Cristián Vial

Cristián Vial is a senior associate in Dentons’ Environment and Natural Resources practice in Chile. He focuses on water and environmental law, advising clients in the mining, agribusiness, energy, and other sectors on complex projects and operations.

He advises Chilean and international companies on the development and implementation of long-term water supply strategies for their projects and operations. This includes the acquisition and management of water rights, the assessment and development of alternative water supply options, and the associated regulatory and permitting requirements. He also advises clients on engagement with public authorities, water user organizations, local communities, and other stakeholders, helping them anticipate regulatory risks and promote effective and sustainable water management.

Cristián has experience in administrative and judicial matters involving water rights, including the completion of water rights titles, the regularization of water rights, changes in points of extraction, authorizations for hydraulic works, non-use fees, and proceedings before the General Directorate of Water (DGA) and Chilean courts.

In environmental matters, Cristián advises clients on environmental assessment under the Environmental Impact Assessment System (SEIA), sector-specific permitting, regulatory compliance, and the management of environmental risks throughout the development and operation of their projects. He also represents clients in administrative proceedings before environmental authorities and in disputes before Chilean courts.

Senior Associate, Dentons Chile, 2025-Present

Associate, Dentons Chile, 2021 – 2025

Paralegal, Dentons Chile, 2019 – 2020

Co-exhibitor, XXV Conference on Water Law and Management, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, August 2023.

Co-author, “Challenges for a public policy on water resources: a National Water Commission”, in “Institucionalidad, gobernanza y regulación hídrica para sociedades resilientes”, Centro de Derecho y Gestión de Aguas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile, 2024.

International Mining Company: advising on the development and implementation of a long-term water supply strategy for its mining operations in Chile, including regulatory compliance and engagement with key stakeholders.

Multinational Mining Company: advising on water rights and environmental and sector-specific permitting, including the completion of water rights titles and the organization of a groundwater users’ community, as well as engagement with agricultural companies, rural drinking water organizations, and other local stakeholders.

Agribusiness Company: advising one of Chile’s largest agribusiness companies on the management and regularization of its water rights, including the completion of water rights titles, non-use fees, and related regulatory matters.

Mining Company: advising on water supply and stakeholder engagement strategies for a major mining project, including long-term water supply planning and engagement with local communities and other key stakeholders.

Confidential Mining Company: advising on strategic water and environmental matters related to its mining operations in Chile, including water management, regulatory compliance, and environmental and sector-specific permitting.

Energy Company: advising on environmental, water, and sector-specific permitting matters related to power generation facilities in Chile, including administrative proceedings before government authorities.

Agribusiness Company: advising on the environmental assessment and permitting of a major agribusiness project, including its submission to and review under the Environmental Impact Assessment System (SEIA).

Universidad de Los Andes

JD

2021

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Diploma in Water Management and Regulation

2023