According to the latest Chambers & Partners global legal guide, Chile’s private client and wealth management legal sector has expanded to 14 recognized firms and 47 ranked specialists, driven by rising demand for complex asset structuring and an upcoming political cycle focused on patrimonial legislative reforms.
Firm Rankings and Podiums in Wealth Management
In the top tier, or Band 1, the rankings remain unchanged from the previous year. According to the guide, the leading offices holding their podium spots are Allende & Cía., Fischer & Cía., Fuensalida y Del Valle, Torretti y Martínez-Conde, and Ulloa & Cía.
In Band 2, Carey and Recabarren & Asociados continue to lead the group. Band 3 sees the first structural shifts, with Claro & Cía., Alvarado & Cía., and Lathrop, Mujica, Herrera & Diez Abogados joining the classification. Meanwhile, Alcaíno Abogados, Barros & Errázuriz, Garfias & Cía., and Jara del Favero successfully maintain their positions in Band 3.
The only firm exiting the guide is the dissolved MBC Abogados. One of its former partners, María Teresa Cremaschi, retains her individual ranking among specialists.
Did You Know? Globally, Chambers & Partners evaluates 55 countries in this practice area, registering a 10% increase in recognized lawyers this year to reach a total of 5,060 ranked legal experts worldwide.
Individual Standouts and Rising Talents
Despite a significant overall expansion of the roster, the principal band remains stable. According to the publication, Adriana Zaidan, Alex Fischer, Carolina Fuensalida, Eduardo Torretti, Francisco Javier Allende, Jaime del Valle, Nicolás Ulloa, Pablo Greiber, and Gonzalo Garfias preserve their top-tier status.
The sole departure from the principal band is Fernando Barros, following his recent appointment as Minister of Defense. Additionally, the guide recognizes the expertise and career of Jaime Carey, who is once again distinguished as a Senior Statesperson.
Nearly 30 specialists populate Bands 2 and 3 through new entries and promotions. The guide also highlights three rising talents: Nicolás Maturana of Claro & Cía., Andrés Ossandón of BOP Abogados, and Carolina Hardy of Alcaíno Abogados.
Market Drivers and Legislative Context
The growth in legal counsel mirrors a global trend in wealth management. Chambers & Partners notes increasing client demand for specific services, including philanthropic planning, wealth transfer, business succession planning, intergenerational gift and inheritance tax planning, trust administration, asset transfer, family business initial public offerings, and inbound or outbound investment structuring.
In Chile, this discipline has expanded systematically over recent years. Analysts expect that this momentum may accelerate further as a new political cycle introduces the so-called miscellaneous law.
That upcoming legislation targets patrimonial structures directly. Key measures include a temporary window to advance inheritances via donations subject to a 50% tax reduction, the regularization and potential repatriation of assets held abroad, mechanisms to organize accumulated profits and excess withdrawals in family businesses, and a new tax scenario for holdings, family enterprises, and financial investments stemming from corporate tax integration and rate reductions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many firms and lawyers are recognized in the latest guide?
The guide recognizes 14 firms and 47 specialist lawyers in Chile.
Which firm left the rankings in this edition?
MBC Abogados exited the guide due to its dissolution, though former partner María Teresa Cremaschi remains ranked individually.
What legislative changes are driving interest in patrimonial planning?
Upcoming legislative changes include a 50% tax reduction window for advance inheritance donations, provisions for repatriating foreign assets, reorganization of corporate profits, and new tax conditions for family holdings and financial investments.
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