Carey's ‘extremely professional team' is consistently sought out for its expertise in environmental impact assessments, as well as environmental sanctioning proceedings for clients from across the mining, energy, infrastructure, water utilities, aquaculture and agriculture sectors. The full-service, 15-strong environmental, indigenous and regulatory practice also acts in complex administrative disputes and environmental litigation, including defence-side work before the Environmental Courts. Among the team’s several active figures, Rafael Vergara's broad practice encompasses natural resources, mining, water rights and energy law, along with environmental, ESG and surface land issues; Alberto Cardemil is a water rights and supply expert; and co-head of the firm’s litigation group Aldo Molinari acts in administrative and environmental regulatory litigation. Both raised to partner level in late 2022, Manuel José Barros focuses on Environmental Impact Assessment System work, environmental audits, administrative proceedings, and litigation; and the ’highly qualified' Julio Recordon is a specialist in the environmental law aspects of energy, mining, aquaculture, forestry, health and real estate projects. In August 2022, former senior associate Tomás De La Maza moved in-house at Frutura.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'A very large firm that covers all areas of law and an extremely professional team with business vision.’
'Meets the deadlines agreed with the client.'
'The environment team led by Julio Recordon is a very reliable group.'
'Julio Recordon is highly qualified, being able to provide practical solutions to complex regulatory problems.'
'Manuel José Barros is an excellent professional and very committed to clients - great prestige that has been earned in the field.'

Key clients

Sonnedix
Nova Austral
Empresa Eléctrica Carén (Latin American Power Group)

Work highlights

Assisted Sonnedix, the global solar independent power producer, with its defence of a case filed before the 2nd Environmental Court, challenging the environmental approval of its Meseta de Los Andes solar PV plant.
Advised Empresa Eléctrica Carén (Latin America Power) on the final approval of two hydroelectric plants in the Carilafquén and Malalcahuello rivers.
Assisted Chilean salmon farmer and processor Nova Austral with its defence of five suits brought before the 3rd Environmental Court, challenging the imposition of sanctions by the Superintendence of the Environment.