SANTIAGO – In a move that signals a deepening commitment to Chile’s rapidly evolving energy and infrastructure landscape, Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos has announced the appointment of Cristina Olavarría as a new partner.
Olavarría, a seasoned expert in the renewable energy sector, transitions to the firm from her role as Legal Manager and Compliance Officer at Consorcio Eólico, a major player in Chile’s wind power development. Her arrival marks a significant homecoming; Olavarría previously served as an associate in Cariola’s mining and natural resources practice between 2008 and 2011.+1
Bridging the Gap Between In-House and Private Practice
The hire is a strategic masterstroke for Cariola. By bringing in a partner with recent, high-level in-house experience, the firm gains an “insider’s perspective” on the operational and regulatory hurdles facing energy developers today. During her tenure at Consorcio Eólico, Olavarría was instrumental in navigating the complex legal frameworks surrounding project development, land use, and compliance—expertise that is in high demand as Chile continues its aggressive push toward a green energy transition.
“Cristina’s deep understanding of the energy market, combined with her experience in M&A, corporate legal management, and infrastructure projects, will be fundamental to continuing to provide excellent service to our clients in this dynamic sector,” the firm stated in a recent release.
A Milestone for Diversity and Leadership
Beyond her technical expertise, Olavarría’s appointment is a historic one for the firm: she becomes the first woman to lead the Energy practice in Cariola’s history.
As Chile grapples with the regulatory shifts of the National Electric System and the ongoing decarbonization of its energy matrix, Olavarría’s role will be pivotal. Her practice will focus on advising both local and international clients on the exploration, financing, and operation of large-scale energy projects.
The Wider Market Context
The move comes at a time of significant transition in the Latin American legal market. Large firms are increasingly looking for partners who don’t just understand the law, but understand the business of energy. With her background at Consorcio Eólico, Olavarría is uniquely positioned to advise on the full lifecycle of a project—from initial permitting and environmental due diligence to final commissioning and grid integration.
For Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos, this hire reinforces their status as a tier-one firm in the Natural Resources space, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the investment wave hitting the Chilean energy sector.
