Practices Areas
We are a full-service firm, but with the agility and knowledge of a boutique firm.
Founded a decade ago by lawyers with extensive experience, we are a law firm whose hallmark is to have a service model where we put the client at the centre and advise them on their requirements with an expert, dedicated, innovative, agile and rigorous team.
That is why, since our inception, the firm has been structured in a different way than usual, favouring the hiring of senior lawyers, which has allowed us to offer a solid and comprehensive service in the various practices.
“Great attention to detail, without losing its focus on the big issues. There is direct contact with the partners, not only at senior associate level, which differentiates it from other firms”.
Client – The Legal 500
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
We have extensive experience advising entities linked to the world of economics, finance and asset management on issues related to compliance, internal control, money laundering prevention and criminal liability of legal entities.
We advised clients using on policy design, manual preparation and the development of procedures for complying with laws and regulations oriented towards mitigating risks in areas such as conflict of interest, use of insider information, asset valorization or pricing policies, related anti-money laundering and offenses involving corporate criminal liability, among others.
Our team also provide advising on auditing and oversight processes for entities that are supervised by the main economic regulators. We have also represented entities in administrative-disciplinary proceedings. Our defense strategies are based on a technical perspective, extensive knowledge of the mechanics of supervised activities and the operations criteria of the respective regulatory agency.
Carlos Frías
cfrias@hdgroup.cl
ANTITRUST AND CONSUMER PROTECTION
We advise clients on all types of matters related to matters of free competition, assuming their representation in both judicial and administrative headquarters, in sanctioning proceedings, investigations, consultations and operations of concentration.
In the field of prevention, together with carrying out legal and compliance audits, we advise our clients on the design and implementation of programs to prevent and promote free competition, in line with the special risks of the activities that develop, seeking to deliver tools that contribute to developing an internal culture of compliance, through strong training.
In addition, taking into view of the impact that infringements of free competition can have on the market and its impact on consumers, we advise our clients by incorporating compliance plans and policies in this area, together with assuming their representation both administrative and judicial headquarters.
Gonzalo Delaveau
gdelaveau@hdgroup.cl
Rebeca Zamora
rzamora@hdgroup.cl
ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION
We have a team with extensive experience in arbitration matters, commercial litigation and mediation, always focused on successfully solutions. We represented various Chilean and foreign institutions from diverse industries or sectors.
Moreover, José Luis Honorato, the partner who leads this practice, is also a member of the Arbitration Center of the Santiago Chamber of Commerce.
José Luis Honorato
jlhonorato@hdgroup.cl
ASSET MANAGEMENT
We have a recognised experience advising a wide variety of asset and investment managers, both domestic and foreign, including mutual funds; investment funds; private venture capital, real estate, private debt, energy, infrastructure and forestry funds; and investment funds linked to CORFO funding programs and other alternative assets.
Our team has experience obtaining approval for mutual funds, investment funds and ETF from the Risk Rating Commission (“CCR”) as well as registering mutual funds, investment funds and foreign securities in the Foreign Securities Registry of the Financial Market Commission (“CMF”).
We are leaders in the legal asset management industry, focusing on all performance and regulatory aspects of third-party asset management through public and private fund managers and portfolio managers and, even more importantly, structuring investments for those funds or estates through traditional and alternative investments.
Sebastián Delpiano
sdelpiano@hdgroup.cl
BANKING AND FINANCE
Our partners began their careers in the banking industry and have maintained strong connections to both traditional and investment banks as well as other financial entities.
As a result, we built a long tradition of advising domestic and foreign creditors, investors and debtors on an array of banking and financial transactions such as collateralized and uncollateralized bilateral or syndicated loans, debt restructuring, public and private equity and debt offerings and placements, securitization, project finance, structured products and derivative transactions.
In derivatives, we have advised domestic and foreign banks, fund managers, institutional investors, securities brokers and agents on matters such as structuring, documentation, netting and collateral, the Dodd-Frank Act and the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR).
Matías Langevin
mlangevin@hdgroup.cl
CAPITAL MARKETS
We have extensive, renowned experience with securities and capital markets and regularly works with regulators to draft laws and regulations.
We advised issuers and placers of equities, corporate bonds, securitized bonds, commercial paper, fund units and securities in general, in both public and private offerings.
Our services start with the process of creating investment vehicles and securities and registering equity or debt instruments with regulators; we also advise our clients on stock market relations, reporting obligations and legal restrictions for publicly listed securities issuers and private securities placements.
Sebastián Delpiano
sdelpiano@hdgroup.cl
COMPLIANCE
We advise legal entities in the design and implementation of effective programmes of compliance, developed on the basis of the activities they carry out, including the detection, treatment and mitigation of crime risks (especially those could result in the emergence of Corporate Criminal Responsibility, under Law 20.393), corruption, financial wrongdoing, illegal competition, tax offences, consumer infringements, data protection, security of information, labor violations and environmental risk.
We also have extensive experience in the design and implementation of money laundering prevention and terrorist financing programs in the case of subjects bound by Law 19.913 that creates the Financial Analysis Department, as well as other legislation seeking to protect sensitive and privileged information that could severely affect markets.
We advise on Due Diligence processes for the evaluation of the compliance and anti-corruption systems of different companies, reviewing their activities, programs, policies and controls, in order to detect and mitigate the risks of legal transmission of corporate and /or administrative criminal liability and that may arise from facts prior to an operation.
Bearing in mind that reputation is a key asset for our clients, our programs are focused on the development and strengthening of Corporate Integrity, applying high standards and best practices at national and international level, seeking to promote compliance cultures and good corporate citizens.
Therefore, and without prejudice to developing programmes or plans on specific subjects, we design comprehensive programmes that include subjects valued by workers, clients, suppliers and third parties concerned, such as sexual and labour harassment, human rights, discrimination, gender equity, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, sustainability and philanthropy, among others.
Understanding that compliance programmes are mainly aimed at workers, employees and suppliers, we incorporate a labour perspective in their design, implementation and monitoring, based on our experience and knowledge, in order to duly reconcile their implementation with respect for the fundamental rights that govern labour relations.
The above, with the aim of eliminating or reducing contingencies in terms of internal governance, safety, care of resources and subcontracting relations, promoting genuine compliance with the legal and ethical framework.
Rebeca Zamora
rzamora@hdgroup.cl
Carlos Frías
cfrias@hdgroup.cl
CONCESSIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
We have a broad experience advising local and foreign companies and consortia on public works concessions and public-private initiatives.
We also specialize in concessions; easements for developing gas, mining and water projects; mining and energy concessions; expropriations; and other related matters.
Gonzalo Delaveau
gdelaveau@hdgroup.cl
Juan Ignacio Peña
jipena@hdgroup.cl
CORPORATE
We provide our clients with the most comprehensive counsel on corporate matters, including general company matters; shareholder, partner and contributor agreements; corporate governance; mergers and acquisitions; reorganizations, spin-offs, dissolution and liquidation; profit-sharing programs for associates and employees; joint ventures; and due diligence processes, among other issues.
We also advised diverse companies on CMF registration and market listing processes for IPOs.
José Luis Honorato
jlhonorato@hdgroup.cl
Gonzalo Delaveau
gdelaveau@hdgroup.cl
Sebastián Delpiano
sdelpiano@hdgroup.cl
Juan Ignacio Peña
jipena@hdgroup.cl
Matías Langevin
mlangevin@hdgroup.cl
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, FINANCIAL REGULATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
We have a long experience in the financial area, which allows it to provide specialized and comprehensive advice on regulated markets. We advise companies in the creation and development of strategic projects and in operational, financial, legal, and technological development.
CRIMINAL LAW
We advise natural and legal persons, representing them in economics, tax, environmental, cybercrime, asset laundering, infringement of anti-corruption laws, financial and corporate crimes, among others, acting in the defense of their interests as victims or defendants, as the case may be. Likewise, we advise our clients in a preventive manner, looking to decrease contingencies in this area by evaluating risks in operations, the development of activities or the possibility of initiating criminal actions for events that could eventually constitute crimes. Additionally, we elaborate and implement in-house crime prevention programs, with emphasis on those that could imply Corporate Criminal Responsibility or could severely affect the company’s reputation and image.
José Luis Honorato
jlhonorato@hdgroup.cl
Rebeca Zamora
rzamora@hdgroup.cl
ENERGY, MINING AND NATURAL RESOURCES
We have actively participated in the development of the electricity, mining and natural resources industries in Chile, advising multinational companies that have made significant investments in power plants, gas pipelines and transmission lines.
In the energy area, the experience of HD’s lawyers includes various types of investments, project development, financing and acquisition of transmission and distribution projects, as well as hydroelectric, PMGD, wind, solar, unconventional non-renewable energies and fossil fuels power plants.
We have participated in obtaining concessions, permits and licenses; advised on tenders and commercial agreements; advice on the preparation of construction, operation, start-up and financing contracts for all kinds of projects; construction of hydro, thermo, wind and solar generation projects; advised on EPC and O & M contracts; as well as in conflicts arising in the different areas of the activity.
In the field of mining, we have advised numerous companies (especially “junior”), in all stages of their mining projects, including the establishment of mining property rights (concessions), permits, financing, construction and exploitation. Honorato | Delaveau has participated in the “crosslisting” of companies listed on the TSX-V of Canada in the Santiago Stock Exchange and in the private capital raising for the development of mining projects, either directly or through investment funds.
In the agricultural sector, our team has extensive experience in the development of agricultural and agroindustrial projects for production and export, including the acquisition of real estate, constitution of water rights, export contracts, purchase and sale of agricultural land and societies, financing of projects either through bank financing or specialized agricultural funds.
In the forestry area, HD Legal team has particular experience in the financing of plantations and development of forestry projects through bonds and investment funds, as well as the constitution of agricultural funds according with local regulations.
Finally, in the field of water resources, we have participated in processes related to the constitution of water rights, their purchase or sale deals, as well as in relation to litigation related to said rights.
Gonzalo Delaveau
gdelaveau@hdgroup.cl
FINTECH
We are a leading firm in Chile with vast experience and recognized trajectory in financial matters. This has allowed us to be pioneers in providing advice to companies in the design, creation and development of various Fintech ventures, such as: Cryptoassets exchange, crowdfounding, alternative financing, financial asset platforms, contracts for difference exchange, remittances and payment processors among others, so that they can achieve a technology-based development and the continuity of their operations, in compliance with the current legal framework.
Our team is able to provide the appropriate legal support and help our clients to develop, strengthen and protect their digital infrastructure, and establish effective regulatory compliance systems.
We are part of FinteChile and members of our Fintech team are part of the Legal Committee of the Chilean Fintech Association, providing legal support to its board and affiliated companies.
We have extensive experience in advising investment funds that provide innovative, flexible and efficient structure in the formation and financing of new ventures.
Matías Langevin
mlangevin@hdgroup.cl
LABOR LAW
We advise its clients on all matters derived from industrial relations. Our services include the development of legal and compliance audits, corporate policy design, hiring processes and termination of industrial relations, social security, collective bargaining, outsourcing, hygiene and security, working climate, migration, control, internal investigations, due diligence and issues related to mergers, acquisitions and reorganizations.
We advise on the design and implementation of prevention programs and plans, seeking to harmonize compliance with the applicable legislation, the vision and values of companies with respect for the fundamental rights that govern industrial relations.
In the judicial and administrative field, we advise legal persons by assuming their representation in all types of lawsuits and job claims, including especially those arising from occupational diseases.
José Luis Honorato
jlhonorato@hdgroup.cl
Rebeca Zamora
rzamora@hdgroup.cl
M&A
We have advised organizations of all sizes—from small and medium-sized businesses to large companies and corporate groups—on local and cross-border mergers and acquisitions in numerous industries, using efficient legal structures that combine the different practice areas at HD Legal.
We provide comprehensive advisory services based on the particular needs of each client and each transaction, including due diligence processes of all business areas within a company.
We have participated in sales and purchase transactions involving companies and assets, complex merger and acquisition transactions involving publicly traded and private corporations, takeover bids, the formation of joint ventures and consortia as well as complex corporate restructuring processes.
José Luis Honorato
jlhonorato@hdgroup.cl
Gonzalo Delaveau
gdelaveau@hdgroup.cl
Sebastián Delpiano
sdelpiano@hdgroup.cl
Matías Langevin
mlangevin@hdgroup.cl
PROJECT FINANCE
We have extensive experience with a variety of financing alternatives, representing major local and foreign companies and financial institutions, helping them manage the complexities and risk involved in financing their projects.
We have counselled banks, financial institutions and companies on financing for mergers and acquisitions (of assets or equity), restructurings, liquidation and bankruptcy.
In terms of international financing, we have represented and advised both creditors and debtors on all types of collateralized and uncollateralized loans, whether for working capital, acquisitions, properties or other purposes.
Finally, in structured financing, our attorneys have proven experience developing and implementing structures and alternatives forms of finance, especially securitizations and asset-backed financing in Chile and abroad.
Gonzalo Delaveau
gdelaveau@hdgroup.cl
Juan Ignacio Peña
jipena@hdgroup.cl
Matías Langevin
mlangevin@hdgroup.cl
PUBLIC LAW
We advise clients by assuming the representation of their interests in front of the State Administration, both centralized and autonomous, with whom they establish relationships by virtue of the activities they develop.
Our services include advice on matters of administrative law, public procurement, regulated activities, as well as administrative complaints to bodies with sanctioning or supervisory powers. Indeed, we have experience before entities such as the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic, Superintendencies, Commissions and special courts such as the Council for Transparency, the National Television Council, the Court of Public Procurement, among others.
Finally, we understand the relevance and speciality of matters that fall within the jurisdiction of the Constitutional Court, both in private and public disputes, regularly litigated at that headquarters.
José Luis Honorato
jlhonorato@hdgroup.cl
Carlos Frías
cfrias@hdgroup.cl
REAL ESTATE, ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION
We have a practice that focuses on advising important domestic and foreign clients who are developing engineering and construction projects as well as owners or contractors. We provide services from the outset of the projects through the bidding, preparation and contract negotiation stages and also manages claims and dispute resolution, including arbitration and litigation. Our firm has vast experience with all types of contracts including EPC, EPCM, BOP, TSA and BOT.
Juan Ignacio Peña
jipena@hdgroup.cl
TAX LAW
We have the experience and knowledge necessary to provide tax advising to companies and individuals, offering innovative solutions for our clients’ particular tax circumstances.
We represent and defend our clients in tax audit procedures or reviews as well as administrative or judicial contentious proceedings.
In regard to family businesses, we have participated in various purchases and sales of family businesses and has developed and implemented corporate –family governance structures, successfully integrating new generations into ownership and management of the family business. The firm also has contributed to the creation and organization of family and multi-family offices for middle and high income families.
Juan Andrés Larrondo
jalarrondo@hdgroup.cl
VENTURE CAPITAL
We have advised many entrepreneurs and project managers as well as investors who seek to invest in their projects on a variety of financing structures, supporting them throughout the various stages of project development, seed capital, early stages and growth stages.
Sebastián Delpiano participates in the Legal Committee of the Chilean Fintech Association (Asociación de Empresas Fintech de Chile).
Sebastián Delpiano
sdelpiano@hdgroup.cl
Matías Langevin
mlangevin@hdgroup.cl