Languages
- Spanish
- English
José Manuel Cortés
Senior Associate
Senior associate at Guerrero Garcés since 2025, specializing in environmental, regulatory, natural resources, and mining law. José Manuel has extensive experience advising various Chilean and foreign companies on these matters, particularly in the mining industry. He also has experience in environmental and regulatory matters applicable to the aquaculture industry.
PRACTICE AREAS
- Environmental law
- Regulatory law
- Mining law
- Water law
- Construction and engineering contracts (EPC, EPC/CM)
EDUCATION
- Law School. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile (2014)
- Certificate in Comercial and Economic Law, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile (2014)
- Academic exchange program, University of California – Santa Barbara, California, United States (2013)
- Diploma in Permits, Concessions, and Administrative Authorizations, Universidad de Los Andes, Santiago, Chile (2019)
- Master of Energy and Resources Law, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia (2023)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Paralegal, Estudio Jurídico Otero (2012)
- Associate, Guzmán y Cía. Abogados (2015-2016)
- Legal counsel, Antofagasta Minerals S.A. (2016-2023)
- Senior legal counsel, Cermaq Chile (2024-2025)
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
- Research Assistant, Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California - Santa Barbara (2023-present)
PUBLICATIONS
- “Lithium mining in Chile: Assuring water resources’ sustainability”, University of Denver Water Law Review (Spring 2025)
Languages
- Spanish
- English
