Competition/Antitrust: Chile

This is one of the market's finest antitrust players. The two partners and five associates typically focus on the litigious and judicial side of cases. The team recently defended BAT in a case against the National Economic Prosecutor's Bureau (FNE) in Chile's Supreme Court. It also acted on behalf of ANDESS Chile before the antitrust courts and the Supreme Court. Its client list includes other major national clients such as LAN, BBDO and Asipes. Cristóbal Eyzaguirre heads the team and is described by clients as "simply excellent."

FerradaNehme is widely recognised as a market front runner in antitrust and is praised for delivering an exceptionally sophisticated service. "The firm has contributed to key antitrust rulings, it is proactive and has an influential presence in the market," enthuse sources. It represents a long list of national and international clients, including Nestlé, Anagra, Puerto Lirquén, Colbún and Gasco. The Supreme Court recently ruled in favour of the firm's client, VTR, following RGG's claim that it abused its market position. Department head Nicole Nehme is a true antitrust specialist. Clients say: "She has an amazing vision and a wonderful business sense. She carries cases all the way through, working side by side with her clients. I could not speak more highly of anyone." Carla Bordoli is not only at Nehme's right hand but is also carving herself a strong profile in the market. Paulo Montt is also strongly sought after by clients.

This full-service firm is a prominent player in the competition market. The team recently represented Chile's largest hydropower project, HidroAysén, in an alleged claim of infringement of water rights in the competition court. Other clients include Blue Oil, Telmex, Essbio and Nuevo Sur. "The lawyers clearly love what they do and this is apparent in their amazing service," affirms one satisfied client. Clients recommend José Tomás Errázuriz for "his impressive capabilities and the speed with which he absorbs information." Luis Eduardo Toro is also commended by clients for his "scrupulous attention to detail."

This legal powerhouse's competition/antitrust practice is in keeping with its celebrated high standards. The team recently represented Graneles de Chile in a claim against the port concessionaire of Puerto Terrestre Los Andes for the alleged abuse of dominant position; the antitrust court unanimously ruled against Puerto Terrestre Los Andes. Claudio Lizana heads the practice and is credited with "putting together and managing an excellent team." Lorena Pavic is fully dedicated to this practice area. Clients say: "She is a motor when it comes to getting things done – she is truly a brilliant lawyer."

This team has undergone some transition in recent years but is well regarded for its competition expertise. It has had a successful year, having won a landmark case for Tres Montes in an unfair competition claim filed by the giant Swiss corporation Nestlé. It also secured the acquittal of Aguas Andinas in an alleged case of abuse of dominant position filed by the FNE. Enrique Barros is considered by sources as "an eminent leader and figure in the field." Francisco González Hoch regularly handles the litigious side of the practice. Senior associate Nicolás Rojas is lauded by clients for his "experience, capability and dedication."

This dispute resolution boutique has appeared in complex and high-profile competition/antitrust cases. It represents a number of important clients, including Falabella and the Chilean Chamber of Commerce. Carlos Concha is the driving force behind the team. Clients say: "He is an excellent strategist. His knowledge of this area and his litigation expertise are vital qualities in ensuring the success of any case, however complex."

Since publication, Carlos Concha has joined Law practice of Carlos Concha

This firm has a strong foothold in the market and is well placed to advise on competition and antitrust matters. The department's expertise is aptly complemented by the firm's strong litigation practice group, and it is particularly well versed in antitrust matters related to ports. It successfully defended EPSA in a claim of alleged abuse of dominant position brought by Terquim. Clients distinguish Juan Ignacio Correa as "a competition expert and creative thinker – we always turn to him if an antitrust case has to go before the court."

This team has very much held its own in the market this year. The departure of Felipe Bulnes following his appointment as the Minister of Justice has not detracted from the firm's impressive client portfolio nor from its participation in high-profile cases. In the headline Fósforos case, the firm represented Canada Chemicals in a claim of abuse of dominant position. The court ruled in favour of Canada Chemicals and the decision was not only affirmed but in an unprecedented act, the fine on Compañía Chilena de Fósforos was increased by 25%. Julio Pellegrini Vial is highly commended for "his tremendous abilities as a litigator in this area and his vast strategic vision," according to clients. Clients turn to name partner Enrique Urrutia Pérez for "his nuanced and highly analytical approach."

In spite of the departure of former lead lawyer Felipe Irarrázabal, the team has resolutely held its position in the market. Most impressive is the team's representation of Cencosud, the largest Latin American retail conglomerate. It advises the company on a wide range of antitrust issues relating to its operations across Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Peru. Clients recommend lead partner Ricardo Riesco as a "very sincere and hard-working lawyer as well as an incredibly fast learner."

This team handles a wide range of competition/antitrust cases, including unfair competition, abuse of dominant position and related litigation. It also has a strong focus on pre-emptive advisory work. Representative clients include E-CL, Watt’s, Royal Vopak and Inversiones San José. José Luis Prieto is a key reference point for antitrust work, while practice head Benjamín Grebe is "fast becoming a true antitrust expert," according to one source.

This firm is best known for its litigation work and this naturally ties into its antitrust practice. The team stands out for its work with Spanish telecoms giant Telefónica. Gabriel Zaliasnik may be better known for his white-collar crime expertise, but he is also a primary contact for clients in this practice area. He is "a brilliant litigator with a very logical mind," enthuse sources. Gabriela Morales has left the firm.

This is a firm to watch in the Chilean competition/antitrust market. The team has had an exceptionally busy year representing illustrious clients such as AFEX, Redvoiss and Emaresa. It recently represented Farmacias Cruz Verde in the pharmaceutical collusion case brought by National Economic Prosecutor in the Antitrust Court. Clients say José Miguel Gana is "excellent at explaining arguments and has made a name for himself in competition through pharmaceuticals." Since publication, Gabriela Morales has left Alessandri & Compañía Abogados to join Avendaño Merino Abogados. According to sources, "she really knows her stuff – she's definitely one to keep an eye on."

This new boutique is just finding its feet and the market is watching its progress closely. It has had a strong start and has been busy advising retail chain SMU on issues related to non-competition clauses in a purchase contract. María Isabel Díaz Velasco is fully dedicated to antitrust matters and has brought some big clients with her in this new venture. "She is very well regarded, a pleasure to work with on a personal note and facilitates common strategies," according to clients. Since publication, Gabriela Morales has joined Alessandri & Compañía Abogados