DLA launches in Chile with Bahamondez, Alvarez & Zegers

DLA Piper announced its arrival in Chile through a new cooperation agreement with Bahamondez, Alvarez & Zegers (BAZ). Together the firms will operate as BAZ/DLA Piper. 

BAZ is a full-service law firm with 25 lawyers and a strong focus on natural resources and energy. 

This is the latest development in DLA´s expansion in Latin America. The global firm already has offices in Puerto Rico and Mexico plus existing cooperation agreements in Colombia and Brazil. 

“BAZ is one of the premier business law firms in Latin America and has been involved in numerous high-profile deals and matters in Chile and the surrounding region,” said Juan Picon, DLA Piper’s global co-chairman and co-chair of the Latin America practice. “They are a natural partner for us, not just in Latin America, but in the work we are doing elsewhere in the Americas, Spain, Europe, and around the world. We are very excited about the opportunities this relationship will provide for our clients and the firm.”

“We are thrilled to align with DLA Piper given the firm’s strategic focus on Latin America and reputation as one of the world’s leading law firms,” said Rodrigo Alvarez, BAZ’s partner in charge of tax and real estate. “Our lawyers will be great assets to DLA Piper’s global platform, which will also provide a great benefit to our clients as we grow and work together in the coming months.”

Chile is widely considered a mature and stable market and several international law firms have set up shop. Baker & McKenzie has had a long standing presence in Chile, and more recently Garrigues and Uría Menéndez (via its participation in Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría) launched offices. Insurance specialists DAC Beachcroft launched in the country in 2012 via a merger with two local firms while rivals Kennedys integrated its Chilean associate law firm in 2016.