The law demands rigorous study
Legal opinions that stand up to scrutiny. We work alongside you through every transaction, contingency, and dispute where legal judgement defines the outcome.
recognition
Specialisation where it matters
Six practice areas. One standard of judgement: legal decisions supported by rigorous analysis.
Tax
Counsel before the SII (Servicio de Impuestos Internos), estate planning, and tax structuring of transactions.
- Audits and administrative proceedings before the SII
- Taxation on company sales
- Inheritance tax
Corporate
Transactions, governance, and corporate relations for growing or transitioning companies.
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Shareholder disputes
- Legal due diligence
Litigation
Representation in civil lawsuits and special actions before public bodies.
- Complex civil litigation
- Special actions before public bodies
- Constitutional protection actions (recursos de protección)
- Litigation before the Constitutional Court
- Arbitration
Administrative Law
Advice and defence before State bodies, administrative proceedings, and regulation.
- Administrative proceedings
- Defence before regulatory enforcement bodies
- Public contracts and concessions
Water Rights
Filings, regularisation, and disputes regarding water use rights.
- Filings before the DGA
- Regularisation of rights
- Transfers and transmission of rights
Cooperatives and Trade Associations
Regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and inspections before the Ministry of Economy and other entities.
- Regulatory compliance requests and inspections
- Corporate governance
- Disputes between members
Who do we work with?
Every client comes with a different challenge. These are the clients we work with most frequently.
Business owners and family offices
Business leaders facing significant wealth-related decisions: selling, buying, restructuring, or resolving disputes surrounding the family company or corporate group.
In-house executives and legal teams
CFOs, general counsel, and directors who require specialised outside counsel to complement the company's internal capabilities during transactions, audits, or regulatory contingencies.
High-net-worth individuals
High-net-worth individuals requiring advice on tax planning, inheritance, gifts, asset sales, or defence before the tax authority.
Matters we know how to resolve
The most frequent inquiries we receive, expressed in the client's own words.
I received a summons from the SII
We examine deadlines, background documentation, and strategy to respond with sound judgement, avoiding additional contingencies.
Learn moreI want to sell my business
We structure the transaction, safeguard the negotiations, and evaluate the legal and tax impact prior to signing.
Learn moreThe state owes me money or denied my permit
We assess the available legal actions in response to non-compliance by a public body or the arbitrary refusal of an authorisation.
Learn moreI received a sanction from a state entity
We analyze the administrative procedure, deadlines, and avenues for challenge to defend the company's position against the regulator.
Learn moreI have a problem with my water rights
Filings before the DGA, regularisation of rights, and representation in water-related disputes before the courts.
Learn moreMy cooperative received a formal notice from the ministry
We review the requirement, prepare the response within the deadline, and assess the risk of a broader audit.
Learn more
Evidence-grounded legal opinions
We practice the equivalent of evidence-based medicine, but in law. Every legal opinion is backed by rigorous analysis, case law, and up-to-date legal doctrine. That is what sets us apart.
How we work
Four steps. From context to implementation.
We understand the situation
We listen to the context, the real urgency, and the ultimate objective of the matter before proposing any course of action.
We design the strategy
We define viable alternatives, assess associated risks, and propose the next steps along with their implications.
We execute with focus
Negotiation, defence, structuring, or comprehensive legal support throughout the matter, depending on what the situation requires resolving.
We work alongside you throughout the process
Close follow-up on the matter and timely communication so that decisions are made based on up-to-date information.
Partners
Arturo Garnham
Tax law and estate planning. Over 20 years of practice in complex transactions.
Daniela Gazmuri
Corporate and compliance. Working alongside clients in corporate relations and corporate governance.
José Manuel Henríquez
Cooperatives and trade associations. Regulatory compliance and corporate governance before the Ministry of Economy and the CMF.
Mirenchu Muñoz
Tax law. Tax compliance, SII audits, and estate planning.
Nicolás Suazo
Civil and administrative litigation, and proceedings before the Comptroller General's Office. Defence of public officials and public entities.
Garnham Alerts
Whenever a regulatory amendment, SII ruling, relevant case law, or regulatory update is issued that could affect companies, shareholders, or investors, we analyze it and send it directly to your inbox.
Subscribe to Garnham Alerts
No spam. Only relevant content, written by the firm's legal team.
Most common inquiries
If your query does not appear here, write to us directly. Tell us about your situation.
What should you do if you receive a summons from the SII?+
The first step is to review deadlines, requested documents, and the context of the case before responding. An unstrategic response can create additional contingencies that complicate the company's position before the authority. An early review generally broadens the available alternatives.
When should I hire a lawyer to sell my company?+
Ideally before accepting an offer or signing preliminary documents. Many legal and tax decisions directly impact the final value of the transaction and are made—for better or worse—in the early stages.
What does a legal due diligence include?+
It typically includes corporate, contractual, labour, tax, litigation, and relevant risk reviews tailored to the industry. The scope is defined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the size of the transaction and the profile of the buyer or investor.
How are disputes between shareholders resolved?+
It depends on existing agreements, corporate structure, and the nature of the dispute. Early intervention can expand options and prevent costly litigation. When a dispute has already escalated, the focus is on protecting the company while the relationship between the parties is resolved.
Do I have to pay tax if I sell a property?+
It depends on the property's title history, mode of acquisition, potential applicable exemptions, and the specific tax situation of each seller. It is advisable to review the case prior to signing to avoid surprises and optimise within the legal framework.
Do you advise clients outside of Chile?+
Yes. We work with international clients with investments, transactions, or interests in Chile. Our counsel is adapted to the client's jurisdiction when coordination with local advisors is required.
Tell us about your matter
An initial consultation allows us to understand your case and outline the legal and tax path that best resolves it. All consultations are strictly confidential.
Isidora Goyenechea 3365, Of. 501
Las Condes, Santiago, Chile