Ms Michelle Inzunza > Larrain y Asociados Abogados > Santiago, Chile > Lawyer Profile

With longstanding experience in advising banks, brokers, financial institutions and companies, Larrain y Asociados Abogados has particular expertise in the structured financing of infrastructure, energy, petrochemical and mining projects. The seven-strong group is also notably active in the financing of M&A deals; financings through the issuance of guaranteed and secured bonds in the Chilean and international markets; and aircraft-related financing. Foreign and local banks additionally turn to the group for assistance with day-to-day operations, along with reorganisations, and bankruptcy and liquidation processes. Recent matters saw the team advise Mytilineos Energy & Metals (and subsidiaries) on a $377m project financing for the construction of four photovoltaic generation projects in Chile. The practice is led by project financing expert Patricio Montes (whose international career includes working as a foreign associate in Shearman & Sterling LLP’s New York office), with key support provided by Diego Garay, another notably active project finance practitioner. The department further includes deeply experienced senior partner Jorge Granic, who advises on the structuring and financing of complex industrial projects; and project finance specialists Cristóbal Morandé and Joaquín Larrain. At associate level, intermediate Michelle Inzunza – whose practice is centred on banking, finance and capital markets, along with projects and public works’ concession – is the key contact.

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.

Fielding ‘a multidisciplinary team that is very experienced’, Larrain y Asociados Abogados‘s seven-strong real estate department acts for developers, sponsors, buyers, sellers and lenders on real estate transactions and project development. Its expertise covers due diligence, financing and M&A (via both asset deals and share deal structures). The group also assists educational and non-for-profit organisations on the acquisition of land for schools, as well as for social benefit and charitable activities. Comprising experts in tourism, hotels, housing and forestry, along with agricultural, conservation, industrial and renewable energy project development, the practice is particularly well known for its infrastructure and construction sector specialism. The group is also increasingly active in relation to commercial properties, such as cinemas, gas stations and malls. The team is co-led by real estate and litigation expert José Pedro Baraona and ‘excellent lawyer’ Juan Carlos Bulnes, whose real estate credentials cover the agro-industry, conservation and tourism sectors, as well as urban developments and state-owned property-related developments. The practice further includes Juan de Dios Ferrada, an adviser on real estate developments and acquisitions. At associate level, seniors José Spoerer and Manuel Larrain both maintain notable real estate practices, while Michelle Inzunza is experienced in rural developments.