Displaying ‘exceptional mastery of government processes’, Barros Silva Varela & Vigil’s public and regulatory law practice provides strategic advice on the development of projects and business activities that require State authorisation. Its expertise further covers related litigation and relations with local communities. The team is co-led by former Undersecretary of the Ministry of the Environment, Felipe Riesco, whose practice encompasses administrative regulations, sanctioning procedures and litigation; and Claudia Ferreiro, who ’excels in her legal knowledge’ and regularly defends clients before State agencies. In the senior associate group, José Ignacio Vial is an experienced litigator, while Esteban Carmona specialises in administrative proceedings and appeals.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Highly trained team and solid knowledge of clients’ business.’
- ‘Highlighted for its expeditious communication channels.’
- ‘Exceptional mastery of government processes.’
- ‘Their ability to streamline and effectively resolve bureaucratic procedures favourably distinguishes them from other firms, while offering efficient solutions at a reasonable cost.’
- ‘Their knowledge and experience allow clients to anticipate obstacles and optimise times - essential for in-house lawyers who seek agility and effective legal management.’
- ‘Felipe Riesco is the best lawyer around for public environmental matters in Chile.’
- ‘Claudia Ferreiro has a complete understanding of the business and pragmatic aspects when delivering legal solutions.’
- ‘Claudia Ferreiro excels in her legal knowledge of various matters, which allows a global view of companies’ challenges.’
Key clients
- Chile Rural (Trade Association)
- Delibest Group
- Río Claro Real Estate
- Allibera Solar
- Sociedad Lago Escondido Huilipilún
- Phoenix Tower International (Chile)
- Forestal Mininco
- Pangal
- Pronect
- Duty Free Americas
- Papa John’s
- INGEVEC Construction Company
Work highlights
- Advising Chile Rural on the filing and processing of two public law nullities against acts of the Ministry of Agriculture (Minagri) and SAG (Agriculture and Livestock Service).
- Assisted Rio Claro Real Estate with a challenge to a decision of the Directorate of Works of the Municipality of Peñalolen, which declared the expiration of a building permit for a real estate project.
- Assisted Inversiones FK with its request of the Ministry General Secretariat of the Presidency and the Ministry of the Environment to invalidate the Urban Wetlands Regulation.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Felipe Riesco, Claudia Ferreiro