Aninat Abogados' natural resources and environment practice is led by senior counsel Rodrigo Ropert, who advises mining, energy and industrial companies on project development-related environmental strategies and environmental permits; Ropert is supported by director and environmental litigation specialist, Iván Poklepovic.

The seven-strong team at Cubillos Soza Abogados is co-led by founding partner Gonzalo Cubillos Prieto, who focuses on environmental, urban planning, regulatory and real estate matters; and senior associate Isaac Vidal Tapia, who directs the firm’s environmental and regulatory law team.

Boutique environmental law firm GDS Abogados was founded in 2020 by former Barros & Errázuriz senior associate Guillermo García Moscoso; an expert on Chile’s Environmental Impact Assessment System, his career also includes a stint at the Ministry of Environment.

The environmental law team at boutique firm ICC Abogados is led by founding partner Ricardo Irarrázabal, who has longstanding experience in advising electricity, industrial and mining companies on environmental and regulatory matters - particularly the environmental assessments of projects.

Vial Larraín Femenías' public law, environmental law and administrative litigation practice is led by Jorge Femenías Salas, a former Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría director until September 2023; Femenías is a specialist in environmental law-related litigation, projects, due diligence and compliance.

Carey is a leading firm in the Chilean environmental law landscape, known for advising high-profile clients from industries including technology, investment management, renewable energy, and real estate on complex regulatory, permitting and litigation matters. The practice group houses deep expertise in conducting environmental impact assessments, waste management strategies, emissions control and indigenous consultations, frequently advising some of the country’s biggest mining companies on the development of their projects. The team also advises clients on compliance with evolving environmental legislation, including defending against fines and license revocations. Recent significant mandates include the team’s representation of major Chilean fishing company Nova Austral in five separate environmental litigation cases before the Supreme Court, including the annulment of the most severe sanctions ever imposed by the Superintendency of the Environment (SMA). With former practice head Rafael Vergara Gutiérrez increasingly stepping back, leadership of the practice has passed to Manuel José Barros and Julio Recordon – both partners since 2022. Barros specialises in indigenous law and territorial planning matters, and also represents the Chilean government at the Commission for Environmental Cooperation between Chile and Canada; while Recordon focuses on the environmental aspects of project development and planning, with specific expertise working on regulatory issues and resolving administrative and contentious environmental litigation. A young associate team includes Pablo Fernández S, Josefina Iglesias (who has just completed her LLM in environmental law), and Joaquín Granados.

‘Articulate, efficient and effective‘, the lawyers at Carrasco Benitez (formerly Schultz Carrasco Benitez Abogados, until May 2025) have earned a well-deserved reputation as a highly-specialised environmental law firm. With a practice deeply rooted in technical expertise and regulatory insight, the team advises clients across a range of sectors, including renewable energy, mining, wastewater treatment, agroindustry, infrastructure and real estate – often from the earliest planning stages through to complex litigation and dispute resolution. The group frequently advises clients throughout the entire life-cycle of a project, from handling environmental impact assessments to defending permits before the courts. With former officials from Chile’s Environmental Assessment Service (SEA) and Ministry of the Environment among its ranks, the team is experienced at managing enforcement actions brought by the superintendence of the environment, and capable when it comes to developing regulatory compliance programs or defence strategies. Recent significant matters include representing leading mining company CMDIC on environmental litigation brought by a group of indigenous communities, and advising major energy company Conexión on the development of a key electricity transmission line project. Founding partners Rodrigo Benítez and Edesio Carrasco co-lead the natural resources and public law departments, respectively, bringing formidable experience in both litigation and policy development. Benítez is a former vice minister and head of the legal division at the Ministry of the Environment; while Carrasco, previously the SEA’s regional director and head of litigation, brings insight into regulatory frameworks and environmental permitting. Younger partners Graciela Venegas and Carlo Sepúlveda both bring critical experience from past leadership roles at the SEA, with in-depth expertise in environmental impact assessments and litigation. Other key lawyers include experienced associates Esteban Cañas, who brings deep experience in contentious-administrative litigation across energy, forestry, and infrastructure; and Mario Arrué, who specialises in supporting clients on sustainability and environmental compliance.

Providing in-depth regulatory expertise to clients across industry sectors such as mining, energy, aquaculture, and natural resources, the 'well-prepared, agile, and collaborative' eelaw is a boutique firm exclusively dedicated to environmental law. The firm provides full life-cycle project support, from environmental assessments and permitting to defence in sanctioning and judicial proceedings. In addition, the practice has a unique specialisation in mine-closure regulations. Recent notable matters include successfully securing a favourable ruling from the Contraloría General de la República requiring the DGA to amend overreaching resolutions, reinforcing the limits of the agency’s authority. Separately, the team has provided comprehensive environmental compliance counsel to mining company Minera Las Cenizas, including inspection support, permitting strategy and sanction defense, whilst also defending the client in a high-stakes environmental claim. 'Always willing to dive into a new problem or case', practice head and veteran environmental lawyer Paulina Riquelme brings over 20 years' experience and is a leading figure in both domestic regulation and multilateral environmental agreements. Senior associate Amelia Sagredo leads the team’s project coordination, focusing on compliance, permitting and sanction-prevention for (primarily) mining and energy clients. Associate Daniela Jara, who has former experience at the environmental superintendence, brings extensive knoowledge of administrative sanctioning and compliance oversight.

Clients praise the lawyers at FerradaNehme‘s environmental law practice for ‘always seeking business-oriented solutions and operational continuity‘. The group works closely with multinational clients, government authorities, and local communities to reduce environmental risk and prevent conflicts. With a strong focus on permitting and the development of complex mining, energy, and waste projects, the team also advises on compliance programmes and risk assessments, and has become a key player in environmental litigation, sanction procedures, and emerging areas such as recycling legislation. Recent significant matters include representing Andes Iron in litigation concerning the controversial Dominga seaport and mining venture; advising BHP on an environmental damage lawsuit brought against the Escondida mining project by an Atacama indigenous community; and representing Codelco in the countries largest environmental public policy lawsuit brought by a Chilean Fisherman’s Union. As head of the practice, Patricio Leyton can bring over 25 years’ experience to bear, especially as regards environmental assessments and stakeholder negotiations. ‘Very approachable and eager to cooperate’, Valeria Ruz is widely recognised for her comprehensive legal and technical project insight, and has expertise advising on criminal environmental risks. Drawing on both public and private sector experience, Carola Salamanca  focuses on permitting, land use and recycling law. Associate practice director Claudio Tapia is noted for his work on high-profile sanctioning cases and his ability to tackle complex regulatory issues. Former senior associate and environmental litigator María-Pilar Dominguez left the firm in May 2024.

Possessing a ‘precise knowledge of the [environmental] authority’s criteria, original defence proposals, and excellent turnaround time,‘ specialist boutique Moreno Sáez & Avilés is a recognised leader in Chilean environmental law. The firm advises major companies across Chile’s highest value industry sectors, from mining, energy, forestry and infrastructure, to oil and gas, ports, and real estate. Handling environmental-permitting matters totalling $15bn, and defending clients in enforcement actions involving potential fines exceeding $500m, the practice group also has significant expertise in negotiations with indigenous communities, carrying out consultations in relation to numerous large-scale infrastructure, energy and conservation projects. The team is working on high-impact projects for several major energy companies, including AES Andes’ three solar generation projects and HIF Global’s green hydrogen development, while also advising leading mining company Collahuasi on its expansion project, carrying out environmental impact assessments and obtaining sectoral permits. Founding partners José Adolfo Moreno Correa, Andrés Sáez Astaburuaga, and Sebastián Avilés Bezanilla are widely recognised for their roles in complex permitting, litigation, enforcement matters, along with community engagement. Moreno leads on high-profile mining and energy mandates, Sáez is known for his litigation and constitutional strategies in regard to major energy and infrastructure projects, and Avilés spearheads regulatory enforcement defence. The team was recently strengthened by the addition of Emanuel Ibarra Soto, a former deputy superintendent of the environment; and Jorge Bermúdez Soto, a former comptroller general of Chile, who now leads the firm’s public law practice. Associate practice directors Doris Sepúlveda Solar and Paulina Rivera Muñoz contribute additional expertise with extensive experience in risk assessment, compliance and regulatory procedures.

Commended by clients for its ‘specific subject matter knowledge, experience, and close contact with the regulator‘, the environment practice at boutique firm Vergara Galindo Correa Abogados is recognised as a pioneer in Chile’s environmental and regulatory legal landscape. Advising clients across key sectors including mining, energy, agribusiness, forestry, sanitation and construction, the department assists businesses navigating complex regulatory frameworks and meeting sustainability obligations. The group’s expertise includes providing cradle-to-grave support on large scale projects, carrying out environmental impact assessments, obtaining permits and conducting litigation. The team is highly experienced at helping clients secure environmental approvals, frequently engaging with communities under frameworks such as Chile’s Indigenous Peoples Law. At the helm, founding partner Javier Vergara, a leading authority on environmental law in Chile; while fellow name partner Mario Galindo brings a robust public sector background, having served as a litigator for the National Environmental Commission before joining the private sector, where he has remained a key figure in high-stakes environmental litigation and compliance. A partner since 2013, Cecilia Urbina‘s experience as the first head of the compliance and sanction division at Chile’s Superintendence of the Environment (where she was instrumental in developing the country’s enforcement mechanisms) brings the firm considerable institutional insight. José Luis Fuenzalida leads the project advisory team, advising clients on the intricacies of project approvals and long-term environmental strategy. Other key lawyers include associate practice directors Francisca Olivares, who focuses on providing comprehensive environmental litigation advice to large companies and projects; and Lorna Püschel, who heads up the biodiversity and protected areas team.

The environment law practice at Barros & Errázuriz advises clients on a diverse range of environmental law issues across industries including energy, aquaculture, mining and technology. The team’s expertise ranges from project planning, permitting and compliance, to litigation and project closure, handling complex environmental impact assessments and indigenous consultation processes. It also advises on environmental emergencies, desalinisation and other water-related projects, and regulatory issues tied to waste, food law, and climate change. Litigation experts, the practice group’s lawyers are praised by clients for ‘always considering the technical aspects inherent to environmental disputes’. Recent major mandates include: representing the Eletrans II and III energy transmission lines against sanctioning proceedings before the Environmental Superintendence; providing ongoing environmental regulatory advice for the development of Microsoft’s data centres; and providing permitting advice to leading electricity generation company, Colbún. Counsel Matias Montoya leads the environmental group, bringing over 15 years’ experience in the sector – including prior service as General Counsel of the Environmental Assessment Agency; he oversees assessment processes, litigation, and compliance procedures. Partner Fernando Garrido is known for his work on energy project development and finance, often carrying out regulatory due diligence for energy companies. Key associate support is provided by senior Martín Vial Correa (environment, mining and water law) and intermediate Catalina Vergara Flores; however, former senior Mara Angelini moved in-house in November 2024.

The seven-member environmental, energy and regulatory law department at Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos offers strategic, cross-sector environmental and regulatory counsel to international clients from the energy, mining, infrastructure and food production industries. The team's environmental law expertise includes territorial planning, permitting and environmental compliance, with particular expertise in advising clients on risks and compliance strategies related to emerging regulations - including Chile’s environmental crime legislation. Recent matters include extensive advisory and training in relation to the new law on economic and environmental crimes; assisting a client with seeking to oppose a new regional regulation that would prohibit mining in the area where its facilities are located; and advising a client in the pharmaceutical sector with the evaluation of a contingency encountered during a due diligence process. Department head Martín Astorga can draw on over two decades' experience advising on environmental assessments, emissions, and territorial planning. As head of the regulatory law practice, Gonzalo Jiménez counsels on large infrastructure and energy projects, environmental litigation and contracting. At associate level, senior Verónica Cuadra leads major regulatory due diligence procedures, while also advising international mining clients on environmental compliance; and intermediate Miguel Ortiz provides supports across a range of regulated industries, advising on permits, public procurement, sanctioning processes and due diligence.

Claro & Cia.'s environmental practice is at the forefront of advising clients across industries such as mining, energy, forestry, water resources and agriculture. The team’s expertise extends beyond regulatory compliance to include providing advice on the environmental law aspects of complex litigation, corporate transactions and strategic project structuring. The six-strong team specialise in guiding corporate clients through project financing and project development, M&A and environmental litigation. The practice has successfully represented clients before Chile’s environmental courts and the Environmental Superintendence, ensuring regulatory compliance and obtaining environmental authorisations and permits. The team has recently played a pivotal role in advising Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile on reaching a nationally significant agreement with state-owned mining company Codelco to co-develop lithium production in Chile. On the preventative side, mandates include advising Fundación Talleres on the follow-up audit of the ISO 14001 standard (for environmental management systems: and assisting various clients with the implementation of the newly introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law (requiring the take-back, recycling, and disposal of products and packaging). As practice head, Nicolás Eyzaguirre is an expert in natural resources and environmental law, frequently advising national and international companies through complex project development in mining, energy, water, forestry, and oil and gas sectors. At associate level, key support is provided by senior Ximena Vargas, along with  Ignacio García and Joaquín Calderón; all three specialise in environmental, mining and energy law.

The eleven-strong environmental practice at boutique firm Echeverría Ilharreborde Scagliotti has a strong presence across the energy, aquaculture, mining and industrial sectors. The group advises clients throughout the full project lifecycle, including conducting environmental assessments, developing regulatory strategy, obtaining environmental permits, ensuring compliance, and undertaking litigation. The team has been highly active in both contentious and non-contentious matters, handling administrative and judicial proceedings, including high-profile sanctioning processes and challenges to environmental permits. Recent significant matters include advising major fishing company AquaChile on fourteen sanctioning procedures before the SMA; conducting highly sensitive and complex environmental impact assessments for mining company SQM; and defending renewable energy company AR Energía against administrative proceedings concerning a solar power project. Name partners, José Domingo Ilharreborde and José Pedro Scagliotti are at the forefront of the practice: Ilharreborde is an expert in environmental litigation and crisis management, particularly with regard to the aquaculture and mining sectors; and Scagliotti ‘stands out for his deep knowledge of environmental law,’ and leads on complex litigation and compliance mandates. Promoted to partner in February 2024, Felipe Infante is highly active in environmental litigation and also frequently advises on compliance matters in the fishing industry. At associate level, Santiago Samaniego has a strong agribusiness portfolio, primarily focused on environmental impact assessments and litigation; and María Ignacia Parker advises on aquaculture, environmental crimes and recycling regulation, with a key role in compliance matters for salmon companies.

Guerrero Olivos offers one of Chile’s most complete environmental law practices, acting for clients across sectors including mining, energy, real estate, logistics and manufacturing, as well as NGOs and environmental start-ups. With a thirteen-strong group comprising four partners and nine associates, the team is frequently seen advising on litigation, regulatory compliance, permitting and the environmental aspects of project development and M&A. Over the past year, the practice has added major clients such as state-owned mining company Codelco, leading Chilean winery Viña San Pedro, and global investment management firm Nuveen Capital. The team has also handled complex mandates including defending Puerto Ventanas in Chile’s most high-profile environmental case, advising Puerto Valparaíso on its $600m expansion, and representing the non-profit Fundación San Carlos de Maipo in the expansion of its conservation easement. Practice co-head Clemente Pérez leads on complex regulatory and litigation mandates for top-tier clients. Described as being 'directly involved in the day-to-day management of his clients’ affairs', practice co-head Sebastián Abogabir advises on environmental law and water rights, with a focus on non-conventional energy projects. Martín Santa María specialises in permitting and urban environmental assessments, while Benjamín Pérez handles mining and desalination matters. Newly promoted partner Francisca Pellegrini advises on the environmental aspects of energy projects, including impact assessments and regulatory compliance. Associate Vicente Palma rounds out the team with an evolving specialism in environmental litigation.

The seven-strong team at Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría‘s environment and sustainable development department provides comprehensive environmental law advice throughout the lifecycle of complex projects, from development and permitting to litigation, M&A, financing, and project closure. The group are specialists at carrying out environmental impact assessments, obtaining local environmental permits, and providing strategic advice for technically and politically sensitive projects. The team is also expert when it comes to representing corporate clients in high-profile litigation and is currently advising energy company Elecnor on its defence against more than 15 claims challenging the environmental permit for the development of a high voltage transmission line in the Valparaíso and Metropolitan Regions. The team’s senior leadership includes partner Juan José Eyzaguirre, a recognised leader in natural resources and environmental law with approaching 30 years' experience, with clients noting he ‘stands out as the leader of the environmental area for his extensive knowledge of the subject matter’; and partner Felipe Arévalo, a key figure in major environmental litigation since his arrival at the firm in 2014. Newly appointed counsel Mario Mozó rounds out the team with over a decade's experience advising international clients on environmental and project finance matters.

Known in the market for having ‘a high level of knowledge and strategic thinking‘ as regards environmental matters, the practice at Prieto Abogados‘ effectively operates as boutique within a full-service firm. The nine-strong team has particular expertise in the energy sector, where it advises both consolidate industry players and emerging actors. The practice group also plays a key role in other sectors including agriculture, tech infrastructure and mining. One significant recent matter for the group involved defending Caitan on a high-profile regulatory matter involving a demolition order targeting sanitary infrastructure. The team includes several lawyers with significant public-sector experience (such as in the Environmental Assessment Service, Superintendence of the Environment and the Comptroller’s Office), giving the team considerable expertise in advising on environmental assessments, compliance, permitting and contentious matters. Practice head Agustín Martorell has particular expertise leading on complex project development strategies across various industries, from energy and mining to aquaculture. Appointed associate practice director back in 2023, Romina Tobar (‘a tremendous asset‘) brings over 15 years’ experience of environmental assessment processes and permitting, especially in relation to energy and infrastructure projects. Senior associate Elisa Anguita contributes significant regulatory expertise, guiding clients through Chile’s complex environmental landscape.

Barros Silva Varela & Vigil's eleven-strong environmental group advises on a wide range of issues including environmental assessments, sectoral permitting, compliance, sanctioning procedures before the SMA and environmental crime defence. The team is especially active in the real estate and land development sector, where it continues to advise clients on regulatory interpretation and compliance strategy before the environmental and administrative authorities. The practice is jointly led by partners Claudia Ferreiro and Felipe Riesco, who bring great expertise in administrative and sanctioning matters, where they leverage their experience in public law to advise clients across environmental issues, both regulatory and contentious. As associate level, seniors José Ignacio Vial and Esteban Carmona are the names to note: Viál is a seasoned litigator who has notched up victories before both the Environmental Courts and the Supreme Court; while Carmona frequently leads the team in filing and obtaining environmental permit applications before various government agencies.

Dentons’s environmental practice is a key pillar of the firm’s broader environmental and natural resources department. The group has been experiencing an uptick in work in segments such as ESG, green hydrogen, desalination, environmental crime and climate change mitigation. The team is experienced in delivering regulatory and environmental advice, obtaining secure social licences, and establishing regulatory certainty for long-term project success; clients further note the team’s ‘commitment to understanding our business in detail to deliver the best possible solution’. Led by José Ignacio Morán, who also serves as the firm’s global mining and natural resources leader, the team advises throughout the full project lifecycle, from environmental assessments and permitting, to environmental litigation, compliance and due diligence. Co-lead José Domingo Villanueva is particularly active in permitting and regulatory matters; while the team’s strong litigation bench includes Gonzalo Nieto and Pauline Chiffelle. Senior associate Cristián Vial is especially proficient in designing strategies to secure social licenses for large-scale projects.

The small but highly-focused practice at Jara Del Favero Abogados advises on environmental and natural resources law, assisting clients with regulatory compliance, project approvals and environmental litigation, among other matters. The team assists with environmental impact assessments, permitting and regulatory compliance, as well as representing clients from various sectors (including mining and energy), before administrative bodies and courts. The practice has expanded significantly in recent years, notably with the addition of partner-in-charge, Javier Naranjo, a former Minister of the Environment who brings significant experience in public policy, regulatory matters and environmental litigation; he also 'manages his team with great leadership'. Senior associate Martín Esser 'stands out for the quality of his writing', and contributes additional expertise in environmental and natural resources law.

'Very professional and very dedicated', Lavín Abogados & Consultores is recognised for its deep specialisation in environmental and natural resources law. The practice group works across a broad range of industries, notably maritime, mining, energy (including renewables and green hydrogen), agribusiness, and forestry, advising on all aspects of environmental law, including carrying out impact assessments, obtaining permits, and advising on sanction proceedings and compliance strategies. Founding partner and practice co-head Arturo Lavín is widely regarded as one of Chile’s leading environmental lawyers, and advises major commercial clients as well as the  Chilean state. Fellow partner and practice co-head Andrés Del Favero is noted for his expertise in maritime and aquaculture concessions and large-scale infrastructure projects. At associate level, a strong team of seniors includes: Arturo Lavín, who brings additional expertise in environmental and water law and focuses on natural resources project development; Gonzalo Lavín, who isfocused on the environmental and maritime concessions sector, particularly the development of desalination plants in the mining and energy sector; and Javiera Catalán, who brings over a decade of public sector experience and focuses on environmental and administrative law.

With ‘a deep understanding and extensive experience in Chilean environmental legislation‘ Lawgic Abogados is a natural resources and environmental boutique that routinely advises companies from the mining, energy, industry, aquaculture, agri-business, desalination, tourism and real estate industries. Highly specialised in environmental, water, mining and energy law (particularly the electricity segment), the broad practice also handles project-related administrative and judicial environmental disputes; clients highlight the ‘personalised attention, extensive experience and knowledge of the field‘. The practice is led by founding partner Felipe Meneses, an expert in environmental, indigenous and regulatory law. At associate level, specialist environmental senior Ximena Jirón leads the second line, which also comprises experienced intermediate José Miguel Abarca (an April 2024 arrival from Eelaw), and junior Josefina Barriga Martínez  who focuses on environmental law and project development.

Known for 'providing problem-solving guidance from a legal and technical perspective', the team at Pruzzo Ruscica Brotfeld Abogados specialises in environmental, energy and water law. Founded in 2019, the firm advises clients across sectors including mining, electricity, ports, agribusiness and infrastructure. With particular expertise in desalination projects, the environment practice advises on all project stages, from environmental assessment to construction and operations, along with the obtaining of environmental permits and carrying out strategic environmental assessments. Practice co-head Dino Pruzzo focuses on environmental and administrative law and has a particular focus advising on both early-stage projects and defending environmental permits. Fellow name partner Javier Ruscica brings special expertise advising on water rights strategy, regulatory adaptation and project assessments. Key senior associate Catalina Quinteros focuses on advising investment projects on the environmental impact assessment system, and also has extensive litigation experience before the Environmental Courts, Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.

Baker McKenzie Chile's environmental practice advises clients on a broad range of regulatory and compliance matters, particularly in the energy and mining industries. The team assists with environmental assessments, regulatory compliance, permitting processes and administrative procedures across various sectors, regularly advising companies in industries such as food production, mining and agriculture. Moreover, as part of the firm’s global and Latin America environmental practices, the team is able to coordinate and collaborate with colleagues on cross-border environmental issues. The practice is led by Mirco Hilgers, who has extensive experience in mining, energy and environmental law. Other key team members include associates Javiera Velasco, who specialises in environmental and administrative law; and José Tomás Gutiérrez, who focuses on environmental, regulatory and mining law.

The environment practice at Bofill Mir Abogados 'stands out for its professionalism, excellence and high responsiveness'. The firm provides regulatory and litigation counsel across the mining, infrastructure and energy industries, advising on environmental compliance, permitting and enforcement before both regulatroy entities and environmental and civil courts. Typical work for the team includes carrying out environmental assessments, and handling sanctioning procedures and regulatory matters. The team also regularly provides support on due diligence processes for project financings and acquisitions, assisting clients in navigating environmental regulations. The team is led by senior associate María Pilar Domínguez , who brings 'outstanding skills in handling complex regulatory situations' to the practice. The team also includes associate Tomás Ruz Forno, who joined the firm in January 2025.

Estudio Fermandois' four-member environmental law practice is led by former Environmental Superintendence Chief of Staff, Ignacio Urbina, whose track record includes administrative enforcement proceedings; obtaining approval for compliance programmes; and litigating environmental permit-related cases. Supported by the firm’s market leading public law practice, the environmental team specialises in litigation, representing clients before the Chilean Court of Appeals for protection claims, the Environmental Courts in enforcement and permitting appeals, and the Supreme Court. Clients come from numerous industry sectors, including mining, retail, construction, maritime and energy. The team’s lawyers also carry out administrative litigation before agencies such as the Environmental Superintendence and the Environmental Assessment Agency. Associate Josefa Echeverría demonstrates notable expertise in administrative and regulatory matters.

Guzmán, Toro y Ruiz Abogados is a boutique firm best known for its environmental and natural resources expertise, particularly in the mining and energy sectors. With over two decades' experience, the department offers strategic legal advice on matters including environmental assessments, sanctioning procedures and regulatory compliance to a client roster that includes major industry players such as Codelco, ENAP, Teck, and ENAMI. The team’s public sector experience, including roles at Chile’s National Environmental Commission and the Comptroller General’s Office, provides critical insight into regulatory decision-making. The practice is co-led by Rodrigo Guzmán Rosen, a former head of the legal department of the National Environmental Commission; natural resources law expert Paulina Toro Reyes, who advises on environmental assessments, sanctioning procedures and environmental due diligence; and Cristian Ruiz Araneda, whose experience includes environment-related judicial proceedings. The firm has also recently expanded its environmental team by adding three new associates - Doria Gallardo, Juan Pablo Pacheco, and Camila Martínez - further strengthening its planning, compliance and mining sector-specific expertise.

Boutique firm IMAD Abogados continues to develop its 'excellent, professional, and responsible' practice in environmental, mining and water law. The team represents clients before the Chilean Environmental Courts and administrative authorities, as well as in sanctioning proceedings, and frequently advises on obtaining environmental permits, carrying out impact assessments and devising environmental defence strategies. The practice has advised companies such as Anglo American, Codelco, HIF Global and Frusan, and also supports industry associations in regulatory discussions on environmental standards. Senior partner Domingo Irarrázaval has extensive experience in natural resources law, with a particular focus on environmental permitting, regulatory compliance and litigation; he advises mining, energy and aquaculture projects on water rights, environmental assessments, and administrative procedures. Demonstrating 'extraordinary legal and technical knowledge', Jorge Ignacio García Nielsen joined in 2024 to lead the firm’s environmental practice; he brings extensive experience in litigation, compliance, and regulatory matters across industries including mining, energy, real estate and agribusiness.

Lathrop Mujica Herrera & Diez Abogados has built a strong environmental law practice advising clients across sectors such as mining, energy, real estate, and manufacturing. Known for its in-depth knowledge of Chile’s evolving environmental and natural resources regulations, the team focuses on managing environmental risk, securing regulatory compliance and litigating complex disputes - particularly in the context of Chile’s new Economic Crimes Law. Recent work includes high-profile audits of mining permits and advising on environmental compliance for large-scale energy and infrastructure projects. Practice head Sebastián Herrera Larraín has considerable experience regarding the obtaining of environmental permits, handling environmental due diligence, and undertaking investment project-related administrative and judicial litigation. Key associate support is provided by Michelle Niedbalski Ramírez who assists with all aspects of ongoing environmental matters.

Molina Matta y Asociados is a boutique firm specialising in environmental and regulatory law. The group is known for its multidisciplinary approach and deep insight into regulatory systems, public policy and community engagement. It offers services including complex litigation, permitting, risk assessment and regulatory compliance; and has a notably strong presence in clean energy, recycling and sustainability. Recent work includes advising on the $2bn HVDC Kimal-Lo Aguirre transmission line and representing GNL Quintero in a landmark pollution case. The firm also expanded to southern Chile, recently, opening a Valdivia office to serve regional environmental courts. The team is led by Fernando Molina, a seasoned expert with over 30 years’ experience advising both public and private entities. Senior associate Nicolás Galli recently won key rulings under Chile’s Urban Wetlands Law and in a number of high-value environmental sanction cases.

The four-member team at Morales & Besa handles environmental mandates across both public and private sectors. The practice provide counsel on complex environmental issues to a diverse client list, including major national and international actors in industries such as mining, energy, construction and project financing. Following the April 2024 departure of former practice head Aldo Cardinali (who moved in house at mining group KGHM Chile), Macarena Laso currently leads the practice, bringing extensive experience in corporate, infrastructure and construction matters; while fellow partner Carlos Silva specialises in projects, infrastructure and energy, and has particular niche expertise on the regulatory complexities of bidding processes and financings. Senior associates José Tomás Mery and Catalina Troncoso round out the practice group, with Mery leveraging his experience at the Chilean Environmental Enforcement Agency regarding enforcement procedures, regulatory compliance and environmental due diligence; and the mining sector-oriented Troncoso focusing on due diligence, mitigation proposals and contingency management.

‘A very strong team in the area of environmental litigation and permitting‘, TM Abogados is led by public and environmental law specialists Pablo Méndez and Pablo Tejada. The firm advises corporate clients -such as mining and energy companies- on environmental permits, compliance, litigation and regulatory matters. The team has particular expertise in environmental regulation and impact assessments within a public law framework, and often represents clients in sanctioning proceedings and administrative challenges. Méndez has experience worked on major cases in the mining and energy generation sectors; while Tejada has expertise drawn from private practice and the public sector, having worked at the Superintendency of the Environment, where he was involved in high-profile environmental litigation. Both founding partners have approaching 15 years’ experience. Senior of-counsel Christian Rojas, a professor of administrative and water law, adds further depth to the team.

The seven-strong team at Urenda, Rencoret, Orrego y Dörr's environmental practice provides legal counsel on a broad spectrum of environmental matters, advising companies in key industries such as complex environmental due diligence mining, energy, manufacturing, and food and consumer goods. The group supports clients from project inception through permitting, compliance and litigation, ensuring regulatory adherence and risk mitigation. The team also handles complex environmental due diligence and represents clients in administrative and judicial proceedings, including before environmental courts and the Chilean Supreme Court. The practice maintains strong relationships with regulators and actively contributes to policy discussions, including biodiversity standards and emissions regulations. Practice head Ignacio Urrutia brings valuable experience from his tenure at Chile’s environmental agencies, and primarily advises on regulatory and project-related matters. Co-head of the practice Sergio Orrego has over 35 years' experience in mining transactions and project development. Associate Luciano Venegas plays a key role in regulatory matters and environmental assessments.