Rodrigo Guzmán Rosen

Partner

Lawyer from the University of Chile and Diploma in Advanced Studies at the University of Alicante, Spain. He has more than 20 years of experience in environmental law and natural resources. Among other activities, he was Head of the Legal Department of the Executive Directorate of the National Environmental Commission between 2006 and 2010.

Given his respected trajectory and deep knowledge of public-private relations, he provides environmental advice in highly complex matters, leading several teams in the definition and implementation of legal and environmental strategies. In addition, he has developed teaching and has published two books in the area.

He has been recognized since 2014 by Chambers and Partners as one of the most outstanding lawyers in environmental law.

Passion, dedication, commitment, diligence and responsibility are the characteristics that have defined my professional career in the area of Environmental Law for more than 20 years.

I started at the National Environmental Commission, where I worked for 12 years, becoming Head of the Legal Department of the Executive Directorate of the Service between 2006 and 2010. This gave me the opportunity to understand how major environmental decisions are made at the governmental level. In addition, I participated in the discussion of the new environmental institutional framework, which allows me to understand its operation and the demands imposed as a challenge to the public and private sector.

In 2010 I joined the law firm Carcelén, Desmadryl, Guzmán y Tapia, where I developed the environmental area, becoming partner and leader of a team specialized in natural resources with which we achieved great success.

In this context I was able to apply my knowledge and experience acquired in the public sector, and incorporate in my background the meaning of working for the private sector. This allows me to perfectly understand the views that come from both worlds, which is a great advantage to contribute to the development of environmentally sustainable projects.

During my career I have led and worked with multidisciplinary teams mainly in the analysis, design and implementation of complex legal strategies in the field of environmental impact assessment system and project development. In addition, I have focused my practice in indigenous consultation mechanisms, administrative challenge processes, sanctioning procedures (Environmental Superintendence and other sectorial bodies), constitutional and special litigation (Environmental Courts).

I have participated in consultancies associated with draft laws and regulatory projects, and led teams dedicated to the development of environmental audits, as well as to the identification of permits and obligations that clients must comply with in environmental matters.

In addition, I have developed teaching activities and published legal reference books on environmental matters.

• Lawyer, Universidad de Chile.
• Diploma in Advanced Studies, University of Alicante, Spain.

• Professor of Environmental Law, Universidad Gabriela Mistral (2021)

• Constitutional Regulation of the Environment in Chile. Substantive and Adjective Aspects. History, doctrine and jurisprudence (Second updated edition, AbeledoPerrot/LegalPublishing, 2010).

• Chilean Environmental Law. Principles, Institutions and Management Instruments (Editorial Planeta Sostenible, 2012).

• Chambers & Partners. Environment (since 2014).
• The Best Lawyers in Chile, Environment.
• The Legal 500 Latin America: Chile. Environment.
• Who’s Who Legal. Environment.
• Chambers & Partners Latin America 2021, Environment: “Rodrigo Guzmán offers “extensive experience and negotiation skills”. Another interviewee enthuses, “Rodrigo understands environmental law very well, has a strong academic background and offers remarkable practical experience,” adding, “He was the perfect expert for our case.”
“Guzman regularly represents clients in environmental impact assessments, administrative challenges and court litigation before the Environmental Court.”
• Chambers & Partners: “handles environmental issues extraordinarily well”.