Prieto Abogados > Santiago, Chile > Firm Profile
Prieto Abogados Offices

Alonso de Córdova 4355 (piso 15)
Vitacura
Santiago
Chile
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Prieto Abogados > The Legal 500 Rankings
Energy and natural resources > Electricity and hydrocarbons
Prieto Abogados's 25-strong energy and natural resources practice ‘stands out for its extensive knowledge of the energy industry’, with recent mandates including regulatory work, major energy M&A deals and energy sector projects. Examples include the acquisition of a large energy generation portfolio and the development of battery energy storage system projects. Acting for electricity generators, transmission companies, construction firms, and investment funds, the team’s experience also covers the sale of unconventional renewable energy projects’ plant portfolios, including the management of bidding processes. Among the team’s several key advisers, Juan TaglePractice head(s):
Juan Tagle; Fernando Bravo; Nicolás Yuraszeck K; Agustín Martorell; Andrea Von Chrismar
Testimonials
‘Great client service.’
‘They work well together and are proactive in anticipating important situations.’
‘Prieto’s practice stands out for its extensive knowledge of the energy industry, and for its specialists in the different areas of law associated with it.’
‘A very good practice that is agile and competent.’
‘Excellent knowledge of their subjects – responsible and responsive.’
‘Juan Tagle has great electricity law and project knowledge and experience.’
‘Juan Tagle is a good and sensible negotiator, who can be trusted by all parties.’
‘Juan Tagle negotiates with transparency, looking for agreements that are sustainable over time.’
Key clients
Solek Chile Services
Verano Energy
Engie Energía
Anglo American Sur
BICE Inversiones
Fotowatio Renewable Venture
EDP Renewables
Pacific Hydro
Conexión Kimal – Lo Aguirre
Bio Energía Molina
AES Andes
Compañía Minera Doña Inés De Collahuasi
Work highlights
- Assisted Engie Energía Chile with a legal claim before the Environmental Court of Antofagasta, which was filed by the Mejillones community against the environmental permit that allows the transition of an existing and operational plant from carbon-based energy to gas-based energy generation.
- Advising Conexión Kimal – Lo Aguirre on the construction of a high-voltage direct current transmission line from the Antofagasta Region to the Metropolitan Region.
- Representing Engie Energía Chile before the Competition Tribunal (as a third interested party) in a contentious proceeding initiated by two renewable energy market players against the National Energy Commission for issuing the Technical Rule that contains the so-called inflexibility condition.
Chile > Bankruptcy, insolvency and restructuring Tier 2
Regularly mandated to advise on headline liquidations and reorganisations, Prieto Abogados' 10-strong team comprises experts in defaulting companies, as well as debt, syndicated loan and bond conversion-related negotiations. The group, which ‘stands out for its knowledge and expertise in restructuring’, is also highly active in relation to cross-border insolvencies. In recent highlights, the department advised Engie on the liquidation of electricity generation company María Elena Solar. Co-leading the insolvency and restructuring team, Benjamín Grebe predominantly acts for creditors in judicial insolvency procedures (including bankruptcies and reorganisations), along with restructurings and debt negotiations; and Alberto González V (who also co-heads the firm’s litigation department) is experienced in insolvency proceedings involving direct actions against debtors. In the associate team, senior Vicente Tapia routinely advises on liquidations and reorganisations, while the more junior Javier Albornoz rounds out the practice.Practice head(s):
Benjamín Grebe; Alberto González V
Testimonials
‘Prieto’s team stands out for its knowledge and expertise in restructuring.’
‘The technical capacity, level of involvement, executive management and availability to address assignments stand out.’
‘Preparation and availability are the elements that clients highlight about Prieto’s team.’
‘Always willing to support when required, with an approach that focuses on the client and the quality of the service they provide.’
‘Great knowledge and professionalism.’
‘Lawyers with solid commitment and a lot of legal knowledge.’
Key clients
Aguas Andinas
Penta Vida
Moneda Asset
Vivocorp
Engie Energía Chile
Mallplaza
Banco Internacional
Equinox Los Andes
Fondo de Inversión Privado Agrodesarrollo
X Capital (Xepelin)
Inversiones World Logistic Limitada
Chilena Consolidada de Seguros de Vida (Zurich)
Inversiones Antis
Work highlights
- Advised Banco Internacional, Penta Vida Compañía de Seguros de Vida and Zurich (Chilena Consolidada Seguros de Vida) on the reorganisation process of the Sencorp Group.
- Advised X Capital on the liquidation petition of Winia Electronics Chile.
- Advised Engie on the liquidation of María Elena Solar.
Chile > Capital markets Tier 2
Prieto Abogados' seven-strong capital markets department is home to experts in debt placements, both in the Chilean market and across the US, the latter through Rule 144A/Reg S bond placements. The full-service firm’s workload extends beyond traditional placements to cover liability management, exchanges, and inaugural issuances for emerging players; and its track record includes major Chilean market IPOs, as well as public acquisition tender offers involving cross-border deals. The practice is also highly active in relation to both public and private investment funds. Recent mandates include acting for construction and real estate company Salfacorp on a capital increase transaction, which involved the public placement of 100m shares. The team is co-led by name-partner Patricio Prieto L, who predominantly focuses on private equity funds, along with insurance and debt placements; and Isabel Wolleter E, who plays a key role in most of the firm’s capital markets transactions, her expertise covering debt issuance structuring, negotiable instruments, stock exchange listing processes, tender offers and auction processes. Wolleter’s career also includes a stint working at Shearman & Sterling LLP’s New York office. The practice further includes high-regarded counsel Maite Larrañaga, who acts for both national and foreign clients on the issuance of securities; and intermediate associate José Pedro Poblete who is notably active in the sector.Practice head(s):
Patricio Prieto L; Isabel Wolleter E
Testimonials
‘Isabel Wolleter E has a lot of knowledge of this subject and responds practically immediately to all queries.’
Key clients
XLC Administradora General de Fondos
Aguas Andinas
Sociedad Concesionaria Vespucio Norte Express
Salfacorp
Engie Energía Chile
Pampa Camarones
Americas Energy Fund I
Fondo de Inversión Privado AEF I Chile
Fracción
BAIH
HDI Seguros
HDI Seguros de Garantía y Crédito
Work highlights
- Advised XLC Administradora General de Fondos on the establishment of XLC Deuda Privada I Fondo de Inversión.
- Assisted, alongside an international law firm’s New York office, with facilitating Aguas Andinas’s inaugural notes issuance in the international markets.
- Advised Salfacorp on a capital increase process that involved the public placement of 100m shares.
Chile > Competition and antitrust Tier 2
Providing a ‘fantastic, high-level quality’, Prieto Abogados' six-strong antitrust and competition law practice routinely assists with both contentious and non-contentious matters before the TDLC. The group also has a significant market reputation for its representation of clients before the FNE in leniency applications, and cartel and abuse of dominant position investigations. The team is also sought out to advise on major merger control and minority participation assessments and notifications, along with pre-emptive advice involving contracts, antitrust protocols, interlocking, and compliance programmes. In recent highlights, the group represented Banco Internacional in three different contentious procedures for alleged anticompetitive conduct. The department’s principal figures are competition law specialist Benjamín Grebe, whose workload encompasses litigation before the TDLC and Chilean Supreme Court, as well as FNE investigations and the development of antitrust compliance programmes for companies and trade associations; and experienced director Andrea Von Chrismar, a specialist in the economic regulation aspects of competition law, compliance issues, FNE investigations, and TDLC and Supreme Court conflicts. At associate level, Vicente Tapia and Javier Albornoz are ‘outstanding in terms of their knowledge of free competition matters’, while Constanza Moreno Aedo is an August 2023 recruit to the firm's free competition and insolvency practices from Jara Del Favero Abogados. Since publication, the firm has announced the raising of Ms. Von Chrismar to the partnership; with effect from January 2025, the promotion will also see her take over leadership of the practice.Practice head(s):
Benjamín Grebe; Andrea Von Chrismar
Testimonials
‘Fantastic, high-level quality from the competition and antitrust law team.’
‘Immediacy when it comes to needing to contact the team, both when making decisions and to clarify doubts.’
‘Clients can always speak directly with both partners and associates, who handle their cases perfectly.’
‘Great experience and reasonable fees.’
‘Prieto is a consolidated, very professional firm that offers advice on various subjects, which is a great advantage over specialised practices.’
‘It has adopted a collaborative and horizontal work model between partners, senior associates and juniors, which has had a positive impacts on clients. Highly reliable and professional lawyers, with great human qualities.’
‘Benjamín Grebe and Andrea Von Chrismar both demonstrate exceptional preparation in the field of free competition, which has been confirmed by the favourable rulings they have had in this type of litigation.’
‘In the associate group, clients especially highlight Javier Albornoz and Vicente Tapia, both lawyers who have proven to be outstanding in terms of their knowledge of free competition matters.’
Key clients
Aguas Andinas
DP World Chile
Nippon Yusen Kaisa (NYK Line)
Banco Internacional
Total Energies
Luval
Esmax
Enex
YPF
LiquiMoly
Isapre Consalud
Empresa de Transporte de Pasajeros Metro
Engie Energía Chile
Inacap
Delivery Hero E-commerce Chile (Pedidos Ya)
Transmisora Eléctrica del Norte
Angloamerican
Fundación Chile
Work highlights
- Representing Banco Internacional in three different contentious procedures for alleged anticompetitive conduct.
- Represents Aguas Andinas in a non-contentious proceeding concerning the FNE’s request to qualify 15 sanitary services as being subject to tariffs regulated by the Sanitary Services Regulator.
- Represented Delivery Hero E-Commerce Chile (PedidosYa) in an extrajudicial agreement reached with the FNE, in relation to Most Favoured Nation clauses and exclusivities (approved by the TDLC on December 2023).
Chile > Compliance Tier 2
The compliance practice at full-service law firm Prieto Abogados covers anti-bribery and anti-corruption due diligence processes, internal auditing procedures, training sessions and administrative sanctioning processes. The team, which ‘really understands its company clients’, also assists with drafting compliance policies, along with the design of internal compliance and crime prevention systems. In addition to the team's sector expertise in education, energy, food, TMT, real estate and private equity, clients further benefit from the group’s ability to leverage the firm’s notable specialisms in antitrust, criminal law, labour issues, and environmental and corporate law. Recent mandates include the group’s assistance to Desafío Levantemos Chile, a large non-profit organisation, with the implementation of its crime prevention system. The team is led by José Andrés Pascual (‘an extraordinary adviser who knows how to take care of clients’ interests’), who routinely advises on risk identification and assessment processes, along with the design, implementation and updating of crime prevention systems. In the associate group, Diego Madariaga and Fernando Rodríguez are both on hand to assist with internal investigations, while senior and criminal law leader María Jesús Becerra is a January 2024 hire from Parraguez Marín & del Río. Former associate Catalina Bruner departed the firm in July 2023.Practice head(s):
José Andrés Pascual
Testimonials
‘Prieto’s compliance team really understands its company clients, which is a very valuable asset.’
‘José Andrés Pascual has excellent vision of compliance and business.’
‘José Andrés Pascual is an extraordinary adviser who knows how to take care of clients’ interests. He is very thoughtful and flexible.’
Key clients
Paysafe Merchant Services Corp
Mediapro Chile
Mediapro Móviles Chile
The Mediapro Studio Chile
Delivery Hero Group
Consejo de Rectores de Institutos Profesionales y Centros de Formación Técnica Acreditados – Vertebral
GNL Mejillones
Watt’s
Pacific Hydro Chile
Desafío Levantemos Chile
Inmobiliaria Deisa
Compañía Minera Doña Inés de Collahuasi
Work highlights
- Advising Mediapro on compliance matters.
- Assisted Pacific Hydro Chile with the updating of its crime prevention manual.
- Assisted Desafío Levantemos Chile, a large non-profit organisation, with the implementation of its crime prevention system.
Chile > Corporate and M&A Tier 2
The ‘team of top-level lawyers’ at Prieto Abogados is routinely mandated to advise on cross-border M&A deals, private equity transactions and joint ventures. The 29-strong corporate and M&A practice’s recent experience includes deals involving insurance, construction, mortgage loans and subsidised housing leasing. It is also notably active in retail, energy, natural resources, and food and wine sector-related M&A, as well as being increasingly involved in advising private investment funds on the acquisition of controlling stakes in family-owned businesses. The multidisciplinary team can further draw upon the firm’s tax, labour, antitrust, environmental and litigation credentials in relation to transactional mandates. The group is co-led by Juan TaglePractice head(s):
Juan Tagle; Fernando Bravo
Testimonials
‘A team of top-level lawyers, with a lot of experience and a critical view of clients’ business.’
‘Juan Tagle and Andrés Laymuns are both magnificent professionals.’
‘Juan Tagle and Andrés Laymuns have outstanding technical and practical knowledge, as well as great availability.’
Key clients
Americas Energy Fund I
Fondo de Inversión Privado AEF I Chile
Fondo de Inversión Rockville Solar Energy
Vivo
Engie Energía Chile
Watt’s
BICE Inversiones
Repsol Chile
HDI Seguros
HDI Seguros de Garantía y Crédito
Indeed
DP World Chile
Work highlights
- Advised Americas Energy Fund I and Fondo de Inversión Privado AEF I Chile, as shareholders of Termochilca, which underwent a sale that was facilitated by creditors.
- Advised Fondo De Inversión Rockville Solar Energy on the sale of a portfolio of 20 photovoltaic projects to EMU Solar.
- Advised Vivo, a real estate management and development company, on the negotiation, restructuring and liquidation of the business it co-owned with Hoteles City Express Chile.
Chile > Projects and infrastructure Tier 2
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 TaglePractice head(s):
Juan Tagle; Nicolás Yuraszeck K; Isabel Monge; Mario Gorziglia
Testimonials
‘Good service, responds on time, and with appropriate solutions.’
‘They know the issues on which they advise – very good service.’
‘They have a team that is dedicated full time to projects, with a very highly specialised level of knowledge.’
‘The team is growing and the price/quality/punctuality ratio remains very good. They know this field very well.’
‘Prieto’s lawyers have a superior commercial and technical vision, which they use to push forward the issues, proposing creative solutions to do so.’
‘Nicolás Yuraszeck K is very specialised and his level of detail is very good.’
‘Nicolás Yuraszeck K has a very thorough understanding of matters and a very global vision of the interests of each party involved.’
‘Juan Tagle has a lot of experience in the field and great negotiating skills.’
Key clients
Conexión Kimal – Lo Aguirre
Angloamerican
EDP Renewables
Engie Energía Chile
Vivo Santiago
First Mode
Grupo Fotones
Bonatti Internacional
Pacific Hydro
DP World
Plaza Maule
Grupo Inmobiliario Pacal
Vespucio Norte Express
Rockville
Banco de Crédito e Inversiones
BNP Paribas
Export Finance Australia
ING Capital
MUFG Bank
Natixis
Société Générale
Electrogas
Aguas Andina
Solar E
Work highlights
- Advising Conexión Kimal – Lo Aguirre on a key project for Chile’s energy transition advancement, consisting in the construction and entry into operation of a high-voltage direct current power transmission line.
- Advising a syndicate of lenders on a $571.6m secured project finance debt facility for Mantoverde, the developer of a copper sulphide project in northern Chile.
- Advising ENGIE Energía Chile on several renewable energy projects.
Chile > Banking and finance Tier 3
The six-member banking and finance team at full-service law firm Prieto Abogados advises both lenders and borrowers on major financing transactions. The group is particularly active in the energy, infrastructure and automotive sectors, as well as the power transmission, mining and real estate industries. It also assists both local and international clients with banking and financial regulatory matters and is increasingly active advising private funds on the financing of start-ups and fintech companies. The department is led by project financing expert Mario Gorziglia C alongside counsel and finance specialist Isabel Monge P. Juan Tagle Q advises on energy industry financings and Isabel Wolleter E's expertise includes syndicated and bilateral loan agreements. Senior associate Aníbal Larrain assists with syndicated loans and international debt placements as well as advising on finance regulations - particularly fintech in relation to banking regulation.Practice head(s):
Mario Gorziglia C; Isabel Monge
Testimonials
‘The team is characterised by its good management and knowledge of the regulation of the banking and financial sector.’
‘They have a good team and good partners – very efficient service.’
‘Isabel Wolleter E is always available to resolve doubts, and thanks to her deep knowledge of matters she resolves problems quickly.’
Key clients
Engie Energía Chile
Automotores Gildemeister
Sociedad Concesionaria Vespucio Norte Express
Codelco (Corporación Nacional del Cobre)
Scotiabank Chile
Banco Security
Banco de Crédito e Inversiones
Moneda (Administradora General de Fondos)
Penta Vida Compañía de Seguros de Vida
Seguros Vida Security Previsión
Vivo SpA
BNP Paribas
Export Finance Australia
ING Capital
MUFG Bank
Natixis
Societe Generale
Work highlights
- Advised a syndicate of local lenders (Scotiabank, Banco Security and Banco BCI) on both the amendment to a loan extended in 2021 to Nueva Inmobiliaria and the granting of a new loan.
- Advised Engie Energía Chile on negotiations with the International Finance Corporation for the provision of a $400m green and sustainability-linked loan facility.
- Assisted SR Inmobiliaria with the negotiation of a secured loan facility for approximately $22.5m (extended by Banco Security and Penta Vida Seguros de Vida).
Chile > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 3
Prieto Abogados' ‘partners and associates handle cases perfectly’. The firm's second largest practice area, the litigation department consistently appears before both ordinary courts and arbitrators in disputes concerning energy, construction, real estate and the retail sector. The six-member group is also increasingly mandated in relation to contentious aquaculture, construction, engineering, investment fund, food, and cosmetics sector matters, and it additionally assists with public law litigation. The disputes group is co-led by real estate, construction and antitrust litigator Fernando Samaniego; and arbitration expert Alberto González V. The department further comprises associates Agustín Prado, who ‘provides a very good level of service’; and Cristóbal Ipinza, who also specialises in litigation and arbitration. Former counsel Juan Pablo Riesco left the firm in May 2024. Since publication, the firm has promoted seniors Agustín Prado and María Jesús Becerra to practice directors for arbitration & litigation, and white-collar crime, respectively - effective as of April 2025.Practice head(s):
Fernando Samaniego; Alberto González V
Testimonials
‘Clients are impressed by the level and professional quality of the litigation team.’
‘What is decisive when choosing them over other law firms is the immediacy when it comes to contacting the team, both when making decisions and to clarify doubts.’
‘Both partners and associates handle cases perfectly.’
‘Fernando Samaniego and Alberto González V demonstrate strong knowledge and skills when it comes to litigating, which allow clients’ interests to be duly defended.’
‘Fernando Samaniego and Alberto González V have the ability to explain matters to their clients and support them when making decisions, which leads to good results in trials.’
‘Agustín Prado provides a very good level of service.’
Key clients
Engie Energía Chile
Cosmo Consult Chile
Plaza (Falabella Group)
Delivery Hero (PedidosYa)
Vivo
DP World Chile
Banco Internacional
AFP PlanVital
Equinox Los Andes (Nike Chile)
ECIM Obras de Ingeniería
Work highlights
- Representing Engie Energía Chile, Central, Termoeléctrica Andina, Inversiones Hornitos and Electroandina in their unlawful conduct action against GasAtacama Chile.
- Acted for YPF Chile in a construction contract dispute.
- Representing Banco Internacional in two lawsuits, which seek the payment of a contractual debt from Sencorp.
Energy and natural resources > Mining Tier 3
Prieto Abogados' ‘responsible, proactive and punctual’ team is able to leverage the full-service firm’s expertise in energy, infrastructure and real estate for mining matters. The 13-strong group can also boast strong relationships with major investment funds. The practice is co-led by Juan TaglePractice head(s):
Juan Tagle; Agustín Martorell
Testimonials
‘Up to date with the legal issues that affect clients.’
‘Very professional, punctual, and good value for money.’
‘Responsible, proactive and punctual.’
Key clients
Los Andes Copper (Vizcachitas)
SMU
Compañía Minera Doña Inés de Collahuasi SCM
Compañía Minera Teck Quebrada Blanca
YPF Chile
Anglo American Sur
Pampa Camarones
Sociedad Punta del Cobre
DP World San Antonio
Work highlights
- Advising Sociedad Punta del Cobre on the environmental and regulatory aspects of the El Espino project.
- Advised Anglo American Sur (Anglo) on the development and negotiation with Aguas Pacifico (Grupo Patria) of two agreements, which were required by Anglo for the creation of an integrated water security project in central Chile.
- Assisting SMU with the mining property aspects of several real estate development projects.
Chile > Environment Tier 3
Prieto Abogados' ‘lawyers stand out for their application of environmental regulations and laws to business contexts’. The eight-strong environmental law team, which comprises industry expertise in mining, energy and real estate, routinely acts in judicial cases, administrative sanctioning proceedings and environmental assessments. It has also developed notable compliance experience in relation to environmental offences. The team is co-led by Agustín Martorell, who is ‘truly an excellent lawyer’; and counsel Romina Tobar, an April 2023 hire and former Environmental Assessment Service legal department head. Tobar advises on environmental assessments, community relations, and permitting, administrative and judicial procedures. Associate Ignacio Matte is also a key member of the firm’s environmental and regulatory law team.Practice head(s):
Agustín Martorell; Romina Tobar
Testimonials
‘Prieto’s environmental team is top of the line.’
‘Knowledge of the industry is excellent.’
‘They have a mix of former public employees and top-level lawyers, which gives them an advantage over other law firms.’
‘Prieto’s lawyers stand out for their application of environmental regulations and laws to business contexts.’
‘Diligence, availability, and they put themselves in the client’s shoes to find solutions that are balanced.’
‘Agustín Martorell is truly an excellent lawyer – very involved in the day-to-day work and his fees are very reasonable.’
‘Romina Tobar has unique expertise in the market after working for many years in the public service, which allows her to have a comprehensive view when assisting clients.’
‘Prieto’s environmental team has emerged in recent years due to a change in its way of working. Today, the team is top flight and led by Agustin Martorell who was elected best environmental lawyer in Chile in 2023. The big difference with large and traditional firms is that the partners are involved in the work day by day, which is contrary to what other firms implement, where senior associates take the lead in the deal. The relationship with clients is first class and the partners, being “young”, are completely involved in the day to day.’
Key clients
Sociedad Punta del Cobre
Empresas CMPC
Aguas Nuevas
Engie Energía Chile
Vivo Santiago
Solek Chile Services
Acciona Agua
DP World Chile
SMU Group
Bio Energía Molina
Work highlights
- Assisting Engie Energía Chile with a judicial action initiated by the Mejillones community against an environmental permit that allows Engie to convert a carbon-based energy generation plant to a gas-based plant.
- Currently assisting Conexión Energía on several regulatory matters.
- Assisting Acciona Aguas with a sanctioning proceeding (concerning a desalinisation plant) before the Environmental Superintendency.
Chile > Insurance Tier 3
The eight-member team at full-service law firm Prieto Abogados comprises experts in the regulatory aspects of insurance company formation and transactional activity in the sector. The group also has extensive experience in insurance product-related distribution agreements, such as bancassurance agreements, mortgage-related policies, cell phone protection policies and extended warranty policies. It additionally assists with supplying insurance-related services, such as road assistance, medical services and home assistance. Practice head Patricio Prieto L has longstanding experience in insurance and reinsurance regulation, as well insurance product development and insurance-related contract negotiations. Notable support is provided by director Maite Larrañaga, an adviser on insurance regulatory matters; and counsel Juan Pablo Riesco, who focuses on coverage claims litigation. Disputes specialist senior associate Agustín Prado is also active in insurance matters.Practice head(s):
Patricio Prieto L
Testimonials
‘The management of cases is fast, and supported by specialists who deliver reliable results.’
‘The attention, willingness and speed in resolving issues are what lead clients to consult with them.’
‘A solid team with excellent predisposition and that is well known in the market.‘
‘A large firm but the attention is very personalised. We work with Patricio Prieto, an eminence in the Chilean insurance and reinsurance industry.‘
‘Excellent desk, wide purchase and professional quality. Patricio Prieto stands out for the experience and security he transmits.‘
Key clients
Assurant Chile Compañía De Seguros Generales
American Bankers Life Assurance Company of Florida
American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida
HDI Seguros
HDI Seguros de Garantía y Crédito
HDI Global Network
Seguros Generales Suramericana
Chubb Seguros Chile
Chubb Seguros de Vida Chile
HDI Global
Talanx
Inacap
Work highlights
- Acted for Compañía de Seguros Generales Suramericana in a coverage claim by Surlat.
- Acted for Compañía de Seguros Generales Suramericana in a coverage claim by Inversiones Futuro.
- Assists Assurant Chile Compañía de Seguros Generales on a daily basis.
Chile > Labour and employment Tier 3
Prieto Abogados’ ‘labour practice stands out for its knowledge’. The firm’s seven-strong labour, employment and immigration practice has notable experience in labour litigation, corporate-related labour advice, collective bargaining and immigration. It also includes sector experts in energy, mining, facilities, gaming, ports, tourism, retail, insurance, construction, finance and healthcare. The group is led by Christian von Bergen, an adviser to major companies on human resources strategies, collective bargaining and labour litigation. Providing key support, labour and social security specialist Cristóbal Raby is ‘an excellent lawyer with great resolution skills’; and Valentina Flen (raised to counsel in early 2024) heads the firm’s immigration practice. At associate level, Kilian Vargas' workload encompasses labour litigation, social security, immigration and individual and collective law.Practice head(s):
Cristóbal Raby; Christian von Bergen
Testimonials
‘Prieto’s labour practice stands out for its knowledge, sense of reality, and approach to judicial processes that seek significant financial savings for the client.’
‘The partners are directly involved in the matters entrusted to them and the main plus is its response speed.’
‘A great labour law support team.’
‘Prieto’s labour team has solid knowledge that allows it to provide advice that is tailored to clients’ business.’
‘A service that is personalised and demonstrates excellence.’
‘Commitment, solidity, assertiveness and quick responses.’
’Cristóbal Raby and Valentina Flen are both very willing and oriented towards resolving clients’ needs in a timely manner.’
’Cristóbal Raby is an excellent lawyer with great resolution skills and the ability to handle cases and queries very efficiently.’
Key clients
Sodexo Chile
SMU
WSP
SQM
Booking
Mundo Dreams
DP World
Dispatchtrack
Equinox Los Andes (Nike)
Sherwin Williams
Work highlights
- Assisted Sodexo with labour cases, labour law compliance and collective bargaining.
- Represented SQM in Chile’s labour courts in relation to subcontracting legislation.
- Advising DP World on immigration matters, labour law compliance and labour trials.
Chile > Tax Tier 3
Prieto Abogados' ‘efficient, solid and experienced’ tax department is notably experienced in tax-related cases before Chile’s Courts of Justice and specialised Tax Courts. The six-member group also assists with administrative claims brought before Chile’s IRS; direct, indirect and municipal taxes international taxation; and applying double taxation conventions. The practice is co-led by ‘incredibly sophisticated lawyer’ Mario GorzigliaPractice head(s):
Mario Gorziglia; Leonidas Prieto
Testimonials
‘A team that is efficient, solid and experienced.’
‘Excellent team. Good mix of senior and junior partners, as well as associates. Very good teamwork between them.’
‘In-depth knowledge of the law and experience in complex transactions.’
‘Prieto’s team is an excellent choice for any transnational company considering complex commercial transactions.’
‘Mario Gorziglia and Luz María Calvo are excellent lawyers – detail-oriented, with great business sense and solid legal knowledge. Excellent tax lawyers.’
‘Mario Gorziglia is the key figure, but there is a team behind him of truly prepared and competent lawyers – magnificent choice.’
‘Mario Gorziglia is an incredibly sophisticated lawyer, with the ability to take on any kind of deal.’
‘Luz María Calvo is always attentive to clients – a great professional.’
Key clients
British United Provident Association Limited (Bupa Chile)
Energy X
Veolia
Vivo Corp
Isapre Consalud
Red Megacentro
Los Andes Copper
Pampa Camarones
Viña Santa Carolina
Fundación Fibra
Work highlights
- Advising BUPA on the tax aspects of mergers and corporate restructuring.
- Advised Energy X on the tax side to the purchase of lithium exploration concessions.
- Acted for Isapre Consalud in administrative claims before the IRS and judicial claims before the Tax Courts, Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.
Chile > TMT Tier 3
The TMT practice at full-service law firm Prieto Abogados covers corporate law, M&A, financing and tax matters, as well as dispute resolution and public law. The group routinely advises Europe’s Mediapro Group on the day-to-day affairs of its local subsidiaries, including the preparation and execution of agreements for cinematic and television content, sporting rights’ management and audio-visual services. The firm also fields telephony sector experts. José Andrés Pascual advises national and international clients on media, entertainment and technology issues, while telecoms specialist Mario GorzigliaPractice head(s):
José Andrés Pascual; Mario Gorziglia
Testimonials
‘I am very struck by the level of cooperation between the different areas of the firm, an issue that is completely beneficial to the client by receiving more comprehensive advice.‘
‘José Pascual: excellent lawyer who has great management and good treatment with clients. Another plus is that he has very detailed knowledge in the subjects on which he advises.‘
Key clients
Mediapro Chile
Mediapro Móviles Chile
Delivery Hero SE
Delivery Hero E-Commerce Chile
Huawei Chile
iConectiv
SBA Communications
HDI Seguros
SAMY
Work highlights
- Successfully advised Mediapro Chile on the open bidding process launched by the Corporación XIX Juegos Panamericanos Santiago 2023 for the coverage and production of the XIX Pan American Games and VII Parapan American Games.
- Advised PedidosYa on its new user terms and conditions for its webpage and mobile app.
- Advised international communications company iConectiv on three awarded bidding processes.
Chile > Dispute resolution: arbitration Tier 4
The arbitration practice at Prieto Abogados routinely acts in energy, construction, real estate and retail sector disputes. The six-strong group is co-led by Fernando Samaniego, whose track record includes serving as arbitrator in construction disputes; and Alberto González Vidal, a specialist in real estate, construction and energy arbitrations. In the firm’s associate team, Agustín Prado regularly acts in defence-side civil and commercial matters before arbitration tribunals, while Cristóbal Ipinza specialises in both litigation and arbitration. Former counsel Juan Pablo Riesco departed the firm in May 2024.Practice head(s):
Fernando Samaniego; Alberto González Vidal
Key clients
Engie Energía Chile
Huawei Chile
Plaza (Falabella Group)
Delivery Hero (PedidosYa)
Vivo
Aguas Andinas (Veolia Group)
YPF Chile
Banco Internacional
Cosmo Consult Chile
Grupo Financiero Pacal
Compañía de Seguros Generales Suramericana
Work highlights
- Acting for GTA Chile in an arbitration against Sociedad Eléctrica de Medellín, under the rules of the Centre of Mediation and Arbitration of the Santiago Chamber of Commerce.
- Acted for Seguros Generales Suramericana in a dispute with La Libertad.
- Acted for Huawei Chile in its conflict with CTF Tecnología.
Chile > Public law Tier 4
Prieto Abogados' 11-strong public and administrative law team regularly acts for clients from the healthcare, education and construction sectors on both complex advisory and litigation matters. It also recently assisted a pension industry client with an administrative sanctioning procedure. The group is led by counsel Juan Pablo Riesco, who assists with administrative, judicial and regulatory issues. The practice further includes litigation and arbitration head Fernando Samaniego, as well as environmental team leader Agustín Martorell.Practice head(s):
Juan Pablo Riesco
Testimonials
‘The public law team dedicates its work to advising on practical matters that allow clients to continue operating their businesses effectively while facing requests or questions from various authorities.’
‘Juan Pablo Riesco’s work concludes with recommendations or actions that allow businesses to move forward.’
Key clients
AFP Plan Vital
Guala Closures Chile
Penta Vida Compañía de Seguros
Consalud
Inacap
Metro de Santiago (Empresa de Transporte de Pasajeros)
Grupo Plaza (Autoplaza)
Delivery Hero
Cofradía Náutica del Pacífico
Alimentos y Bebidas Chile
Work highlights
- Assisting Consalud with an appeal for protection before the Supreme Court.
- Assisting Inacap with its appeal for protection against the Undersecretary of Higher Education for limiting and restricting the supply of educational enrolment and Inacap’s annual growth.
- Assisting Cofradía Náutica del Pacífico with an environmental damage action before the environmental courts.
Chile > Real estate Tier 4
Prieto Abogados’ ‘solid team has clients’ complete trust’. The firm’s three-member real estate department advises on the acquisition, development and construction of real estate projects. Its expertise covers due diligence processes, tax planning, financing and land use, as well as the environmental, construction and urban planning aspects associate with real estate activity. Fernando Samaniego assists with the arbitration and litigation of infrastructure and real estate disputes; while the real estate practice of director and ‘top-drawer’ practitioner Alejandra Bañados focuses on the retail, energy, construction and housing sectors. At associate level, Benjamín Vicuña I is ‘a very detailed and efficient lawyer’.Practice head(s):
Alejandra Bañados
Testimonials
‘Knows the regulations very well.’
‘They work as a team, are up to date, and give clients the security that they have understood their issues from all angles.’
‘The team is very capable, attentive to detail and available.’
‘Precise and detailed work that stands out.’
‘Prieto Abogados stands out from other firms. The solid team has clients’ complete trust. Constantly up to date.’
‘Alejandra Bañados follows up on clients’ issues very well, and manages to lead a studious team that is focused on accurate work and attentive to details.’
‘Alejandra Bañados is a top-drawer lawyer. She has a profile that means working with her is very pleasant – she has all the necessary knowledge, understands the market, and knows how to convey the needs of clients. Clients fully trust her work.’
‘Benjamín Vicuña I is a very detailed and efficient lawyer, who fulfils the requests made in a timely manner,.’
Key clients
Moneda Renta CLP Fondo de Inversión
Equinox Los Andes
Concha y Toro
Engie Energía Chile
Sociedad Agrícola Huechuraba
Agrícola Nueva Huechuraba
Automotora Gildemeister
Delivery Hero Stores Chile
Mall Plaza
SBA Communication
Delivery Hero Stores Chile
Work highlights
- Assisted Moneda (Administradora General de Fondos) with negotiations with Inmobiliaria Walker Martinez for the provision of a loan.
- Assisting Equinox Los Andes, which serves as the representative of Nike in Chile, Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador, in relation to a shopping centre-related lease agreement.
- Advised Viña Concha y Toro on the negotiation of a construction contract for a twenty-floor housing building in La Cisterna, Santago.
Chile > Data privacy
Prieto Abogados > Firm Profile
Firm Overview:
Prieto is a business-oriented law firm with more than 45 years of experience, with consolidated prestige in handling complex matters and providing personalized attention to foreign and local client. The firm’s broadly experienced team of lawyers with international exposure provides specialized legal services across a wide range of practice areas. Prieto has an active participation in energy, natural resources and public utilities, capital markets and taxation. The firm’s experience in insurance, M&A, securities, litigation and antitrust stands out.
Main Areas of Practice:
Administrative:
Prieto counsels domestic and international companies on public and administrative law aspects during due diligence processes or at litigation phases. The firm assists especially in matters concerning public procurement; public works and infrastructure concessions; public-private associations; public financing; urbanism; and in general regulated markets.
Antitrust:
Prieto is highly regarded in this area, having participated in numerous investigations conducted by the FNE and cases before the TDLC, regarding concentration, vertical and horizontal integration, cartels and unfair competition in various industries. Prieto has developed antitrust compliance programmes and pre-emptive advice to clients.
Banking, Finance & Capital Markets:
Prieto has developed a broad experience in these areas and is recognised for its strong team of lawyers involved in securities’ offerings, IPOs and project finance transactions involving high profile energy and infrastructure projects and financial and capital markets transactions, usually representing both local investment banks and issuers in several equity/debt offerings locally and abroad. Prieto has developed a strong practice in the formation and management of investment and private equity funds.
Corporate & Securities:
Much of the firm’s work includes corporate finance, corporate governance, takeover bids, joint ventures, reorganisations and partnerships.
Data Protection
Prieto has extensive experience advising clients on all matters related to current technology, including: preparation, analysis, and negotiation of licensing, maintenance, and technical support contracts, Cloud contracts, in SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS modalities; compliance with regulations in AI projects, preparation of privacy policies; models for the prevention of breaches in personal data protection.
Energy & Natural Resources:
Prieto counsels national and international players involved in the energy generation and transmission sectors. The firm has strong experience in advising developers and owners in traditional fossil-fuel energy projects and also in renewable energy projects, such as hydro, mini hydro, wind farms and photovoltaic plants. The firm’s involvement in this area varies from financing, development, implementation and related disputes in connection with said kinds of projects. It also serves as regular counsel to one of the biggest energy groups in the world which controls and operates the main energy generators of the North Interconnected Grid in Chile.
Environment:
The environmental department has evidenced the relevance of permit validity and integrity regarding the acquisition of a company, in the context of transactions that involve productive entities. An accurate diagnosis has allowed clients to adequately negotiate the price of a sellable business unit or complex. Additionally, the design and implementation of defence strategies as a result of permit granting or facilities inspections are a mainstream service, reaching high delivery standards within the market.
Insolvency, Bankruptcy & Business Reorganisation:
Prieto is one of the full service Chilean firms that have an active participation in bankruptcy procedures, representing debtors and creditors in the most relevant insolvency procedures in the country.
Insurance & Pension Funds:
The insurance department has a solid base of local and international insurance companies and brokers, with an experienced group of specialists. Prieto has protracted experience in insurance claims and litigation insurance matters. The firm also represents private pension funds and health care providers.
Labour:
This department advises clients in establishing incentive programs for executives and employees, in collective bargaining procedures, in training programs and in the restructuring of companies. The labour team represents an increasing number of companies in labour planning, in collective bargaining and in litigation as well.
Litigation & Arbitration:
Prieto regularly represents clients on relevant disputes related to energy, construction, real estate, retail, insurance, securities and transportation, before both ordinary courts and international and domestic arbitrators. In addition, its partners act as arbitrators in various proceedings relating to investment, construction and energy.
M&A:
Prieto has a seasoned team with extended experience in multinational, cross-border and domestic M&A transactions and due diligence work, representing buyers, sellers and investment banks, in all type of industries, such as energy and natural resources, oil and gas, telecommunication, finance, retail, shipping, transportation, pension funds, forestry, food industry, department stores and supermarket chains, infrastructure, information technology, pharmacies, among others.
Public Utilities:
Prieto has extensive experience in gas, power, water and telecommunication services. It has advised in matters related to the construction and financing of gas works, including cross-border pipelines and GTAs. Prieto has represented some blue chip companies in the country in the power generations, transmission and distribution areas. The firm has participated in the acquisitions and financing of combined-cycle power plants and in the privatisation and acquisitions of the main water utilities in the country.
Real Estate, Construction & Infrastructure:
Prieto provides a comprehensive advice on legal matters in the real estate area, from due diligence, financing, purchases, leases and mortgages to planning, development and construction of housing and commercial projects. Legal advice also includes real estate trusts, local permits, and all type of regulatory, tax and environmental issues.
Tax:
The tax department at Prieto advises clients in respect of all tax issues, particularly in the structuring of diverse and complex transactions. The team advises local and foreign companies, business groups and individuals in their tax planning. Also the team has broad experience in tax and custom litigation whether at the administrative level as well as before Chilean tribunals an courts.
White – Collar Crime
Our services include risk detection, preventive advice, and the recommendation of future courses of action regarding possible criminal conducts. We also advice criminal law disputes, especially regarding economic crimes, assuming the representation of clients as victims and defendants before the Public Prosecution Office, criminal law courts, Courts of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.
Languages:
Spanish and English
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Founding Partner | Patricio Prieto S | [email protected] | |
Founding Partner | Alberto González E | [email protected] | |
Corporate and M&A | Juan Tagle | [email protected] | |
Corporate and M&A | Fernando Bravo | [email protected] | |
Energy and natural resources | Juan Tagle | [email protected] | |
Compliance | José Andrés Pascual | [email protected] | |
Energy and natural resources | José Andrés Pascuall | [email protected] | |
Banking, finance and capital markets | Patricio Prieto L | [email protected] | |
Litigation and Arbitration | Fernando Samaniego | [email protected] | |
Litigation and Arbitration | Alberto González V | [email protected] | |
Labor | Christian Von Bergen | [email protected] | |
Labor | Cristóbal Raby | [email protected] | |
Environment | Agustín Martorell | [email protected] | |
Customs and international trade | Mario Gorziglia | [email protected] | |
Tax and administrative | Mario Gorziglia | [email protected] | |
Tax and administrative | Leonidas Prieto | [email protected] | |
Administrative | Agustín Martorell | [email protected] | |
Arbitration and antitrust | Benjamin Grebe | [email protected] | |
Real estate, construction and infrastructure | Fernando Samaniego | [email protected] | |
Projects and Infraestructure | Nicolás Yuraszeck | [email protected] | |
Capital Markets | Isabel Margarita Wolleter | [email protected] | |
Tax | Luz María Calvo | [email protected] | |
Banking and Finance | Isabel Monge | [email protected] | |
Investment Funds | Maite Larrañaga | [email protected] | |
Antitrust | Andrea Von Chrismar | [email protected] | |
Data Privacy | Romina Garrido | [email protected] | |
Environment | Romina Tobar | [email protected] |
Lawyer Profiles
Staff Figures
Other fee-earners : 46Languages
Spanish EnglishMemberships
Meritas International Law Firms Mackrell International (Global Network of Independent Law Firms) Legalink (A global network of Leading Independent Law Firms)Other
Partners : 16- Energy and natural resources > Electricity and hydrocarbons
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Bankruptcy, insolvency and restructuring
- Capital markets
- Competition and antitrust
- Compliance
- Corporate and M&A
- Projects and infrastructure