Barros & Errázuriz

Recognised for its ‘ability to thoroughly understand the issues, even in areas that are not exclusively legal’, Barros & Errázuriz is a major player in energy and infrastructure project development and finance. The group is regularly involved in some of Chile’s most complex and large-scale infrastructure transactions, advising a broad range of clients including constructors, developers, financiers and operators. The multidisciplinary team offers end-to-end legal support for strategic projects including highways, ports, airports, prisons, desalination plants and logistics centres. In the energy sector, the team advises on hydro, wind, solar, LNG and gas utility projects, assisting domestic and international companies from development and permitting through to financing and operation. It also advises on a number of the largest desalination and mining projects, recently advising Aguas Esperanza and Transelec on a seawater transport system for the expansion of Minera Centinela, one of the largest copper mines in the country. Attracting praise for his ’strong network and reputation‘, practice co-head Nicolás Balmaceda is specialised in infrastructure, public works concessions and financing, and advises public and private entities, banks and construction companies – particularly on engineering and arbitration matters. Fellow co-head Francisco De la Barra has developed strong expertise in project development and finance, advising sponsors, lenders and development banks on cross-border energy and infrastructure deals. Other notable practitioners include Fernando Garrido, an energy sector expert who regularly advises on development, environmental permitting and regulatory compliance for generation and transmission projects. María Olga Rivera, who has deep experience in corporate and project finance (particularly in the port and energy sectors), and has led numerous cross-border infrastructure financings; and Cristóbal Pellegrini, who works primarily on the development, financing and operation of energy generation and transmission projects, and has significant experience structuring large-scale facilities.