Standing out for its ‘approachability and hands-on approach,’ Prieto Abogados' projects and infrastructure practice is increasingly well known for handling some of the most sophisticated and pioneering transactions in the market, positioning itself as a go-to adviser in project development, financing, implementation, and acquisitions across key sectors including energy, mining, ports, data centres, desalination plants, sanitation and infrastructure. Recent high-profile matters include Chile’s first BOOT contract for a battery energy storage system (BESS) project, an award-winning desalination project, and the country’s most complex transmission line development to date. The team is a market leader in renewable energy projects, advising prominent clients such as Engie, EDP Renewables, Pacific Hydro, and Conexión Energía on the development of large-scale clean energy portfolios. Domestically, it continues to advise flagship clients including DP World Chile in the ports sector, Aguas Andinas in the sanitation segment, and AngloAmerican and Collahuasi in mining. The practice is co-led by Juan Tagle, who frequently leads on large-scale infrastructure and energy projects; and Nicolás Yuraszeck K, whose expertise lies in project finance and regulatory advisory work. Senior associate Isabel Monge is increasingly central to the project finance practice, advising both lenders and borrowers in major energy, infrastructure, and mining transactions, while senior associate Emilio Del Real continues to develop expertise in construction and operation projects, tender processes and regulatory advice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Prieto stands out for its ability to quickly adapt to changes. The team is comprised of highly qualified professionals with experience in diverse areas of law, allowing them to offer comprehensive and personalised solutions to their clients. In my experience with other firms, Prieto stands out for its handling and speedy resolution of disputes.’
‘The team is comprised of professionals with extensive experience in infrastructure contracts for megaprojects, enabling them to handle complex cases with a high level of expertise, as well as assist clients in the negotiation process and their rates. Nicolas Yuraszeck. Emilio Del Real.’
‘Prieto's Projects and Infrastructure department stands out for its depth of subject matter expertise, expertise, reliability, and responsibility. It's a highly cohesive team that responds to clients' needs in a timely manner.’
‘Agustín Martorell and María Jesús Salazar stand out for their experience and in-depth knowledge of project and infrastructure issues, also demonstrating an ability to understand issues from other perspectives that impact the development of their clients' businesses.’
‘(We have interacted with Prieto from both sides of the table, regarding water infrastructure and energy storage projects. In this case, I will focus only on storage issues.) Prieto is the national benchmark for BESS projects, having advised on a large number of projects in operation and soon to be operational in the country. The unique characteristics of BESS technology (capacity that decreases over time, guaranteed performance requirements, less than 10 years of operation globally, etc.) make technical knowledge and the ability to equitably balance the distribution of risks between the parties critical, something that has been handled effectively and outstandingly by Prieto's team. However, particularly in the case of our company, this exercise is even more demanding given our business model of delivering storage solutions such as BOOT, which entails establishing back-to-back conditions with end customers and suppliers. For this reason, an advisor like Prieto is of great help given his in-depth knowledge of both worlds (BESS and BOOT).'
‘The core team that has supported us on these projects has been partner Nicolás Yuraszeck and (associate) Emilia Valenzuela, assisted by José María Lagos (associate) and Juan Tagle (partner) on specific matters. I highlight Nicolás and Emilia's approachability and flexibility, always prioritising the goal of meeting the client's needs and seeking common ground with clients, with a practical approach that is greatly appreciated when the clauses and conditions are overwhelming for those of us who are not lawyers. Both are part of the team and adopt our firm's guidelines as their own, particularly in face-to-face interactions with clients. Nicolás is an excellent negotiator and always makes himself understood by his counterparts, providing concrete examples of situations to consider and ways to mitigate underlying risks. Emilia, for her part, is extremely clear and organised in her work, being responsible for transferring the core objectives of our position on paper in a timely and flexible manner. Compared to other advisors we've interacted with, Prieto's team stands out for its approachability and "hands-on approach," being flexible and fully adapting to the tasks of the business development team.'
Key clients
- Transelec
- Scala Data Centers
- Conexión Kimal – Lo Aguirre
- Angloamerican
- EDP Renewables
- Engie Energía Chile
- Vivo Santiago
- First Mode
- Grupo Patio
- Grupo Fotones
- Bonatti Internacional
- Pacific Hydro
Work highlights
Advised the Constructora Bonatti-SK (formed by Ingeniería y Construcción Sigdo Koppers and Bonatti International), on the bidding process for the construction and operation of a 144km impulsion system for the water desalination plant of Minera Centinela, Antofagasta Minerals, under a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) contract between Minera Centinela and an SPV composed by Almar Water and Transelec.
Advised Transelec subsidiary GEA Transmisora on the development, negotiation and execution of a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) contract with Copec Renovables for the development of a BESS project with a storage capacity of 420MWh and an injection power of 105MW.
Advising Conexión Kimal–Lo Aguirre on a key project for Chile's energy-transition advancement process, consisting in the construction and entry into operation of a high voltage direct current (HDVC) power transmission line of approximately 1500 kms, running from Kimal (Antofagasta, II Region) to Lo Aguirre (Santiago, Metropolitan Region).
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Nicolás Yuraszeck K
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Juan Tagle; Nicolás Yuraszeck K;