Cecilia Urbina Benavides

Lawyer from Universidad de Chile. MSc Environmental Policy and Regulation, London School of Economics and Political Science and Diploma in Environmental Law from Universidad de Chile.

I am the partner in charge of the Regulatory Compliance Team and my experience stands out in advising clients on regulatory compliance, environmental risk management, and sustainable development. My practice focuses on guiding corporations, particularly in the mining, energy and infrastructure sectors, through the maze of local, national and international environmental regulations.

I have been extensively involved in the management of high-risk and high-profile environmental disputes, including advice on environmental permit requirements, compliance programs and remediation obligations, as well as managing relationships with government agencies. My experience has allowed me to anticipate regulatory changes and adapt strategies, ensuring that our clients stay ahead of environmental policy developments. I began my career in the public sector, working at National Environmental Commission of Chile (CONAMA), then moving to the Superintendence of Sanitary Services and subsequently to the newly created Superintendence of the Environment, where I was the first Head of the Sanctions and Compliance Division. In this role, I contributed to the development and implementation of effective control and enforcement mechanisms, and to building internal capacities to apply them. I am a lecturer in undergraduate and graduate courses at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez. I have been recognized in Chambers and Partners as Band 2 in Environmental Law and valued by our clients for my pragmatic approach to solving environmental problems aligned with the business interests of companies. Member of the Chilean Bar Association.

Experience: Complex Environmental Litigation. Negotiation and Mediation. Regulatory Compliance. Business and Human Rights.