Barros & Errázuriz

The environment law practice at Barros & Errázuriz advises clients on a diverse range of environmental law issues across industries including energy, aquaculture, mining and technology. The team’s expertise ranges from project planning, permitting and compliance, to litigation and project closure, handling complex environmental impact assessments and indigenous consultation processes. It also advises on environmental emergencies, desalinisation and other water-related projects, and regulatory issues tied to waste, food law, and climate change. Litigation experts, the practice group’s lawyers are praised by clients for ‘always considering the technical aspects inherent to environmental disputes’. Recent major mandates include: representing the Eletrans II and III energy transmission lines against sanctioning proceedings before the Environmental Superintendence; providing ongoing environmental regulatory advice for the development of Microsoft’s data centres; and providing permitting advice to leading electricity generation company, Colbún. Counsel Matias Montoya leads the environmental group, bringing over 15 years’ experience in the sector – including prior service as General Counsel of the Environmental Assessment Agency; he oversees assessment processes, litigation, and compliance procedures. Partner Fernando Garrido is known for his work on energy project development and finance, often carrying out regulatory due diligence for energy companies. Key associate support is provided by senior Martín Vial Correa (environment, mining and water law) and intermediate Catalina Vergara Flores; however, former senior Mara Angelini moved in-house in November 2024.