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Public Law

We have a team of lawyers specialized in Public Law with deep technical knowledge and practical experience regarding the functioning of the State.

The team is based on shared leadership by two partners with a solid background in Public Law, who together have more than 20 years of experience working in various State bodies and law firms. Alongside a highly qualified group of associates, we provide strategic advice to our clients in the different venues where they participate, defending their interests and supporting the development of their projects across diverse industries.

We work closely with all areas of the Firm to deliver highly technical and comprehensive advisory services, focused on supporting our clients’ success. We assist companies across multiple industries — including real estate, power generation and transmission, mining, agribusiness, telecommunications, food services, engineering and construction, aeronautics, forestry, pulp and paper, and manufacturing — on a wide range of matters.

Administrative Law

We provide guidance and representation before administrative bodies, defending our clients’ interests in project development across industries requiring government authorization or ongoing interaction with the State. We represent clients before institutions such as the Office of the Comptroller General, Public Procurement Tribunal, Environmental Courts, Courts of Appeals, the Supreme Court, Local Police Courts, Superintendencies and regulatory agencies, the National Energy Coordinator, Expert Panels, Municipal Works Directorates, and, in general, before State Administration bodies and Congress.

Constitutional Law

Our partners and associates have extensive experience in constitutional litigation before the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court, achieving favorable results for our clients. We advise on the interpretation and application of constitutional principles and provisions for individuals and legal entities, both public and private.

Administrative Sanctions

We advise and represent clients in administrative sanction procedures. Our work includes reviewing administrative actions in detail, verifying due process compliance, filing appeals, and defending client rights before various authorities — ensuring a strategic defense of their interests.

Public Procurement

We advise national and foreign clients throughout public and private tender processes, direct awards, and other government procurement mechanisms. From the pre-contractual stage, we help define an integrated strategy for approaching the procurement process effectively.

We also have significant experience advising during the execution of administrative contracts, as well as in appealing fines and authorities’ decisions that diverge from public procurement principles. This includes challenges before the Public Procurement Tribunal, legality requests before the Office of the Comptroller General, and ordinary and special actions before Civil Courts, Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court.

Requests before Public Agencies

We support clients in administrative remedies and legal requests before government bodies, including legality opinions before the Office of the Comptroller General, municipal illegality claims, sanctioning procedures, and public law nullity actions, among others.

Permits

We manage the permitting process for project development and economic activities requiring operating authorizations, licenses, certifications, concessions, regulations, and other enabling legal titles necessary for project execution.

Urban Planning

We provide specialized advice in urban planning law, supporting individuals, companies, and institutions in interpreting and applying regulations governing rural and urban land use, territorial planning, construction, and planning instruments. We assist with real estate project approvals, regularization of constructions, regulatory plan review, permit management, and administrative or judicial defense in urban development matters.

Transparency & Public Information Access

We request information and opinions and defend client interests in proceedings and instances governed by public information access laws.

Sanitary Regulation

We assist clients in obtaining sanitary permits for establishing, operating, or relocating commercial and industrial facilities requiring authorization from the health authority. Our services include strategic planning, representation before regional health authorities, and administrative or judicial challenges depending on client needs.

Aviation

We advise aviation companies, operators, investors, and public entities on regulatory, contractual, and operational matters related to civil aviation. We support permitting and licensing, air carrier liability, insurance, international regulation, aircraft purchase and leasing, and engagement with aviation authorities.

«Barros, Silva, Varela & Vigil clearly sets out its proposals and demonstrates diligence in execution. I particularly value their long-term perspective».

Client, Chambers and Partners.

«A strategic partner in decision-making due to their experience and integrity when addressing the various issues, and their ability to explain complex issues simply. They know our history well and stand out for teamwork and environmental expertise».

Client, Chambers and Partners.

«Barros Silva Varela & Vigil Abogados has a solid administrative law team that offers a complete and valuable view of the Chilean public system—its institutions, procedures, and decision-making. Always available, responsive, and precise».

Client, Chambers and Partners.

«Claudia Ferreiro provides advice that strikes the perfect balance between experience and innovation».

Client, Chambers and Partners.

«Felipe Riesco understands our challenges with assertiveness and focuses on the best ways to add value to our business».

Client, Chambers and Partners.