Moreno Sáez & Avilés
More informationExclusively focused on environmental law, boutique firm Moreno Sáez & Avilés' client base comprises major mining, energy, green hydrogen, pulp and forestry players, as well as oil and gas, port, infrastructure, fishery, real estate, waste management and chemical sector clients. The sizeable, 17-member practice is consistently sought out for its advice on environmental assessments, environmental sanctioning procedures, environmental litigation, and indigenous and citizen participation processes. The team is co-led by name partners José Adolfo Moreno, an expert in environmental and sectoral permits, enforcement procedures, and environmental litigation; energy, real estate, mining and infrastructure sector specialist Andrés Sáez, who advises on environmental permitting processes and associated judicial reviews; and regulatory enforcement and litigation expert Sebastián Avilés, whose ‘very deep strategic vision is present in all his advice'. Promoted to partner in December 2022, Luis Prieto is an urban planning and construction law expert; while at director level, Doris Sepúlveda Solar specialises in regulatory issues, sanctioning procedures, and risk assessment and compliance strategies; and Paulina Rivera Muñoz, the recently promoted Magdalena Prieto Pradenas and Paula Gajardo Matthews (a 2022 recruit from Vergara Galindo Correa Abogados) all focus on environmental law work. Former practice director Pablo Méndez left the firm in June 2022.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The lawyers know how to weigh up complexities and have very good judgement when determining the criticality of the cases they analyse.'
- 'This team has shown an optimal level of compliance, great dedication, and exceptional professionalism.'
- 'Its work in coordination with technical advisory teams has been very good, and crucial for the progress of mining projects.'
- 'Clients feel very supported by this excellent group of professionals.'
- 'Extensive knowledge in this area, especially Sebastián Avilés and Luis Prieto, who both have outstanding expertise.'
- 'Sebastián Avilés and his team have extensive technical and legal knowledge of environmental matters.’
- 'Sebastián Avilés has an excellent ability to evaluate each situation and determine the steps to follow.'
- 'Sebastián Avilés' very deep strategic vision is present in all his advice.'
Key clients
- AES Andes
- Generadora Metropolitana
- Albemarle Corporation
- Andes Mining and Energy Corporate
- Celulosa Arauco y Constitución
- Copec
- Compañía Minera Doña Inés de Collahuasi
- Empresa Portuaria Valparaíso
- Terminal de Graneles del Norte
- Los Andes Copper
Work highlights
- Advised AES Andes on its portfolio's transformation from coal thermoelectric energy to renewable energy.
- Assisted Teminal Puerto Coquimbo (Ultramar Holding) with defending the environmental permit obtained for its port expansion.
- Advised HIF Energy (Andes Mining & Energy) on submitting a series of environmental impact studies for its 7,500MW green hydrogen project in the Magallanes region.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
José Adolfo Moreno, Andrés Sáez, Sebastián Avilés