Bustamante Fabara's team excels in commercial litigation and arbitration. Of particular note is the firm’s expertise in insurance litigation, an area of specialism for group leader Mariana Villagomez Álvarez, who jointly heads the department alongside José Bustamante and managing partner María Rosa Fabara. The team continues to evolve since the merger between Bustamante & Bustamante and Fabara & Compañía in November 2021, with industries of interest for the team in 2022 including the power and infrastructure sectors. As a group, there is demonstrable expertise in representing clients before courts at all levels, from local civil courts to appellate courts. Other key practitioners include up-and-coming partner Hugo García Larriva, a June 2023 hire from Carmigniani Pérez Abogados); and associate Francisco Dávila Caicedo, who is frequently active in alternative dispute resolution proceedings.
Dispute resolution in Ecuador
Bustamante Fabara
Responsables de la pratique:
José Rafael Bustamante Espinosa; María Rosa Fabara; Mariana Villagómez Álvarez
Les références
‘They are very specialised and recognised lawyers. Their litigation team against the State is excellent. They always give very effective and creative solutions to our problems.’
‘We are very happy with the service. The partner who leads the team is María Rosa Fabara. I consider that she is one of the best lawyers that Ecuador has. Her ability to handle complex cases is what made us choose her as our attorney.’
‘Francisco Dávila is an excellent young lawyer, very responsible and with very technical legal knowledge.’
Principaux clients
China International Water & Electric
China Railway No. 9 Engineering Group
DirecTV Ecuador
Aig-Metropolitana Cía. de Seguros y Reaseguros
Generali Ecuador Compañía de Seguros
Comidas y Servicios
Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito Pedro Moncayo
Alltech Ecuador
Abbott Laboratorios del Ecuador
Principaux dossiers
- Represented China International Water & Electric Corp as plaintiff against CELEC EP in two lawsuits demanding payment of indirect costs and the termination of the civil works contract for $90m.
- Represented Zurich Seguros Ecuador as claimant against the Superintendency of Companies, Securities and Insurance in a constitutional protection action.
- Acted on behalf of two businesspeople in the legal process for the repossession of a real estate property that is part of an inheritance.
Carmigniani Pérez Abogados
Carmigniani Pérez Abogados, which offers clients assistance in civil, constitutional and commercial litigation, has further bolstered its arbitration department with the promotion of Daniel Dziouba to partner in 2022. He joins the partner-level team and practice leaders Eduardo Carmigniani and Roberto Carmigniani. Carla Cepeda, who was promoted to senior associate in February 2023, is extremely capable in arbitration, signifying the group’s wider ability to act for foreign and local clients in arbitration before the ICC and domestically. Carmigniani, who is the founder and managing partner, handles a diverse range of contentious work, including administrative disputes, complex litigation, national and international arbitration, and the enforcement of foreign judgments. Former practice co-head Hugo García Larriva moved to Bustamante Fabara in June 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Eduardo Carmigniani; Roberto Carmigniani
Principaux clients
Consorcio Ecuatoriano de Telecomunicaciones Conecel
Holcim Ecuador
Mapfre Atlas Compañía de Seguros
Banco Guayaquil
Proenergy Services
Luzar Trading
Stenn Assets International
Unilever Andina Ecuador
Guritbalsaflex Cía
ZTE Corporation
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Holcim Ecuador on an execution procedure before the Constitutional Court that arose from the enforcement of the Special Pension for Workers in the Cement Industry Act.
- Advising the contractor of a major hydroelectric project in Ecuador on an ICC commercial arbitration procedure initiated by Ecuador because of an alleged breach of contract.
- Representing América Móvil’s subsidiary before a constitutional recourse that will lead the Constitutional Court of Ecuador to deal with the applications of a decision of the Andean Court of Justice to an arbitration-related matter.
Coronel & Pérez
Regularly appearing in US and English courts and international arbitral tribunals, Coronel & Pérez continues to expand its international arbitration practice, notably in the oil sector, in addition to handling complex domestic litigation. Arbitration is indeed an area of interest for Cesar Coronel Jones, who leads the team alongside Hernán Pérez Loose and Jorge Sicouret Lynch. Also among the group’s diverse workload is domestic, administrative, constitutional and commercial litigation. César Coronel Ortega, who was named partner in 2022, has previously worked in the UK and the US and is therefore a key figure in the firm’s international mandates.
Responsables de la pratique:
César Coronel Jones; Hernán Pérez Loose; Jorge Sicouret Lynch
Les références
‘C&P is a professional firm that provides a personalised and clear service.’
‘César Coronel Ortega has provided us with service beyond the call of duty.’
‘Wonderful collaborative group with a family feel.’
Principaux clients
Kamana Services
Codelco
Fidunegocios
Municipality of Guayaquil
Ecuador TLC
Amdocs
Ecuavisa (Corporación Ecuatoriana de Televisión)
AECON INC. & AECON
Servicios Integrados Pañatury
Dow Chemical
Inmourbanist
Electroquil (Inkia Energy)
Grupo Ferrer Internacional
Occidental Petroleum
Chevron Corporation
Kimberly Clark International
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted Fidunegocios with writing a lengthy expert report on the various legal issues surrounding a dispute.
- Acting as co-counsel in two arbitrations together with US firm Sullivan & Cromwell.
- Advised Fidunegocios on a breach of a banana sale and purchase agreement.
Pérez Bustamante & Ponce
Rodrigo Jijón-Letort, Juan Manuel Marchán and Edgar Ulloa Balladares lead Pérez Bustamante & Ponce's dispute resolution team, which is 'uniquely suited to represent US-based companies and other multinational corporations facing the most complex and significant disputes in Ecuador' and has 'decades of experience handling complex, cross-border litigation and international arbitration'. The group's expertise also include mediation and crisis management, while -bolstered by Marchán’s experience- it's capabilities in the energy and infrastructure sectors are particuarly noteworthy. Jijón-Letort too, is highlighted and can draw on over 40 years' experience in international and domestic litigation and arbitration. At associate level, public law specialist senior José David Ortiz is a key member of the group’s constitutional litigation practice; and fellow senior Maria Teresa Borja is also a noteworthy member of the team. Since publication, Ortiz and the litigation-focused Patricio Quevedo-Vergara have both been raised to the partnership - effective as of January 2024.
Responsables de la pratique:
Rodrigo Jijón-Letort; Juan Manuel Marchán; Edgar Ulloa
Les références
‘The team is uniquely suited to represent US-based companies and other multinational corporations facing the most complex and significant disputes in Ecuador. PBP’s disputes lawyers, ably led by senior litigation partner Rodrigo Jijón-Letort, have decades of experience handling complex, cross-border litigation and international arbitration. The depth and quality of their legal analyses are second to none, their legal writing (in English and Spanish) is clear and concise. Their diligence, responsiveness and timeliness are outstanding, and their judgment is impeccable.’
‘They are excellent strategists, creative thinkers, and practical problem-solvers who understand their clients’ businesses. My go-to firm for significant, actual or potential litigation in Ecuador.’
‘The group is incredibly responsive to a client’s needs, regardless of complexity of the issues or urgency of the matter. Rodrigo Jijón-Letort in particular is a stellar lawyer, always approaching each matter with critical and strategic thinking, creative and practical problem-solving, and excellent judgement. He has assembled an outstanding team, including Edgar Ulloa, who are well-trained, responsive, thoughtful, strong legal analysts and clear writers. They are able to communicate effectively in Spanish or English. I have worked with many other law firms and other lawyers in Ecuador, and none has measured up to the level of excellence consistently displayed by this firm’s dispute resolution team.’
Principaux clients
Banco Pichincha
Andes Petroleum
Hospital Metropolitano
Organon
Cargill
Exploraciones Novomining
EKN
Cardno
Telefónica
Tata Consultancy Services
Principaux dossiers
- Represented Otecel in six arbitration proceedings and annulment actions against Arcotel.
- Advised Banco Pichincha on a variety of civil litigations including responding to civil damages claims.
- Advising the Swedish Export Credit Agency (EKN) on a $1m dispute over a breach of contract by a local contractor pursuant to the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods.
CorralRosales
Santiago Palacios leads the team at CorralRosales, with practitioners noted as ‘excellent lawyers who are technical, purposeful, agile, and who have great business sensitivity’. The department is equally proficient in litigation and arbitration, handling a range of cases. On the arbitration side, Xavier Rosales is the main figure, and Francisco Rosales is also an experienced arbitrator, often appearing as a consultant in the firm’s complex cases. At the associate level, Mateo Zavala is a strong litigator and is key for these mandates. In addition, the team regularly represents shareholders in relation to asset transfers and liquidation proceedings.
Responsables de la pratique:
Santiago Palacios
Les références
‘Direct access to the partners who are involved in the cases.’
‘The team stands out for its practical business sense.’
‘Excellent lawyers who are technical, purposeful, agile, and have great business sensitivity as well as empathy.’
Principaux clients
Banco Pichincha
Repsol
BMI Igualas Médicas
Nestlé
Grupo Familia
IBM del Ecuador
Indra Sistemas
Acciona Construcción
Fresenius Medical Care
Consorcio Linea 1 Metro de Quito
Fresenius Kabi
Pan American Life de Ecuador Seguros de Vida
Grünenthal
Kyndryl
Payless ShoeSource
COPA Airlines
Hannover
Securitas
Santillana
Yilport
Notary First of Quito
Dentons Paz Horowitz
The diverse workload handled by the dispute resolution team at Dentons Paz Horowitz includes public, administrative, constitutional, civil, labour, intellectual property, consumer protection and contract law cases. Senior associate Leyre Suarez and co-founder Jorge Paz Durini head the group, with the latter acting in international investment claims and private arbitration processes. The team sits within a firm which has a global reach, allowing it to leverage expertise in complex and high-profile judicial, commercial and regulatory disputes. The group is particularly active in the aviation, construction, energy, tourism, pharmaceutical and insurance industries, and is also active in public procurement and administrative law matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Leyre Suarez; Jorge Paz Durini
Les références
‘Jorge Paz Durini is very experienced in local litigation and foreign investment projects.’
Principaux clients
Pink Roses
Mkplink Estudios
Quifatex
KLM
Titan Minerals
Green Valley Resources
Elipe
Golden Valley Planta
Nek Development
Empresa Durini Industria de Madera
China Shandong International Economic and Technical Cooperation Group
Goodyear de Colombia
AVV Aviation Adjusters
Aecon Group
Aditmaq Aditivos y Maquinarias
Air France Sucursal en Ecuador
Applus Norcontrol Colombia
Beliatrading Ecuador
Natural Capital Mining
Atimasa
Principaux dossiers
- Defended Seguros Sucre in a tort case versus the Ministry of Defence, seeking an award due to an accident involving an army aircraft.
- Advised Goodyear de Colombia on a claim seeking a pending payment of $4.5m.
- Defended Titan Minerals, Green Valley Resources, Elipe, Golden Valley Planta and Nek Development against various claims regarding debts of approximately $8m.
ECIJA GPA
ECIJA GPA's disputes group, which has ‘excellent knowledge and experience in disputes and the applicable laws’, continues to build the arbitration and mediation arm of its practice, fielding experts in international commercial and investment arbitration. The team, which ‘generates confidence‘, works on cases which run the gamut of industries from construction and telecoms to oil and gas. Administrative litigation is a particular area of expertise, in which Blanca Gomez De La Torre is an influential team member; she leads the department alongside Juan Carlos Montenegro and Byron Sotomayor.
Responsables de la pratique:
Blanca Gómez De La Torre; Juan Carlos Montenegro; Byron Sotomayor
Les références
‘ECIJA has a team that generates confidence.’
‘Excellent knowledge and experience in disputes and the applicable law. Management is adaptable to the specific case that we are working on with them.’
‘The ECIJA team is always ready to assist us promptly in case of any emergency.’
Principaux clients
Arcotel
Tecnovia Madeira-Sociedade De Empreitadas
Sinohydro Corporation
Bananevito
Ravcorp
Maquinarias y Vehiculos Mavesa
Petrobell
National Assembly of Ecuador
Quito Chamber of Commerce Oil Commission
DirecTv Ecuador
Ecuadorian cyclist Mario Pons Seeling
Mayra Benenaula
Driving School Facildrive Cia.
AHC Consortium
Luis Hurtado
Luciana Valdivieso
Principaux dossiers
- Acted for Sinohydro Corporation as counsel in arbitration proceedings against Sakoto Construcciones.
- Advised Ravcorp on the collection of a promissory note drawn for the sum of $220,500.
- Advised Petrobell on the defence of a protection action proposed by the Wuaorani Bataboro community.
Lexvalor Abogados
Juan Francisco Almeida and Daniela Irigoyen lead Lexvalor Abogados‘ team, which contains ‘young lawyers with a great professional reputation‘. Clients instructing the group mostly stem from the financial services and real estate sectors, turning to the group for assistance in a plethora of litigation, arbitration and mediation processes instigated by and against trusts. Many of the matters handled by the practice are of a commercial or civil nature, arising from contractual and commercial relations. Iván Plascencia at the associate level stands out for his handling of contractual and non-contractual liability cases. Former practice head César Sánchez departed from the firm in September 2022.
Responsables de la pratique:
Juan Francisco Almeida; Daniela Irigoyen
Les références
‘They are young lawyers with a great professional reputation. They work as a team covering various disciplines.’
‘The Lexvalor team, with personalised attention, has been concerned with knowing the client’s requirements, and it has been evident that they have incorporated new technologies and experiences according to client requirements and satisfaction. I consider them a competitive team within the market and with timely attention.’
Principaux clients
Fideval
Banco Pichincha
Industrias Ales
Mutualista Pichincha
CR Constructora
Jabonería Wilson
Reserva Mashpi
Banco del Pacifico
Uribe y Schwarzkopf Ingenieros y Arquitectos
Corporación Favorita
Principaux dossiers
- Acted on behalf of Banco del Pacífico in the processing, filing and promotion of 40 insolvency proceedings against debtors who have not paid their debts to the bank.
- Advised Corporación Favorita on its acquisition of a property located in Quito from the Cooperativa de Trabajadores del Ministerio de Salud.
- Advising Vallejo Araujo e Imbauto on a judicial recovery of several credits in its favour, which are generated by the financing of vehicles.
Noboa, Peña & Torres, Abogados
Operating out of both Quito and Guayaquil, Noboa, Peña & Torres, Abogados‘ practitioners ‘have a lot of experience in dispute resolution‘ and often work on complex litigation. Its clients stem from the telecoms, oil and gas, energy and infrastructure sectors, among others, and include Banco Pichincha, the largest private bank in Ecuador. With over 30 years’ experience in dispute resolution, experienced civil litigator Gonzalo Noboa Baquerizo leads the team and is well supported by associate Margarita Vélez Casanova, who is valued by clients for her constitutional, administrative, civil and family law and arbitration expertise.
Responsables de la pratique:
Gonzalo Noboa Baquerizo
Les références
‘Excellent professionals.’
‘They have a lot of experience in dispute resolution.’
‘Noboa Peña y Torres is a very complete law firm. They have lawyers very focused on litigation.’
Principaux clients
Otecel
Telconet
Lubrisa
Unión de Bananeros Ecuatorianos
DHL Express
Banco Pichincha
Banco Internacional
Minutocorp
Navipac
Nutec America Costa Rica
Soderal Sociedad de Destilación de Alcoholes
Mexichem Ecuador
ABL Pharma
Montachem International
Masteri-Gentrack
Adecco Ecuador
Principaux dossiers
- Represented ABL Pharma in a civil lawsuit for moral damages in which it had been sued.
- Represented Banco Internacional in several cases for the recovery of outstanding amounts from companies and individuals in the city of Guayaquil.
- Represented Otecel in a lawsuit for damages initiated by Alomil that has gone through multiple judicial instances.
Pino Elizalde Abogados
Pino Elizalde Abogados‘ team, which is based in the firm’s main office in Guayaquil, regularly appears before the Contentious Administrative Chamber of the National Court of Justice and the Constitutional Court of Ecuador. Marco (Valentín) Elizalde, who founded the firm in 2017, leads the team and focused his practice in particular on arbitration, labour litigation and civil litigation during 2022. At the associate level, Jorge Cedeño is especially active in insolvency proceedings. Fellow associate Paulette Ocampo left the firm in April 2022. In an important development, since publication the firm has opened a Quito office - effective as of February 2024.
Responsables de la pratique:
Marco (Valentin) Elizalde
Principaux clients
Cervecería Nacional
Holcim Agregados
Bluequest Resources
Universal Sweet Industries
Grupo Liris
Univisa
Traxys Europe
Bank of Moscow
Bluetrust
Ripconciv Construcciones Civiles
Expoguayaquil
Sociedad Promotora de Inversores Inversur
Biosuper
Educonsul
Grupo Fajardo
Asociacion de Exportadores de Banana del Ecuador
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Cervecería Nacional on trying to overturn a judgment ordering it to pay $90.9m to alleged former workers, in connection with workers’ profit sharing.
- Represented Holcim in an administrative case against the Ecuadorian State, refuting the re-liquidation of a payment for mining royalties for the first and second semester of 2011.
- Represented Biosuper of the Pigalle Group in criminal proceedings for allegedly damaging protected trees and mangroves.
Robalino
Robalino‘s practice is known for assisting local and multinational companies in domestic and cross-border litigation in large and complex arbitration cases. Managing partner Javier Robalino Orellana is a name to note and heads up the team alongside experienced practitioner Luis Carlos Fernández, who has a high success rate in litigation proceedings. The department's work ranges from high-value arbitrations to assisting clients with day-to-day, complex issues concerning operations in Ecuador, where it acts for household name companies in a range of sectors.
Responsables de la pratique:
Javier Robalino Orellana; Luis Carlos Fernandez
Les références
‘The strength of Robalino is that they bring partners together with diverse practices to analyse not only the dispute but the underlying agreements. Robalino has individuals who have a background in the substantive transaction giving rise to the dispute, as well as experienced litigators. This allows the team to ask relevant questions related to the underlying transaction which better positions the strategy being employed in resolving the dispute.’
‘Javier Robalino leads the team and given his experience is uniquely positioned to understand the arc of the underlying transaction and the dispute. This enables Javier to map out a strategy to be employed, while still being cognisant of the client’s needs and limitations.’
‘Martín Pallares Sevilla brings an understanding of cross-border transactions to a litigation team which is invaluable in dissecting the underlying deal and understanding the various stress points in the transaction which contributed to the dispute. Martin is also invaluable at understanding the limitations associated with any resolution of the dispute.’
Principaux clients
CNH Industrial Brasil
CNHI International
Banco de Guayaquil
Carlson Wagonlit Travel
UBER Technologies
Worley International Services
Hyundai Engineering and Construction
Ufinet Ecuador
Generali Ecuador Compañía de Seguros
SK Engineering and Construction
Junefield Gold Investment
Schlumberger del Ecuador
Grupo Bolivar
Davivienda
Andean Tower Partners
Repsol
Perenco
Hancock Minerals
Principaux dossiers
- Defended CNH Industrial Brasil against ALES in a $155m damages claim.
- Represented Worley International Services in all proceedings against the Ecuadorian Comptroller General of the State, which resulted in a deal value of $186m.
- Represented Perenco International in the negotiation of a $471m enforcement and settlement agreement regarding an ICSID dispute.
Romero Arteta Ponce
Romero Arteta Ponce’s diverse offering includes a range of litigation and arbitration. Practice head Diego Romero is a noted arbitrator and has been the President of the Board of Directors of the Arbitration and Mediation Center of the Ecuadorian American Chamber of Commerce-AMCHAM for the last 20 years. On the mediation side, go-to team member Amparo Romero is a strong mediator, having appeared in the AMCHAM Center of Quito for over two decades.
Responsables de la pratique:
Diego Romero
Les références
‘High-level professionals. Very timely advice.’
‘Proactive, knowledgeable.’
Principaux clients
Suelopetrol
Westcon & Comstor Americas
Toyota del Ecuador
Zaimella del Ecuador
Banco Pichincha
Siemens
Chiquita Brands
Mafre Seguros Spain
Suan Farma Group
CNHI Industrial
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for Chiquita Brands concerning the execution of an international arbitration award in Ecuador.
- Acting for Suelopetrol in an international arbitration proceeding under Uncitral Rules.
- Acting for Siemens-Germany in a case under Uncitral Rules.
Estudio Jurídico Morales & Asociados
Estudio Jurídico Morales & Asociados is highly regarded by its clients, noted for its 'very detailed' advice and its 'solid training'. Practice group head Marco Morales Tobar and the team, which includes Marco Morales Andrade, are noted for having ‘excellent people skills, which is reflected in the management of clients’. As a group, areas of strength include civil, commercial, administrative litigation and family law litigation.
Responsables de la pratique:
Marco Morales Tobar
Les références
‘They are professionals, highly prepared and knowledgeable about Ecuadorian laws. The advice is very detailed, which makes it easy to understand.’
‘The firm provides us with updated technological tools, systems, controls, case monitoring, and process management.’
‘The personalised treatment by its members. They have excellent people skills, which is reflected in the management of their clients in the professional field.’
Principaux clients
Electricas De Medellin Comercial (Edemco)
Dalmedsolutions Cia.
Etinar
Banco Internacional
Consorcio Big Dig
UNACH – Universidad Nacional De Chimborazo
Andipuerto
Grupo Degfer
Celec Ep
Urbanizadora Naciones Unidas
Vicombustible
Principaux dossiers
- Advised UNACH in multiple constitutional processes.
- Advised Andipuerto Guayaquil on a claim for damages against the Port Authority (APG).
- Advised Banco Internacional on a moral damage trial.
Cevallos Casals Balseca & Bilbao Abogados
Roberto Bilbao and Daniela Cevallos head Cevallos Casals Balseca & Bilbao Abogados‘ dispute resolution group, which ‘provides an excellent service’ and hosts a ‘well-trained and experienced team', noted for its 'personalised and effective care’. Its broad client roster includes international and multinational businesses with origins in a range of countries such as the US, China, Europe and other Latin American countries. Senior associate Valeria Naranjo is a key name for public procurement-related litigation, and Luis Anibal Garcés Paredes is a go-to practitioner for contractual disputes, a strength of the wider group.
Responsables de la pratique:
Roberto Bilbao; Daniela Cevallos
Les références
‘Well-trained and experienced team which provides personalised and effective care.’
‘Provides an excellent service.’
Principaux clients
CNEEC
Finlink
Diego Fernando Estrella Bonilla
Protecompu
Filestorage
Global Trading Electric Globalelectric
AMDOCS
Principaux dossiers
- Acting on behalf of AMDOCS after the Contraloría General del Estado (Comptroller Office) decided to audit contracts between it and CNT.
- Advising CNEEC in relation to a damages lawsuit against CELEC for $39.5m relating to a hydroelectric plant.
- Advising CNEEC in relation to the unilateral termination of a contract by CELEC for the construction of hydroelectric plants Mazar and Dudas, including a damages lawsuit for $26.3m.
DLL Abogados
DLL Abogados' litigators ‘embody and represent the interests of their clients very well’. Heading up the group is Leopoldo González, who ‘always seeks to definitively solve a possible conflict so as not to have space for new disputes’. The team is equipped to handle a range of labour, civil, commercial and administrative litigation, as well as mediation, for which the team is praised by clients. Xavier Sisa is a key contact for administrative litigation.
Responsables de la pratique:
Leopoldo González
Les références
‘Leopoldo Gonzalez is very diligent in the tasks entrusted to him. He deeply analyses the situations and provides the best solutions for the company. He always seeks to definitively solve a possible conflict so as not to have space for new disputes. He also provides us with accurate recommendations and suggestions to apply in cases of conflicts in process and has also managed to resolve disputes through mediation.’
‘Leopoldo Gonzalez Gonzalez stands out for his analysis, seriousness, recommendations and diligence.’
‘They act at the right time that we require as clients.’
Principaux clients
Schlumberger del Ecuador
Halliburton
Automotores y Anexos (AYASA)
Banco Solidario
AC Bebidas Arcacontinental
Hotel Colón Internacional
Novaclinica
Plantaciones de Balsa Plantabal
Incremar
Pluspetrol Ecuador
Principaux dossiers
- Represented Shaya Ecuador in 11 legal proceedings filed by former employees of the company.
- Represented Automotores y Anexos (AYASA) in a group of 37 legal proceedings initiated by former workers who claimed to have been dismissed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Represented Distribuidora Importadora DIPOR in 21 administrative claim processes against the debt titles (glosas) issued by the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute.
Durini & Guerrero Abogados
Durini & Guerrero Abogados, with offices in Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca, fields ‘a young team full of highly trained professionals who provide comprehensive care in various branches of law‘ headed up by Juan Francisco Guerrero and associates Tomás Barrionuevo and Xavier Palacios. According to one client, the group is ‘an indispensable weapon in the face of any judicial or arbitration dispute‘. Guerrero is at the forefront of the group’s civil litigation, while the associates are regularly called upon by clients for assistance in matters of constitutional and administrative law.
Responsables de la pratique:
Juan Francisco Guerrero del Pozo; Tomás Barrionuevo Vaca; Xavier Palacios Abad
Les références
‘A young team full of highly trained professionals who provide comprehensive care in various branches of law. Excellent client service. The use of technological tools has allowed me as a client to always be in contact with the firm and I must emphasise that they always keep me informed regarding my case.’
‘The quality of the lawyers is exceptional. Juan Francisco Guerrero is a professional with extensive knowledge in administrative, constitutional and conflict resolution matters who generates a lot of trust and security for his clients. Xavier Palacios Abad is a young professional with a high capacity to handle complex issues in conflict resolution as well as in administrative and constitutional issues.’
‘The practice has a specialised and multidisciplinary team that is effective.’
Principaux clients
Concesionaria Integral-Intervias
Banco Central del Ecuador
Medicina Prepagada Cruz Blanca
Universidad de las Américas
Guayacan Gold Company CGC
DPM Ecuador
Banco Pichincha
Panavial
CNO
Hidrotambo
Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito Cooprogreso
Banco Diners Club
Nipro Medical Corporation
Álvarez Larrea Equipos Médicos Alem
Austrobank
Federación Ecuatoriana de Notorios del Ecuador
Universidad Internacional del Ecuador
Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito 29 de Octubre
IN&T Servicios Empresariales
Cámara de Compañías de Seguros del Ecuador
Principaux dossiers
- Advised different mining companies, including Dundee Precious Metals, on protective actions seeking to revoke operating permits.
- Advised Zaimella del Ecuador in an action of unconstitutionality against a norm that establishes a differentiated tax burden between national producers of hygiene products and companies that are dedicated to the importation of hygiene products.
- Advised CNO in order to collect the outstanding amounts payable by the company RDP, for the construction of the Refinería del Pacífico (Pacific Refinery).
Flor Bustamante Pizarro Hurtado Abogados
Clients of Flor Bustamante Pizarro Hurtado Abogados benefit from the practitioners' vast experience in national and international arbitration, characterised by practice co-head Roque Bustamante, who is also proficient in constitutional, civil, commercial and administrative litigation. Practice co-head Mario Flor is especially active in the energy and natural resources sectors, areas of focus for the group more widely, including for associate Claudia Garcia Bustamante. Tax controversy disputes are a standout element of the department’s work, in which Juan Carlos Peñafiel excels. Elsewhere, the arrival of Alfonso Becerra in June 2022 has further strengthened the team’s litigation work, particularly in labour cases.
Responsables de la pratique:
Roque Bustamante; Mario Flor
Principaux clients
Nokia Spain
Andes Petroleum Ecuador
Dundee Precious Metals
Anglo American
Auxin Norbenco
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Dundee Precious Metals by coordinating expert reports and declarations in a case involving indigenous communities.
- Represented Andes Petroleum Ecuador in a constitutional case filed by a group of former workers who claimed to be entitled to an outstanding balance for profit sharing.
López Ribadeneira Mora
In the words of clients, López Ribadeneira Mora ‘has outstanding strength in terms of litigation, especially in administrative litigation’, and ‘knows the country’s legal environment well’. Firm co-founders and name partners Daniel Lopez and Sebastián Mora lead the group, with the former praised for his ‘knowledge of public, administrative and procedural law, which is deep and outstanding’. Mora is adept in administrative law, public procurement and related contentious matters. Among the group’s clients are public entities, which the team often represents in arbitral proceedings.
Responsables de la pratique:
Daniel Lopéz; Sebastián Mora
Les références
‘Lopez Ribadeneira Mora has outstanding strength in terms of litigation, especially in administrative litigation. They are undoubtedly experts in this and stand out from the rest.’
‘Daniel López is the team leader and is undoubtedly an expert in the area of dispute resolution. His knowledge of public, administrative and procedural law is deep and outstanding.’
‘They are good strategists and are very good at teamwork. They know the country’s legal environment well and are very even-tempered.’
Principaux clients
Universidad Nacional de Educación de Ecuador
Montecz
Irigoyen & Asociados
Jofelu
Operaciones Rio Napo Cem
Irigoyen & Asociados
Principaux dossiers
- Represented a national public control entity in court in a $2bn damages lawsuit.
- Represented an international private oil company in a $16m lawsuit against the National Oil Public Company.
- Represented a group of Ecuadorian cheese and milk producers in a constitutional action before the Constitutional Court against several Ministries and public authorities relating to public health regulations.
Sempértegui Abogados
Quito-based firm Sempértegui Abogados, whose ‘objective is the success and well-being of the client it represents‘, often engages in matters in the energy and real estate sectors. ‘Excellent‘ managing partner Santiago Salazar is the practice head; he focuses on commercial contracts, civil law and alternative dispute resolution methods. More widely, the group’s broad offering includes litigation, arbitration and mediation, utilising non-traditional dispute resolution procedures when needed.
Responsables de la pratique:
Santiago Salazar
Les références
‘Santiago Salazar is excellent.’
‘There is a very good synergy between the team which strengthens the team because everyone works to achieve a single objective. That objective is the success and well-being of the client they represent, both national and international.’
‘Its human quality and professionalism stand out and its ability to take care of the client.’
Principaux clients
Mendoza Peña Sociedad Civil
Minera De Metálicos Colibrimining
Exportadora Aurífera
Cámara de la Pequeña y Mediana Industria de Pichincha
Edificio Lafayette
Steelinc
Cámara de la Pequeña y Mediana Industria de Pichincha
MasterCorp
Weatherford South América
InnovaSystems
INNOVASYSTEMS
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Minera De Metálicos Colibrimining on an administrative sanctioning process in relation to the concession “Laletier 1”.
- Advised a client on getting economic reparations from the Agriculture Ministry for the non-payment of the fair price of an estate.
Tobar ZVS
Led by Oscar Vela, Tobar ZVS‘ dispute resolution unit utilises mediation to resolve most of its clients’ disputes. Sector strengths for the group include mining, insurance, food and drink, plant breeding and construction, among others. A key addition to the group in 2022 was Marielena Zary, who is particularly known for her work in insurance disputes and supports René De Sola, who is also extremely active in insurance cases.
Responsables de la pratique:
Oscar Vela
Principaux clients
Kennedys
Generali
Plantas Técnicas Plantec
Principaux dossiers
- Representing multinational insurer Generali in an appeal before the National Court.
- Acted for a client in a medical negligence lawsuit against Conclina and two of its medical professionals.
- Carried out an investigation to present eight legal processes against small plant breeders who are producing and commercialising protected plant varieties in the province of Cotopaxi.