projects. The full-service department acts at both initiation and post-operation stages of projects, and additionally advises on due diligence processes, special purpose vehicle incorporations and credit agreements. The team, which further assists with related litigation at both domestic and cross-border levels, is led by Jorge Allende Z, an experienced adviser on energy and mining projects. However, former partners Luis Felipe Arze, Fernando De Cárcer and the recently-promoted Sebastián Barros Eyzaguirre departed the firm to co-found A/C/R Legal in April 2024.

Lembeye‘s 12-strong team routinely acts for developers, sponsors, capital investors, contractors and suppliers, as well as lenders, insurers and placement agents. Its expertise encompasses both developmental and financing stages, as well as the construction and operation of projects. It is particularly active in relation to renewable energy matters. The group is led by founding partner Jorge Lembeye, an expert in project financing and development, as well as M&A and capital markets; and Rony Zimerman, who has longstanding experience in the development, financing and sale of mining projects. Nicolás Espina's broad practice also includes project financing and development work.

Boutique legal practice Urenda León Rivas & Darraidou Abogados (ULRD Abogados) was launched in 2022 by former Fleischmann y León Abogados’ founding partner Juan Ignacio León Lira, who is a construction, real estate, public works concessions and mining project expert. With ‘solid experience and knowledge of the construction industry’, the team is notably experienced in private and public infrastructure projects, particularly in relation to public works concessions, penitentiary infrastructure, desalination plants, highways and telecoms. Fellow co-founding partner Luis Alberto Darraidou García Huidobro's recent caseload includes desalination and water-reuse sanitation projects.

Urenda, Rencoret, Orrego y Dörr's nine-member practice has longstanding project development experience, particularly in relation to non-conventional renewable energy, mining, infrastructure and real estate. The team advises at all stages of projects, including bidding processes, corporate structures, taxation, and construction and financing agreements. It also fields experts in labour law, environmental impact matters, and permits and licensing. The group is co-led by Sergio Orrego, who is ‘a great negotiator’; and Gonzalo Errázuriz, an adviser to both national and international clients regarding their projects. The team further includes environmental law specialist Ignacio Urrutia and Felipe Rencoret, who has wide-ranging experience in projects and infrastructure work.

The five-strong team at sharply focused projects, construction and engineering law boutique, Urzúa, undertakes matters across all relevant segments, notably mining, aquaculture, energy transmission and generation (including water, solar and wind) and industrial projects. It also handles associated contentious matters -including claims, ADR, arbitration and litigation- related to projects, construction and engineering disputes. As such, the firm has experience with all parties related to projects work (owners, construction and engineering contractors, and EPCM agents), at all projects stages, from pre-feasibility to operation and closure. The firm has seen healthy growth of late, particularly as regards participation in bidding process in the mining, energy and hydrocarbons sectors. Founding partner and key contact Cristián Urzúa is one of the most prominent figures of his generation in the sector and handles the gamut of projects work and related disputes.