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Chile's legal market is among the most developed in Latin America, home to a sophisticated mix of domestic powerhouses and well-established international firms. For lawyers evaluating career options in 2026, understanding the firm landscape is essential. This guide profiles the leading law firms in Chile, covering their practice strengths, culture, and hiring tendencies.
Carey
Carey is widely regarded as Chile's premier law firm and the most internationally recognised legal practice in the country. Founded in 1903, the firm employs over 200 lawyers across a full-service platform. Carey consistently tops rankings from Chambers and Partners, Legal 500, and IFLR1000 across corporate/M&A, banking and finance, capital markets, mining, energy, and dispute resolution.
The firm is known for advising on virtually every significant transaction in Chile, including major privatisations, IPOs, and cross-border M&A deals. Carey's client base includes multinational corporations, sovereign entities, and leading Chilean conglomerates. The firm recruits extensively from the top law schools — Universidad de Chile and Pontificia Universidad Católica — and offers structured associate development programmes.
Claro & Cía
Claro & Cía is one of Chile's oldest law firms, tracing its origins back to the 19th century. The firm is a full-service practice with particular strength in banking and finance, corporate, tax, and natural resources. Claro is regularly involved in landmark transactions, including major project financings in the mining and energy sectors.
The firm maintains a conservative, institutional culture and has long-standing relationships with Chile's major financial institutions and corporate groups. Claro is also a member of Lex Mundi, the world's leading network of independent law firms, giving it strong cross-border referral capabilities.
Barros & Errázuriz
Barros & Errázuriz is a leading Chilean firm with a reputation for excellence in tax, labour, and corporate law. The firm advises a diverse client base spanning financial services, retail, manufacturing, and natural resources. Its tax practice is consistently ranked among the best in the country, and the labour team is one of the largest and most active in Chile.
Barros & Errázuriz has invested significantly in newer practice areas, including data privacy, compliance, and ESG advisory work. The firm is known for a collegial culture and competitive compensation packages.
Morales & Besa
Morales & Besa has established itself as a go-to firm for complex M&A, capital markets, and project finance work. The firm frequently acts on cross-border transactions and has developed strong relationships with international law firms and investment banks. Its litigation practice is also highly regarded, particularly in commercial and arbitration matters.
PPU (Prieto, Palacios, Urzúa)
PPU is a relatively newer entrant that has quickly risen to prominence in the Chilean legal market. Founded by partners from established firms, PPU has built a strong corporate, energy, infrastructure, and real estate practice. The firm has been involved in numerous high-profile energy and infrastructure projects, reflecting Chile's ongoing investment in these sectors.
PPU is known for a more entrepreneurial and dynamic culture compared to some of the older establishments, making it attractive to associates seeking early responsibility.
Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría
Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría is a major Ibero-American firm formed through the combination of leading practices across Chile, Colombia, Peru, and with ties to Spain's Uría Menéndez. The firm's Santiago office handles significant cross-border work, particularly in corporate transactions, project finance, and regulatory matters involving multiple Latin American jurisdictions.
The firm's integrated regional platform is a significant differentiator, allowing it to offer seamless multi-jurisdictional advice that purely domestic firms cannot easily match.
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie is the most established international law firm in Chile, with a Santiago office that has operated for decades. The firm brings its global platform to bear on cross-border transactions, international arbitration, tax, trade, and compliance work. Baker McKenzie's Chile office serves as a key hub for the firm's Latin American strategy.
For lawyers interested in international practice and potential mobility to other Baker McKenzie offices worldwide, the Santiago office represents a compelling option.
Garrigues
Garrigues, Spain's largest law firm, has built a growing presence in Chile focused on corporate, tax, and regulatory work. The firm leverages its deep European connections to advise Spanish and European companies investing in Chile, as well as Chilean businesses expanding into European markets. Garrigues offers a distinctive Iberian-Latin American perspective that complements the domestic firms.
Other Notable Firms
Several other firms deserve mention for lawyers exploring the Chilean market:
- Alessandri — Strong in litigation, real estate, and corporate law with a long institutional history.
- Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos — Well-regarded in public law, concessions, and infrastructure.
- Urenda Rencoret Orrego & Dörr — Known for corporate, banking, and project finance work.
- Bofill Escobar — Boutique litigation firm with a strong reputation in complex disputes.
- DLA Piper (Chile) — Growing international presence with cross-border capabilities.
Choosing the Right Firm
Selecting a law firm in Chile depends on your career objectives. The major domestic firms (Carey, Claro, Barros & Errázuriz) offer deep local expertise and prestige. International firms (Baker McKenzie, Garrigues) provide global exposure and mobility. Newer firms like PPU offer faster career progression and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Browse current openings across all these firms on our Chile legal jobs board, or read our complete guide to legal jobs in Chile for broader market context.