Chambers Latin America 2022 The leading lawyers and law firms across Latin America Ecuador chambers.com Ecuador www.chambers.com How lawyers are ranked Every year we carry out thousands of in-depth interviews with clients in order to assess the reputations and expertise of business lawyers worldwide. The qualities we look for (and which determine rankings) include technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial awareness/astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by the client. Contents: Banking & Finance p.525 Competition/Antitrust p.526 Corporate/Commercial p.528 Dispute Resolution p.530 Energy & Natural Resources p.532 Intellectual Property p.533 Labour & Employment p.535 Real Estate p.537 Tax p.539 Leading Individuals p.541 ECUADOR: An Introduction Contributed by Pérez Bustamante & Ponce Ecuador began 2021 with hopes to jump-start the economy after the losses of 2020, and has welcomed a new President, Mr. Guillermo Lasso, who took office in May. The last four years being focused on ensuring legal and fiscal stability to attract foreign investment as a crucial element of public policy, the new administration is tasked with continuing these efforts to further secure foreign investment and important financing. The government’s first actions intend to create the best possible business climate, with initial executive orders aimed at: (i) launching a mass vaccination effort; (ii) reducing regulatory hurdles for administrative procedures and imports entering the country; (iii) rejoining the ICSID Convention. Regarding the government response to the COVID-19 emergency, the vaccination plan for 2021 is already underway to enable the resumption of productive activities. The initial goal is to vaccinate 60% of the adult population by the end of September. Ecuador’s GDP took a significant hit in 2020, falling by an estimated 8%, but preliminary figures for 2021 estimate growth of 2.8%. After a second round of mostly full-on lockdowns between March and May, the government has opted for less restrictive measures controlled by local authorities. Therefore, public and private activities in most sectors are expected to carry on in 2021, with the public sector workforce progressively returning to offices as vaccination progresses. Since Ecuador lacks stimulus packages due to the economic contraction, it has enacted important legislation, especially concerning labour rules to aid private entities. The new emergency and productive contracts have very important provisions to promote employment but with flexible terms and indemnification that reduce risks for employers. Remote work has gained importance and prompted technification in many areas. Accordingly, labour regulations have also been updated to clearly outline new working conditions. The IMF’s help in covering a significant public deficit has also led to significant efforts to cut unnecessary public expenditure. The extraordinary events in 2020 have also meant the elimination of public agencies alongside efforts to reduce regulatory requirements. A combination of promotion of private investment as a means to revamp the economy and more technical controls of public spending have improved the external perception of Ecuador and have been the basis for agreements with external entities such as the IMF. Under the new administration, the public agenda and public policies are expected to be focused on objectives such as: - Increased productivity. 524 - Reduced public debt and deficit. - Income tax exemption for new investments. - Promote investment and job creation. - Increase Ecuador’s credibility in foreign markets. - Increase revenue from public assets and infrastructure. - Effective payment of Ecuador’s international obligations. - Increased oil production, promote responsible mining operations. Ecuador’s ongoing efforts to increase productivity is also a priority. As Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar as its currency (which is credited with providing economic stability), it is crucial to increase its participation in foreign markets with competitive local products. The commercial treaty with the European Union continues to bring important opportunities in that regard. Moreover, in December 2020, negotiations for a commercial agreement between Ecuador and the United States, headlined by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, have led to an initial phase agreement. The United States is Ecuador’s principal destination for non-oil related exports, and favourable conditions are key to local industries. Ecuador has also shown interest in joining the Pacific Alliance with Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. As part of that effort, Ecuador is rejoining the ICSID Convention. Important legal reforms, like those to the Code of Commerce which incorporated regulations for several contracts previously ignored by Ecuadorian law in the fields of distribution, agency and franchising, continue to strengthen commercial relations within the country and with foreign counterparts. A legal reform to the Companies Law to include the new “SAS” (simplified stock) corporation has prompted a wave of incorporations of companies free from past restrictions such as notarial and registration expenses and delays in authorisations. These reforms have also updated important aspects of corporate law in Ecuador to keep up with neighbouring countries and to allow shareholders to include truly binding shareholders’ agreements and, in general, better corporate governance. Due to the need to cover the deficit, several public entities have continued to promote private investment by implementing strategies such as concessions of public works and public-private partnerships. Concessions of public infrastructure have been announced as part of these efforts, and interesting developments are expected. In the hydrocarbon industry, the government expects to increase production and has entered into several contracts with private com- Banking & Finance www.chambers.com panies, offering incentives for investments that allow incremental production. A potential recovery of international oil prices, if the expected increase in demand exists, would also bring important income and would increase activity in general. The mining industry has been slowly advancing with many important international players setting up shop in the country. Both public and private entities have been acknowledging the importance of developing this industry, with a more peaceful coexistence between miners and environmental activists. Gold and copper are the most prominent resources in the country. In 2020 exports increased and mining was one of the few industries which grew to some extent. Projections for 2021 indicate a 70% jump from the year prior. Although some industries have powerful regulatory agencies that require significant initial licences, such as the food, medicine, agrochemical and telecommunications industries, important reforms aim to expedite most day-to-day procedures, incorporate electronic filing and waive certain requirements. This has been especially palpable in the pharmaceutical industry and the sanitary registration of such products. Also, many of these agencies have been implementing electronic filing options as a result of the disruption caused by the pandemic. In the telecommunications market, the government aims to increase internet access. A recent reform of the Telecommunications Law offers advantages to tech companies and reduces the rates for spectrum use, among other measures. Ecuador The M&A market was on hold for most of 2020 but resumed in 2021. The acquisition of medium and large local companies by foreign investors seems to be a prevalent and important trend. Local parties have gained important knowledge in the last decade on such procedures and international interest remains high. Ecuador is also seen as a developing market for app-based businesses and fintech, with some regional and local players seeing success. While no specific legislation exists to date, the new administration is seen as keen to allow these industries to prosper alongside more traditional ones. Similarly, the much delayed Data Protection Law was unanimously passed into law in May. This law is generally in line with international standards and concepts and allows local companies to implement internal processes over the next two years. This will require changes by certain businesses which regularly gather and manage personal information, including changes to internal manuals, policies, contracts, appointment of data protection officers, and new reporting obligations. In dispute resolution matters, Ecuador is a signatory of the New York Convention, it has a longstanding arbitration law and it approves of ADR methods in general. International companies have legal assurances that choice of law and jurisdiction clauses are respected in local courts. The local court system has been challenged by the COVID-19 emergency and has had some trouble adjusting to electronic means, but it is gradually returning to pre-emergency levels of response. Banking & Finance Banking & Finance Leading Firms Band 1 Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Band 2 ROBALINO Band 3 Fabara & Compañía Abogados Flor & Hurtado * Lexvalor Abogados * Leading Individuals Band 1 Pineda Cordero Bruno Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Band 2 Beltrán Jesús ROBALINO Flor Mario Alejandro Flor & Hurtado Ramírez Mesec Diego Fabara & Compañía Abogados Band 3 Cevallos Carrera Jorge Alfonso AVL Abogados (ORL) ◊ Chiriboga Margoth Lexvalor Abogados * * Indicates firm / individual with profile. ◊ (ORL) = Other Ranked Lawyer. Alphabetical order within each band. Band 1 is highest. Band 1 Pérez Bustamante & Ponce See profile on p.562 What the team is known for Market-leading banking and finance department within a powerhouse full-service firm. Team stands out in the market for its prowess handling high-value syndicated loan transactions, particularly for institutional lenders. Regularly advises clients on the financing of major infrastructure projects. Also offers significant expertise assisting with IPOs and sovereign bond issuances. Client roster includes a number of multilateral organisations, alongside major investment banks. Strengths An interviewee is quick to commend the firm’s approach, stating: “They have a good and thorough commercial awareness, as well as being very useful when negotiating complex agreements.” Another observer appreciates that “the firm has a team of qualified lawyers who can respond to sophisticated requests.” They also add: “The reliability of their service is also valued very highly.” Work highlights Pérez Bustamante & Ponce assisted HSBC with the negotiation and execution of three incremental amendments, as well as a reaffirmation agreement and the review of documents subject to local laws. Notable practitioners Front-running partner Bruno Pineda Cordero (see p.544) is held in the highest esteem by clients, with one reporting: “He has a prestigious reputation in the market and his professional command of matters is excellent,” adding: “I would very confidently recommend him.” Another observer says: “Bruno Pineda Cordero is the best external adviser for financial legal matters. His experience in this field is very valuable.” Band 2 ROBALINO What the team is known for ROBALINO offers a strong presence in the Ecuadorian banking sphere. Routinely instructed to assist with bilateral and syndicated loan agreements. Also known for advising clients on their foreign investment and debt restructuring mandates. Boasts additional expertise representing issuers and underwriters in the issuance of diverse debt instruments, including social and green bonds, as well as securitisations. Strengths ROBALINO comes highly recommended by clients, with one reporting: “They offer an excellent service in Ecuador’s banking and finance arena.” The same respondent also praises the firm for their “immediate attention and constant support,” also adding that “their close and personalised client service makes them stand out in the market.” Work highlights ROBALINO acted as local counsel to Banco del Pacífico in connection with a cross-border securitisation of existing and future payment rights arising from foreign remittances. Notable practitioners A client describes Jesús Beltrán as “a very commercial lawyer with a ‘can do’ attitude,” adding that “he is effective and has clear communication skills.” Another observer praises Jesús Beltrán for being “a great lawyer who knows how to work with American clients in a very effective way.” Band 3 Fabara & Compañía Abogados What the team is known for Full-service firm with a respected banking and finance practice. Team is experienced advising foreign lenders on financing transactions involving the government and stateowned entities. Demonstrates activity assisting clients with bilateral and syndicated credit facilities. Boasts further expertise in the capital markets 525 Ecuador Competition/Antitrustwww.chambers.com arena, advising on bonds issuances by the Republic of Ecuador and derivatives mandates. Strengths A client praises the firm, rating its services as “excellent,” adding that “they are responsive, practical and highly commercial.” The same respondent also says: “They understand and apply the law in Ecuador well, and are able to be creative in structuring atypical financings.” Work highlights Fabara & Compañía Abogados assisted Nomura Securities with a financial derivatives transaction involving bonds, to provide finance to a state-owned development bank in Ecuador. Notable practitioners Solid partner and head of department Diego Ramírez Mesec is lauded by a client as “a very responsive and knowledgeable lawyer.” The same interviewee also adds that “he provides advice on local law which is insightful and makes commercial sense.” Another client further describes him as “an expert in Ecuador’s financial arena.” Flor & Hurtado Lexvalor Abogados What the team is known for Emerging practice with standout capabilities in project finance mandates, particularly in the mining and renewable energy spaces. Increasingly hired by multilateral lenders investing in Ecuadorian infrastructure projects and greenfield developments. Also retained to assist with syndicated loans, corporate financing and debt refinancing mandates. Strengths A market commentator acknowledges their relevance in the area, declaring: “We see them actively involved in cases, especially acting in credit matters for multilateral organisations.” Work highlights Flor & Hurtado assisted the Inter-American Investment Corporation, as senior lender, in a USD230 million financing granted to Corporación Favorita. Notable practitioners Noteworthy partner Mario Alejandro Flor is well regarded by market onlookers for his expertise in the sector, with one reporting: “He is the leading partner at Flor & Hurtado and has a fluid relationship with multilateral organisations.” Mario Alejandro Flor boasts over two decades’ experience advising clients on a wide range of financing transactions, especially in the infrastructure arena. What the team is known for Full-service firm with a significant banking and finance offering. Team is experienced advising lenders and corporate borrowers on bilateral and syndicated credit facilities to finance projects and corporate acquisitions. Boasts further expertise in capital markets with notable activity advising on bond issuances. Advises a diverse client base including multinational corporations, commercial banks and asset managers. Strengths A market observer praises Lexvalor Abogados’ “extensive experience in the financial sector.” Work highlights Lexvalor advised Mercaptial Casa de Valores in the legal structuring of bond issuances, valued at over USD100 million. Notable practitioners Margoth Chiriboga (see p.542) is praised by a client, who states: “She is renowned for her in-depth knowledge and charisma.” They also say: “She is clear with her advice, and her problem-solving skills always help us prevent future risk.” Another observer also values her “strong understanding of the financial sector.” See profile on p.556 See profile on p.559 Other Ranked Lawyers Head of department Jorge Alfonso Cevallos Carrera of AVL Abogados is well regarded by a market commentator who says that “he is an effective and decent lawyer,” adding: “It is a pleasure to work with him.” Another interviewee also characterises him as “an extremely detailed lawyer.” Competition/Antitrust Competition/Antitrust Leading Firms Competition/Antitrust Leading Individuals Band 1 Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Band 1 Band 2 AntiTrust Consultores Band 2 CorralRosales * Rosales-Kuri Xavier CorralRosales * Fabara & Compañía Abogados Sperber David AntiTrust Consultores Band 3 Bustamante & Bustamante * Band 3 ROBALINO Bustamante Crespo José Rafael Bustamante * * Indicates firm / individual with profile. Robalino-Orellana Javier ROBALINO ◊ (ORL) = Other Ranked Lawyer. Up-and-coming individuals Alphabetical order within each band. Band 1 is highest. Pérez-Ordóñez Diego Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Fabara Vera María Rosa Fabara & Compañía Abogados Andrade Cadena Xavier AVL Abogados (ORL) ◊ Pozo Fabián T. Gottifredi & Pozo Law (ORL) ◊ Robalino-Orellana Daniel ROBALINO Band 1 Star associates Pérez Bustamante & Ponce Associates to watch See profile on p.562 What the team is known for Full-service powerhouse with a stellar reputation in the competition arena. Team is skilled representing clients in high-profile investigations concerning alleged abuse of dominant position and cartel activity. Frequently called upon to support the firm’s M&A practice in handling significant merger control filings. Boasts additional expertise assisting clients with investigations related to restrictive practices, data privacy and trade secrets. Client roster includes blue-chip clients from the technology, telecommunications and aviation industries. Veolia Environnement, SAAM Logistics and 526 Navarrete-Serrano Mario Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Castelo Daniel Fabara & Compañía Abogados Samudio Ana CorralRosales * Etex are new client wins. Strengths Front-running firm Pérez Bustamante & Ponce receives praise from a commentator who states that “they have a great ability to understand our business, as well as offering an extensive experience in market analysis.” They go on to add: “The team is always up-to-date on the newest mandates in the sector and represents a who’s who of companies in the market.” Another observer points to the firm’s “experienced and strong team” as one of its main strengths. Work highlights Pérez Bustamante & Ponce advised Veolia on the local competition aspects of its global acquisition of Suez. Notable practitioners Top-tier partner Diego Pérez-Ordóñez (see p.544) comes highly recommended by a client, who enthuses: “He is a lawyer with extensive skills in competition matters, investigations and sanctions. He always gives advice that is clear and needed for the business.” Another interviewee describes him as a “seasoned partner,” also adding: “He has a great ability to produce high-quality work and is the leading lawyer in Ecuador’s competition arena.” Star associate Mario Navarrete-Serrano (see p.543)’s “advice has been very valuable to our business and he has demonstrated a broad knowledge and professional experience in the competition arena,” according to a client. Another interviewee also says that “he is a well-regarded name in the market.” Band 2 AntiTrust Consultores What the team is known for Respected boutique firm with extensive experience in competition law. Team has particular strength representing notable names from the pharmaceutical, telecommunications and automotive industries on investigations related to abuse of dominant position and cartel activity. Also well placed to assist with merger con- Competition/Antitrust www.chambers.com trol proceedings, as well as implementing antitrust compliance programmes. Mitsubishi, Mazda, and Toyota are among the new clients the firm has won. Strengths A market commentator praises AntiTrust Consultores for having a team of “very good professionals who represent both local and international clients in the market.” Work highlights AntiTrust Consultores advised GlovoApp on its acquisition of assets from a competitor, as well as the subsequent merger control filings. Notable practitioners David Sperber is held in high regard by the market for his longstanding presence in Ecuador’s competition arena, with an interviewee reporting: “He is an extremely knowledgeable competition lawyer.” Another observer further points to his activity in the field, while highlighting his “well-known antitrust practice.” David Sperber is well placed to assist international organisations with their related mandates. CorralRosales See profile on p.552 What the team is known for Dynamic practice group boasting a proven track record in the Ecuadorian competition space. Well placed to advise consumer goods, telecommunications and pharmaceutical clients on merger control and regulatory issues. Also has a strong practice assisting clients with investigations carried out by the authorities into cartel activity, such as price fixing. Strengths An interviewee commends CorralRosales’ team for offering “a strong service that is characterised by the partners’ involvement in the cases, as well as their availability and timely responses.” The same respondent adds: “They are very practical and business-oriented.” Work highlights CorralRosales represented Grupo Familia in a cartel investigation initiated by the competition authority, related to alleged price fixing in the tissue paper market between Kimberly-Clark and Grupo Familia. Notable practitioners Highly reputed partner Xavier Rosales-Kuri (see p.545) boasts significant expertise advising clients on merger control and antitrust clearance, as well as across investigations into anti-competitive behaviour. A market commentator praises his activity in the sector, reporting: “Xavier Rosales-Kuri is an excellent lawyer who has an in-depth knowledge of the field.” Senior associate Ana Samudio (see p.545) is well placed to assist clients with a variety of competition matters, including cartel investigations, merger control and unfair competition disputes. An interviewee says that “she plays an active role in Ecuador’s antitrust arena.” Ecuador Fabara & Compañía Abogados ROBALINO What the team is known for Distinguished practice group providing counsel on a variety of competition matters. Particularly experienced in handling unfair competition investigations across a range of industries including insurance, pharmaceuticals and education. Also retained by clients to assist with antitrust clearance for mergers and acquisitions, as well as compliance mandates. Strengths A client highlights the firm’s commercial awareness, stating: “They take into account the commercial aspects of our cases and have helped us understand the complexities in this area. They are also able explain the legal and commercial point of view to the authorities, which is very valuable.” Work highlights Fabara & Compañía Abogados represented PepsiCo Alimentos Ecuador in an abuse of dominant position investigation initiated by a former potato supplier. Notable practitioners Highly regarded partner María Rosa Fabara Vera is described by an interviewee as “an excellent litigator who has a wealth of experience and a strong track record in this field.” Another observer remarks: “She is extremely knowledgeable of the sector.” María Rosa Fabara Vera offers a dynamic practice advising clients on unfair competition investigations, as well as merger control procedures. Associate-to-watch Daniel Castelo “knows the local competition legislation very well,” according to a client. Another interviewee also praises Daniel Castelo for “his extensive experience in the field.” What the team is known for Well-known practice actively advising clients on a wide range of antitrust issues. Team has notable experience obtaining regulatory clearance for M&A transactions. Also provides expertise assisting with investigations into alleged anti-competitive practices such as abuse of dominant position. Firm was formed by lawyers spinning off from Ferrere. Delivery Hero is a new client win for the firm. Strengths A market commentator attests that “they have a team of professionals who are always up-todate on the Ecuadorian legal market.” Work highlights ROBALINO advised Iberia Airlines on the merger control notification of its acquisition of Air Europa Airlines’ Ecuadorian branch. Notable practitioners Experienced partner Javier Robalino-Orellana offers extensive experience advising clients from the maritime and terrestrial transportation industries on their competition mandates. He is also well placed to represent clients in antitrust litigation proceedings. Javier Robalino-Orellana is co-head of department. Up-and-coming partner Daniel Robalino-Orellana co-heads ROBALINO’s competition department, and is endorsed by an interviewee for being “highly capable in antitrust matters.” He is also described by another commentator as “a young but active lawyer.” Band 3 Bustamante & Bustamante See profile on p.550 What the team is known for Full-service firm with a dynamic department offering noted skills in competition mandates. Retained by local and international companies from a wide range of industries such as energy, pharmaceuticals and food and beverage to assist with merger control proceedings, antitrust approval for joint ventures and compliance programmes. Team also advises on abuse of dominant position and cartel investigations. Strengths One interviewee reports: “The service provided by Bustamante & Bustamante is very high. They always respond in a timely manner and cover all of our enquiries and requests fully.” The same respondent adds: “They work very collaboratively with us and other lawyers in the jurisdiction.” Work highlights Bustamante & Bustamante advised MegaCavedi in a private damages claim filed against Kimberly-Clark for alleged cartel activity in Ecuador. Notable practitioners An interviewee praises José Rafael Bustamante Crespo (see p.541) for being “a very good lawyer who boasts a strong relationship with his clients.” Another observer says that “his main strength is his extraordinary ability to reach agreements.” Other Ranked Lawyers Dynamic partner Xavier Andrade Cadena of AVL Abogados is praised by a client who describes him as “a very knowledgeable professional with increasing commercial awareness.” They also go on to add: “He is looking at what the organisations of the future will need and I can ask him questions about different matters.” Up-and-coming partner Fabián Pozo of Gottifredi & Pozo Law is commended by a market insider for being “a highly knowledgeable lawyer who carries himself very well.” Another interviewee admires him for “his great experience in the academic work,” and adds: “Fabián Pozo has a growing practice in the market.” 527 Ecuador Corporate/Commercialwww.chambers.com Corporate/Commercial Corporate/Commercial Leading Firms Band 1 Bustamante & Bustamante * Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Band 2 CorralRosales * ROBALINO Band 3 Coronel & Pérez * Fabara & Compañía Abogados Noboa, Peña & Torres * Band 4 Carmigniani Pérez Abogados Lexvalor Abogados * Pino Elizalde Abogados Romero Arteta Ponce Senior Statespeople & Eminent Practitioners Senior Statespeople: distinguished older partners Bustamante Juan Carlos Bustamante & Bustamante * Coronel Jones César Coronel & Pérez * Eminent Practitioners Robalino-Orellana Javier ROBALINO Leading Individuals Band 1 Pérez-Ordóñez Diego Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Rosales-Kuri Xavier CorralRosales * Band 2 Bustamante Crespo José Rafael Bustamante * Flor Mario Alejandro Flor & Hurtado (ORL) ◊ Marchán Juan Manuel Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Band 3 Andrade Cadena Xavier AVL Abogados (ORL) ◊ Bustamante Espinosa José Rafael Bustamante * Carmigniani Eduardo Carmigniani Pérez Abogados Chiriboga Margoth Lexvalor Abogados * Fabara Vera María Rosa Fabara & Compañía Abogados Peña R. Patricio Noboa, Peña & Torres * Pino Arroba Daniel Pino Elizalde Abogados Romero Ponce Diego Romero Arteta Ponce Romero Ponce Gustavo Romero Arteta Ponce Up-and-coming individuals Bustamante Juan Felipe Bustamante & Bustamante * Pallares Martín ROBALINO Associates to watch Brown Perez Andres Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * * Indicates firm / individual with profile. ◊ (ORL) = Other Ranked Lawyer. Alphabetical order within each band. Band 1 is highest. Band 1 Bustamante & Bustamante See profile on p.550 What the team is known for Revered corporate department known for handling high-profile M&A transactions. Strong bench of lawyers boasts extensive experience assisting with joint venture and share purchase agreements. Also acts as a strategic partner, advising clients on corporate restructuring and the establishment of operations in the country. Team handles an array of day-to-day corporate matters for its impressive client roster. Grupo Sur and AKD International are new client wins. Strengths An impressed client reports: “Their lawyers are able to combine the business and legal aspects of our work by designing strong corporate 528 structures that have allowed us to grow faster than we had expected.” An observer states: “Bustamante & Bustamante has an experienced team that has clear experience working with the main multinational and local players in the market.” Work highlights Bustamante & Bustamante advised Grupo Sur on the establishment of its operations in Ecuador. Notable practitioners Seasoned practitioner Juan Carlos Bustamante (see p.541) is “a prominent lawyer in Ecuador’s corporate arena,” an interviewee enthuses. Juan Carlos Bustamante offers a longstanding practice advising notable local and international clients on complex cross-border transactions. Highly regarded partner José Rafael Bustamante Crespo (see p.541) is held in high regard by interviewees for his strong corporate and commercial practice. One interviewee appreciates that “he is able to interpret risk and suggest where we should focus our efforts,” while another observer enthuses: “José Rafael Bustamante Crespo is a very pro-deal lawyer who is business-savvy and can handle high-profile clients.” Well-regarded partner José Rafael Bustamante Espinosa (see p.541) is “a highly knowledgeable senior partner,” according to an interviewee. Another observer points to his longstanding presence in the market, while also highlighting his extensive experience in the area. He boasts extensive expertise advising clients on their M&A transactions. Up-and-coming partner Juan Felipe Bustamante (see p.541) “has always been attentive to our requirements and enquiries,” according to a client. An impressed observer remarks: “He is fast, efficient and always focused on providing simple, clear and effective solutions.” Pérez Bustamante & Ponce See profile on p.562 What the team is known for Market-leading full-service powerhouse with a renowned corporate practice group. Strong bench of recognised practitioners is noted for assisting leading local and international clients with cross-border transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, share purchase agreements and divestitures. Boasts additional expertise advising on complex corporate restructuring, as well as assisting startups and major multinationals with their incorporations in the country. Notable roster includes clients from an array of sectors, with new additions including Visa International, Maersk and Rappi. Strengths One client states: “Pérez Bustamante & Ponce offers a high-quality service, as well as technical and practical answers to complex problems,” adding: “They have a team of highly efficient lawyers.” A market observer highlights the firm’s commercial awareness, stating: “They are grounded in the market reality while also providing innovative answers to problems.” Work highlights Pérez Bustamante & Ponce advised Fyffes International on the due diligence and acquisition of a banana producer in Ecuador. Notable practitioners Market-leading partner Diego Pérez-Ordóñez (see p.544) benefits from extensive experience advising clients on cross-border M&A transactions. A source describes him as “an excellent and very responsible lawyer,” adding: “He provided a high-quality service and timely advice.” Another interviewee appreciates that he “was able to identify all the risks in our transaction and transmit them clearly.” Diego Pérez-Ordóñez is well placed to represent buyers, sellers and investment funds in the structuring of joint ventures, as well as the negotiation of SPAs. A market observer commends Juan Manuel Marchán (see p.543) for “offering an impressive prestige in Ecuador, as well as a sophisticated understanding of the law.” They also appreciate that “he is business -avvy and empathetic to his clients’ needs.” A different interviewee states: “He offers great analytical abilities when handling complex matters and is a leading player in the Ecuadorian transactional arena.” Director Andres Brown Perez (see p.541) is “a creative lawyer with a strategic business vision,” according to a client, who goes on to add: “His in-depth legal knowledge allows him to handle transactional mandates.” Band 2 CorralRosales See profile on p.552 What the team is known for Established practice boasting significant experience in this field. Routinely assists with incorporations, acquisitions and disposals, as well as joint venture agreements. Offers additional capabilities advising on corporate governance, distribution agreements and day-to-day regulatory issues arising from corporate and commercial activities. Services a premier clientele, including key players from the sportswear, telecommunications, and food and beverage industries. Bayer, Fresenius Medical Care and Santillana are recent additions to the firm’s client portfolio. Strengths An interviewee remarks that “the firm has know-how and works hard for everything we do, investing considerable energy in understanding our situation,” adding: “Their main strength is understanding the client.” Work highlights CorralRosales advised Location World Holdings on its corporate restructuring and international expansion across Latin America. Notable practitioners Front-running partner Xavier Rosales-Kuri (see p.545) comes highly commended by interviewees for his market-leading practice in Ecuador’s corporate and commercial sphere. An observer appreciates that “he is able to provide very clear advice,” while another says: “He is a seasoned practitioner who is committed to his clients and assertive when dealing with the other side in transactions. He is extremely well connected and adds value just by being there.” ROBALINO What the team is known for Acclaimed corporate department offering expertise assisting clients with the negotiation of commercial contracts including distribution, concession and joint venture agreements. Additional capabilities advising on the purchase and sale of majority and minority share packages, as well as cross-border M&A transactions. Trusted counsel to notable clients hailing from the retail, construction and technology sectors. Strengths A client applauds: “ROBALINO’s service is excellent. They are always available and willing to Corporate/Commercial www.chambers.com help,” adding: “They have a team of lawyers who have different areas of expertise, which brings different perspectives to the analysis of our work.” Work highlights ROBALINO acted as lead Ecuadorian counsel to Delivery Hero on its global acquisition of GlovoApp. Notable practitioners Managing partner Javier Robalino-Orellana boasts a stellar practice advising local and international clients on their cross-border M&A and foreign investment transactions. A market observer raves about Javier Robalino’s expertise handling highly complex matters in Ecuador’s corporate and commercial sphere. Up-and-coming partner Martín Pallares is “an excellent lawyer who offers a very good practice in the corporate and commercial arenas,” a client reports, adding: “He is a young professional who has a lot of potential to grow in the market.” Band 3 Coronel & Pérez See profile on p.551 What the team is known for Respected corporate firm active assisting local and multinational companies with a range of matters, including M&A transactions, corporate reorganisations and the establishment of operations in the country. Team is also well placed to advise on day-to-day commercial and regulatory matters. Client portfolio includes notable names from the agriculture, insurance and transport sectors. Strengths Coronel & Pérez is endorsed by clients for their capabilities in the field, with one stating: “They have an in-depth knowledge of the local legislation, as well as strong experience handling negotiations.” They add: “They are technically sound and provide solid corporate advice.” Work highlights Coronel & Pérez assisted SUMIFRU Group on the incorporation of its business in Ecuador, as well as the acquisition of approximately 3,000 hectares of banana plantations. Notable practitioners Senior statesperson César Coronel Jones (see p.542) possesses over four decades’ experience handling corporate and commercial mandates in Ecuador. He continues to offer a solid practice advising on the negotiation of supply, distribution and service contracts. Fabara & Compañía Abogados What the team is known for Admired practice group skilled at handling day-to-day corporate advisory and transactional matters for clients from the agriculture, insurance, and food and beverage industries. Team is well placed to handle M&A transactions, asset disposals and corporate restructuring. Also adept at advising on commercial contracts, insolvency proceedings and corporate governance issues. Strengths A market observer praises Fabara & Compañía Abogados’ corporate and commercial team, highlighting their “professionalism, commitment and strong deliverables.” They go on to add: “They also have an extensive view of the general economic and commercial issues in Ecuador.” Work highlights Fabara & Compañía Abogados advised Pascal Universal, New Sea Development Services and Abako on the acquisition of the remaining shares of Pacific Bank from Pacific Blue Ocean Holding, in order to consolidate their 100% ownership of the bank. Notable practitioners Well-regarded partner María Rosa Fabara Vera is “a hard-working lawyer who is a great communicator and possesses the emotional intelligence to know how far to push in negotiations,” a client applauds. Another interviewee adds: “María Rosa Fabara Vera is a sage adviser who offers professional advice that is always focused on protecting our interests.” Noboa, Peña & Torres See profile on p.561 What the team is known for Experienced corporate department well versed in matters concerning the insurance and food and beverage sectors. Furnishes advice to clients on day-to-day commercial and regulatory matters, as well as assisting with shareholder agreements. Boasts additional abilities in joint venture negotiations and M&A transactions. New client wins include Nestlé Ecuador and Goldman Sachs. Strengths One client enthuses: “Noboa, Peña & Torres’s team provide timely advice and have always been available. Their strong service gives them an advantage in the Ecuadorian market.” Work highlights Noboa, Peña & Torres acted as counsel to Heineken on its acquisition of an additional stake in Biela y Bebidas del Ecuador, allowing Heineken to hold approximately 90% of the stakes in the company. Notable practitioners Respected partner Patricio Peña (see p.543) is an experienced corporate lawyer who boasts a career spanning more than 25 years, including work in both the public and private sectors. An interviewee describes him as “the leading name at the firm,” also praising his “highly personalised service.” Band 4 Carmigniani Pérez Abogados What the team is known for Recognised practice active in the local market advising key clients on an array of issues including M&A transactions, commercial contracts and corporate restructuring. Clients include players from the health, food and beverage, and consumer goods industries. Team’s capabilities are further complemented by its strong dispute resolution practice. Strengths “The team at Carmigniani Pérez Abogados build a good working environment with their clients. They are able to offer timely advice, as well as strong international experience,” an interviewee enthuses. Work highlights Carmigniani Pérez Abogados advised Thessalia and Fábrica de Envases Fadesa on the structuring and establishment of a joint venture to build and operate a lithography, varnishing and tinplate cutting plant in Ecuador. Notable practitioners Longstanding partner Eduardo Carmigniani is “a very complete lawyer,” according to an interviewee. He is frequently sought out by clients to handle local and cross-border M&A transactions, as well as advising on concession agreements and capitalisations. Lexvalor Abogados See profile on p.559 What the team is known for Dynamic team with expertise in various corporate matters, such as spinoffs and M&A transactions. Team offers additional experience assisting clients from the retail, food and Ecuador beverage, and pharmaceutical industries with their commercial contracts, corporate governance issues and day-to-day regulatory mandates. Arthrex, R2 Capital and TGS Ecuador are new client wins. Strengths An observer appreciates that Lexvalor Abogados “renders services of the utmost quality.” The same respondent goes on to add: “They always go the extra mile for their clients. They offer a strong legal vision of the case while also providing a good commercial awareness.” Work highlights Lexvalor Abogados assisted Superdeportes with its corporate restructuring process as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Notable practitioners Margoth Chiriboga (see p.542) boasts extensive expertise leading the firm’s most important corporate matters. She is well placed to assist clients with M&A transactions, corporate restructuring processes and the implementation of governance standards. Margoth Chiriboga also offers significant experience advising on the equity and debt markets. Pino Elizalde Abogados What the team is known for Well-regarded Guayaquil-based firm entering the rankings for the first time this year. Team is well placed to advise clients on their day-to-day commercial and contractual matters. Also adept at assisting with corporate restructuring, M&A transactions and corporate governance mandates. Almacenes La Ganga counts as a new client win. Strengths An interviewee appreciates that “Pino Elizalde Abogados have provided an excellent service. They have a team of professionals who are very dedicated and knowledgeable of the law.” Work highlights Pino Elizalde Abogados advised Panasonic on its day-to-day commercial operations in Ecuador. Notable practitioners Daniel Pino Arroba is “a highly knowledgeable corporate lawyer who has a strong understanding of the financial area and is a good negotiator,” a client enthuses. He is well placed to advise clients on their day-to-day commercial mandates, as well as assisting with M&A transactions and debt restructuring. Romero Arteta Ponce What the team is known for Key practice recognised for its experience representing clients with operations in the technology, energy and automotive sectors. Frequently instructed by local and multinational clients to assist with company incorporations as well as advising them on domestic regulatory and contractual matters. Berlitz, Nissan and Pronaca Alimentos are new client wins. Strengths An interviewee commends the firm, stating that “their professionalism and constant follow-up means they act in a coordinated and efficient manner.” Work highlights Romerto Arteta Ponce assisted Timberland USA with the negotiation of its commercial contracts, including distribution agreements. Notable practitioners Solid partner Diego Romero Ponce garners praise from an interviewee for being “a strong professional who is up to date with his knowledge and is able to problem-solve.” Another observer describes him as “a disciplined, timely and respectful lawyer who has a great experience in commercial law.” Experienced partner Gustavo Romero Ponce boasts a 529 Ecuador Dispute Resolutionwww.chambers.com longstanding presence in Ecuador’s corporate and commercial field. He is well placed to advise clients on debt restructuring and regulatory commercial advice, as well as assisting them with the establishment of operations in the country. Other Ranked Lawyers Xavier Andrade Cadena is “a corporate lawyer who has a very good reputation in the sector,” according to an interviewee. A client adds: “He is able to explain the legal and commercial elements of a transaction and offers a good business acumen.” Xavier Andrade Cadena continues to offer a solid practice advising clients on their day-to-day commercial operations. Experienced M&A partner Mario Alejandro Flor of Flor & Hurtado is commended by an interviewee who considers him to be “a very professional and knowledgeable lawyer who offers timely responses to our questions.” A different source remarks: “He is a reliable and responsive professional,” while also highlighting his experience handling a wide range of corporate transactions. Dispute Resolution Dispute Resolution Leading Firms Band 1 Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Band 2 Carmigniani Pérez Abogados Coronel & Pérez * ROBALINO Band 3 AVL Abogados * CorralRosales * Senior Statespeople Senior Statespeople: distinguished older partners Coronel Jones César Coronel & Pérez * Corral Burbano de Lara Fabián Corral Barriga (ORL) ◊ Ponce Martínez Alejandro Quevedo & Ponce (ORL) ◊ * Leading Individuals Band 1 Carmigniani Eduardo Carmigniani Pérez Abogados Jijón Rodrigo Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Pérez Loose Hernán Coronel & Pérez * Robalino-Orellana Javier ROBALINO Band 2 Marchán Juan Manuel Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Band 3 Andrade Cadena Xavier AVL Abogados Jaramillo Terán Fabián Jaramillo Dávila Abogados (ORL) ◊ Noboa Baquerizo Gonzalo Luis Noboa, Peña (ORL) ◊ * Palacios Cisneros Santiago CorralRosales * Peña Alberto Expertise Abogados (ORL) ◊ Romero Ponce Diego Romero Arteta Ponce (ORL) ◊ Ulloa-Balladares Edgar Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Up-and-coming individuals Garcia Hugo Carmigniani Pérez Abogados Guerrero del Pozo Juan Francisco Durini (ORL) ◊ * López Suárez Daniel López Ribadeneira (ORL) ◊ Star associates Borja María Teresa ROBALINO Associates to watch Jaramillo Troya Javier Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Suárez Leyre Dentons Paz Horowitz (ORL) ◊ * Indicates firm / individual with profile. ◊ (ORL) = Other Ranked Lawyer. Alphabetical order within each band. Band 1 is highest. 530 Band 1 Band 2 Pérez Bustamante & Ponce Carmigniani Pérez Abogados See profile on p.562 What the team is known for Market-leading firm with a standout disputes practice renowned for its longstanding experience in the market. Fields a deep bench of expert lawyers capable of handling highly sophisticated civil, commercial and administrative litigation proceedings. Boasts additional expertise representing clients in high-profile investment arbitration cases. Caters to a clientele of key players from a wide range of industry sectors, such as energy, consumer goods and construction. Consorcio CGGC-FOPECA and Petrex are new client wins. Strengths “The quality and experience of Pérez Bustamante & Ponce’s team when handling complex issues stands out in the market; they are excellent,” a client enthuses. Another interviewee highlights the lawyers’ “very good service,” as well as their “timely answers and strong advice in arbitration proceedings.” Work highlights Pérez Bustamante & Ponce represented Cardno in several breach of contract disputes against CELEC, in relation to the construction of three hydroelectric power plants. Notable practitioners Much-admired partner Rodrigo Jijón (see p.543) is “a specialised dispute resolution lawyer who offers an excellent track record in the area,” according to a client, who goes on to add: “He is technically knowledgeable and offers balanced and practical solutions to our problems.” An interviewee further points to his strong litigation skills and describes him as “one of the best procedural lawyers in the country.” Rodrigo Jijón continues to boast a stellar practice handling high-profile local and international arbitration proceedings. Highly reputed partner Juan Manuel Marchán (see p.543) heads the firm’s domestic and international arbitration unit. He boasts extensive experience advising clients on high-profile investment arbitration cases. A market observer applauds Juan Manuel Marchán for being “a very renowned figure in Ecuador’s dispute resolution arena.” Key partner Edgar Ulloa-Balladares (see p.545) is commended by a client, who reports: “He is a strategist who is able to offer good mediation skills.” They also appreciate that “he is a spectacular litigator.” Another interviewee adds: “He is a very good lawyer in this field.” Associate-to-watch Javier Jaramillo Troya (see p.543) elicits significant praise from clients, with one highlighting his dispute resolution capabilities. Another interviewee describes him as “a spectacular lawyer.” What the team is known for Acclaimed team of conflict resolution professionals with notable strength handling international arbitration cases under ICC and CIAM rules. Experienced assisting clients from the food and beverage, telecommunications and consumer goods industries with civil, commercial and administrative litigation proceedings before the local courts. Also boasts particular expertise in constitutional disputes. Strengths One client highlights Carmigniani Pérez Abogados’ service, adding that “they always face the cases with a winning mentality and creativity.” Work highlights Carmigniani Pérez Abogados represented SAAM in a series of actions initiated by the counterparty in order to revoke the client’s permit to operate the largest private port in Ecuador. Notable practitioners Top-tier partner Eduardo Carmigniani is held in the highest esteem by interviewees for his stellar dispute resolution practice. An observer reports: “He stands out for handling important litigation cases in the city of Guayaquil.” Another commentator describes him as “an outstanding litigator.” Eduardo Carmigniani is also well versed in complex arbitration proceedings. Up-and-coming partner Hugo Garcia is endorsed by interviewees for his solid experience in the market. One interviewee reports: “He knows how to break down problems and provide simple, efficient and pragmatic advice.” Coronel & Pérez See profile on p.551 What the team is known for Respected practice with a strong offering across the litigation arena. Regularly retained by clients to assist with commercial disputes, including breach of contract, damages claims and distribution agreement litigation. Practice is further enhanced by the team’s capabilities in administrative and constitutional disputes. Also boasts extensive experience representing clients in investor-state arbitrations under ICC rules. GolTV, Inmourbanist and the Municipality of Guayaquil are new client wins for the firm. Strengths Impressed by the advice on offer at the firm, an interviewee reports: “Their level of professionalism is recognised in Ecuador and internationally.” Work highlights Coronel & Pérez represented the Municipality of Guayaquil in an international arbitration seated in Chile, regarding a contract for the dredging of the access canal for the port of Guayaquil. Dispute Resolution www.chambers.com Notable practitioners A client describes senior statesperson César Coronel Jones (see p.542) as “a highly experienced lawyer who has a lot of knowledge of the courts proceedings,” adding: “He is an expert in procedural law who instils a lot of confidence in his clients.” Stellar partner Hernán Pérez Loose (see p.544) is singled out by a client for being “a sophisticated and intelligent lawyer who is a great orator in court.” Another commentator reports: “He is in a different league from other lawyers. We have been extremely impressed by his knowledge, the quality of his work and the logical and practical advice he provides. He is excellent.” Hernán Pérez Loose boasts a leading practice advising clients on mediation and arbitration proceedings, while also assisting with commercial disputes. ROBALINO What the team is known for Well-regarded practice group with significant expertise in international arbitration. Adept at representing clients in investment arbitration proceedings, as well as advising on pretrial negotiations and mediation. Team boasts additional expertise handling litigation encompassing a variety of commercial, administrative and constitutional disputes. Clients include notable names from the automotive, construction and technology sectors. Strengths “ROBALINO’s dispute resolution team stand out for their client-oriented approach,” an interviewee reports, adding: “They generally work with notable international clients.” Work highlights ROBALINO represented CNH Industrial Brasil and CNHI International in a damages claim filed by its local Ecuadorian distributor, arguing that CNHI International could not appoint a second distributor in Ecuador. Notable practitioners Outstanding partner Javier Robalino-Orellana continues to offer a leading practice in Ecuador’s dispute resolution arena. A client describes him as “a thorough lawyer who is tenacious, honest and hard-working.” Another commentator adds: “Javier Robalino-Orellana offers a comprehensive service that covers everything you need in Ecuador. He is extremely skilful and offers a very strong investment arbitration expertise.” Star associate María Teresa Borja comes highly recommended by the market, with one client describing her as “a relatively young lawyer who has remarkable experience in the area.” An observer adds: “She has an excellent handle on international arbitration proceedings.” Ecuador Band 3 Other Ranked Lawyers AVL Abogados Senior statesperson Fabián Corral Burbano de Lara of Corral Barriga Abogados boasts a strong academic and professional career in the market, offering vast experience assisting clients with local arbitration proceedings arising from commercial disputes. A client appreciates that Juan Francisco Guerrero del Pozo (see p.542) of Durini & Guerrero Abogados is “able to combine his expertise in the area with the commercial needs of his client’s very well,” adding: “He provides effective and practical legal solutions.” Another interviewee also notes: “He is very dedicated and knowledgeable, and possesses extensive experience in the field.” Fabián Jaramillo Terán is a seasoned practitioner who offer particular expertise representing clients in labour and civil litigation proceedings. An interviewee lauds him as “a great lawyer who handles complex litigation cases.” Another interviewee asserts: “He is incredibly well known for his prowess in labour litigation.” Up-and-coming practitioner Daniel López Suárez of López Ribadeneira is “an excellent lawyer who always meets our expectations,” a client reports. Another interviewee appreciates “his good credibility in the area,” adding: “When I have Daniel López Suárez on my side, I know I am going to be well represented.” A client praises Gonzalo Luis Noboa Baquerizo (see p.543) of Noboa, Peña & Torres for “his good reputation in Ecuador’s dispute resolution field.” Another interviewee says that “he is an extremely analytical lawyer who has a very broad knowledge of the law and a good business acumen.” Well-regarded partner Alberto Peña of Expertise Abogados is commended by an interviewee for his “strong negotiation skills.” A client describes him as “committed and responsible,” adding that he is “able to meet all our expectations and satisfy our legal needs. “ Seasoned practitioner Alejandro Ponce Martínez (see p.544) of Quevedo & Ponce is “a very studious lawyer who has a great understanding of both national and international law,” according to a client. A different interviewee reports: “His attention and advice were one of the main factors I took into account when deciding to hire the firm.” Solid partner and co-head of department Diego Romero Ponce of Romero Arteta Ponce boasts significant expertise advising clients on arbitration and mediation proceedings. One client enthuses: “He is just fantastic. He is a lawyer with a lot of class who can deal with complex issues,” adding: “He is very good at mediating difficult family issues.” Leyre Suárez is director of Dentons Paz Horowitz’s dispute resolution department. She is commended by an interviewee for her strong litigation skills, and they also report: “Leyre Suárez is a very dedicated lawyer who is able to provide a very high-quality service.” See profile on p.549 What the team is known for Significant disputes practice with a strong track record representing clients in domestic and international arbitration proceedings, particularly those under ICC rules. Well placed to assist clients with commercial and administrative litigation, including breach of contract, damages claims and settlement agreements. Routinely provides counsel to an impressive client roster from the telecommunications and mining industries. Strengths An impressed client enthuses: “AVL Abogados work very well as a team and they stand out in the market for their transparency, excellent advice and close, personalised service.” Work highlights AVL Abogados advised CLARO on several commercial litigation cases, including contractual breaches and damages claims. Notable practitioners A market observer commends Xavier Andrade Cadena for being “a well-versed professional who has a good understanding of our business,” adding: “He is a smooth communicator who is always available to provide support.” Another interviewee affirms: “Xavier Andrade Cadena is an experienced and knowledgeable dispute resolution lawyer.” CorralRosales See profile on p.552 What the team is known for Well-reputed disputes practice offering demonstrable strength in commercial and administrative litigation. Regularly assists clients with disputes concerning breach of contract, damages claims and nullity actions. Team possesses additional expertise in domestic and international arbitration proceedings, including those under ICC rules. Strengths A market commentator appreciates that “CorralRosales has accomplished the goal of becoming a modern and cutting-edge firm, which allows them to handle an important portfolio of national and international clients.” Work highlights CorralRosales represented Consorcio de los Cuatro Ríos de Cuenca in an international arbitration relating to a breach of the contract for the construction of a tram system in the city of Cuenca. Notable practitioners Established lawyer Santiago Palacios Cisneros (see p.543) is praised by a client, who comments that “his holistic approach makes it possible for him to handle complex situations.” A market observer adds: “He is our go-to lawyer at the firm. He always reviews all of our documents and offers very good advice.” 531 Ecuador Energy & Natural Resourceswww.chambers.com Energy & Natural Resources Energy & Natural Resources Leading Firms Band 1 Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Band 2 Bustamante & Bustamante * ECIJA GPA * ROBALINO Tobar ZVS * Band 3 AVL Abogados * Flor & Hurtado * Senior Statespeople Senior Statespeople: distinguished older partners Bustamante Juan Carlos Bustamante & Bustamante * Roldán-Cobo Francisco Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Leading Individuals Band 1 Bustamante Roque Bernardo Bustamante & Bustamante * p.545) “offers a longstanding practice in Ecuador’s energy and natural resources market,” an interviewee commends, adding: “He is able to offer sage advice on how to approach the different stakeholders, which helps facilitate agreements.” Respected partner Jaime Zaldumbide (see p.546) is “an extremely intelligent and experienced lawyer who has a broad understanding of the oil and gas sector,” an observer applauds, adding: “He is able to analyse problems thoroughly and provide very good advice.” Jaime Zaldumbide is well placed to advise clients on the exploration and exploitation of natural resources and the development of alternative energy projects. Associate-to-watch María Isabel Aillón-Vásconez (see p.541) garners praise from an interviewee for her “active presence in Ecuador’s mining sphere.” María Isabel Aillón-Vásconez also boasts significant expertise advising clients on energy and oil and gas mandates. Zumárraga César Tobar ZVS * Band 2 González Galarza Gonzalo ECIJA GPA Robalino-Orellana Javier ROBALINO Zaldumbide Jaime Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Band 3 Andrade Cadena Xavier AVL Abogados Ycaza Andrés Flor & Hurtado Up-and-coming individuals Valdivieso Rafael ROBALINO Associates to watch Aillón-Vásconez María Isabel Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Larrea Juan Fernando Tobar ZVS * * Indicates firm / individual with profile. Alphabetical order within each band. Band 1 is highest. Band 1 Pérez Bustamante & Ponce See profile on p.562 What the team is known for Market-leading energy and natural resources practice boasting an enviable roster of domestic and international clients. Advises on a wide range of corporate and regulatory issues within the oil and gas and mining sectors, including acquisitions, joint ventures and concession agreements. Team offers particular expertise in public and private bids relating to energy generation projects. Boasts additional capabilities assisting with environmental concerns and sector-related contentious mandates. Cámara de Minería del Ecuador is a new client win. Strengths One client enthuses: “Pérez Bustamante & Ponce has a strong team of professionals who make sure you are always receiving a high level of service.” They go on to add: “They are true business partners who understand the market and offer a close, personalised service.” Another interviewee highlights their “vast experience,” as well as “the strong involvement of their senior partners in the cases.” Work highlights Pérez Bustamante & Ponce represented OSISKO in the negotiation and execution of an agreement to buy a percentage of a mining royalty held in the Fruta del Norte gold project by one of the geologists who initially discovered the gold mine. Notable practitioners Seasoned practitioner Francisco Roldán-Cobo (see 532 Band 2 Bustamante & Bustamante See profile on p.550 What the team is known for Skilled team with strong expertise in transactions within the energy field. Especially active in the renewable energy sphere assisting providers with public and private bidding processes and compliance. Offers additional activity in the mining sector, regularly advising clients on joint venture agreements and royalty mandates. Also boasts further expertise in the oil and gas arena representing clients in pipeline construction and concession agreements. Strengths “Bustamante & Bustamante are an excellent firm with a very good reputation in the Ecuadorian market,” an interviewee reports, adding: “They are able to provide immediate solutions to issues that are both legally and politically complex.” Work highlights Bustamante & Bustamante advised Newcrest on the acquisition of gold prepay and stream facilities, as well as a USD460 million offtake agreement with Lundin Gold, in relation to its Fruta del Norte mine. Notable practitioners Senior statesperson Juan Carlos Bustamante (see p.541) is a highly reputed player in Ecuador’s energy and natural resources arena. One interviewee describes him as a “well-renowned lawyer,” while another points to his extensive expertise representing clients in sector-related constitutional litigation proceedings. Outstanding partner Roque Bernardo Bustamante (see p.541) is “an extremely experienced and highly knowledgeable lawyer who has a very good understanding of the legal context in the country,” according to a client. A different interviewee praises him for being “efficient and proactive,” while another describes him as “a heavyweight in Ecuador’s oil and gas industry.” Roque Bernardo Bustamante also offers a market-leading practice advising clients on their mining issues. gas industries to advise on concession agreements, bidding rounds and the privatisation of oil fields. Lawyers are well placed to advise clients on contractual matters in the oil industry, as well as representing them in complex arbitration proceedings. Schlumberger, Repsol and GEBH are among recent additions to the firm’s client portfolio. Strengths A client appreciates that “Ecija Abogados has a very good understanding of our industry. Their work is also respected in the field and you can tell that they know all the stakeholders in the area.” Work highlights Ecija Abogados advised Schlumberger on the termination of the Kamana and Panacocha fields located at the Amazon basin, under the modality of Integrated Services with Financing of the Contractor, as well as the migration of investments to Auca. Notable practitioners Established practitioner Gonzalo González Galarza comes highly recommended by clients, with one reporting: “He knows the tariffs and how to negotiate oil and gas contracts.” Another interviewee states: “He is an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer who is a renowned player in Argentina’s oil and gas sector.” ROBALINO What the team is known for Notable firm with particular expertise advising on public bidding processes in the oil and gas arena. Highly experienced in negotiating service contracts with the state, assisting with project finance and handling dayto-day commercial and regulatory matters, including permitting. Also well placed to advise on the construction of power generation and mining projects. New client wins include Total Eren and Yildirim. Strengths A market observer praises ROBALINO for offering “a good ability to foresee risk,” while also appreciating their “good sector-related litigation strategies.” Another interviewee values that they are “very client-focused.” Work highlights ROBALINO advised Pluspetrol on the successful acquisition of Block 10 from Eni. Notable practitioners Well-regarded partner Javier Robalino-Orellana garners praise from clients, with one enthusing: “He is an experienced and very well-known lawyer in Ecuador,” adding: “He is a very professional lawyer who has very strong technical skills.” Another interviewee appreciates that “he is very commercially aware and is in tune with the needs of foreign investors.” Javier Robalino-Orellana is frequently seen representing clients in sector-related arbitration proceedings. Up-andcoming partner Rafael Valdivieso “oversees the most complex matters at the firm and demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of the area,” according to an interviewee. Another commentator describes him as “very approachable” while also pointing to his wideranging experience in the sector. Tobar ZVS See profile on p.565 What the team is known for Highly respected practice group with an important reputation in the ECIJA GPA Ecuadorian mining sector. Routinely advises clients See profile on p.48 on the negotiation of mining concessions with the What the team is known for Esteemed practice government, as well as securing their finance and group with a stalwart position in the hydrocarbons structuring them. Team is also known for assisting sector. Routinely instructed by clients in the oil and with environmental concerns and the procurement Intellectual Property www.chambers.com of permits for scout drilling. Minera Mesaloma is a notable client win for the firm. Strengths One client says: “Tobar ZVS’s experience in the mining sphere allows us to take decisions that make our operations viable while also complying with the current Ecuadorian legislation.” Work highlights Tobar ZVS advised SolGold on the structuring, negotiation and closing of a USD150 million financing agreement for the development of the Cascabel mining project. Notable practitioners Market observers praise César Zumárraga (see p.546) for his market-leading mining practice, with one enthusing: “He is able to handle the details of every transaction and exhibits a vast knowledge of the matters.” They also endorse him for “being very active and always taking on responsibility.” A different interviewee describes him as “a first-class lawyer who has a reputation that precedes him.” César Zumárraga continues to boast a stellar practice advising clients with farm-in and joint venture agreements. Senior associate Juan Fernando Larrea (see p.543) is “extremely attentive and focused on the details,” according to an interviewee, who goes on to add: “He is always available and offers an excellent service in the field.” Ecuador Band 3 Flor & Hurtado AVL Abogados What the team is known for Dynamic firm with a strong reputation in the energy and natural resources market. Team is frequently instructed by notable clients in the renewable energies and mining industries, advising the latter on the drafting and negotiation of concession agreements and mining rights. Also boasts prowess assisting clients with administrative proceedings before the Ecuadorian authorities. Strengths One market observer applauds Flor & Hurtado for their strong practice advising on the financing of high-complexity energy projects. Work highlights Flor & Hurtado represented Sunstone in the acquisition of an 87.5% stake in La Plata Minerales, holder of the concession for the Bramaderos gold-copper project in Ecuador. Notable practitioners Well-regarded partner Andrés Ycaza is endorsed by a market commentator for being “a young lawyer who is very active in the sector.” A client also highlights his solid practice in the mining arena. Andrés Ycaza benefits from significant experience advising on the negotiation of concession agreements and mining rights. See profile on p.549 What the team is known for Noteworthy firm with a strong reputation advising clients from the mining industry on their gold, zinc and silver extraction mining projects. Team is well placed to assist with the negotiation and execution of concession agreements and acquisition of mining projects, as well as across administrative procedures for the renewal of water and environmental permits. Cornerstone is a new client win for the firm. Strengths Praising the firm’s experience in this field, one client reports: “They are very familiar with the mining sector. They know how to work in this area and they have a team of good lawyers.” They also appreciate that “they always kept us up to date and provided good and timely advice.” Work highlights AVL Abogados assisted INV Metals with the legal procedure for a change of phase, as well as in the execution of an exploitation agreement. Notable practitioners Dynamic partner Xavier Andrade Cadena offers extensive experience handling a variety of mining mandates, including the negotiation and execution of concession agreements and acquisition of mining project. An interviewee describes him as “respectable, earnest and very knowledgeable.” See profile on p.556 Intellectual Property Intellectual Property Leading Firms Intellectual Property Senior Statespeople Band 1 CorralRosales * Senior Statespeople: distinguished older partners Falconi Puig Abogados Leading Individuals Band 2 Bustamante & Bustamante * Fabara & Compañía Abogados Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Band 3 Meythaler & Zambrano * Romero Corral Abogados * * Indicates firm / individual with profile. Ponce Martínez Alejandro Quevedo & Ponce (ORL) ◊ * Band 1 Fabara Vera María Rosa Fabara & Compañía Abogados Romoleroux María Cecilia CorralRosales * Band 2 Arroyo del Río Carlos Alberto Falconi Puig Abogados Mandakovic Falconi Sasha Falconi Puig Abogados Pérez Gangotena Francisco Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Robayo Carmen Bustamante & Bustamante * ◊ (ORL) = Other Ranked Lawyer. Band 3 Alphabetical order within each band. Band 1 is highest. Bustamante Espinosa José Rafael Bustamante * Band 1 CorralRosales See profile on p.552 What the team is known for Outstanding practice group continuing to act at the forefront of Ecuador’s IP sphere. Stands out for counselling multinational clients on portfolio management, spanning trade marks, patents and copyright mandates as well as handling anti-counterfeiting and sanitary registrations. Routinely called upon to handle infringement proceedings and sector-related unfair competition disputes. Client roster features leading domestic and international companies from the food and beverage, technology and pharmaceutical industries. Strengths A market commentator reports: “CorralRosales offers a flawless work product. They are efficient, responsible and proactive,” also noting: “They Falconi Pérez Cecilia Falconi Puig Abogados Gallegos Francisco CorralRosales * Meythaler Baquero José Meythaler & Zambrano * Rivadeneira María Belén Divergent Law (ORL) ◊ Rivera Alfonso Tobar ZVS (ORL) ◊ * Romero Margarita Romero Corral Abogados Up-and-coming individuals Mantilla Compte Jaime Falconi Puig Abogados Robayo Byron Dentons Paz Horowitz (ORL) ◊ Associates to watch González-Gómez de la Torre Rafael Pérez Bustamante * Guerrero Carolina Romero Arteta Ponce (ORL) ◊ are diligent and very organised.” A different interviewee describes them as “a very important competitor in the market,” adding: “They have a very good client portfolio.” Another observer adds: “They are very responsive and their advice is clear and very thorough.” Work highlights CorralRosales represented Administration des Biens de Sas le Prince Souverain in an opposition to the registration of the mark Grace Kelly by Spek Rose Breeding International. Notable practitioners Stellar partner María Cecilia Romoleroux (see p.545) is well placed to advise clients on the full gamut of IP matters. She regularly assists with trade marks, patents and copyright, as well as anti-counterfeiting actions and sector-related unfair competition mandates. One interviewee describes her as “an international IP heavyweight,” while another reports: “María Cecilia Romoleroux’s work is timely, thorough and direct.” Solid partner Francisco Gallegos (see p.542) “is a leading player in Ecuador’s intellectual property market,” according to a client. Another observer appreciates that “he is able to propose a number of alternative solutions for every problem we face, addressing the risks and consequence of every action we take.” Francisco Gallegos is also wellversed in life sciences and technology matters. Falconi Puig Abogados What the team is known for Market-leading boutique IP firm with a wide coverage of the market, assisting clients with trade marks, patents and copyright matters. Strong bench of practitioners remains well equipped to handle a variety of contentious proceedings, including oppositions, infringement and nullity actions, as well as anti-counterfeiting. Enjoys an impressive client portfolio of domestic and multinational companies from a diverse array of industries such as technology, food and drink and entertainment. 533 Ecuador Intellectual Propertywww.chambers.com Strengths Impressed by the firm’s service, one client states: “Falconi Puig has a very professional intellectual property team who are timely and responsible, as well as able to comply with international market standards.” Another interviewee says: “During the pandemic we were risking our businesses and their advice was extremely helpful in keeping us grounded.” Work highlights Falconi Puig advised Zuleta y Anexas on several trade mark prosecutions. Notable practitioners Admired partner Carlos Alberto Arroyo del Río “is always up-to-date with the most innovative matters in Ecuador,” according to a market observer, who goes on to add: “He is a professional lawyer who has a good network of contacts and a strong emotional intelligence.” Another interviewee states: “Carlos Alberto Arroyo del Río has been able to coordinate our data privacy and invention protection cases in a highly professional manner.” Skilled partner Sasha Mandakovic Falconi boasts extensive experience assisting clients with a variety of trade mark matters, as well as patent applications and anti-counterfeiting actions. An impressed client reports: “He was able to successfully protect our trade mark portfolio in Ecuador.” Sasha Mandakovic Falconi is also well placed to advise clients on sector-related administrative and judicial litigation cases. Established partner Cecilia Falconi Pérez garners praise from an interviewee, who declares: “She is an excellent lawyer who offers extensive knowledge and experience of the intellectual property sphere.” Another observer describes her as “brilliant,” and adds: “She has a really strong intellectual property practice in Ecuador.” Up-and-coming partner Jaime Mantilla Compte is commended by interviewees for being “very active in the intellectual property arena.” Another observer also describes him as “a good lawyer.” He is well placed to assist clients with their trade mark issues. Band 2 Bustamante & Bustamante See profile on p.550 What the team is known for Dynamic IP department with a robust practice advising on trade mark matters. Strong team counsels on trade mark registrations, renewals and infringement actions, as well as assisting with administrative and judicial litigation. Boasts additional expertise representing clients in nullity actions and patent applications. Client roster spans entertainment, technology and fashion. Strengths One interviewee describes Bustamante & Bustamante’s IP team as “very attentive and practical,” while another enthuses: “They are effective, communicative, and easy to work with.” Notable practitioners An interviewee endorses Carmen Robayo (see p.545) for being “timely and always prepared to provide an explanation, whether that be in person, over the phone, or online.” Another observer describes her as “an emblematic lawyer who has a longstanding presence in the Ecuadorian intellectual property field.” They go on to add: “Carmen Robayo is an extremely knowledgeable and experienced lawyer.” José Rafael Bustamante Espinosa (see p.541) boasts a longstanding experience advising clients on a wide range of intellectual property mandates including patent and industrial design applications, cancellations and infringement actions. Highlighting his presence in 534 the market, one interviewee reports: “He is behind Band 3 some of the most important cases in this field.” Fabara & Compañía Abogados What the team is known for Highly regarded IP practice offering a wide range of services within the IP ambit. Noted in the market for offering a solid trade mark practice, advising on matters ranging from routine filings to complex litigation regarding brand protection, oppositions and infringement. Expertise encompasses patent applications, copyright and unfair competition mandates. Clients include major international players from the pharmaceutical, media and food and beverage sectors. Strengths A client endorses Fabara & Compañía Abogados for providing “a very good service that is characterised by their strong expertise in the area. They have always advised us correctly, providing the best possible answers to our problems.” Work highlights Fabara & Compañía Abogados represented Boehringer Ingelheim International in an appeal before the Administrative Litigation Court challenging the refusal of a patent application by SENADI. Notable practitioners Outstanding partner María Rosa Fabara Vera benefits from a longstanding experience advising clients on trade mark cases and unfair competition mandates. “Her experience in the sector makes her a point of reference in the Ecuadorian intellectual property market,” a client attests. Another observer reports: “She is an excellent lawyer who is very ethically minded when providing advice.” María Rosa Fabara Vera is head of department. Pérez Bustamante & Ponce See profile on p.562 What the team is known for Admired full-service firm with a well-regarded IP practice. Frequently retained by major multinationals to assist with the management of trade mark portfolios including registration, opposition and infringement. Possesses additional expertise in patent prosecution, plant varieties and contentious administrative IP proceedings. Also known to advise on publicity issues and anti-counterfeiting actions. ARC Infruitec is a new client win. Strengths An impressed clients points to Pérez Bustamante & Ponce’s “good knowledge of the peculiarities of the Ecuadorian Patent and Trademark Office,” adding: “Their advice helps us avoid further delays to our internal proceedings.” Work highlights Pérez Bustamante & Ponce advised The Timken Company on a judicial action filed against the company related to the cancellation of a trade mark due to non-use. Notable practitioners Highly reputed partner Francisco Pérez Gangotena (see p.544) is praised by a client, who says: “He is a good listener and is always open to understand different situations.” They go on to add that “he is focused, knowledgeable and open to finding alternative solutions to problems.” Another interviewee reports: “He offers cost-effective solutions and a great understanding of our business.” Associate-to-watch Rafael González-Gómez de la Torre (see p.542) boasts significant expertise advising clients on trade mark and copyright infringement mandates. An observer acknowledges “his high profile in the area,” while another points to his extensive experience in the area. Meythaler & Zambrano See profile on p.560 What the team is known for Well-regarded IP practice group providing expertise to clients from the pharmaceutical industry on their patent portfolios. Experience spans patent applications, compulsory licensing and infringement and nullity actions. Boasts additional expertise assisting with contentious trade mark and copyright mandates. Strengths A market observer commends the firm, stating that “they do a good job handling our patent and industry property matters,” and adding: “They are an excellent IP litigation team.” Notable practitioners Respected partner José Meythaler Baquero (see p.543) continues to boast a significant practice advising clients from the pharmaceutical industry on their patents. One interviewee reports: “José Meythaler Baquero has a good patent litigation practice.” He is co-head of department. Romero Corral Abogados See profile on p.564 What the team is known for Respected firm with a well-reputed IP presence. Noted for handling a broad range of trade mark and patent portfolios, with advice pertaining to prosecutions, oppositions and cancellations. Also known to handle contentious IP proceedings, including anti-counterfeiting actions. Clients include notable players from the aviation, pharmaceutical and food and beverage sectors. Strengths “Romero Corral Abogados provides an excellent service,” an interviewee reports, adding: “They are always available to collaborate with us and provide good results in our cases.” Work highlights Romero Corral Abogados represented INDITEX in a number of trade mark prosecution and opposition cases in Ecuador. Notable practitioners Solid partner Margarita Romero is commended by a client for being an “assertive and committed lawyer who is always available to advise us.” Another interviewee adds: “She has an in-depth knowledge of local procedures and regulations, as well as the ability to provide creative strategies and innovative solutions to our problems.” Other Ranked Lawyers Associate-to-watch Carolina Guerrero of Romero Arteta Ponce “is a very knowledgeable lawyer who masters the Ecuadorian intellectual property field,” a client remarks. She boasts significant experience advising clients on the management of their trade mark portfolios. Seasoned practitioner Alejandro Ponce Martínez (see p.544) of Quevedo & Ponce “is a brilliant professional who has devoted his whole career to the intellectual property arena,” an observer reports. Another interviewee adds: “Alejandro Ponce Martínez is a great lawyer.” Strong partner María Belén Rivadeneira of Divergent Law “is an impressive lawyer who is always there to support us and provide us with the best strategy possible.” Another interviewee points out that “she has many international clients and understands the macro-economic issues of companies.” Noteworthy partner Alfonso Rivera (see p.544) of Labour & Employment www.chambers.com Tobar ZVS is praised by clients, with one describing him as “a highly knowledgeable lawyer who offers excellent strategies.” Another observer says that “he is very creative, hard-working and active,” adding: “He Ecuador has a broad vision of the intellectual property field.” viewees, with one reporting: “He has a very good Up-and-coming partner Byron Robayo of Dentons client service and a good ability to explain complex Paz Horowitz joins the rankings for the first time legal topics to non-lawyers.” this year after eliciting significant praise from inter- Labour & Employment Labour & Employment Leading Firms Band 1 CorralRosales * Band 2 Dentons Paz Horowitz Jaramillo Dávila Abogados * Lexvalor Abogados * Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Band 3 Bustamante & Bustamante * Corral Barriga Abogados Fabara & Compañía Abogados Noboa, Peña & Torres * Puente y Asociados ROBALINO Senior Statespeople Senior Statespeople: distinguished older partners Corral Burbano de Lara Fabián Corral Barriga Abogados Leading Individuals Band 1 Jaramillo Terán Fabián Jaramillo Dávila Abogados Band 2 Ramos Cárdenas Edmundo CorralRosales * Villacís Echeverría Karla Lexvalor Abogados * hard to find elsewhere.” Another interviewee remarks: “CorralRosales’ most remarkable characteristic is their personalised service,” adding: “All of their lawyers have an in-depth understanding of our matters.” Work highlights CorralRosales advised Securitas on negotiating settlement agreements with a former general manager and a former financial director. Notwithstanding the settlement, the general manager filed an unpaid severance claim against the company. Notable practitioners Highly regarded partner Edmundo Ramos Cárdenas (see p.544) comes highly recommended by a client, who says: “He has a broad knowledge and extensive experience of the labour arena,” adding: “He offers a personalised and timely service.” Another interviewee enthuses: “Edmundo Ramos Cárdenas is an excellent lawyer who is always willing to analyse the different scenarios that we bring to him.” Senior associate Marta Villagómez (see p.545) is praised by a client, saying: “She has a strong willingness to work, offers a personalised service and is very clear with her advice.” She regularly assists clients with unfair dismissal claims, profit sharing and labour restructuring. Band 3 Andrade Patricia Dentons Paz Horowitz Ponce Patricia Bustamante & Bustamante * Salvador Soto Javier Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Vacas Dávila José Francisco Fabara & Compañía Abogados Up-and-coming individuals Chong Qui Andres Dentons Paz Horowitz Associates to watch Baquero Esteban ROBALINO Gomez Vanessa Lexvalor Abogados * Jaramillo Belen Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Villagomez Marta CorralRosales * * Indicates firm / individual with profile. Alphabetical order within each band. Band 1 is highest. Band 1 CorralRosales See profile on p.552 What the team is known for Market-leading labour and employment powerhouse representing notable companies in administrative and judicial disputes relating to an array of matters such as worker complaints, unfair dismissal and termination with fair cause. Strong bench regularly assists with the labour aspects arising from corporate reorganisations, including transfer of employees, collective dismissals and the implementation of internal policies. Also advises on social security and collective bargaining agreements with unions. Strengths A client commends CorralRosales for offering “a level of knowledge and seniority that is Band 2 Dentons Paz Horowitz What the team is known for Experienced labour team adept at assisting with the full range of advisory and contentious employment matters. Frequently sought after to advise on individual and mass terminations, corporate reorganisations and immigration advice for high-level executives. Also offers abilities advising clients on the drafting of internal labour policies, including on workplace harassment. Strengths “Dentons Paz Horowitz offers a timely and proactive service,” according to a client. “They offer a personalised attention that aligns itself to our needs.” Notable practitioners A client endorses Patricia Andrade for being “a very professional lawyer who is highly committed to her clients and is always at the forefront of the market.” Another interviewee appreciates that “she is always trying to find a solution to issues in order to avoid cases becoming conflictive and complex.” Up-andcoming partner Andres Chong Qui is commended by a client for “his ability to offer strong advice that always keeps the interests of our company in mind.” Another interviewee describes him as “an excellent professional who has a solid track record in the labour arena.” Andres Chong Qui is a recent hire at Dentons Paz Horowitz. Jaramillo Dávila Abogados See profile on p.558 What the team is known for Renowned boutique firm recognised for its longstanding presence in the market. Offers wide-ranging expertise in the contentious employment sphere, acting on mediation and litigation proceedings pertaining to individual contracts and dismissals. Team is also known for assisting clients with negotiations regarding workers’ unions including collective bargaining agreements. Represents notable companies from diverse industries such as automotive, pharmaceutical and manufacturing. Strengths Market observers highlight Jaramillo Dávila Abogados’ longstanding and traditional labour and employment practice, with one describing them as “one of the leading firms in the area.” Notable practitioners A client describes Fabián Jaramillo Terán “as an eminent player in Ecuador’s labour and employment sphere,” while also noting: “He is an encyclopedia.” Another interviewee points to his stellar track record in the market, and reports: “He is an undisputed leader in this field.” Fabián Jaramillo Terán benefits from extensive experience advising clients on negotiations, mediations and litigations pertaining to individual and collective demands. Lexvalor Abogados See profile on p.559 What the team is known for Well-regarded labour department noted for advising human resources departments on a range of policies, including social welfare, health and safety regulations and the implementation of whistle-blowing practices. Team is also well known for representing clients in contentious matters related to compensation claims and alleged unfair dismissals. Sanofi Aventis Ecuador is a new client win. Strengths An interviewee applauds Lexvalor Abogados’ labour and employment team for offering “very meticulous knowledge of the legal sector,” also adding: “They are a relatively young firm that has a great potential in the market. They are building a good portfolio of international clients and they offer a strong academic and practical vision of the market.” Work highlights Lexvalor Abogados advised Alpina Productos Alimenticios on the implementation of regulations issued by the Ministry of Labour regarding the application of emergency shifts and teleworking, as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Notable practitioners Gifted partner Karla Villacís Echeverría (see p.545) ascends in the rankings this year after receiving extensive praise from interviewees, with one reporting: “She is an extremely knowledgeable labour lawyer who offers extensive experience handling complex mandates.” Another interviewee affirms: “Karla 535 Ecuador Labour & Employmentwww.chambers.com Villacís Echeverría is a very strategic lawyer who has a senior position at the firm and is always looking for alternative solutions to our problems.” Associate-to-watch Vanessa Gómez (see p.542) joins the rankings for the first time this year after eliciting ample praise from interviewees, with one enthusing: “She is a young lawyer who has a broad knowledge of the labour law, which allows her to provide very accurate insights in this branch of law.” vice that offers a comprehensive vision of the market. This has provided us with peace of mind to continue with our daily operations.” Work highlights Bustamante & Bustamante advised Herbalife on occupational safety and compliance with new labour regulations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Notable practitioners A client commends Patricia Ponce (see p.544) for her “extensive experience,” as well as her “strong Pérez Bustamante & Ponce understanding of the complexities of Ecuador’s labour See profile on p.562 and employment market.” Another interviewee adds: What the team is known for Highly respected “She oversees the most important matters at the firm.” department with a strong track record in the Ecuadorian labour and employment arena. Well placed Corral Barriga Abogados to handle routine advisory work including drafting What the team is known for Strong practice group internal HR policies, assisting with employee con- experienced acting as counsel on contentious labour tracts and advising on immigration procedures. matters, as well as day-to-day employment issues. Highly adept at advising on dismissals, as well as Solid track record assisting clients with collective representing clients in labour benefit claims. Team is bargaining, the negotiation of employment contracts also sought after for its advice on social security and and dismissals. Offers additional abilities advising collective bargaining agreements. Wärtsilä, SOFTYS on labour audits, social security and due diligence and Iberia count as new client wins. processes. Strengths “Pérez Bustamante & Ponce has an expe- Notable practitioners rienced labour team that has a good understanding of The “excellent” Fabián Corral Burbano de Lara the Ecuadorian legislation and is able to provide very comes highly recommended by the market for his good advice,” a client enthuses. longstanding presence in the market. An interviewee Work highlights Pérez Bustamante & Ponce rep- describes him as “an extremely intelligent lawyer who resented Unilever in a lawsuit filed by several offers extraordinary advice.” Market insiders further employees, seeking indemnification due to alleged highlight his academic contribution to the sector. work-related illnesses. Notable practitioners Fabara & Compañía Abogados The “impeccable” Javier Salvador Soto (see p.545) What the team is known for Recognised practice comes highly recommended by interviewees for “his regularly advising clients on a wide range of labour practical experience in the labour and employment and employment matters. Well placed to handle colarena.” Another observer goes on to add: “Javier Sal- lective bargaining agreements, as well as auditing vador Soto is able to provide good solutions that are processes and compliance. Demonstrates additional adapted to our needs.” Associate-to-watch Belen Jar- expertise assisting with the labour implications of amillo (see p.542) “is a highly knowledgeable labour the restructuring and closure of operations, including lawyer who is always prepared to offer the best solu- mass terminations and compensation packages. tions to our problems,” according to a client. Another Strengths Fabara & Compañía Abogados is endorsed interviewee appreciates her “high-quality client ser- by a client for offering “a very good service,” and they vice and strong business acumen.” add: “They have a team of very competent labour professionals.” Work highlights Fabara & Compañía Abogados repBand 3 resented REMECO in an unfair dismissal dispute filed by a former employee. Bustamante & Bustamante Notable practitioners See profile on p.550 Respected partner José Francisco Vacas Dávila garWhat the team is known for Established department ners praise from an interviewee for being “a practical within a full-service firm with noted activity in this lawyer who is very clear in his advice.” They go on field. Frequently instructed to assist with disputes to add: “He has been quick to act in the wake of the related to individual and collective terminations, pandemic.” Another observer appreciates “his impecwrongful dismissal and hostile work conditions. cable answers to our questions.” Activity extends to advisory matters, offering particular expertise in the review of HR policies. Also Noboa, Peña & Torres well equipped to advise on the employment aspects See profile on p.561 of M&A transactions. Customer Services Ecuador is What the team is known for Respected labour and a new client win. employment practice known for advising on contenStrengths Praising Bustamante & Bustamante’s ser- tious labour proceedings. Offers assistance with colvice, one client reports: “They offer a very good ser- lective bargaining agreements, compensation claims 536 and the implications of corporate restructuring and employee layoffs. Boasts additional expertise advising clients on employment regulations and compliance, including employee training workshops. Strengths A market commentator praises the firm’s “timely service,” as well as “their ability to explain matters in simple terms.” The same respondent also appreciates that “they are business partners who understand the complexities of our business and are always one step ahead.” Notable practitioners Marcelo Torres and Patricio Peña are the key client contacts. Puente y Asociados What the team is known for Puente y Asociados joins the labour and employment rankings for the first time this year. Team offers extensive experience advising private individuals and companies on labour litigation proceedings, including unfair and discriminatory dismissals, and retirement payment disputes. Strengths One client says: “They have a timely and personalised service. They have a comprehensive vision of the law and are able to advise across a wide range of matters.” Work highlights Puente y Asociados represented ASOPREP in a labour litigation proceeding filed by former ASOPREP participants who were seeking recognition of employer retirement. Notable practitioners Miguel Puente and Guillermo Cordova are the key client contacts. ROBALINO What the team is known for Noteworthy labour practice with a solid track record providing advice on collective bargaining, health and safety regulations and social security issues. ROBALINO boasts a strong dispute resolution practice, regularly handling mediation and litigation proceedings pertaining to cases of alleged unfair dismissal. Client roster includes multinationals from the automotive, technology and consumer goods industries. New client wins include Grupo Vilaseca and Bomi Group. Strengths One client enthuses: “ROBALINO offers very concrete and practical advice, which allows us to make the best possible decisions for our business,” adding: “They always comply with best practices and ensure we are compliant with the labour legislation in Ecuador.” Work highlights ROBALINO advised Schlumberger on negotiations with former employees in order to reach settlement agreements on their severance payments. Notable practitioners Associate-to-watch Esteban Baquero “is a very good labour lawyer who has the knowledge and ability to understand matters in detail,” according to an interviewee. Another observer says that “he offers practical solutions to our problems.” Real Estate www.chambers.com Ecuador Real Estate Real Estate Leading Firms Band 1 Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Band 2 Lexvalor Abogados * Band 3 Bustamante & Bustamante * Gallegos, Valarezo & Neira ROBALINO market insider commends Diego Pérez-Ordóñez (see p.544) for being “a good lawyer who handles a range of interesting real estate cases.” Diego Pérez-Ordóñez continues to boast significant experience arranging, negotiating and implementing corporate structures for real estate projects and land developments. Associate-to-watch Nicolás Maldonado Zambrano (see p.543) “is always willing to offer good advice,” an interviewee reports, while another adds: “He is a young lawyer but he is very sharp.” Leading Individuals Band 1 Reed Sandra Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Band 2 Villacís Echeverría Karla Lexvalor Abogados * Band 3 Gallegos Happle Juan Carlos Gallegos, Valarezo & Neira Pérez-Ordóñez Diego Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Up-and-coming individuals Alban Santiago Heka Law Firm (ORL) ◊ * Weisson Ernesto ROBALINO Associates to watch Maldonado Zambrano Nicolás Pérez Bustamante * * Indicates firm / individual with profile. ◊ (ORL) = Other Ranked Lawyer. Alphabetical order within each band. Band 1 is highest. Band 1 Pérez Bustamante & Ponce See profile on p.562 What the team is known for Acclaimed real estate practice boasting particular expertise advising notable real estate developers and leading construction companies. Team is highly sought after to advise on the financing, construction and development of residential and commercial real estate projects. Expertise spans land acquisitions, negotiating leases and joint venture agreements. Also skilled in handling matters pertaining to the application of land regulations, international bidding processes and the procurement of permits and licences. Duransports, Doppelmayr Seilbahnen, and Idom Consulting, Engineering, Architecture are new client wins for the firm. Strengths One interviewee applauds Pérez Bustamante & Ponce for having “a good know-how in the area, while also taking into account the commercial aspects of our work.” Another market observer declares that “their team of professionals work in a coordinated, complementary and efficient manner to solve the most difficult challenges.” Work highlights Pérez Bustamante & Ponce advised JCDecaux on entering into a 15-year Strategic Alliance Contract with the City of Guayaquil for the design, construction, maintenance, financing and operation of street furniture in Guayaquil. Notable practitioners Market-leading heavyweight Sandra Reed (see p.544) is praised by a client, who says that “she is very aware of the commercial and political aspects of the Ecuadorian real estate arena.” Another interviewee describes her as “the leader of Pérez Bustamante & Ponce’s real estate team,” adding: “Sandra Reed has been involved on notable real estate and infrastructure projects, such as Quito Airport.” A Band 2 Lexvalor Abogados See profile on p.559 What the team is known for Established firm with a strong offering across the Ecuadorian real estate market. Boasts experience advising local and international clients on the development and financing of commercial and residential real estate projects. Team offers expertise assisting clients with setting up real estate investment trusts to acquire land for the development of projects. Also represents construction companies and banks involved in drawing up trading deeds with third parties acquiring housing and commercial units. Strengths “Lexvalor Abogados offers an outstanding service that is characterised by the immediate availability of their partners, as well as the timely and solid advice they provide,” one client reports. Work highlights Lexvalor Abogados advised Uribe & Schwarzkopf on the creation of the QORNER Trust, which was set up as an independent trust fund to acquire land to develop Uribe & Schwarzkopf’s QORNER real estate project. Notable practitioners Highly regarded partner Karla Villacís Echeverría (see p.545) has a strong practice advising notable real estate developers on property acquisitions for the construction and development of commercial and residential real estate projects. One interviewee appreciates that she has “a vast knowledge of the sector, as well as extensive skills in the area.” Band 3 Bustamante & Bustamante See profile on p.550 What the team is known for Well-regarded real estate practice with expertise handling transactions involving tourism and commercial development projects. Notable experience assisting clients with sophisticated lease and concession agreements, as well as procuring real estate permits and advising on zoning regulations. Team is also well placed to represent clients in contentious matters arising from the expropriation of land. Strengths In the words of a client: “Their service is effective and they keep me updated.” An impressed client describes Bustamante & Bustamante’s service as “very good,” also stating: “They are offer an excellent client service and are able to solve our problems quickly.” Work highlights Bustamante & Bustamante advised Harvard Management Company on a 15,000 hectare sustainable forestry project, including obtaining approvals and ensuring compliance with local land use and environmental regulations. Notable practitioners José Rafael Bustamante Espinosa and Juan Felipe Bustamante are the key client contacts at the firm. Gallegos, Valarezo & Neira What the team is known for Well-regarded firm with a notable real estate department dedicated to advising clients on the development and construction of real estate and urban development projects. Offers expertise assisting clients with urban planning and zoning matters, as well as ownership title regularisation and the negotiation of sale and purchase agreements. Also well placed to negotiate concessions and leasing mandates. Strengths A market observer describes Gallegos, Valarezo & Neira’s real estate team as “efficient, professional and timely,” adding: “Their lawyers have a good pro-business approach.” Work highlights Gallegos, Valarezo & Neira assisted Abad Vergara Arquitectos with the structuring and development of the Balcashí land lots real estate project. Notable practitioners An interviewee commends Juan Carlos Gallegos Happle for his work handling real estate trusts. He plays a key role advising clients on asset protection and the development of urban development projects. Juan Carlos Gallegos Happle is co-head of department. ROBALINO What the team is known for Strong practice group known for advising on the structuring and development of residential and commercial real estate projects. Team often handles complex sale, purchase and lease agreements, with additional expertise on sector-related regulatory issues. Benefits from key experience representing clients in investment disputes and construction arbitration proceedings. Firm was formed by lawyers spinning off from Ferrere. Work highlights ROBALINO represented Inmovila in the structuring and financing of two urban development projects in Guayaquil, consisting in the construction of more than 1,000 houses and 96 apartments. Notable practitioners Up-and-coming partner Ernesto Weisson continues to boast significant expertise advising notable international hotel developers with the purchase and disposal of real estate assets. He is also well placed to assist with infrastructure and urban development projects. Other Ranked Lawyers Up-and-coming partner Santiago Alban (see p.541) of Heka Law Firm enters the rankings for the first time this year after receiving extensive praise from interviewees, with one reporting: “His work is excellent, he has a thorough knowledge of the sector and a great ability to help you achieve your goals.” 537 Ecuador Real Estatewww.chambers.com ECUADOR: An Introduction to Tax Contributed by Almeida Guzmán & Asociados General Insights Ecuador is a constitutional democracy governed by a president and a legislative power held by the National Assembly with an independent judicial system and two additional constitutional branches, the National Electoral Tribunal and the Council for Citizen Participation and Social Control. The currency in Ecuador has been the US Dollar since the year 2000. Bills relating to tax enactment, modification, exemption or elimination shall be proposed by the president. In order for such bills to be enacted, the National Assembly vote and approve or reject the bill. Economic policies are set and managed by the executive branch. The executive branch and certain state institutions have the authority to set and modify import duties and public service fees, which do not need approval from the National Assembly. Over the last few years, the drop in international oil prices significantly affected the Ecuadorian economy, including tax collection. Rising crude oil prices in 2021 should result in a boost to the economy and help the government meet its budget. Furthermore, recently elected President Guillermo Lasso has announced plans to increase oil production by nearly 100,000 barrels over the next four years. Pursuant to projections made by the former government, an expected USD860 million is expected to be earned from granting concessions for state assets in this process, resulting in more income for the state. Overview of the Tax Authority Tax compliance in Ecuador is overseen by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) through tax returns and similar reports filed. The IRS is the state entity legally entrusted to administer and collect most taxes in Ecuador and request relevant information from taxpayers. Audits on taxpayers are performed by the IRS. Results of such audits can be appealed at an administrative level. The Ecuadorian district tax courts have the authority to resolve claims filed by taxpayers against administrative resolutions. Tax Incentives on Investments The current president announced a tax reform that should be enacted this year, becoming effective for the 2022 fiscal year, and has offered dialogue with different sectors and relevant stakeholders to receive input before presenting the bill to the National Assembly. A draft of the bill has not been made public, however, the president has disclosed some of the points the government will focus on: (i) eliminating the 2% income tax on total sales levied on small businesses, the aim of the new measure is to tax such businesses on the basis of their profit and not on their gross income; (ii) gradually reducing the currency remittance tax, currently set at 5%, in order to promote local and foreign investment and the return of capital; (iii) eliminating or reducing the country’s Value Added Tax (VAT) during 4 holidays every year to promote tourism; (iv) increasing control to combat tax evasion, given that tax evasion has plagued Ecuador for decades, and eliminating some tax exemptions. The president has assured that taxes on corporations will not be increased, as corporations currently suffer from a high tax burden. A system of differentiated VAT rates for different products is also being analysed. 538 Local legislation provides for several tax incentives on investments in new strategic industries, and the development of said industries in regions outside of the two main cities of Ecuador, Quito and Guayaquil. There are several companies in a variety of industries that have signed investment contracts with the government. Such contracts provide legal and tax certainty and stability. Tax Withholdings on Remittances Abroad Income earned in Ecuador and remitted abroad is subject to income tax withholdings at the following rates: (i) 25% on transactions without a specific rate, interests, royalties, technical assistance and services; (ii) up to 10% on capital gains; and (iii) 25% on 40% of dividends paid. Note: In certain cases, an additional 10% is withheld when the beneficiary is domiciled in a country or territory considered to be a tax haven. A 0% withholding tax applies on interest paid to private international financial institutions, specialized non-financial institutions that are registered with the Superintendence of Banks, as long as the interest rate does not exceed the maximum interest rate authorized by the Central Bank of Ecuador, which varies periodically, and multilateral financial institutions. Tax Withholdings on Payments made within Ecuadorian Territory Overall, payments made by economic agents within Ecuadorian territory are also subject to income tax withholdings. The amounts withheld are credited to the annual income tax of the economic agent to whom the withholding is applied. The following rates apply: (i) 2.75% on transactions without a specific rate; (ii) 0%-1% on interest and commissions paid to financial institutions; (iii) 1%-10% on capital gains; (iv) 1.5% on monthly income earned by certain companies in the oil industry (self-withholding); (v) 1.75% on the acquisition of movable property, construction activities, insurance, leasing, and monthly income obtained by telecommunications companies and financial institutions (self-withholding); and (vi) 2%-10% on fees and commissions paid to individuals. VAT on Digital Services In compliance with a recently enacted law, the Administrative and Progressive Tax Simplification Law, the IRS has made significant efforts to simplify its forms, returns and tax reports. The aforementioned law also contains provisions that charge VAT on digital services provided to Ecuadorian residents. The law provides that credit card issuers, intermediaries and certain residents are responsible for withholding taxes whenever the service provider is not registered with the Ecuadorian tax authority. As such, the law institutes a special registry for non-resident digital service providers. Treaties and Multilateral Instruments Ecuador has entered into double taxation treaties with the following countries: Argentina (applies only to air transport), Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland and Uruguay. Tax www.chambers.com Ecuador signed the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement on Automatic Exchange of Financial Information and ratified the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters. Further local legislation has been enacted pursuant to the Common Reporting Standard (CRS). On 7th April 2021, Ecuador and the United States of America signed an agreement for the exchange of information relating to tax matters, which should be helpful to strengthen fiscal transparency and decrease tax evasion. Ecuador Tax System: COVID-19 Response As a result of COVID-19, the government enacted a law that provides tax incentives for financial institutions, granting additional deductions on the entities’ income arising from interest collected on economic reactivation loans. Tax incentives for other economic activities such as tourism are also considered in this law. However, most of the provisions of this law expired once the state of emergency ended. Other Tax-Related Matters Transfer Pricing System Due to the industry’s potential, mining has become an activity to folThe Ecuadorian transfer pricing system is mainly based on the OECD low in Ecuador. This industry could become a very important source of principles and technical guidelines, providing the latter do not oppose tax income for the government in the near future. particular national provisions on assessing the taxable base for income tax. Taxpayers must file transfer pricing reports under certain conditions in order to assess the fulfilment of the arm’s length principle in related party transactions. Tax Tax Leading Firms Band 1 Band 1 Almeida Guzmán & Asociados * Almeida Guzmán & Asociados Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * What the team is known for Stellar boutique practice routinely acting as counsel to notable local and international clients on a comprehensive range of tax mandates. Frequently sought after to advise on tax planning and structuring for cross-border corporate transactions and reorganisations. Offers additional capabilities advising clients on transfer pricing and tax audit procedures, as well as representing them in litigation related to income tax and VAT. Routinely seen representing key clients from industries such as construction, transportation and healthcare. Cuyabeno Petro is a new client win. Strengths “The service provided by Almeida Guzmán & Asociados is always of a very high quality,” an interviewee reports, adding: “They handle matters in a timely manner, demonstrating a considerable degree of legal expertise and practical advice.” Another observer underlines: “They have a team of very good, technical lawyers who offer a good client service.” They also go on to add: “They are a very respected and well-known team in the market.” Work highlights Almeida Guzmán & Asociados assisted Corporación GPF with several tax refund claims before the Ecuadorian Internal Revenue Service and tax courts. Notable practitioners Stellar partner Diego Almeida-Guzmán (see p.541) comes highly recommended by an interviewee, who applauds “his in-depth knowledge of the regulations, good client service and strong communication skills.” A different observer praises his “extensive knowledge of the Ecuadorian tax arena,” while another affirms: “He is an extremely respected tax lawyer who has a longstanding presence in the market.” Diego Almeida-Guzmán is well placed to assist clients with tax planning and structuring for cross-border corporate transactions. Band 2 Lexvalor Abogados * ROBALINO Band 3 Bustamante & Bustamante * Fabara & Compañía Abogados Eminent Practitioners Eminent Practitioners Ribadeneira Espinosa Xavier RP&C Abogados (ORL) ◊ Leading Individuals Band 1 Almeida-Guzmán Diego Almeida Guzmán & Asociados * Reyes-Varea Juan Gabriel Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Band 2 Coronel Carlos Lexvalor Abogados * Prado Mario Estudio Jurídico Prado (ORL) ◊ Band 3 Durango Pérez Mauricio Andersen (ORL) ◊ Gachet Paola ROBALINO Robalino Paola ECIJA GPA (ORL) ◊ Band 4 Carrasco Juan Francisco Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Peñafiel Juan Carlos Flor & Hurtado (ORL) ◊ Pino Roditti Diego Fabara & Compañía Abogados Robalino-Orellana Javier ROBALINO Sánchez García René Francisco Sánchez, García (ORL) ◊ Simone Carmen Pérez Bustamante & Ponce * Up-and-coming individuals Moya Andrea CorralRosales (ORL) ◊ * * Indicates firm / individual with profile. ◊ (ORL) = Other Ranked Lawyer. Alphabetical order within each band. Band 1 is highest. See profile on p.547 Pérez Bustamante & Ponce See profile on p.562 What the team is known for Highly acclaimed practice group fielding a sizeable team of tax spe- cialists. Acts as counsel to leading clients on a wide range of tax mandates including tax structuring for corporate transactions, tax planning and the tax components of large-scale infrastructure projects. Boasts a strong track record representing clients in contentious tax matters such as administrative litigation and judicial actions. Provides additional abilities assisting individuals with estate planning and wealth management. Inchcape is a recent addition to the firm’s client roster. Strengths “Pérez Bustamante & Ponce’s tax team have the ability to think outside the box. They also have professionals in many areas of law, which allows them to provide a comprehensive and consolidated strategy,” according to a client. Another interviewee states: “In my opinion the people at the firm are what makes a difference and Pérez Bustamante & Ponce has a team of qualified and experienced professionals, which is very valuable when providing advice.” Work highlights Pérez Bustamante & Ponce advised Levapan on a transfer pricing audit related to transactions with its related companies located in Colombia and Panama. Notable practitioners Market-leading partner Juan Gabriel Reyes-Varea (see p.544) is held in the highest esteem by both clients and peers alike. A client appreciates that “he offers a very strong focus in the tax area and provides extensive experience handling matters in this field.” A different interviewee describes him as “a very good tax adviser,” while another states: “Juan Gabriel Reyes-Varea is an eminent practitioner in Ecuador’s tax arena.” Dynamic partner Juan Francisco Carrasco (see p.542) enters the rankings this year after eliciting significant praise from clients, with one reporting: “He has a very broad knowledge of double taxation treaties.” Another interviewee describes him as “a very professional, analytical and prepared lawyer.” The “impressive” Carmen Simone (see p.545) “addresses problems from all angles and always identifies the risks involved,” a client remarks. Another interviewee says that “she pays attention to the details and has a good understanding of the legal reality in Ecuador.” 539 Ecuador Taxwww.chambers.com Band 2 Band 3 Other Ranked Lawyers Lexvalor Abogados Bustamante & Bustamante What the team is known for Experienced practice group with a strong market presence and an important portfolio of domestic and international clients. Regularly called upon to advise on tax assessments and international tax structuring. Team is also well placed to handle contentious mandates related to transfer pricing, double taxation treaties and the reimbursement of tax credits. Offers additional expertise advising on international trade regulations and customs law. Strengths “Lexvalor Abogados has a team of excellent, efficient and dynamic lawyers who possess extensive knowledge of the tax arena,” a client says, adding: “They are always up-to-date and offer good contacts in Ecuador’s tax sector.” Work highlights Lexvalor Abogados represented Productos AVON Ecuador in an administrative tax litigation cases related to transfer pricing. Notable practitioners Impressive partner Carlos Coronel (see p.542) “is a very thorough lawyer who has a broad knowledge of the area,” an interviewee enthuses, also adding: “He is an excellent litigator.” A peer also describes him as “a very high-quality professional who is very active in Ecuador’s tax arena.” What the team is known for Active tax department within a well-regarded local full-service firm. Routinely retained to advise on a wide range of matters such as tax litigation before the Ecuadorian IRS, double taxation treaties and tax planning for local and international clients. Client portfolio includes notable names from the oil and gas, retail and insurance industries, as well as high net worth individuals. Strengths “Bustamante & Bustamante’s tax team offers a very good knowledge of the Ecuadorian tax law. They also provide a very good service and an excellent business acumen,” an interviewee says. Notable practitioners Juan Carlos Bustamante is the key client contact for the firm. Established partner Mauricio Durango Pérez of Andersen is endorsed by an interviewee for being “a great professional in Ecuador’s tax arena.” Mauricio Durango Pérez is well-versed in tax planning and international taxation mandates. Up-and-coming partner Andrea Moya (see p.543) of CorralRosales “is an excellent professional who has a very good command of the tax regulations,” according to an interviewee. Another market onlooker describes her as “a young lawyer who is building a strong practice in the area.” Active partner Juan Carlos Peñafiel of Flor & Hurtado is praised by an interviewee, saying: “He is not only a legal adviser, but also a business partner.” Another observer describes him as “an experienced tax litigator.” Well-regarded partner Mario Prado of Estudio Jurídico Prado “is an experienced tax lawyer who has a very strong local practice,” according to an interviewee. Another commentator says: “Mario Prado has a strong track record in this field and has always been involved in the most important cases in the market.” Eminent practitioner Xavier Ribadeneira Espinosa of RP&C Abogados is considered “an excellent lawyer who offers strong management skills.” Another observer reports: “He is an experienced tax professional.” Experienced partner Paola Robalino of Ecija Abogados comes highly recommended by a market insider for being “a good lawyer who is not only active representing clients, but also has a good academic presence in the field.” Another interviewee further appreciates her “solid tax knowledge.” Longstanding partner René Francisco Sánchez García of Sánchez, García y Asociados garners praise from an interviewee for being “an important lawyer who has a strong track record in Ecuador’s tax market.” See profile on p.559 ROBALINO What the team is known for Respected regional firm with noted expertise in the Ecuadorian tax arena. Frequently instructed by domestic and international clients in the financial, transportation and consumer goods industries on the tax implications of M&A transactions, transfer pricing and international taxation matters. Team is also well placed to assist clients with related litigation, including claims against the Ecuadorian tax and customs authorities. Strengths “ROBALINO has a very good personalised service, timely response, technical expertise and multi-functional team that allows us to comprehensively handle any of our cases,” a client enthuses. Work highlights ROBALINO advised Semaica on the tax implications of its corporate restructuring. Notable practitioners Paola Gachet is endorsed by a client for offering “flawless technical assistance, as well as strong communication skills.” Another interviewee notes: “She is always available to answer our questions and has a broad understanding of the economic realities of the country.” They also add: “Paola Gachet has an in-depth knowledge of the tax regulations.” An interviewee hails Javier Robalino-Orellana as “a fantastic litigator and a strong administrative law professional.” He benefits from extensive experience advising clients from the oil and gas sector on their tax mandates, as well as representing them in foreign investment. 540 See profile on p.550 Fabara & Compañía Abogados What the team is known for Respected full-service firm with an active tax practice assisting clients with tax planning and corporate restructuring. Provides additional capabilities advising domestic and international clients on transfer pricing, double taxation treaties and customs issues. Practice further encompasses contentious tax proceedings including VAT, municipal and administrative tax litigation cases. Strengths A market commentator praises Fabara & Compañía Abogados for being “highly experienced in the tax arena.” They go on to add: “They have a holistic view of the Ecuadorian market.” Work highlights Fabara & Compañía Abogados represented Aspenpharma in an administrative dispute against the Central Tax Administration, in relation to the undue payment of income tax generated in 2016. Notable practitioners Noteworthy partner Diego Pino Roditti is commended by a client for “his clear advice and practical approach.” Another interviewee adds: “He is an experienced lawyer who always finds solutions to our problems.” Diego Pino Roditti regularly represents clients in tax litigation before the IRS. Leading Individuals www.chambers.com Ecuador Leaders’ Profiles in Ecuador ment, and transfer of technology legislation. Various legal undertakings related to professional practice fields; these include Featured in Energy & Natural Resources counseling regarding project finance, (Ecuador) Practice Areas: María Isabel specializes construction projects, international banking, and finance operations. Acting Legal in mining and dispute resolution. She advises investors on the process of obtaining expert for international arbitrations cases. concessions, structuring investments and Arbitrator at the Center of Mediation and Arbitration of the Ecuadorian-American mining regulations. She often represents her clients before sector authorities. In the Chamber of Commerce. Professional Memberships: Member area of dispute resolution, María Isabel of the Quito Bar Society. Member of the represents domestic and foreign companies in legal proceedings that include: civil Ecuadorian Institute of Tax Law. Member of the International Bar Association. Memliability and tort, environmental responber of the Inter-American Bar Association. sibility, administrative proceedings and litigation at the Ecuadorian courts, and BROWN PEREZ, Andres domestic and international arbitration. Pérez Bustamante & Ponce, Quito +5932 382-7640 ext 7834 ALBAN, Santiago [email protected] Heka Law Firm, Quito Publications: Foreign Investment in in Ecuador in the past 2 years in Mining; Anglo American, exploring in Ecuador, and GeoPark, which recently executed two Personal: Admitted in 1985. Became a production sharing contracts in Ecuador in Partner of Bustamante & Bustamante in addition to other services for companies 1968; Professor of International Private Law for 30 years at the Universidad Católi- like Alkhorayef, Borets, Sertecpet. Personal: Born November 5, 1965. ca del Ecuador in Quito. Universidad Catolica del Ecuador (Juris BUSTAMANTE, Juan Felipe Doctor 1991). University of New Hampshire Bustamante & Bustamante, Quito 1992 (Master of Intellectual Property). + 593 2 256 2680 Spanish, English. Part-time Professor of [email protected] Economic Law, Universidad Americas, Featured in Corporate/Commercial (Ecuador) Quito. Bustamante & Bustamante, Senior Practice Areas: Corporate, Antitrust, Partner, 1996-present. Chief Legal CounForeign Trade, Project Finance, Labour. sel EnCana Corporation Ecuador 2003-06. Career: Juan Felipe Bustamante is a President Chamber of Mines 2000-01. partner, and a key player within the Corporate arena, representing a wide range BUSTAMANTE CRESPO, José Rafael of clients doing business in Ecuador. He is Bustamante & Bustamante, Quito recognized for his outstanding customer 593-2-256-4068 Featured in Corporate/Commercial (Ecuador) service and commitment when advising [email protected] [email protected] Practice Areas: Andrés is a member of Featured in Corporate/Commercial (Ecuador), on complex and day to day matters. Highly Featured in Real Estate (Ecuador) Competition/Antitrust (Ecuador) the M&A team. He is admitted to practice regarded as a partner for his success for Practice Areas: Public Procurement Career: With more than 10 years of in Spain, New York and Ecuador. He advis- national and international clients, He has Real Estate Foreign Investment Dispute experience in the transactional arena and es clients on local and international trans- represented many major corporations Resolution currently leading the Firm’s corporate, Career: Santiago has more than 10 years’ actions, acquisitions, joint ventures, asset in public procurement, infrastructure purchases, share purchase agreements, matters and major financings. He also has M&A and antitrust practice, José Rafael experience in administrative law, public is highly recognized for his knowledge shareholders’ agreements and other gained wide recognition for his thorough procurement, real estate, foreign investand experience in the corporate and comcomplex corporate matters. He frequently knowledge on employment-related ment, and dispute resolution. He advises mercial fields and his ability to structure works with foreign firms on multijurisdicmatters. He constantly advises local and national and international businesses, tional deals, including many of the largest multinational businesses with respect to a complex transactions and cross-border combining his significant knowledge of and most complex operations that take full range of workforce-related issues and deals that have set a precedent in Ecuathe public sphere with his strong condorian jurisdiction. Taking part in the main place in the Ecuadorian market. Andrés matters, including privacy and cybersenections to the private sector. Santiago’s M&A transactions that have taken place curity, employment contracts, restrucexperience stands out for leadership roles worked at Skadden Arps in New York, in the last 9 years in Ecuador, have earnt where he specialized in M&A, capital mar- turing, wrongful termination and unfair in local and central government, as well kets and finance, with a particular focus dismissal, independent contractors, equal him recognition in this field nationally as experience in law firms in Ecuador; on Latin America. He was also a foreign employment, diversity and discrimination. and globally for his outstanding customer including litigation at domestic and interservice. Also, having wide experience in associate at Uría Menendez in Madrid and Juan Felipe is also characterized by his national courts, and large-scale national merger clearance, antitrust investigations Beijing. His business-oriented approach results-driven and highly successful and international arbitration procedures. and litigation, market power, trade and In real estate, Santiago advises important and his PG Diploma in EU Competition Law litigation practice. joint ventures, he is the “go to” attorney from King’s College, London enable his Professional Memberships: Juan Ecuadorian construction companies for national and foreign clients doing work to extend to merger control issues Felipe leads the Ecuadorian Portuguese and real estate promoters on municipal business in Ecuador. His comprehensive Chamber of Commerce in Ecuador and regulatory matters, as well as on complex related to M&A transactions. approach towards cross border complex represents Bustamante & Bustamante in infrastructure contracts (BOT-DBOT-BOO), BUSTAMANTE, Juan Carlos matters and the high profile cases has the Legal Alliance for the Americas, he including public-private partnerships, joint Bustamante & Bustamante, Quito has directed the Ecuadorian Mining Cham- earned him outstanding recognition in the ventures, and new engineering contracts +593 22 564 064 field. When it comes to antitrust matters, ber since 2015 and is an active Member (NECs). Santiago graduated as a lawyer [email protected] of Multilaw; International Bar Association; José Rafael is certainly a remarkable from the Universidad San Francisco de Featured in Energy & Natural Resources attorney, his professionalism and in-depth International Trademark Association. Quito (Ecuador), with a minor in alternative (Ecuador), Corporate/Commercial (Ecuador) knowledge of market power and anti-comPersonal: Law, Universidad de Las dispute resolution methods. He holds a Practice Areas: Main areas or work are Americas Economics & Management, Get- petitive practices has been praised by master’s in public administration from private international law, oil law, tax law, clients and peers. He has extensive experitysburg College, PA Economics, Franklin Brown University (USA) and a master’s in and corporate and administrative law. ence counselling clients on a variety of College, Switzerland administrative law and public procurement Career: For more than 50 years, Juan issues, including monopoly power, pricing from the Universidad Andina Simón BoliCarlos has been a major player in the BUSTAMANTE, Roque Bernardo policies, exclusive agreements, competitor var (Ecuador). He is also a GCL alumnus corporate arena. With a remarkable Bustamante & Bustamante, Quito collaborations, among other issues. from Georgetown University (USA), and a technical knowledge, to this date, he 2562680 Global Shapers (WEF), Youthful Cities and advises the most significant clients in [email protected] BUSTAMANTE ESPINOSA, José Climate Reality Leader alumni. corporate and commercial matters and is Featured in Energy & Natural Resources Rafael widely recognized for his experience and (Ecuador) Bustamante & Bustamante, Quito ALMEIDA-GUZMÁN, Diego expertise in cross-border deals. He has Practice Areas: Oil and gas, mining, + 5932256 4068 Almeida Guzmán & Asociados, Quito vast experience in private equity, group intellectual property, competition law, tax [email protected] +593 2 292 8115 / 8148 / 8181 Featured in Intellectual Property (Ecuador), reorganizations, joint ventures and strate- litigation, labour and commercial. [email protected] Corporate/Commercial (Ecuador) gic alliances. Juan Carlos is definitely one Career: Roque Bernardo Bustamante Featured in Tax (Ecuador) Practice Areas: Commercial, corporate, of the most widely respected corporate has more than 20 years of experience in Practice Areas: Tax Law. Corporate, civil, foreign investment, intellectual lawyers in the country and is commonly the energy and natural resources sphere, Commercial and Business Law. Labor, Miproperty; licensing agreements; distrigration and Immigration Law. Competition approached by high profile clients for par- and sources are quick to praise his bution and agency agreements; oil and ticularly complex and challenging matters. expertise in the oil sector. Senior partner and Competitiveness Law. Consumer´s gas; mining; taxation; insurance; labour; Juan Carlos Bustamante is a key player of of Bustamante & Bustamante, Roque has Protection Rights. Real estate, construcbanking law the energy industry in Ecuador, a widely a wealth of experience in the practice tion and public works legislation. Tourism Career: José Rafael has received market areas of oil and gas, mining and the legislation. Mining Law. Financial, Banking respected attorney commonly described by sources as “an institution”. Ranking environment. He is a member of the Quito recognition for his “long-standing repuand Stock Market Law. agencies highlight his knowledge of oil Bar Association, the International Bar As- tation” in the corporate and commercial Career: Experience in legal-corporate and gas matters, having more than 45 sociation and the Ecuador Mines Chamber, sphere. He offers particular expertise in counseling, as well as in corporate mergadvising foreign clients doing business in years of experience in the energy sector and lectured as a professor of economic ers, acquisitions, split-offs, take-overs, Ecuador. His experience in the commercial and having led the most important histori- law at the Universidad De Las Américas privatization projects, and business rearena is highly recognized by his clients cal matters in the Ecuadorian market. in Quito from 2012-17. Key cases include structuring. Assessment of stock markets, and peers, as he has been a key figure in advicing Newcrest, the biggest investor trust, fiduciary funds, tax, foreign invest- AILLÓN-VÁSCONEZ, María Isabel Pérez Bustamante & Ponce, Quito Ecuador. 541 Ecuador Leading Individualswww.chambers.com the corporate arena for over 35 years and he is a “go to” attorney when it comes to a comprehensive approach to complex matters and deals. José Rafael acts for listed and private companies, institutional investors and financial intermediaries, with a particular focus on the Consumer Goods / Food & Beverage, construction, manufacturing and energy sectors. Senior and founding Partner of the IP department in the firm, José Rafael is one of the leading IP attorneys in the country. A longstanding career advising foreign and national clients in the protection of intangibles has earned him great recognition amongst his peers and clients. He leads the litigation intellectual property practice at the firm, where he actively handles high profile oppositions, cancellations and infringement cases. CARRASCO, Juan Francisco Pérez Bustamante & Ponce, Quito Featured in Tax (Ecuador) Practice Areas: Juan Francisco specializes in legal and tax advice services to national and international companies in the energy, telecommunications and infrastructure industries. He focuses on corporate tax as well as legal representation of petitions, related queries, claims and lawsuits before the local tax authority and courts. Juan Francisco advises clients on the tax aspects of foreign loans, new investments, amortizations, tax credits and withholding tax claims in application of double taxation treaties. CHIRIBOGA, Margoth Lexvalor Abogados, Quito +593 02 226 1454 / 323 0375 (PBX) [email protected] Featured in Corporate/Commercial (Ecuador), Banking & Finance (Ecuador) Practice Areas: -Banking and Finance -Corporate Law -Dispute Resolution -Civil Law Career: Margoth Chiriboga is partner of Lexvalor Abogados. She leads the Stock Market; Finance and Insurance Areas and shares the leadership in the Corporate Law, and Dispute Resolution areas. Margoth has been recognized by Chambers and Partners Latin America for second consecutive year, and by Chambers and Partners Global for the first time in 2021. Professional Memberships: – Member of the Juridical Committee for the Ecuadorian-American Chamber of Commerce. -Member of the Ecuadorian Institute of Arbitration. Publications: -”LEGAL REPRESENTATION... A HIGH-RISK CHALLENGE”, Lawyers EC Magazine, June 2021. -”SCOPE OF LIABILITY OF THELEGAL REPRESENTATIVE OF A COMPANY”, March 2021. Personal: – Master’s Degree in Administration and Organizational Management, Universidad de Las Américas Ecuador, 2021. At present. – Stock Market Executive Program, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, 2018. -Diploma in Legal Management, University of Yale, 2013. -Finances for Executives Program, Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey, 2008. -Master’s Degree in Business Law,Universidad Francisco de Vitoria – Law School, 2005 – Master’s Degree Program (graduate) in Market Law,Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar, 2003. -Attorney at Law for the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador, 2003. CORONEL, Carlos Lexvalor Abogados, Quito (593) 323-0375 [email protected] GALLEGOS, Francisco CorralRosales, Quito (593) 22567676 [email protected] Featured in Intellectual Property (Ecuador) Practice Areas: Francisco Gallegos is a partner at CorralRosales, with more than 25 years’ experience in the intellectual property, commercial, competition, corporate, and government procurement areas. ner of Lexvalor Abogados. He is the direcHis multidisciplined career trajectory tor of the Tax Division. He has extensive and experience, having advised clients experience providing tax advisory services across multiple areas and jurisdictions, to national and international companies, in have earned him a significant reputation matters involving national and interin the distribution and services, food and national taxation. He complements his beverage, pharmaceutical, real estate, practice with litigation, having sponsored retail, and TMT industries. In IP, Francisco important firms before Ecuadorian courts. manages several portfolios of internaCarlos has been recognized by Chambers tional companies at both the local and and Partners in the Tax Practice Area for regional level, and oversees due diligence sixth consecutive year. and negotiations, as well as the acquiProfessional Memberships: Internasition and sale of IP assets. He actively tional Fiscal Association (IFA), Ecuadorian participates in representing clients in both Institute of Tax Law (IEDT), International administrative and judicial procedures. Bar Association. Personal: Currently enrolled in the IBFD In commercial, corporate, and government procurement, Francisco advises Advanced Professional Certificate in Intercompanies and individuals on contractual national Taxation. Diploma in International matters and international operations. He Taxes by Maastricht University, Belgium is entrusted by several foreign companies (2019) Master’s degree on International with their Ecuadorian and Latin American Taxes by Universidad Internacional de la operations, recognizing both his technical Rioja, Spain (2015) Diploma in Adminisprofile and soft skills that allow him to trative Law by Universidad de Valladolid, interact effectively with individuals and Spain (2014) Major in Tax Law by Universiinstitutions and visualize the risks involved dad Andina Simón Bolívar, Ecuador (2005) in making decisions. Francisco also advisAttorney at Law, Pontificia Universidad es clients on compliance with competition Católica del Ecuador. (2004) Professor of regulations, particularly in administrative Tax Law at the San Francisco University and judicial processes related to IP and of Quito. unfair business practices. His advice in competition matters combines knowledge CORONEL JONES, César Coronel & Pérez, Guayaquil of the specific regulations with real legal +593-4-2519 900 and commercial experience. [email protected] Featured in Tax (Ecuador) Practice Areas: Tax Law. Career: Carlos Coronel is founding part- Featured in Corporate/Commercial (Ecuador), Dispute Resolution (Ecuador) Practice Areas: Concessions, Pub- lic-Private Partnerships and Infrastructure Projects; Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions; Arbitration and Litigation, Competition Law; Civil, Administrative and Constitutional Law; International Trade and Foreign Investment Career: César is a founding partner of Coronel & Pérez. His practice focuses on complex domestic and international disputes, as well as in corporate matters, among other areas. He is an arbitrator for the International Chamber of Commerce, and other arbitral centers. He has been member of the ICC Arbitration Court and President of the Arbitration Center of the Guayaquil Chamber of Commerce, Alternate Director for Ecuador at the Inter-American Development Bank, and Dean of the Law School and Professor of Civil Law at the Catholic University of Guayaquil. Currently, he is President of the Ecuadorian Academy of Corporate Law. Professional Memberships: • Member del Foro de Abogados del Ecuador (1975) • Member of the Union Internationale des Avocats UIA • Member of the International Bar Association IBA • Member of the International Chamber of Commerce ICC • Member of the Arbitration Center of the Chamber of Commerce of Guayaquil • Member of the Ecuadorian Arbitration Institute GOMEZ, Vanessa Lexvalor Abogados, Quito Featured in Labour & Employment (Ecuador) Practice Areas: · Labour and Employ- ment · Corporate and Family Law Career: Vanessa Gómez Mosquera joined LEXVALOR Abogados in 2011. Before graduation from law school, she worked as a legal assistant on the firm’s corporate-labour team, until she graduated as a lawyer. Since January 2019, she has been an associate lawyer in the labour law area. Vanessa actively advises national and multinational companies on in-court and alternative dispute resolution, labour litigation, payroll management, social benefits, social security issues, occupational hazards, as well as handling workplace harassment and discrimination cases. Publications: Vanessa´s mos recent publication is the article “Latin American Comparative Labour Guide COVID-19 3rd version”, in collaboration and co-authorship with Karla Villacís for the LATIN AMERICAN NETWORK OF LABOUR LAWYERS. Personal: · Diploma in Labour Law by Universidad Espíritu Santo UEES, Guayaquil-Ecuador (2021) · Attorney at Law by Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja UTPL, Loja-Ecuador (2018) GONZÁLEZ-GÓMEZ DE LA TORRE, Rafael Pérez Bustamante & Ponce, Quito (593 2) 400 7862 [email protected] Featured in Intellectual Property (Ecuador) 542 Practice Areas: Rafael specializes in intellectual property. He advises and represents clients in trademark, copyright, health registration, labelling and litigation matters. He is in charge of regulatory matters including obtaining health registrations for products. He has a successful track record in IP litigation, negotiation and settlement agreements. In recent years, Rafael has focused on IP infringement litigation and trademark and copyright actions. He is a regular panelist at international IP conferences and contributes to various IP publications. GUERRERO DEL POZO, Juan Francisco Durini & Guerrero Abogados, Quito 593 2 393 8229 [email protected] Featured in Dispute Resolution (Ecuador) Practice Areas: Juan Francisco leads the Firm’s Constitutional Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Areas. He has sponsored highly complex cases of national and international relevance. He is recognized for his comprehensive knowledge of the Ecuadorian legal system and his ability to analyze complex legal situations. This has allowed him to position himself as one of the most recognized lawyers in the country in procedural and constitutional matters. Due to his trajectory and prestige, he has participated as an expert witness in several international arbitrations and in the Inter-American system of human rights. Alongside his professional practice, Juan Francisco has been a university professor for more than fifteen years and is a frequent lecturer in several forums and events specialized in these matters. Career: Durini & Guerrero Abogados: Partner. Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador: Professor. Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar, Ecuador: Professor. Universidad San Francisco de Quito: Professor. Publications: The derogation of legal norms and principles of solution of antinomies. Revista Jurídica Ruptura (2020) Jurisdictional guarantees in Ecuador. Corporación de Estudios y Publicaciones (2020) The exhaustion of remedies prior to the extraordinary action of protection: A material or procedural presupposition? Serie Magíster No. 2017. Edited by Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar and Corporación Editora Nacional. (2017) JARAMILLO, Belen Pérez Bustamante & Ponce, Quito +5933827640 [email protected] Featured in Labour & Employment (Ecuador) Practice Areas: Belén specializes in corporate labor law, with experience in administrative, labor and judicial matters. Her advice focuses on dispute prevention and labor relations management involving the administrative labor authority. Her experience is supplemented by her specialization in administrative law and her experience as Regional Labor Director, which has allowed her to manage labor disputes with a broad perspective. She also manages social security issues, offering clients comprehensive advice on prevention, commercial transactions and individual or collective disputes. Leading Individuals www.chambers.com JARAMILLO TROYA, Javier Pérez Bustamante & Ponce, Quito +593 2382 7640 [email protected] Featured in Dispute Resolution (Ecuador) Practice Areas: Javier specializes in dispute resolution, particularly litigation, domestic and international arbitration and international procurement. He is admitted to practice in Ecuador and New York. As a litigator, Javier has advised multinational companies on complex disputes concerning public contracts, civil and commercial contracts, construction, telecommunications and civil liability. As for domestic arbitration, Javier has represented clients in various industries in arbitration proceedings and actions for the annulment and enforcement of arbitral awards. In international arbitration, Javier has advised clients in commercial arbitration proceedings under ICC and ICDR rules and investor-state arbitration under ICSID, UNCITRAL, SCC and ECT rules. He has also represented clients in actions for the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments and awards under international treaties and local laws. Before joining the firm, Javier worked as an international associate at Latham & Watkins’ International Arbitration Unit in Paris. He is currently an arbitration secretary at Quito’s main arbitration centers. Juan Fernando was promoted to Partner leading the Environmental & Sustainability unit at the firm. Career: Mr Larrea studied law at the University de Las Americas in Ecuador and obtained a post graduate studies at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He is recognised by the Legal 500 as Rising Star and by Chambers and Partners as an Associate to Watch. MALDONADO ZAMBRANO, Nicolás Pérez Bustamante & Ponce, Quito +5932 382-7640 ext 7861 [email protected] Featured in Real Estate (Ecuador) Practice Areas: Nicolás specializes in advising clients on tax and family estate protection. He offers tax planning advice to legal and natural persons, assisting clients with their investments to provide comprehensive tax guidance. He helps design and execute efficient tax structures, corporate reorganizations, family protocols and succession planning. He counsels clients on administrative proceedings and claims involving the tax authorities, and carries out tax litigation proceedings at the tax courts. new pharmaceutical and agrochemical products in Ecuador. He is considered one of the most experienced pharmaceutical patent litigators in Latin America. His successful trajectory has been recognized several times by the most prestigious legal directories “for the consistently high quality of his work”, “a leading pharmaceutical patent expert who has handled many high-profile patent cases for international pharmaceutical giants”. Professional Memberships: – IBA – ASIPI – ECUADOR BAR ASSOCIATION Publications: José Meythaler last publication: Ecuadorian Journal of Arbitration, “Annotations on possible regulatory reforms to the Ecuadorian arbitration system.” (2017), among many others. MOYA, Andrea CorralRosales, Quito +593 2 254 4144 [email protected] Featured in Tax (Ecuador) Practice Areas: Andrea Moya is a partner at CorralRosales. She has more than 10 years’ experience representing local and international clients in tax and customs matters. Andrea leads the tax area at CorralRosales and works across MARCHÁN, Juan Manuel the food and beverage, retail, distribution Pérez Bustamante & Ponce, Quito of services, aeronautics, and TMT indus+ 593 2 3827640 tries. Andrea provides consulting services [email protected] Featured in Corporate/Commercial (Ecuador), and represents clients in administrative and judicial processes. She is also a leader Dispute Resolution (Ecuador) JIJÓN, Rodrigo Pérez Bustamante & Ponce, Quito Practice Areas: Juan Manuel focuses on in the development of strategies and the generation of tax structures locally and 011.59.32.400.7800 mergers and acquisitions, infrastructure, [email protected] internationally. Andrea has vast experifinancing and local and international Featured in Dispute Resolution (Ecuador) ence of due diligence in tax matters, in arbitration. In M&A, Juan Manuel handles Practice Areas: Rodrigo Jijón leads the analysis and definition of the possible multijurisdictional corporate operations our Dispute Resolution practice. He is and transactions and offers expert advice fiscal consequences of company acquirecognized as a seasoned litigator and sitions or merger processes, as well as in to buyers, sellers, investment bankers arbitrator in the Ecuadorian and internaand lenders on SPAs, asset sales, due dili- risk analysis of complex transactions and tional markets with a remarkable track gence processes and closing transactions. the generation of tax planning structures. record. He represents local and foreign Andrea is part of the International Fiscal He has represented banks and issuers in clients in matters ranging from investment international bond issues. He counsels in- Association (IFA) and vice president of protection to contractual, civil, environternational companies on major infrastruc- the Specialized Tax Commission of ICC mental and constitutional matters. Clients ture projects, public-private partnerships, Ecuador. applaud his strategic and implacable apstrategic alliances and project financing. NAVARRETE-SERRANO, Mario proach to his cases, while he is forthcomIn local and international arbitration, Juan Pérez Bustamante & Ponce, Quito ing with his clients and team in stressful Manuel has advised clients in interna593 999825883 situations Rodrigo is a professor of protional arbitration concerning investment, [email protected] cedural law and arbitration at several Ecinfrastructure, oil & gas, electric power Featured in Competition/Antitrust (Ecuador) uadorian universities. He has contributed and complex commercial issues. He is a Practice Areas: Mario specializes in numerous articles on procedural law and regular arbitrator in local and international free competition, unfair competition and arbitration to several specialized local and cases. economic regulation. His practice includes international publications, and is a regular administrative and civil litigation and MEYTHALER BAQUERO, José speaker at seminars and conferences on preventive advice on local and regional procedural law and arbitration around the Meythaler & Zambrano, Quito competition law, ranging from investiga593999822472 world He was a former president and is tions for abuse of market power, notices [email protected] currently vice president of the Ecuadorian of economic concentration, state aid, Featured in Intellectual Property (Ecuador) Arbitration Institute and a full member of restrictive practices and cartels. He has Practice Areas: J.D. José R Meythaler the Ecuadorian Procedural Law Institute. successfully worked on some of the most is an expert lawyer in pharmaceutical He has also been a member of the Court sophisticated transactions and investigamatters with more than 30 years of of Honor of the Quito Bar Association tions involving the Ecuadorian competition experience. His experience includes but regulator. Mario combines his professional is not limited to official control of drug LARREA, Juan Fernando Tobar ZVS, Quito prices and defense of the pharmaceutical experience with academic research in competition law, enabling him to approach Featured in Energy & Natural Resources and agrochemical market against unfair complex problems with a broad perspec(Ecuador) trade, anti-competitive practices, and tive and technical precision. Practice Areas: Juan Fernando Larrea pharmaceutical and agrochemical patjoined the firm in 2009. Since then, he ents. He has litigated frequently in both NOBOA BAQUERIZO, Gonzalo Luis has been instrumental in the growth of the administrative and judicial fields and Noboa, Peña & Torres, Guayaquil the firm’s energy and mining unit and successfully defended several patents (593 4) 230 0814 client portfolio, which has seen the firm against compulsory licenses. Moreover, [email protected] advising on major mining and infrastruche is considered a national benchmark in Featured in Dispute Resolution (Ecuador) ture projects in Ecuador. He plays a key obtaining judicial control measures for Practice Areas: Gonzalo Noboa Baquerrole in advising clients on environmental patent holder’s rights in Ecuador. More izo is a founding partner of the firm, with regulation and compliance. Recent clients recently, he has intervened in the implemore than 30 years of experience in the include SolGold, Lumina Gold, Aurania mentation of test data protection laws for practice of civil and commercial law, Resources and Minera Mesaloma. In 2021, Ecuador restructuring, insolvency and litigation. His practice and in-depth knowledge have allowed him to participate and lead multiple and complex transactions involving several jurisdictions. Career: Gonzalo has been teaching Civil and Commercial Law for more than 20 years; he is a professor of the Law School of the University Santiago de Guayaquil, specializing in civil law (obligations) and civil liability. He has been a lecturer on the Master’s Degree in Business Administration at the Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo (UEES), on the subject of legal environment of the entrepreneur, a lecturer on the Master’s Degree in Intellectual Property of the Universidad Santiago de Guayaquil in several courses, and has also joined as a professor of master classes in civil law (obligations) at the Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo (UEES). Publications: Gonzalo is the author of various academic and non-academic articles published in specialized magazines. PALACIOS CISNEROS, Santiago CorralRosales, Quito +593 2 254 4144 [email protected] Featured in Dispute Resolution (Ecuador) Career: Santiago Palacios is a partner at CorralRosales, with more than 20 years’ experience representing local and international clients in dispute resolution, corporate, and environmental law matters. He works across industries such as distribution and services, energy and natural resources, food and beverage, infrastructure and construction, insurance, pharma, real estate, and retail. Santiago is proficient in alternative dispute resolution methods, particularly arbitration. He is noted for a deep knowledge his clients and an ability to provide an exhaustive study of each case. In the corporate sector, Santiago advises on complex mergers and acquisitions, the purchase and leasing of assets, and provides training to officials on various legal issues and assists in compliance matters. In environmental and natural resources, Santiago represents clients in administrative and judicial processes and in the management and resolution of socio-environmental conflicts; he has achieved successful agreements in complex conflicts with indigenous communities and environmental authorities. Santiago is an industry leader in the insurance sector, advising some of the most important insurance companies operating in Ecuador on the prevention of conflicts and keeping their businesses protected. This includes regulatory compliance before the relevant authorities, as well as representing companies in administrative and judicial processes. PEÑA R., Patricio Noboa, Peña & Torres, Quito (593 2) 2970193 [email protected] Featured in Corporate/Commercial (Ecuador) Practice Areas: Patricio Peña is a founding partner of the firm and has 37 years of experience in the legal practice in Ecuador. Patricio focuses his practice in the areas of corporate and commercial law, tax, M&A, capital markets, banking and finance and corporate governance. He has ample experience advising national 543 Ecuador Leading Individualswww.chambers.com and international companies from various industrial sectors, private equity funds and financial institutions with important multi-jurisdictional transactions. Career: Patricio has been in charge of important positions in both private and public sectors, related with commercial matters. In that sense, he was in charge of several public institutions, such as the Undersecretary of Revenues (equivalent to the IRS), the Modernization of the State Secretary, and Judge of the Constitutional Guarantees Tribunal (equivalent to the Constitutional Court). He was the former Executive Director and President of the Quito Stock Exchange and has served on several Board of Directors. Professional Memberships: He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Industries Chambers, and he acts as the chief of the legal commission. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Ecuadorian American Chamber of Commerce in Quito and founding member and, formerly, President of the Ecuadorian Institute of Corporate Governance. Comparative Law • Member of the IBA • Member of the ABA • Member of the New York City Bar Association • Member of Consejo para las Américas de Abogados por Derechos Civiles y Económicos PÉREZ GANGOTENA, Francisco PINEDA CORDERO, Bruno Pérez Bustamante & Ponce, Quito 593-2-4007800 [email protected] Featured in Intellectual Property (Ecuador) Practice Areas: Francisco leads our Intellectual Property practice. He is praised for the depth of his knowledge on copyright and audiovisual rights and frequently advises local producers of cinematographic works in Ecuador. He has presided over the most important local IP associations such as the Ecuadorian Intellectual Property Association (AEPI), AIPPI – Ecuador and is a National Delegate for Ecuador at ASIPI and has been a Professor of Intellectual Property at local universities. ers in the country for employment related issues. Patricia’s significant experience assisting several multinational enterprises in complex company’s restructuring mandates and labour termination agreements, has proven clients her sound knowledge PÉREZ-ORDÓÑEZ, Diego and negotiation skills. She advises on a Pérez Bustamante & Ponce, Quito broad range of labour and employment 4007800 issues, focusing on compliance and [email protected] Featured in Real Estate (Ecuador), Corporate/ implementation of best labour practices. Commercial (Ecuador), Competition/Antitrust She has equally a proven track in leading litigation team that involve contentious (Ecuador) labour matters. Practice Areas: Diego focuses on mergers and acquisitions and competition Professional Memberships: Ecuamatters. In the field of M&A he represents dorian Bar Association; Inter-American strategic buyers, sellers, investment banks Bar Association. Former member of the National Securities Exchange Council. and investment funds in international Personal: Admitted in 1984; Partner of transactions, acquisitions, joint ventures, Bustamante & Bustamante since 1990; asset acquisition, share purchase agreeProfessor at Universidad Católica del ments (SPAs), shareholder’s agreements Ecuador for 10 years; Masters in the (SHAs), due diligence processes, closing Comprehensive Development of Tourist of transactions and other complex corDestinations, Universidad de la Palma porate matters. He is also experienced de Gran Canaria. Instituto Español de in competition control of mergers and Derecho y Economía (ISDE), Madrid, Spain; acquisitions and in regulatory aspects of Masters in General Law Practice. Universithe area. dad Católica del Ecuador (Doctorate). Pérez Bustamante & Ponce, Quito (5932) 382 7640 [email protected] Featured in Banking & Finance (Ecuador) Practice Areas: Bruno is focused on financial, stock market, corporate, banking and insurance matters. He advises national and international creditors, financiers, debtors, underwriters, sellers and buyers in complex financial and banking operations, often with fiduciary, capital market, insurance and regulatory components. Bruno has been involved in Ecuador’s most sophisticated financial operations, including advising foreign banks on the issue, restructuring and consolidation of sovereign debt. He has participated in multiple financing projects PÉREZ LOOSE, Hernán in various sectors, including hydroelectric Coronel & Pérez, Guayaquil and solar power plants and the new Quito 593-4-2519900 International Airport. He also counsels [email protected] foreign and local banks on derivatives Featured in Dispute Resolution (Ecuador) transactions. Due to his work at the Practice Areas: Arbitration and Litigation; Oil, Energy and Mining; Civil, Adminis- Superintendency of Companies, when he was involved in drafting the current Stock trative and Constitutional Law; Corporate Market Law, Bruno is a true connoisseur Law, Mergers and Acquisitions; Interof Ecuadorian stock market regulation. national Trade and Foreign Investment; Bruno advises insurance, reinsurance Concessions, Public-Private Partnerships companies and brokers across their operaand Infrastructure Projects. Career: Hernán is one of Coronel & Pérez tions in the country, including structuring co-founder. His experience involves, main- and approval of products, compliance with requirements and purchase and sale ly, matters of arbitration and investment transactions in the sector. Chambers Latin litigation; contract law, especially public America has repeatedly highlighted his contracts; mergers and acquisitions; concapabilities as an expert in finance and stitutional law and administrative law. He corporate law. has represented clients in human rights matters before the Interamerican System PONCE, Patricia of Human Rights; and he has represented Bustamante & Bustamante, Quito the Republic of Ecuador in diplomatic +593 2 2562 679 negotiations. He has been Legal Advisor [email protected] to the Attorney General´s Office, the Featured in Labour & Employment (Ecuador) President of Ecuador, and Alternate Practice Areas: Constitutional, corpoDelegate in the Constitutional Convention rate law, civil, mercantile, finance, and laof 1998. Since the year 2005, Hernán is a bour laws, public and private contracting, registered arbitrator, and is currently Dele- insurance, foreign investment. gate of Ecuador before the Arbitration Career: Patricia is a senior partner of the Commission of the ICC, Paris. Also, he is labour department who stands out for licensed to practice as a Foreign Legal her incomparable experience in dealing Consultant in the State of New York. with labour matters. With over 35 years Professional Memberships: • Member of remarkable practice in labour related of the American Society of International matters, she is one of the main practitionLaw • Member of the American Society of 544 PONCE MARTÍNEZ, Alejandro Quevedo & Ponce, Quito 593 2 2986570 [email protected] Featured in Intellectual Property (Ecuador), Dispute Resolution (Ecuador) Practice Areas: His main fields of activity are litigation, specially in civil, tax and administrative courts and the Andean Tribunal, and intellectual property, specially patents. He has handled relevant cases on behalf of Philip Morris, Procter & Gamble, Texaco, Pfizer, Merck, Seitur Arbitrator in an average of 12 arbitrations per year. Career: Permanent Associate Judge of the Superior Court of Quito (1988-92, 2000-04); Chief Legal Advisor for the Presidency of the Republic specifically for President Leon Febres Cordero(1985-87); Professorof Universidad Catolica de Quito, Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil, Universidad Central del Ecaudor, Universidad del Azuay and Universidad Anidna Simon Bolívar. Professional Memberships: Quito Bar Association; International Bar Association (IBA); International Trademark Association (INTA); Interamerican Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI); Interamerican Institute of copyrigh; Paulist Association of Industrial Property (ASPI); Ecuadorian Association of Intellectual Property (AEPI), International Society of Community Law and Integration (SIDECI), Inter-American Federation of Lawyers (FIA). Publications: Several law books and many articles in Law reviews. He has also provided articles on Ecuadorian Law for several foreign book publications RAMOS CÁRDENAS, Edmundo CorralRosales, Quito + 593 2 254 4144 [email protected] Featured in Labour & Employment (Ecuador) Practice Areas: Edmundo Ramos is a partner at CorralRosales with more than 25 years’ experience representing local and international clients in labor and social security matters, and the head of the labor department at CorralRosales. Edmundo represents clients across a range of different industries such as aeronautics, distribution and services, energy and natural resources, food and beverage, infrastructure and construction, financial institutions, insurance, pharma, retail, and TMT. Edmundo is a very experienced lawyer, who combines his extensive knowledge of labor law with his practical experience, acute awareness of the work environment, and the business and needs of the client. This combination of skills allows Edmundo to provide solid, value-added advice and practical solutions to his clients. Edmundo advises on individual and collective labor contracts, labor benefits, transfer and incorporation of employees, complex restructuring and termination processes, labor processes related to purchase operations, mergers and divisions, matters arising from the hiring of expatriate employees, labor audits, judicial and extrajudicial labor conflicts, among others. He also handles labor law dispute resolution cases. REED, Sandra Pérez Bustamante & Ponce, Quito 593 2 382-7640 [email protected] Featured in Real Estate (Ecuador) Practice Areas: Sandra Reed has a long track record of advising clients on some of the most important and challenging project finance, public-private partnerships, joint ventures and acquisitions in the infrastructure, alternative energy, technology and real estate sector that have taken place in Ecuador over the past 20 years One of her most representative cases is her long-term relationship with Corporación Quiport, advising on all legal aspects related to the concession, planning, negotiation, financing and implementation of the New Quito International Airport project REYES-VAREA, Juan Gabriel Pérez Bustamante & Ponce, Quito +59 32 40 07 832 [email protected] Featured in Tax (Ecuador) Practice Areas: Juan Gabriel leads our tax practice. He is widely recognized as the go-to expert in Ecuador for all tax planning and structuring matters. He has an impressive track record in representing clients in administrative and judicial tax claims as well as offering tax planning strategies and resolving complex queries. He provides tax analysis for M&A and helps define structures to streamline the tax cost and minimize risks. Clients commend his clarity and ability to simplify the very complex local tax system. In recent years, Juan Gabriel has achieved wide recognition in matters relating to advising high-net-worth individuals on estate planning, corporate governance and wealth structuring. RIVERA, Alfonso Tobar ZVS, Quito +593 2 2986456 [email protected] Featured in Intellectual Property (Ecuador) Practice Areas: Partner at Tobar ZVS and heads up the Intellectual Property Unit. His professional practice involves the management and handling of trademark portfolios. Additionally, he leads the planning, development and performance of anti-piracy campaigns aimed at mini- Leading Individuals www.chambers.com mizing violations of intellectual property rights of clients. Since over 18 years ago, he dedicates most of his practice to the protection of IP rights, particularly to enforcing measures against the violation of said rights on behalf of the biggest worldwide companies in the software and entertainment areas. He is legal representative in Ecuador of the main rose breeding companies. He directs the plant variety registrations’ procedures before the TMO and participates in campaigns against the “piracy” of roses in Ecuador, inspecting farms with the authorities, to verify the payment of the legal royalties for the spreading of roses. A high percentage of the conflicts related to IP are resolved by means of direct negotiations or mediation processes. Career: Mediator at the Chamber of Commerce of Quito. Professional Memberships: ASIPI & INTA Personal: His studies include: – Juris Doctor degree and attorney – Catholic University of Ecuador. – Postgraduate program: Master in “Industrial and Intellectual Property and Information Society Law”Universidad de Alicante, Spain. ROBAYO, Carmen Bustamante & Bustamante, Quito (593-2) 256-2680 ext. 228-362 [email protected] Featured in Intellectual Property (Ecuador) Practice Areas: Intellectual property; administrative law; health law; health registrations; domain names; e-commerce. Career: Carmen is the leader of the trademark practice at the firm as well as the regulatory department. She is a very well-regarded attorney in the IP arena, having over 25 years of experience in the field. She is known for her outstanding negotiation skills and for her in-depth knowledge of IP law. Her experience is focused on complex trademark and patent prosecution and litigation. She is also highly regarded for her knowledge on copyrights, media and entertainment, cybersecurity, data protection, franchising, marketing and advertising. Carmen has represented various corporations in multi-jurisdictional disputes, proving she is a strategic partner when it comes to major IP related cases. Professional Memberships: Pichincha Bar Association; Interamerican Association of Intellectual Property-Principal Delegate, Ecuador Chapter, 2010-12. Personal: Admitted to bar 1985, Ecuador. Catholic University of Ecuador, (Licenciate Political Sciences, 1983; Doctor in Jurisprudence, 1985); WIPO Copyright Course, 2003; Universidad de Las Americas (E-Commerce Expert Course, 2004); WIPO E-Commerce and IP Advance Course, 2005. Spanish, English. Partner, Bustamante & Bustamante since 1986. President / Vice-President of Ecuadorian-Peruvian Chamber of Commerce, 2011-12; 2013-15. Consultant EU-CAN for drafting the Andean Food & Beverage Labeling Regulation, 2011. Judge, 2008 and Co-Judge, 2007. advice along with his specific knowledge of industries and economic understanding have been key to offering sophisticated and personalized solutions to his clients. Featured in Energy & Natural Resources In competition, Xavier represents compa(Ecuador) nies in merger authorization procedures, Practice Areas: Francisco is one of and defends clients against investigations Ecuador’s most experienced lawyers in into anti-competitive behavior. He has energy matters, with a particular emphasis handled many of the leading competition on oil, gas and electricity. He has a deccases in Ecuador, and is highly respected ades-long tack record of negotiating and by the relevant competition authority. implementing oil contracts and advises Xavier also advises on competition issues our energy clients on their day-to-day at a regional level. In public procurement, operations and challenges. He also has Xavier advises national and international extensive experience in negotiatiating and clients on pre-contractual, negotiation, implementing electric power and alterna- and execution stages of public contracts, tive energy contracts. particularly in relation to special hiring processes, public-private partnerships, ROMOLEROUX, María Cecilia concessions, and infrastructure projects. CorralRosales, Quito Additionally, he advises national and (+593) 2256 7676 foreign clients on auditing processes and [email protected] special examination by the Ecuadorian Featured in Intellectual Property (Ecuador) control bodies. Practice Areas: Maria Cecilia is a partner at CorralRosales, with over 25 SALVADOR SOTO, Javier years’ experience in intellectual property Pérez Bustamante & Ponce, Quito matters. She co-heads the IP and reg59324007800 ulatory departments, and works across [email protected] aviation, distribution and services, energy Featured in Labour & Employment (Ecuador) and natural resources, food and beverage, Practice Areas: Experience Javier is infrastructure and construction, insurance, an expert in individual and collective pharma, and retail among others. Under labor matters. He offers preventive and Maria Cecilia’s leadership, CorralRosales employee relationship management has become an indisputable leader at advice, and represents clients in litigation, the local and regional level of IP, advising negotiations of collective bargaining numerous leading international companies agreements and collective disputes. His on how to protect and enforce their IP in commercial understanding of labor law Ecuador and Latin America. She is also and his ability to pinpoint and assess risk lauded for her exceptional results comfor employers is highly valued by clients. batting piracy and counterfeiting. In the He is regularly invited to be a panelist at regulatory area, Maria Cecilia oversees local and international events, such as procedures for obtaining permits and Latin Lawyer’s Labor and Employment authorizations, due diligence, administraAnnual Conference. tive and judicial processes, management SAMUDIO, Ana of complex matters, and crisis manageCorralRosales, Quito ment. She also handles issues of foreign Featured in Competition/Antitrust (Ecuador) trade and quality standards and any other Practice Areas: Ana Samudio is a senior procedures required for the sale and exassociate at CorralRosales with more than ploitation of products and services. Maria 15 years’ experience in the competiCecilia is known for her detail-oriented tion, regulatory and TMT areas. In the style and ability to find creative solutions competition area, Ana advises on merger to complex problems, all accomplished authorization procedures. In addition, she with impressive speed and precision. She is an international IP mediator and arbitra- defends clients against investigations into anti-competitive behavior, and advises tor, has sat as judge of the Administrative on due diligence matters. Ana’s work is Litigation Court, and the first Ecuadorian widely recognized by the relevant comto sit on INTA’s Board of Directors and petition authority. In the regulatory area, AIPPI’s Programming Committee. Ana represents clients in highly-regulated industries, such as food and beverage, ROSALES-KURI, Xavier CorralRosales, Quito pharmaceutical, telecommunications, and +593 2 254 4144 tobacco, among others. Ana heads the [email protected] firm’s TMT practice, where she advises Featured in Corporate/Commercial (Ecuador), different companies on commercial, regCompetition/Antitrust (Ecuador) ulatory, and industry-specific issues. She Practice Areas: Xavier Rosales is a has extensive experience of due diligence partner at CorralRosales, with over 25 processes as well as obtaining operating years’ experience representing local licenses, registrations, permits and and international clients in banking and authorizations, and has significant knowlfinance, competition, corporate, governedge of regulatory compliance control ment procurement, intellectual property structures and advertising regulations. and mergers & acquisitions matters. He Before joining CorralRosales, Ana served leads the competition, corporate, and as head coordinator for the regulatory M&A departments, advising clients across department at the largest telecommunicaaviation, distribution and services, energy tions operator in Ecuador. and natural resources, food and beverage, infrastructure and construction, insurance, SIMONE, Carmen pharma, and retail among others. In corpo- Pérez Bustamante & Ponce, Quito rate and M&A, Xavier advises national and +593 2 400 7850 international clients in relation to complex [email protected] ROLDÁN-COBO, Francisco Pérez Bustamante & Ponce, Quito 593.2.400.7800 [email protected] projects; his business-oriented legal Featured in Tax (Ecuador) Ecuador Practice Areas: Carmen specializes in tax, customs and international trade, with a special emphasis on investment. She provides legal advice to various industries including the food & beverage, automotive, pharmaceutical, technology and consumer sectors. She has significant experience advising on the use of tax incentives for public-private partnerships and new investments in Ecuador. She also has extensive experience in tax and customs litigation. Carmen is regularly invited to be a panelist and speaker at various forums on tax law and investments. ULLOA-BALLADARES, Edgar Pérez Bustamante & Ponce, Quito +593 4 370 7960 [email protected] Featured in Dispute Resolution (Ecuador) Practice Areas: Edgar specializes in complex litigation cases involving commercial, constitutional, public procurement matters and he also has experience in investigations by the office of the Comptroller General. He defends and advises clients in all procedural stages and is recognized for his knowledge of and expertise in the Ecuadorian procedural system. He also has extensive experience in domestic and international arbitration involving commercial and investment disputes. Edgar is regularly invited to be a panelist or speaker at various forums on dispute resolution. VILLACÍS ECHEVERRÍA, Karla Lexvalor Abogados, Quito (593 2) 323 0375 [email protected] Featured in Real Estate (Ecuador), Labour & Employment (Ecuador) Practice Areas: Labour Real Estate Corporate Career: Founding partner of Lexvalor. She heads the Labor and Real Estate Division and has experience in advising national and international companies within the corporate, labor-related and real estate sectors. Has gained over fifteen years’ experience in civil and labor contracting patterns, work-related risks and social security aspects, expat employees, labor-related litigation to companies, in coordination with LATAM regional offices and headquarters at the international level. Karla has experience in advising onstruction companies, counselling in the structuring of projects, elaboration of contracts, negotiation and legal disputes, properties division and implementation of condo structures. She leads the workshop process of elaboration and trading deeds. Publications: Recent publications were done as representative of Ecuador in “Guia Latinoamericana COVID-19Personal: · Diploma in Management by Tecnológico de Monterrey, México (2011) · Attorney at Law by Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (2005) VILLAGOMEZ, Marta CorralRosales, Quito Featured in Labour & Employment (Ecuador) Practice Areas: Marta Villagomez is a senior associate at CorralRosales. She has more than 5 years’ experience in the labor area. Marta advises local and international clients on the scope and effect of the Ecuadorian labor legislation, as well as representing clients in administrative 545 Ecuador Leading Individualswww.chambers.com and judicial proceedings. Marta also handles administrative processes before the Ministry of Labor, such as defending against workers’ complaints and just cause terminations (visto bueno), labor compliance inspections, authorizations for consolidated profits, overtime, internal employment regulations and safety and hygiene regulations. She also leads due diligence processes on labor issues within company acquisition or merger processes, and the development of mitigation strategies for labor risks. Marta’s personal skills are highly appreciated by her clients, who praise her support and dedication, as well as her extensive knowledge of labor regulations. ZALDUMBIDE, Jaime Pérez Bustamante & Ponce, Quito 59323827640 [email protected] Featured in Energy & Natural Resources (Ecuador) Practice Areas: Jaime is an experi- enced attorney in energy, exploration and exploitation of natural resources and environmental law. He has spent decades advising oil and mining companies on their operations and negotiations in Ecuador and on the development of electricity and alternative energy projects. Thanks to his experience in this field, he is one of the most well-regarded experts in Ecuador. From 2012 to 2016, Jaime practiced in Chile as Senior Counsel in the energy department of the prestigious law firm Carey Abogados. Admitted to the bar in Chile and Ecuador, Jaime is one of the few Ecuadorian attorneys to be distinguished as a foreign expert by Chambers Global. 546 ZUMÁRRAGA, César Tobar ZVS, Quito + 593 2 2986 456 ext 119 [email protected] Featured in Energy & Natural Resources (Ecuador) www.chambers.com ECUADOR Leading Law Firms Leading Law Firms Ecuador ALMEIDA GUZMÁN & ASOCIADOS Senior & Technical Partner: Diego Almeida-Guzman Partners: Andrés Alvarez Toapanta, José Urizar Espinoza Managing/Administrative Partner: Diego Andres Almeida Number of partners: 4 Number of other lawyers: 12 Firm Overview: Almeida Guzmán & Asociados is a law firm established in 1981 specialising in legal-corporate counseling and assessment. The firm’s professional practice includes: ■ Corporate, Commercial & Mercantile ■ Tax ■ Economic Integration & Foreign Investment Legislation, International Trade ■ Labour & Immigration ■ Finance, Bank & Securities ■ Energy Legislation: Oil, Electricity & Alternative Energy ■ Legislation on Telecommunication & E-Commerce ■ Legislation on Consumer Rights, Anti-Trust & Competitiveness ■ Environmental ■ Intellectual Property ■ Customs Legislation, Free Trade Zones & CrossBorder Manufacturing ■ Legislation on Government Contracts ■ Legislation on Tourism ■ Real Estate, Property, Construction & Public Works Legislation ■ Mining ■ Arbitration & Mediation LATIN AMERICA OFFICES ECUADOR Quito: Almeida Guzmán & Asociados, Whymper Professional Experience: The firm’s experience is comprised of consultation on legal, tax and economic matters, as well as project finance, mergers, split-off, take-overs, acquisitions, and general business restructuring. The client base of the firm includes companies engaged in industry, commerce, tourism, real estate, agriculture, construction, oil, energy, education, telecommunications, services, banking, finance and securities sector. N27-70 y Orellana, Edificio Sassari, 8th Floor Tel: + 593 2 2 928115 / + 593 2 2 928148 / + 593 2 2 928181 Website: www.almeidaguzman.com CONTACTS Diego Almeida-Guzman Email: [email protected] Languages: Spanish, English, French The firm also retains professionals in the fields of economics and accounting. Org ID: 166591 1 Out Authorised by: Date: ............................ 547 Ecuador Leading Law Firmswww.chambers.com ECUADOR Leading Law Firms ANDERSEN Senior Partners: Alfredo Bustos, Pablo Guevara, Mario Orellana (Guayaquil), Mauricio Durango (Quito) Acting Partner: Álvaro Cardenas (Quito) Number of partners: 5 Number of other lawyers: 17 Professionals from other branches: 55 Firm Overview: FIDESBURÓ and PROFILE, two of the most prestigious market-leading legal and tax consulting services firms in Ecuador, are now Andersen in Ecuador. The firm concentrates the experience of an excellent multidisciplinary team of professionals trained in risk prevention, legal matters, tax, corporate and employment law, amied and committed to provide timely and proactive services. Restructurings, Investments, Mergers & Acquisitions Consultancy: Any new venture requires a preliminary analysis of its advantages and obstacles in sufficient detail to yield reliable project expected results. The same applies to the development, expansion, or diversification of existing enterprises, where it is advisable to consider whether the benefits obtained might be outweighed by the risks entailed. Andersen provides consultancy enabling clients to structure a business strategy that is beneficial to shareholders and aimed at capitalising on advantages or benefits under tax law. Ensuring compliance with conditions and requirements that meet the optimum tax outcome for the business within the legal framework. LATIN AMERICA OFFICES ECUADOR Quito: Av. 12 de Octubre N26-48 and Av. Francisco de Orellana. Mirage Building, Office 13e Tel: +593 2 395 9980 Guayaquil: Parque Empresarial Colón, Empresarial 2 Building, Office 304 Tel: +593 4 213 6200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ec.Andersen.com The firm has offices in Guayaquil and Quito, providing INTERNATIONAL OFFICES services to clients located in all Ecuador, and worldAngola, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Bosnia And wide presence through member firms and collaboHerzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, rating firms of Andersen Global. It is the biggest firm Canada, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, specialised in taxes in Ecuador, with experience in the Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, El Salvador, Eswatini, application of best tax practices for local and multinaEthiopia, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, tional companies. As a competitive advantage, the firm Transfer Pricing, International Tax Planning: Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, India, Ireland, has technology incorporated as input for the decision Identifying transactions with related parties, local and Israel, Italy, Ivory Cosast, Jordan, Kazakhstan, making on tax matters. foreign; and, making sure such transactions comply Kenya, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, with the arm’s length principle, means a formal obliga- Lebanon, Liberia, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Main Areas of Practice: tion that is highly complex, and that just professionals Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, with enough experience and tools, will be able to trans- Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Legal & Tax Consultancy: Andersen’s highly effective team of professionals is spe- late these transactions into a comprehensive Transfer Niger, Nigera, North Macedonia, Oman, cialised in corporate law and in the development and Pricing Report and annexes with its proper support. Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, application of best tax practices. The team is a valuable The firm’s specialisation in transfer pricing and ap- Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, República Dominicana, Republic of Guinea, Republic of asset for the firm, as they are continously working in plication of agreements to prevent double or internaKosovo, Romania, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, an environment of constant regulatory changes where tional taxation, will provide assistance and advice for Sierra Leone, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, businesses are exposed to the effects of nonconform- the proper local application of tax law in international Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, ance, which can disrupt normal and efficient opera- transactions. Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United tions, and may result in sanctions that could harm cor- International Work: Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, porate reputation. Andersen Global is an international association of Zambia, Zimbabwe. member firms comprised of tax and legal professionals Tax Compliance & Tax Refund: An appropriate review of tax practices used in business worldwide. It was established in 2013 as the interna- clients and investors, advising them on the application activity, keeps a good record in the compliance of for- tional entity surrounding the development of a seam- of the best practices in legal and tax matters for their mal obligations allowing companies to identify benefits less professional services model providing best in class investments in Ecuador and worldwide. to obtain an efficient tax refund within the legal frame- tax and legal services around the world. The principal work. The firm provides an assessment on client’s tax objective isn’t to be the biggest firm, it is to provide beststatus and compliance with formal taxpayer require- in-class client services in seamless fashion across the ments, giving recommendations to improve business globe and that each and every one of the professionals practices or bring them into conformity with the law to and member firms that are a part of Andersen Global, share its core values. avoid future vulnerability. Legal Defense & Litigation: Entrust the defense of rights and interests to a team specialised in oral litigation, with experience in tribunals and court of justice — including constitutional processes, allow companies to obtain best results and risk control through managers and shareholders. Andersen is committed to deliver its best effort, applying its skills within a framework of professional ethics, and achieving the optimal results for clients. 548 Org ID: 237745 Out Languages: English, Spanish Clients: Andersen clients include the most important national and multinational companies operating in Ecuador, in different industry sectors: banking, construction, healthcare, industrial sector, IT and technology, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, real estate, telecommunications among others. Also, the firm serves international Authorised by: Date: ............................ www.chambers.com ECUADOR Leading Law Firms Leading Law Firms Ecuador AVL ABOGADOS Number of partners: 6 Total number of lawyers: 20 LATIN AMERICA OFFICES ECUADOR Quito: República del Salvador N35-139 y Suecia. Firm Overview: AVL Abogados is a full-service law firm that resulted from the merger in 2021 of Andrade Veloz (founded in 1976) and Lexim Abogados (founded in 2004), which delivers specialised services in highly competitive and state-regulated industries. Innovation and ethics are fundamentals of AVL’s practice. Main Areas of Practice: Mining: 20% Commercial & Corporate (M&A): 15% Competition (Antitrust): 10% Dispute Resolution: 15% Energy and Natural Resources: 15% Intellectual Property: 15% Other (Environmental, Labour, Taxation): 25% Mining: AVL Abogados has extensive experience in mining law, having practiced in this industry for over 25 years. It advises its clients on all phases of their mining activities. The firm has been retained by Lundin Gold, First Quantum Minerals, Southern Copper Corp., Shandong Gold, Adventus Mining Corp., INV Metals, Cornerstone, Lucky Minerals, among others, to advise on their day-to-day operations. AVL has a remarkable practice in the negotiation of contracts with the state (investment and exploitation agreements) and with private parties (Joint Ventures, Farm-In, Opt-In, Operation, Financing, and Stream Agreements) as well as various securities schemes. Commercial & Corporate (M&A): AVL Abogados is known in the market for having a sophisticated corporate practice. Beyond advising in the selection of appropriate vehicles to implement a particular project, the firm focuses on matters of specialised knowledge and experience, such as M&A transactions and complex disputes between shareholders and managers. The firm regularly works as co-counsel of global law firms in M&A transactions and has an extensive portfolio of clients with headquarters throughout Latin America. Org ID: 346648 0 Out Competition (Antitrust): AVL Abogados has been a pioneer in this discipline from the enactment of the competition law (2011). The firm advises clients particularly on preventive audits, compliance programs, competition investigations and premerger notifications. The added value of the firm is its knowledge of the market and the economic underpinnings of the competition legislation. The firm has been recently retained by companies operating in the cement, pharmaceutical, food, insurance, finance, distribution and gas industries. Dispute Resolution: AVL Abogados has a very strong dispute resolution team that applies innovative and international practices to all international and domestic arbitration proceedings and ordinary court proceedings. AVL works under the same standards of a global firm, both for the experience in international cases and for the different languages the attorneys speak. Its lawyers have (i) acted as arbitrators; (ii) worked for arbitration and mediations centres; (iii) worked with arbitration departments at renowned global law firms; and (iv) have extensively lectured on international arbitration in Ecuador’s main universities. The firm regularly works as co-counsel of global law firms in international arbitration proceedings. Edificio Prisma Norte, Piso 11 Tel: +5932443866 Email: [email protected] Web: www.avl.com.ec needs. This team provides on-going support for decision-making by senior management, human talent managers and business owners. We have developed legal tools on matters of labour and employment that put us at the forefront of the labour market. Personal Data Protection & Privacy The regulations on data protection in Ecuador are new, since the Organic Law on Personal Data Protection, inspired by the European GDPR, entered in force in May 2021. This statute establishes a variety of incentives for companies that comply with its standards within the deadlines set. AVL supports clients in preparing for the compliance of the new law in a timely fashion, especially by verifying the use they currently give to the personal data of their clients, employees, associates, and suppliers. International Work: AVL is a truly international law firm. Its lawyers have worked in global law firms, speak several languages and have experience in international transactions. The firm regularly works as co-counsel of global law firms in international arbitration proceedings and M&A transactions. Intellectual Property: AVL offers practical and proactive solutions to cliLanguages: ents based on having an intimate knowledge of the English, French, German, Italian, Spanish. business so as to offer the adequate legal tools for achieving the desired objectives. AVL advises both national and foreign clients (through correspondents around the world) to provide quality service in all their intellectual and industrial property rights. AVL has the technological resources to enable appropriate surveillance of intangibles both in Ecuador and the Andean Community countries. Labour Law: AVL has a team of lawyers committed to providing quality service thanks to their thorough understanding of the employer’s business and the employees’ Authorised by: Date: ............................ 549 Ecuador Leading Law Firmswww.chambers.com ECUADOR Leading Law Firms BUSTAMANTE & BUSTAMANTE Managing Partner: José Rafael Bustamante Espinosa Founding Partners: Diego Bustamante, Roque Bustamante Senior Partners: Juan Carlos Bustamante, José Rafael Bustamante Espinosa, Roque Bernardo Bustamante, Josemaria Bustamante Partners: Patricia Ponce, Francisco Bustamante, Carmen Robayo, Jose Rafael Bustamante Crespo Number of lawyers worldwide: 50 LATIN AMERICA OFFICES ECUADOR Quito: Head Office: Avenues Patria & Amazonas, Cofiec Building, 4th, 5th, 10th,11th and 16th Floors, PO Box 17-01-02455 Tel: +593 2 2562 680 Fax: +593 2 2559 092 Firm Overview: Bustamante & Bustamante has been a leader in serving international corporate clients doing business in Ecuador for over 60 years. The firm has a team of attorneys committed to the interests of their clients. Bustamante & Bustamante provides legal advice from a comprehensive approach, offering a clear picture of the local legal arena. From a legal, political and economic perspective, the firm offers quick and effective solutions for every need or project to be undertaken. Bustamante & Bustamante enables the client to achieve important agreements and the best outcome. Taxation: Over the years, the firm’s legal advice has permitted its clientele to maintain a competitive position at the market. Its team of experts analyses every opportunity for investment for maximising return while reducing tax exposure. The great majority of the firm’s experts count with both legal and financial backgrounds, which provides them with a more thorough understanding of the client’s needs. The firm’s legal assistance includes: tax and financial planning; judicial and administrative processes; and litigation. Bustamante & Bustamante provides full assistance from start to finish. Main Areas of Practice: Mergers & Acquisitions: Bustamante & Bustamante advises local and international clientele with respect to initial due diligence as well as the subsequent planning and structuring of transactions. The firm has broad experience representing acquirers and targets in a variety of transactions, including mergers, stock purchases, recapitalisations for joint ventures, strategic alliances, spin-offs and cross-border deals. The firm represents companies from diverse industries including technology, pharmaceuticals, entertainment, telecommunications, consumer products, and food and beverages. Just a couple of years ago, Bustamante & Languages: Bustamante was part of what might have been the Spanish, English, French. biggest M&A transaction in the history of Ecuador. Clients: Corporate: The firm provides legal assistance in all corporate The firm is committed to assisting clients in their law areas, to local and multinational corporations. compliance with Ecuadorian law throughout their Please contact the firm for a list of clients it is curoperations in the country. Bustamante & Busta- rently assisting in your industry. mante is regarded as the partner for doing business in Ecuador. Corporate services include, but are not limited to company incorporation, compliance, accounting and tax services, and in general legal advisory services for client operations. Intellectual Property: The firm works towards achieving that every trademark, invention and creation have the necessary legal protection to ensure their integrity and market recognition. Bustamante & Bustamante is the major intellectual property firm in Ecuador. Since 1956, the firm’s IP department has been providing full legal services for the registration of trademarks, licenses and patents. The team’s in-depth, specialised knowledge includes legal experience in the areas of technology, communications, digital means, data protection, licenses and intellectual property. The firm understands that, now more than ever, clients need to protect the ‘uniqueness’ of their creations. Natural Resources: Given that Ecuador’s economy is heavily dependant on its natural resources, their correct management is of great importance. The firm offers multidisciplinary advice for carrying out petroleum, energy and mining production projects to global companies in their investments in Ecuador. The firm begins with a legal and financial analysis of each project, anticipating potential risks during execution. Bustamante & Bustamante finds the best investment opportunities to maintain a stable and reliable projection for each project. The firm has been involved in almost all major deals in Ecuador and its legal assistance includes: representation and negotiations with state authorities; transactions; financial and tax planning and regulations, as well as operating permits. 550 Org ID: 2228 3 Out Email: [email protected] Website: www.bustamanteybustamante.com.ec International Work: The firm maintains a system of cooperation with law firms throughout the Andean Community sub region, which is particularly important for handling foreign investment and intellectual property matters. Bustamante & Bustamante is a member of MULTILAW, an association of independent law firms in private practice throughout the world, the purpose of which is to aid members in serving their international clients; the International Bar Association (as the representative of Ecuador); American Society of International Law; International Trademark Association (INTA); Inter-American Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights (ASIPI); International Association for the Protection of Industrial Property (AIPPI); AIJA; LAWASIA; Asia Pacific Bar Association; Global Anti-Counterfeiting (IACC); World Services Group and The United Nations Global Compact, a private initiative which promotes the protection of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption values. Antitrust: Bustamante & Bustamante has successfully represented various multinationals in antitrust compliance procedures, assisting investors in the mandatory authorisation process required for economic concentration operations. The firm aims to make sure fair competition exists in an open-market economy. Authorised by: Date: ............................ www.chambers.com ECUADOR Leading Law Firms Leading Law Firms Ecuador CORONEL & PÉREZ Partners: César Coronel Jones, Hernán Pérez Loose, Jorge Sicouret Lynch, Boanerges Rodríguez Freire Number of associates: 12 Total number of lawyers: 16 LATIN AMERICA OFFICES ECUADOR Guayaquil: 9 de Octubre and Malecón Street. Firm Overview: Since 1975, Coronel & Pérez has become one of Ecuador’s most renowned law firms and is proud of its international standards and experience, deep local knowledge and national presence. Among its clients are many multinational companies, and the firm routinely works with other leading law firms from the US, Europe and Latin America. The firm prides itself on the exceptional depth, thoroughness, and competence of its professionals, who are known for successfully handling particularly complex matters. Having offices in both Quito and Guayaquil, the firm has a nationwide presence. Main Areas of Practice: Arbitration & Litigation: The firm has extensive experience in the handling of complex arbitration and litigation and has been recognised as leader in the field, both in Ecuador and abroad. The firm has successfully acted in local, international and investment arbitration, before multiple arbitration centers around the world. The firm’s lawyers have also participated in complex litigation before Ecuadorian and foreign tribunals, international courts and supranational organisations. International Trade & Foreign Investment: The firm has deep knowledge of the laws that regulate these sectors, including investment protection treaties, routinely advising clients on questions of trade and investment. The firm has also worked with the European Commission on the implementation of the EU Ecuador Trade Agreement. Concessions, Public-Private Associations & Infrastructure Projects: Coronel & Pérez has participated in privatisation, concessions and public-private association projects throughout the past decades. Among these projects are the current concessions for the Guayaquil International Airport and for water and sewerage services in Guayaquil. Oil, Energy & Mining: Experience in this field includes not only assistance of clients with respect to the applicable regulatory framework, but also advice in complex sector-specific disputes and transactions. Civil, Administrative & Constitutional Law: The firm represents individuals, companies, and institutions, in areas such as private contracts, family law and damage claims. In the areas of administrative and constitutional law, the firm advises clients in all types of procedures, including the negotiation Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions: Coronel & Pérez is one of the firms with the most of public contracts and the filing of judicial and experience in the corporate field in Ecuador. The administrative recourses and actions. firm handles complex corporate transactions and Tax Law & Estate Planning: advises on corporate matters regarding both the The firm provides tax and estate planning advice ordinary course of business and issues affecting to both companies and individuals, paying special specific industries. attention to the impact of Ecuadorian and foreign tax laws. The firm represents several clients in estate Banking, Finance & Insurance: The firm has a deep knowledge of the way financial planning processes to ensure the sustainability and products and services work and of the legal frame- growth of family-owned businesses. work applicable in Ecuador and other jurisdictions. Labour Law & Social Security: It has participated in important investment and In addition to providing advice on all issues related financing projects, and has represented both private to the hiring of personnel and independent contracfinancial institutions and organisations, such as the tors, the firm has represented many clients in the Andean Development Corporation (CAF), the Inter- handling of labour relations and collective disputes. American Development Bank (IDB), the World Environmental Law: The firm has collaborated with Bank, the Latin American Reserve Fund (FLAR), government agencies in the setting up of environand the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation mental programs and the drafting of regulations. It (FDIC) of the United States. also advises clients on a wide range of environmental law matters. Competition Law: The firm represents clients in investigation pro- Languages: cesses before the national competition authority Spanish, English, French, Italian. and regional authorities, and advises companies on questions of local and regional competition law. Org ID: 2230 3 Out Authorised by: Date: ............................ La Previsora Building. 24th floor. Tel: +593 4 351 990 Quito: Av. De los Shyris N35-174 and Suecia Street, Renazzo Plaza Building Tel: +593 2 6014000 Email: [email protected] Website: www.coronelyperez.com CONTACTS Arbitration & Litigation: Hernán Pérez Loose, César Coronel Jones, César Coronel Ortega Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions: César Coronel Jones, Boanerges Rodríguez Freire Banking, Finance & Insurance: Boanerges Rodríguez Freire, Boanerges Rodríguez Velásquez Competition Law: César Coronel Ortega, Boanerges Rodríguez Velásquez International Trade & Foreign Investment: Jorge Sicouret Lynch, Hernán Pérez Loose Concessions, Public-Private Associations & Infrastructure Projects: Jorge Sicouret Lynch, Hernán Pérez Loose Oil, Energy & Mining: César Coronel Jones, Hernán Pérez Loose Civil, Administrative & Constitutional Law: César Coronel Jones, Hernán Pérez Loose Tax Law & Estate Planning: Hernán Pérez Loose, Boanerges Rodríguez Freire, Boanerges Rodríguez Velásquez Labour Law & Social Security: Jorge Sicouret Lynch Intellectual Property: Danica Cindrich 551 Ecuador Leading Law Firmswww.chambers.com ECUADOR Leading Law Firms CORRALROSALES Managing Partner: Rafael Rosales and Xavier Rosales Number of partners: 9 Number of other lawyers: 35 LATIN AMERICA OFFICES ECUADOR Firm Overview: CorralRosales is a prominent law firm in Ecuador. Since its incorporation, the firm has focused in providing legal services in the different areas demanded by local and multinational companies with operations and interests in Ecuador. CorralRosales’ current portfolio of clients includes international and multinational companies from the United States, Europe, Latin America and Asia, who operate in the most diverse sectors and industries. CorralRosales has 40+ years of experience in advising corporate clients in key fields for business, especially corporate, employment, tax, competition, intellectual property, regulatory and litigation. The welldoing of the team of specialised professionals that make up CorralRosales, has led the firm to be highlighted by the main international legal directories, including Chambers and Partners, IFLR 1000, Latin Lawyer, Legal 500, Leaders League, WTR, among others. Dispute Resolution: CorralRosales covers all Ecuadorian courts and venues — effectively representing local and foreign clients in a wide spectrum of disputes. The firm acts in civil, administrative and arbitral disputes as well as industry specific cases including aviation, automotive, banking, pharmaceutical, retail, food and beverage and telecoms. The firm’s litigation strategy considers the characteristics of the client, their sector and the legal avenue applicable to the case. This provides clients with an exhaustive analysis of the risks associated with the dispute and establish mitigation and preventive mechanisms. others. The firm performs employment due diligence and work on tailoring the best alternatives to cope with existing risks or liabilities and also has experience in handling litigation and administrative claims, as well as collective bargaining proceedings. It offers a wide range of corporate immigration services, including obtaining of work permits, temporary visas, work visas and permanent resident visas to expatriates and foreign employees. Public Procurement: CorralRosales has an extensive background advising on all aspects of public procurement in Ecuador, including public-private partnerships. The firm advises clients on pre-contractual matters, negotiation and execution of all type of agreements and resolution of related disputes, including consulting agreement, supply of goods and rendering of services to government entities. Additionally, the team has broad experience advising clients on audit proceedings conducted by the government audit agencies. Quito: Robles E4-136 y Av. Amazonas, Edif. Proinco Calisto, 12th floor Tel: +593 2 2544144 Guayaquil: Av. Francisco de Orellana 234. Edif. Blue Tower, piso 6, oficina 607. Tel: +593 4 2630-441 Email: [email protected] Website: www.corralrosales.com Tax & Customs: CorralRosales provides advising services and representation of clients in administrative and judicial proceedings. The firm has successfully sponsored lawsuits against tax assessments made by the Internal Revenue Service and the National Customs Service of Ecuador to local and international clients. In addition, the department has participated in due diligence processes, the analysis of tax consequences derived from processes of acquisition or merger of businesses, the analysis of risks in complex transactions and the drafting of structures for tax planning. Banking & Finance & Capital Markets: Advising private banks, multilateral agencies, as well as domestic and multinational companies in the negotiation and structuring of financial transactions. Drafting, preparation and review of agreements and other loan documents; financial structuring; project financing, secured transactions; as well as day to day general advice. Main Areas of Practice: Additionally, the firm is highly knowledgeable in capi- TMT: Corporate/M&A: tal markets law, including regulatory matters, public The experienced team serves major clients across the CorralRosales has a strong track record advising na- stock and bond offerings, as well as debt restructurings. TMT sector, including leading telecoms companies, digital business and IT. It is renowned for its work in tional and international clients in the incorporation contentious, regulatory and transactional matters. of companies, day to day corporate legal advice, and Competition/Antitrust: complex corporate transactions and operations. The The firm covers all areas of competition and antitrust, Languages: firm is highly renowned for its experience in M&A together with regulatory and consumer protection Spanish, English. matters, including representation of clients in investitransactions, successfully dealing with share purchase agreements; asset purchase agreements; drafting, prep- gation proceedings and related litigation, as well as nearation and review of contracts and other documents; gotiation of leniency and similar agreements. The team commercial trusts; international leases; and prepara- participates in complex mergers, acquisitions, integrations, antitrust due diligence and development of good tion of due diligence reports. practices and policies. Intellectual Property: The team is one of the most respected in the region, Compliance: comprising lawyers, agents and technical staff, who Advising clients on compliance issues including inprovide services in IP and counselling. It offers cut- vestigations dealing with government procurement ting edge services in every aspect of IP law, including and private dealings. Development and enforcement patent, trademark, copyright, design, litigation, anti- of compliance policies and compliance due diligence. counterfeiting, comprehensive portfolio management, Specialised team in high profile investigations, the prosecution, enforcement and more. It is one of the review and implementation of compliance programs few firms with an Ecuadorian regulatory and litigation and the due diligence of third parties in the context of practice within its IP organisation. The IP regulatory M&A, distribution, and other transactions. practice assists companies in highly regulated indus- Energy & Natural Resources: tries (including pharma, medical devices, agribusiness, The department is divided into three industries: minfood and beverages) obtaining proper authorisations ing, oil and gas and electricity, advising clients on numerous administrative procedures for obtaining perfrom government agencies. mits, licenses, concessions and authorisations within Labour Law & Immigration: CorralRosales advises clients in all areas related to their respective fields. The firm also has experience in the employer-employee relationship. This includes the different environmental fields, advising clients on employment agreements tailored to specific needs, obtaining permits, defence on sanctioning proceedinternal work regulations, consultations on hiring al- ings, environmental damage, preventive due diligence ternatives, employment of disabled employees, among and advice on good environmental and social practices. 552 Org ID: 123318 3 Out Authorised by: Date: ............................ www.chambers.com ECUADOR Leading Law Firms Leading Law Firms Ecuador DURINI & GUERRERO ABOGADOS Managing Partner: Juan Francisco Guerrero Partners: Felipe Durini Andrade, Francisco Guerrero Celi, Juan Francisco Guerrero del Pozo, Emilio Suárez Salazar, Pablo Sánchez Vergara Number of partners: 5 Number of lawyers: 25 Firm Overview: DURINI & GUERRERO is a law firm composed of a committed team of professionals whose main purposes are (i) the integral and specialised provision of legal services in various areas of law (ii) the support and representation of the interests and requirements of their clients and (iii) to permanently work within the most demanding parameters of management, transparency and efficiency. Main Areas of Practice: Constitutional Litigation: DURINI & GUERRERO is the leading firm in constitutional matters in Ecuador. Its solid legal team is trained to advise local and foreign clients, both regarding constitutional guarantees and public unconstitutionality claims before the Constitutional Court. The firm also has important experience in consulting on constitutional matters at the national and international level. Dispute Resolution: DURINI & GUERRERO advises and represents local and foreign clients in all stages, from the preparation phase to the execution of dispute resolution procedures, both in jurisdictional and arbitration proceedings. The firm has advised and represented its clients in highly complex conflicts and has obtained favorable results. Org Id: 22826100 Out LATIN AMERICA OFFICES ECUADOR Quito: Av. de los Shyris N32-40 y Av. 6 de Diciembre, Ed. Aveiro, Of. 601 Tel: +593 2 3938229 / 30 / 79 / 80 Email: [email protected] Guayaquil: Parque Empresarial Colón, Ed. Empresarial 5, Of. 301 Tel: + 593 4 3903494 Email: [email protected] Labour & Social Security: DURINI & GUERRERO provides specialised services, with regular follow-up, to meet the needs of its clients and prevent labour conflicts. These services include timely legal advice for the adequate administration of the company’s employees and workers, with the purpose of facilitating decision-making to the manage- Intellectual Property: DURINI & GUERRERO provides services related to ment body the protection of intellectual rights, which include techCorporate: nological defense, the development of intangible assets, DURINI & GUERRERO provides legal services in corthe creation and adaptation of processes, knowledge, porate matters, within a responsible framework of ormethods and techniques, know-how, innovation and ganization, due diligence, prevention, good governance technology transfer in its different forms and expresand legal certainty. sions. Tax: Banking, Financial, Stock, Insurance: DURINI & GUERRERO has a select team of profesDURINI & GUERRERO provides comprehensive legal sionals to attend requirements, services, advice, adminadvice to various financial institutions of auxiliary seristrative claims and provide judicial sponsorship for all vices of the financial system, both for banks, as well as kinds of taxpayers. Their scope of action includes naother financial entities. tional and sectional tax matters, as well as customs and international trade matters. Dispute Resolution with the Public Sector: DURINI & GUERRERO advises national and international clients regarding their relations with ministries, public entities, agencies, companies and all kind of government institutions. It also advises and represents clients in the disputes that arise from the aforementioned relations with the public sector. Authorised by: Date: ............................ 553 Ecuador Leading Law Firmswww.chambers.com ECUADOR Leading Law Firms ESTUDIO JURÍDICO PRADO Managing Partners: Dr. Mario Prado, Juan Alberto Prado Senior Partners: Julio Jurado, Maria José Prado Senior Lawyers: Roxana Caicedo, Xavier Pesantes, Alexandra Gomez Lawyers: Jaime Pazmiño, Priscilla de la Cruz, Jaime Salazar, Fabricio Batallas. Firm Overview: Estudio Jurídico Prado was founded in Quito in 1984 and has grown in to one of Ecuador’s leading law firms. It is a full-service law firm that has been recognised as a leading firm in tax and finance. Among the firm’s core values are its commitment to excellence, teamwork, work ethics, all in the service of and dedication to its clients. The firm has been recognised with important national and international awards. For years it has provided legal services based on excellence, team work and innovation for the purpose of ensuring client satisfaction and serving society, clients and entrepreneurs. LATIN AMERICA OFFICES ECUADOR Quito: Av. Orellana E4-430 y Av. Amazonas. Corporate/Commercial/Family: The firm has a significant number of lawyers with extensive experience representing clients, investors, entrepreneurs and families. Its Corporate and Commercial lawyers are experts in the law that applies to the rights, relations, and conduct of persons and businesses engaged in commerce, merchandising, trade, and sales. They are tasked with ensuring a company’s transactions comply with corporate laws and regulations. The firm’s Family lawyers are focused on matters involving family relationships. On behalf of its clients they sponsor mediation sessions and offer effective The firm’s tax team lead by Dr. Mario Prado has 11 legal advice representing their interests and setting specialised professionals focused on managing its a successful resolution avoiding the a lengthy and clients’ tax planning. It offers clients the best advice more costly litigation. in accounting as well as in legal points of view and Labour & Employment: provides them with tools to reach the best decision. ■ Today’s employers are faced with laws and reguMain Areas of Practice: Tax: The firm provides advisory and consultancy in: ■ Legal review of tax compliance obligations ■ Performance of tax obligations by Ecuadorian and foreign individuals ■ Legal and tax planning The firm assists clients in tax planning matters. This includes the generation of alternatives for optimisation of tax costs under applicable tax laws and procedures. ■ Legal and tax due diligence The firm determines any potential tax contingencies resulting from acquisitions of companies or lines of business pursuant to clients’ requirements. ■ Sponsoring routine petitions ■ Sponsoring judicial disputes ■ Comprehensive and ongoing advice and training These advisory services are provided when required by clients and comprise accounting, business, labour, corporate, customs and tax matters, clearing up concerns, and attending to information requirements for the purpose of precluding or reducing tax contingencies and potential. lations that govern the workplace. In order to comply with these laws and to provide a positive workplace, employers must be always aware of labour and employment law issues ■ Estudio Jurídico Prado advises traditional labour issues, to employment litigation, to workplace safety, to employee benefits and other areas ■ Ecuadorian labour and employment law practices have deeply changed in the last few years, criminalising the incompliance of social security obligations ■ The firm advises clients in labour law planning matters. This includes the generation of alternatives for optimisation of costs under applicable legal procedures Intellectual Property Law: The intellectual property unit provides advice on protection, registration, trade mark search and oversight of all intellectual property rights. The firm sponsors intellectual property judicial disputes. Languages: Spanish, English. 554 Org Id: 238405 Out Authorised by: Date: ............................ Edificio Orellana 50. 5th Floor Tel: 5932 223 2068 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ejprado.com AREAS OF PRACTICE Tax: 60% Corporate/Commercial/Family Law: 20% Real Estate: 6% Intellectual Property Law: 5% Business/Corporate: 5% Labour & Employment: 3% Communications: 1% CONTACTS Tax: Dr. Mario Prado Corporate/Commercial/Family Law: Julio Jurado Real Estate: Juan Alberto Prado Intellectual Property Law: Xavier Pesantes Business/Corporate: Jaime Pazmiño Labour and Employment: Jaime Salazar Communications: Alexandra Gomez Leading Law Firms www.chambers.com ECUADOR Leading Law Firms Ecuador EXPERTISE ABOGADOS Founding Partners: Alberto Peña (Managing Partner), Juan Salgado Partners: Gitty Villarroel, Lorena Grillo, Leon Rzonzew, Ignacio del Hierro, Carlos Jerez Number of Lawyers: 12 LATIN AMERICA OFFICES ECUADOR Quito: Avenida Doce de Octubre N24-739 and Firm Overview: Main Areas of Practice: Expertise Abodagos is a interdisciplinary, innovative ■ Arbitration & Litigation law firm that is committed to its clients. The firm has ■ Corporate Law built a strong team of professionals with solid experi- ■ Real State Law ence in their practice areas, garnering us high national ■ Financial, Banking, and Insurance Law and international prestige. ■ Strategic Sectors The firm has achieved thanks to its founders more ■ Immigration Law than twenty-five years experience and have built a ■ Labor and Social Security Law team of ethical and efficient professionals. ■ Environmental Law Expertise Abogados provides comprehensive solu- ■ Intellectual Property Law tions for highly complex legal cases with acumen and ■ Regulatory Issues, Competition, and Compliance groundbreaking foresight. ■ Public Contracting and Procurement The team is committed to ongoing professional ■ Tax Law growth, whether involved in teaching or in the most ■ Criminal Law varied activities of legal knowledge. ■ Family and Inheritance Law The firm’s experience enables it to develop successful ■ Rights of Children and Adolescents strategies to advise its clients efficiently and opportunely. Expertise Abogados’s law practice is known for Languages: steadfast adherence to the values of honesty, responsi- Spanish, English, French bility, excellence, and client satisfaction. The distinctions that Expertise Abogados’s lawyers have received is an assurance of the firm’s commitment and high-performance culture of Latin American Chambers and Partners, “Who is Who/ Top Lawyer”, “Most Innovate Law Firm”, “Leaders League, Global Experts”. Expertise Abogados has accomplished a great reputation as a firm that oversees arbitration’s and litigations, with the highest level of professionalism and ethics, which has enabled the firm to partake with its members on the development and exchange of Ecuadorian arbitrations, due to it being part of the most prestigious arbitration centers at a national level. Avenida Colón, Torre Borreal Building, Tower A, Sixth Floor, Office 605, CP 170523 Tel: +593 2 3826777 Email: [email protected] Website: www.expertise.com.ec LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/expertiselaw 555 Org ID: 22616081 Out Authorised by: Date: ............................ Ecuador Leading Leading Law Firmswww.chambers.com ECUADOR Law Firms FLOR & HURTADO Managing Partner: Mario Flor Senior Partners: Agustín Hurtado, Andrés Ycaza, José Cisneros, Juan Carlos Peñafiel Number of partners: 5 Number of other lawyers: 6 Firm Overview: With offices in Quito — Ecuador, Flor & Hurtado (hereinafter ‘F&H’) is a strong boutique formed by very well-reputed professionals with large experience in local and cross-border transactions, following international standards as main rule of practice. F&H was created by the principles of transparency, ethics, solidarity and specialisation and expects to be a major player in the Ecuadorian legal market, with clear and straight emphasis on the development of its professionals and on a merits structure. The firm is formed by 11 lawyers — 5 partners and 5 associates — with vast experience in their professional fields. Many of F&H’s lawyers have international degrees, as well as completed internships in US and Europe. In addition, the firm maintains a system of cooperation with other law firms throughout the region and in US and Europe, which is particularly important for handling cross-border transactions. Main Areas of Practice: Energy & Natural Resources: Energy and natural resources is among the firm’s foremost strengths with more than 19 years of experience in the industry. Recent matters include advising to Eni SpA., in the process of transferring shares of its Ecuadorian oil subsidiary regarding its rights over Block 10 located at the Amazon Basin; advising Dundee Precious Metals on the disquisition of Loma Larga Mining project; advised to Sunstone in the acquisition of the a 87,5% shareholding in La Plata Minerales S.A., the holder of the Bramaderos gold-copper project and the acquisition of El Palmar project;advising Ecometals’ subsidiary Condor Gold on the division of its mining properties and a subsequent sale; and Toachi Mining with an option agreement signed to purchase a majority holding in local company Minera La Plata. Banking & Finance: The firm’s financial and banking law department has positioned itself as one of the most respected and award-winning in the country. F&H has advised on the structuring and financing of projects for more than 1.2 billion granted to Ecuadorian private companies, in syndicated transactions with various private and public financial institutions. Flor & Hurtado has also advised on restructuring processes under the Debtor-in-Possession (DIP) scheme. 556 Org ID: 23008141 Out Corporate/Commercial: Flor & Hurtado’s one of the principal areas of practice principal areas is Corporate/Commercial with a vast experience of almost 20 years. F&H’s recent matters include leading advice to IDB Invest on the loan agreement and structuring of a security package in the financing of the Posorja port and Interagua the company responsible for water supply and sewage in Guayaquil Ecuador; acting as local counsel to China Development Bank on a financing transaction to state entity Banco de Desarrollo del Ecuador; and -again as local counsel- advising Corporación Interamericana para el Financiamiento de Infraestructura (CIFI) on the financing of a hydroelectric project. LATIN AMERICA OFFICES ECUADOR Quito: Av. 12 de Octubre N26-48 y Orellana Mirage building, 8th floor Tel: +593 2 394 1050 Email: [email protected] Website: www.fhlegal.ec CONTACTS Energy & Natural Resources: Agustín Hurtado, Andrés Ycaza Corporate/Commercial: Mario Flor, Andrés Ycaza Labour & Employment: José Cisneros, Dispute Resolution: Agustín Hurtado, Mario Flor Competition/Antirust: Agustín Hurtado Tax: Juan Carlos Peñafiel Labour & Employment: Flor & Hurtado is an acknowledged actor in this sphere. The team is actively involved, and with ex- Clients: cellent results, in the defense of our clients’ interests ■ Inter-American Development Bank IDB in administrative matters and under the Ecuadorian ■ Corporación Interamericana para el Financiamiento de Infraestructura, S.A. (CIFI) courts. ■ Eli Lilly Interamerica Inc. Dispute Resolution: ■ Andes Petroleum Ecuador LTD. Highly regarded dispute resolution boutique with a ■ ENI SpA. strong track record representing corporate clients in ■ Champion Technology Ecuador. Boasts a strong bench of arbitration experts ■ Consorcio Petrosud – Petroriva experienced in advising on high-value cross-border ■ OCP Ecuador mandates, with a focus on matters related to the en■ UNIPEC AMERICA Inc. ergy and natural resources, infrastructure, banking ■ Dundee Precious Metals and finance, and investor-state arbitration. ■ Toachi Mining Inc. Competition/Antirust: ■ Sunstone Metals Limited Dynamic antitrust practice well known for its partic- ■ Tempus Resources ular expertise in contentious proceedings for matters ■ Xinjang Goldwind Science & Technology Co. relating to collusion, cartel investigations and abuse Ltd. of dominant position. Frequently advises clients in ■ Albacora S.A. the regulated industries, in particularly the construc- ■ Grey Group tion among with food industry. ■ Intelsat ■ WPP Plc. Tax: Strong boutique with extensive knowledge tax focus- ■ ARCA Continental SAB de CV ing in energy and natural resources industry, as well ■ SICPA ECUADOR GSS S.A. ■ Yanbal Ecuador S.A. as telecommunications. ■ Essilor International Languages: ■ Corporación Favorita C.A. Dutch, English, French, Italian, Spanish. ■ Superdeporte S.A. ■ SITA Information Networking Computing B.V. Authorised by: Date: ............................ www.chambers.com ECUADOR Leading Law Firms Leading Law Firms Ecuador HEKA LAW FIRM Firm Overview: HEKA Law was created with the aim of offering legal services through practical and intelligent solutions that contemplate a proactive, ethical, and efficient working manner. HEKA Law is a team of highly qualified professionals with multidisciplinary experience in resolving and attending a wide range of requirements from its clients. The team is comprised of 8 partners and a group of 15 associates, paralegals, and administrative personnel. The firm has offices in Quito and Cuenca, as well as strategic partners in the most important cities of the country. Financial & Stock Market The team has extensive experience in advising financial institutions, brokerage houses and investors on a variety of matters. HEKA`s main objective is to advise its clients in their search of financing for future investments through the securities market and over the counter, as well as other strategic transactions. lowing areas: corporate, commercial, labor, consumer, tax and regulatory. HEKA`s counsel includes structuring of M&A`s, implementation of corporate governance, preparation of national and international commercial contracts, restructuring and business reorganisation, among other matters. Real Estate & Infrastructure HEKA has led large-scale real estate projects in the country. These developments have been carried out through mixed-use projects with equipment, housing and offices; as well as small, medium and largescale infrastructure projects, with different types of regulatory frameworks. The firm concentrates its practice on guiding clients in their search for financing, on the management of their real estate projects and with municipal compliance. Additionally, HEKA has established a ´mortgage factory` service where domain transfer processes have been standardised in order to improve times of response and minimise errors. Immigration The team advises clients on processes that determine their migratory status in Ecuador. HEKA´s services include guidance in naturalisation processes, in obtaining visas and on immigration control processes. The firm also accompanies companies in their process of hiring foreign personnel and legalising their stay in Ecuadorian territory. LATIN AMERICA OFFICES ECUADOR Quito: Quito Edificio MOKAI. Paul Rivet N30-54, Piso 7. Quito-Ecuador. Tel: +593 02 500 1120 Cuenca: Edificio El Ejido, Remigio Tamariz Y Solano – Oficina 03. Tel: +593 987 360 801 Technology, Media & Telecommunications HEKA provides its services to national and foreign companies on complex issues in the application of disruptive technologies in regulated sectors. The firm also offers specialised consulting services in Main Areas of Practice the telecommunications sector specially on matters Intellectual Property related to commercial agreements, regulatory comAdministrative Law & Public Procurement HEKA provides legal advice in administrative law HEKA provides advice on intellectual and industrial pliance, and relationship with the regulatory entity. property, especially on matters related to its protec- Likewise, HEKA has led projects related to the improcesses against any public entity or authority. The firm sponsors clients in administrative proccess- tion, opposition processes, feasibility analysis, and plementation of computer security and protection of personal data. es and administrative contentious processes before others. the Central Government and Decentralized Autono- Labour Wealth Management mous Governments - municipalities and provincial HEKA advises clients from various industries on em- The firm’s clients require personalised advice when government. ployment matters. Aware of the complexity of per- it comes to their personal affairs and the manageHEKA also advises clients on their interrelation with sonnel management, the firm focuses its service on ment of their wealth. HEKA supports them in the State and public policies as it may have an impact risk prevention and mitigation through advice that structuring of their corporate governments from on their businesses. The firm also provides legal prioritises practical and technical solutions which the legal field, its day-to-day management and sucand technical support in various public procure- translate into savings for our clients in the short and cession planning for family companies. The firm’s ment processes, including those that follow special long run. goal is to provide quality service with short response regimes. Additionally, the firm has the necessary equipment times, and with the greatest proactivity as legal proto advise, accompany and sponsor the defense of its fessionals. HEKA handles real estate law matters, Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions HEKA advises national and foreign companies on clients in labor, individual and collective negotia- family business transactions, as well as mergers and acquisitions. complex corporate matters that encompass the fol- tions and litigation. Dispute Resolution HEKA advises large and medium-sized companies, as well as individuals, in the search for agile solutions to disputes that arise in various matters. When clients cannot find a solution through extrajudicial means, HEKA will provide the necessary guidance, so the correspondent actions are initiated before the local courts or arbitration tribunals. Additionally, the firm provides assistance, with the help of foreign law firms, in judicial processes that must be filed in other jurisdictions. Org ID: 23202098 Out Authorised by: Date: ............................ 557 Ecuador Leading Law Firmswww.chambers.com ECUADOR Leading Law Firms JARAMILLO DÁVILA ABOGADOS Senior Partners: Fabián Jaramillo Terán and Diego Jaramillo Terán Associates: Fabián Jaramillo Intriago, Hernán Escudero Álvarez, Álvaro Sandoval Robalino, Edison Madera Bravo, and David Molina Coello Number of partners: 2 Number of other fee-earners: 5 Total staff: 13 Firm Overview: Jaramillo Dávila Abogados is a prestigious boutique law firm founded in 1950, that delivers experienced and personalised legal counseling, dispute resolution and litigation services with specialization in complex labour and employment matters. Jaramillo Dávila Abogados believes that peaceful conflict resolution, direct contact between lawyer and client and compliance with the law are the key elements for reaching solutions and offering innovative and practical strategies, in benefit of clients and society. The firm has a strategic alliance in Guayaquil with Larrea, Ortiz & Cía. Sociedad de Abogados, a firm that has developed an important practice in labour and employment and business law. Litigation: Litigation has been one of the most up and running areas at Jaramillo Dávila Abogados. The firm has ample experience in extrajudicial claims, labour, civil, commercial and administrative proceedings. Litigation in environmental law, insurance law and tort law cases have been one of Jaramillo Davila’s best recognised areas of practice. LATIN AMERICA OFFICES ECUADOR Quito: Av. Amazonas N39-123 y José Arizaga, Edificio Amazonas Plaza, piso 10, oficina 77 Tel: +593 2 2262922 Email: [email protected] Website: www.jaramillodavila.com CONTACTS Fabián Jaramillo Terán, Diego Jaramillo Terán, Fabián Jaramillo Intriago Civil & Commercial Law: The firm counsels foreign and local companies in Languages: structuring complex businesses and elaborating Spanish, English. mercantile agreements. Clients: Jaramillo Dávila Abogados serves large multinaFamily Law: Diego Jaramillo Terán has vast experience regarding tional corporations, financial institutions, mid-sized family law, specialising in the field of divorce, child enterprises and individuals. The firm may provide a support, and separation and liquidation of marital list of clients upon request. Main Areas of Practice: property proceedings. He concentrates his practice in securing extrajudicial agreements in order to Labour & Employment Law & Social Security avoid eventual trials that affect both parties, as well Law: Jaramillo Dávila Abogados is leader in labour and as developing family protocols that structure de employment law counselling and litigation. The firm management and distribution of assets. is best known for its innovative and successful strate- Corporate & Compliance: gies regarding law and employment in litigation and The firm advises companies in corporate and corporate compliance matters, including the legal procelegal counsel. Jaramillo Dávila Abogados provides personalised dures related with corporate law. and business-oriented counsel for its clients in order Constitutional: to comply with the law, solve problems and prevent The firm provides advice and representation to comfuture litigation. panies and individuals in filing constitutional claims Another of their areas of expertise is the direction of looking for the protection of fundamental rights. worker’s unions as well as the negotiation and trouMediation & Arbitration: bleshooting of collective conflicts and agreements. The firm believes that healthy relations between em- The firm has experience in institutional and indeployers and employees are a key element for success- pendent mediation and arbitration procedures. Faful businesses. Therefore, the firm’s lawyers work on bián Jaramillo Terán has served as an arbitrator for a preventive basis, advising the client prior to deci- many years and founded the Mediation Center of the sion making, in order to comply with labor regula- Local Bar Association when he served as President tions. They also provide the service of design and of that institution. This experience gives the firm audit labour strategies that increase the potential of deeper insight into the matter of alternative dispute human resources while minimising the impact of la- resolution. bor problems over the costs of the business. 558 Org ID: 237630 2 Out Authorised by: Date: ............................ Leading Law Firms ECUADOR Leading Law Firms www.chambers.com Ecuador LEXVALOR ABOGADOS Firm Overview: LEXVALOR Abogados is a dynamic and consolidated full-service law firm with a reputation of excellence based on outstanding results in line with its clients’ expectations, delivering services from its offices in Quito and Guayaquil and through a wide network of correspondents throughout the world. LEXVALOR Abogados is the result of the combination of two leading Ecuadorian law firms: Peñaherrera & Ponce Abogados, and LEXVALOR Abogados. The combination of complementary practices through the merger allowed the firm to meet the needs of clients requiring a broader array of specialsed services, giving rise to one of the leading law firms in the country. The firm today has a team of 52 lawyers and a total of 80 members including accountants, financial experts and staff to support legal and administrative matters. The firm specialises in several areas of the law and holds in depth knowledge of the economic sectors in which they perform. The professionals of the firm are trained in prestigious local and international universities. The firm and its lawyers are members of the following legal networks: International Bar Association (IBA), International Fiscal Association (IFA), Ecuadorian Institute of Tax Law, Alliance for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (AEI), International Trademark Association (INTA), Interamerican Intellectual Property Association (ASIPI), Ecuadorean Association of Intellectual Property (AEPI) and International Bar Association (IBA) – Antitrust Section. Main Areas of Practice: Competition & Antitrust: The team provides a full scope of services in the antitrust/competition field, ranging from counsel on abuse of dominance, cartels, merger control, state aid, unfair competition, to litigation in administrative and judicial forums related to these matters. Dispute Resolution: The firm specialised in dispute prevention and resolution. The litigation team is specially focused on civil, commercial, administrative, labour and tax actions. Intellectual Property: The IP team handles prosecution and maintenance of IP portfolios locally and worldwide, including trademarks, trade names, designs, patents, copyright. The team is regularly entrusted with litigation in administrative and judicial forums for the defense of IP rights, including anti-counterfeiting actions. Labour & Employment: Advise to clients in matters related to labour contracts and prevention of labour conflicts that may arise from the relationship between workers and employers. The firm also provides assistance on social security matters and immigration issues. Real Estate: LEXVALOR Abogados provides legal advice throughout all stages of real estate projects, from the acquisition of the land and the obtainment of municipal permits, to the structuring of tax and contractual schemes for the project implementation. Environmental: Advisory and counsel for environmental assessments, compliance and preventive counsel for projects, training and diligence, counsel with administrative proceedings brought by local authorities, environmental regularisation, control and supervision, hazardous waste, contingency and emergency plan implementation. Corporate & M&A: The firm provides the full range of corporate and strategic counsel for investments in the country. The firm handles multiple corporate matters, especially related to mergers and acquisitions, establishment of foreign branches, incorporation of companies, capital increases among others. Maritime: Counsel regarding maritime agreements, including Banking & Finance: The firm has participated in the structuring of capi- transportation of merchandise, emission, assignment tal market transactions, including corporate bond and substitution of negotiable transportation docuissues, commercial paper, securitisations, and other ments. Advice in relation to risk, damages, evictions, financial products for company financing. LEX- collisions, shipwrecks, maritime insurance. Maritime VALOR Abogados is also known for its experience in due diligence, counsel in arbitration and maritime structuring multilateral credit operations, as well as litigation for insurance, funding, liability, credits, in syndicated loan operations to finance major proj- privileges and other mattes. ects in Ecuador. Tax: The team of professionals specialises in fiscal related matters, finance, and accounting. LEXVALOR Abogados services include tax–efficient structures for transactions and strategic tax planning. It also represents clients before the tax authorities and courts on tax and customs. Org ID: 22626733 2 Out LATIN AMERICA OFFICES ECUADOR Edificio Urban Plaza: Av. 12 de Octubre N24-774 y Coruña, Pisos 5, 8, 15 y 16, Quito-Ecuador Tel: +593 2 323 0029 / +593 2 323 0375/ +593 2 323 0418 Email: [email protected] Guayaquil: Av. 9 de Octubre No. 100 y Malecón Simón Bolívar. Edificio Previsora. Piso 23, Oficina 2304. Tel: + 593 4 600 6280 Email: [email protected] Website: www.lexvalor.com CONTACTS Corporate: Héctor Barahona Moncayo, Margoth Chiriboga López, Alfredo Peñaherrera Wright; Juan Francisco Almeida Granja. Banking, Trust & Financial Services: Héctor Barahona Moncayo, Margoth Chiriboga López, Daniela Irigoyen Samaniego. Tax Division: Carlos Coronel Endara. Competition & Antitrust: Luis Marin Tobar, Ricardo Peñaherrera Peñaherrera. Intellectual Property: Luis Marin Tobar. Real Estate: Karla Villacís Echeverría, Daniela Irigoyen Samaniego. Mergers & Aquisitions: Héctor Barahona Moncayo, Luis Marin Tobar, Fabricio Dávila Lazo, Gabriela Guzman Flores, Juan Francisco Almeida Granja. Dispute Resolution: Daniela Irigoyen Samaniego, Margoth Chiriboga López, Cesar Sánchez Ycaza, Juan Francisco Almeida Granja. Labour & Employment: Karla Villacís Echeverría, Alfredo Peñaherrera Wright Energy & Natural Resources: Cesar Sánchez Ycaza, Gabriela Guzmán Flores Languages: English, French, German, Spanish. Clients: LEXVALOR’s list of clients includes an important number of national and multinational leading firms in sectors such as pharmaceutical, real estate, food and beverages producers, retail, tourism, finance, insurance, sports, and petroleum services. Authorised by: Date: ............................ 559 Ecuador Leading Leading Law Law Firms ECUADOR Firmswww.chambers.com MEYTHALER & ZAMBRANO ABOGADOS Main Partner: J.D. José Meythaler Senior Partner: J.D. Margarita Zambrano Executive Partner & Legal Counsel: Atty. Maria Alexandra Guerrero, Atty. Beatriz Meythaler and Ing. Isabel Zuleta Number of partners: 5 Number of other fee-earners: 22 Firm Overview: Meythaler & Zambrano is one of the most successful and renowned Ecuadorian boutique law firms and forms a part of Primerus, a society of the world’s finest independent boutique law firms, with nearly 200 member firms in more than 40 countries. Main Areas of Practice: Meythaler & Zambrano is recognised as having strong centers of excellence in respect of intellectual property, especially on pharmaceuticals and medical, with important teams in Quito and Guayaquil. The legal team consists of 30 lawyers, with specialists in the areas of, inter alia, drug advertising and unfair competition, business development deals and co-operation agreements, IP, product liability, regulatory, compliance and anti-bribery, reimbursement, customs, tax, trademark, and copyright, anti-piracy, and competition law. The team has substantial experience in patent litigation and advising clients on healthcare compliance and advertising strategies. Meythaler & Zambrano has handled significant appellate matters that have shaped the substantive direction and development of intellectual property law in Ecuador. So, their client portfolio includes the world’s most renowned companies, who rely on us to protect their most important assets, as well as against acts that jeopardise their fundamental business interests. The description of the firm’s areas of practice can be find below: Regulatory & Market Access: The firm provides strategic counsel and skillful advocacy in regulated industries. The practice covers all aspects of clients who oversee product development, manufacturing, and marketing activities, with a strong focus on: pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food, cosmetics, dietary supplement, and agrochemical products. The firm provides legal counsel on market strategies and their implementation; labeling, advertising, and promotion; product development, clinical investigations, and approval pathways; dispute resolution, inspection down-raids, counterclaims to agency enforcement actions, patent term extension; adverse event reporting, product recalls, good manufacturing practices, and others. Intellectual Property: The firm is especially recognised for its achievements in this area. The firm´s legal advice focuses on helping individuals and businesses protect, manage and enforce their intellectual property rights and handle complex prosecution, enforcement, and dispute resolution mandates. Likewise, the firm has broad expertise in anti-counterfeiting, reviewing licensing agreements, patents, and 560 Org ID: 149332 Out trademarks. This area represents a broad array of domestic and international clients from various sectors, which stands out for pharmaceutical companies, retail, and entertainment companies. Competition & Antitrust: The firm provides expert counsel in complex legal issues in the area, such as abuse of dominant position, concerted and prohibited practices, mergers, acquisitions and, disloyal practices. The firm specialises in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors, distribution networks, food and beverages, cosmetics, being able to address any matter related to competition law. Corporate & Commercial Affairs: The firm mainly advises clients in aspects related to the planning and structuring of their operations in the country, the establishment of partnerships in various sectors of the economy, major due diligence processes, among others. The firm also participates in the designing of business structures, preparation, and negotiation of agreements. Dispute Resolution: The firm runs multiple cases of considerable legal complexity in arbitration & mediation, civil litigation (generally corporate and commercial) administrative litigation (tax, customs, regulatory, intellectual property, criminal and competition law), and criminal litigation, most of them related to commercial, corporate, financial, investment, and technical disputes. Tax: The firm has an exceptional tax department highly skilled in representing clients in litigation proceedings before authorities such as Internal Revenue Service, the Constitutional Court, Customs; providing tax advice related to all corporate and financial activities, loan structures, and corporate finance projects in Ecuador. Public Procurement & Public Law: The firm offers public law practice advising on both constitutional and administrative matters before State Authorities. The firm is well regarded for assisting clients with competitive tendering and public procurement processes, as well as on public audit and regulation-control matters. Labour: The firm offers comprehensive labor consultancy; including the drafting of employee contracts, social security registration and administration, presentation of company obligations before authorities, negotiation, business re-organisation, litigation, labor inspections, and other crucial decisions which require legal advice for business operations. Authorised by: Date: ............................ LATIN AMERICA OFFICES ECUADOR Quito: 6 de diciembre 2816 and Paúl Rivet Av., Josueth González Building, 10th Floor, PBX Tel: +593 2 223 2720 Guayaquil: Ciudad Colon, Business Building 2, Office 308, PBX Tel: +593 4 390 195 Email: [email protected] Website: meythalerzambranoabogados.com CONTACTS Regulatory & Market Access: Karina Loza Litigation: José Meythaler Tax: Gabriel Pinto Arbitration & Mediation: José Meythaler Legal Consultancy, Research & Contractual Law: Daniela Bedoya Competition Law: Carlos Trujillo Corporate: Diana Heredia Intellectual Property: José Meythaler, Margarita Zambrano Labour: Fabián Albán Migration & Real Estate: Edith Muriel Real Estate: Purchase sale contracts, exchanges and donations, divisions, partitions and separations, declarations of horizontal property and common spaces regulations, rectification and legalisation of titles and land registry. Consultation & Legal Research: Preparation of studies and legal research, in each of the fields of law, analysis of current national and international legislation. Migration: Obtaining visas, naturalisation of foreigners, recognition of Ecuadorian nationality, processing and obtaining of identity cards, censuses, migratory movements, military permits, exit permits, and other documentation of a migratory nature. Leading Law Firms www.chambers.com ECUADOR Leading Law Firms Ecuador NOBOA, PEÑA & TORRES ABOGADOS Managing Partner: Marcelo Torres Bejarano Number of senior partners: 3 Number of junior partners: 1 Number of other lawyers: 15 LATIN AMERICA OFFICES ECUADOR Firm Overview: With over 20 years of experience in the Ecuadorian legal market, Noboa, Peña & Torres, Abogados is an Ecuadorian law firm that stands out for its high standards of professionalism, ethics, and constant search for innovative solutions, which are provided nation-wide through its two strategically located offices in the cities of Quito and Guayaquil. The firm has in-depth knowledge and experience in sophisticated transactions, involving both national and international matters and is well-recognized for its provision of legal services to clients ranging from Fortune 500 enterprises to entrepreneurs. Clients value the firm’s capability to deliver solid, creative, effective and cost-efficient legal advice based on their needs and goals. Noboa, Peña & Torres, Abogados is also a founding partner of the Ibero-American Legal Network (Red Legal Iberoamericana), an alliance of prestigious Ibero American Law Firms with 21 offices in 18 countries, having as main objective the creation of business opportunities for clients in those jurisdictions. Main Areas of Practice: Corporate/Commercial: Noboa, Peña & Torres is well-experienced in this area, providing services to a wide portfolio of clients that includes both international and local corporations such as Barry Callebaut, Banco Santander, Corpesa Group, DHL, Epson, SUDINCO Group, Heineken, OLAM International, Telefónica, Aquila (FCC Group), SAT Link, Zurich, Carlisnacks, Orbia/Wavin, Roddome Pharmaceutical, among others. Banking, Finance & Capital Markets: Noboa, Peña & Torres is constantly providing services to the most important banks of Ecuador, including Pichincha, Produbanco, Bolivariano, Internacional and Citibank. NPT also acts as local counsel to other foreign banks and multilateral credit institutions. Recent experience includes advising Oikocredit, Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (Bladex), CAF, Global Bank, the assessment on cross-border transactions with Citi, Banco Santander and Goldman Sachs, and on the financing operation of the Sacyr-SUDINCO Consortium on the Ipiales-Pasto highway and Corporación El Rosado. Litigation: Noboa, Peña & Torres frequently acts in complex constitutional, administrative, civil, tax and commercial litigation, providing innovative and strategic legal perspectives that often lead to the success of our clients. The firm participated in the dispute of the broadcasting rights of the Ecuadorian soccer association and in other relevant proceedings such as a civil trial aimed at lifting the corporate veil of a globally known lubricant company and the defense of damage claims against national and international companies. 1 Out Email: [email protected] Website: www.legalecudador.com CONTACTS Corporate/Commercial: Gonzalo Noboa, Marcelo Torres and Patricio Peña Banking, Finance & Capital Markets: Patricio Peña M&A: Marcelo Torres Litigation: Gonzalo Noboa and Margarita Vélez Labour: Marcelo Torres and Patricio Peña Energy: Francisco Larrea Tax: Patricio Peña and Andrés Cortez Arbitration: Marcelo Torres Antitrust: Gonzalo Noboa Environmental: Rafael Pástor Labour & Employment: The firm’s labour & employment department is well known for providing solid and personalised legal counsel on complex individual and collective contracts as well as their terminations. In addition to this, the department provides innovative advice on a wide range of matters related to employment regulations and compliance, social security, and safety issues, including employee training workshops that seek to prevent potential claims related to infringement of labour rights, accidents, discrimination and immigration issues. Clients include Nestlé Ecuador, Herdoiza Crespo Con- Permanent Court of Arbitration of The Hague (PCA). strucciones, Banco Bolivariano, LIFE, DHL Aviation, All partners have participated as expert witnesses in several international arbitration proceedings. Orbia/Wavin, among others. Energy: Noboa, Peña & Torres has a strong practice in this industry. The firm’s expertise includes advising foreign and national investor from the bidding process/negotiation process to advising in all matters regarding the operations and development of the fields. Recently, NPT advised a consortium of European companies in the bidding of two renewable power generation projects (wind and solar) and it currently it is advising the consortium in the negotiation and execution of the concession contract of the wind powered generation project. In the oil & gas industry, the firm’s practice includes providing services to Cobra Group-ACS (oil and gas division) in the bidding, negotiation, execution and day by day operations of an integrated risk service contract with Ep Petroecuador for the Cuyabeno field. Tax: The firm’s tax team is characterised by an on-going search for innovative solutions that best suit the interests of our clients. NPT has stood out for its assessment on diverse transactions and corporate restructuring for M&A: both national and international companies belonging Noboa, Peña & Torres has a strong practice in this area to diverse areas, such as public infrastructure, retail and and its experience includes representation of several the agro-industrial sector. clients in different business fields. NPT has stood out Arbitration: for its participation in the assessment on the acquisiThe firm is very active in the arbitration field both in tion of a local pharmaceutical company, the merger domestic and international proceedings. In this sense, of companies in the automotive sector, the acquisition the managing partner, Marcelo Torres is the current of two companies in charge of the freight operation in President of the Arbitration Center of the Chamber the Quito and Latacunga airports, paint manufacturer, of Commerce of Guayaquil, one of the most respected food, media industry, the acquisition of the majority arbitration forums of the country. As for international stock of Biela by Heineken, QBE Seguros Colonial by matters, NPT has participated in ICC and CIAC-CIRD Zurich, and recently the selling of Carlisnacks, among cases, and most recently was involved in an internaothers. tional arbitration under UNCITRAL rules before the Org ID: 194571 Quito: República del Salvador Ave. N36-230 and Naciones Unidas Ave. Citibank building, 2nd floor. Tel: +593 2 2970 195 / 2970 198 / 2970 193 Guayaquil: Junín 114 and Malecón Simón Bolívar streets, Torres del Río building, 8th floor. Tel: + 593 4 2300 814 Authorised by: Date: ............................ Antitrust: Noboa, Peña & Torres has been involved in due diligence processes of market leaders in the following sectors: food and beverage, ceramics, home appliances, sugar and ethanol production, metal and pharmaceutical. NPT has provided legal advice in a bid rigging investigation and assessed diverse confidential transactions with relevant antitrust implications. Environmental: The firm’s environmental department has a multidisciplinary team that combines technical and legal knowledge. The team has carried out multiple environmental due diligence processes for companies at the forefront of the food, wastewater, agrochemical and aerofumigation industries. It has also represented various clients in administrative, civil and criminal proceedings Clients: The firm’s clients vary from Fortune 500 and Global 2000 multinational companies, important Ecuadorian companies, non-profit organisations, growing companies and entrepreneurs. Languages: Spanish, English, Italian. 561 Ecuador Leading Law Firmswww.chambers.com ECUADOR Leading Law Firms PÉREZ BUSTAMANTE & PONCE Managing Partner: Sebastian Pérez-Arteta Number of partners worldwide: 21 Total number of lawyers worldwide: 86 LATIN AMERICA OFFICES ECUADOR Firm Overview: PBP is the largest full-service law firm in Ecuador, consistently considered a leader in the legal market and a trusted advisor for national and international clients. It has offices in Quito and Guayaquil and outreach throughout Ecuador. Main Areas of Practice: PBP offers a comprehensive portfolio of international services: PBP endeavours to understand clients’ challenges and needs. Its multi-practice teams and has an indepth understanding of the specific challenges of each sector. This has been evidenced by PBP`s track record as reliable legal advisors for most of the important projects that have taken place in Ecuador, as well as the most significant transactions. Tax: PBP’s tax unit is one of its core practice areas. With a multidisciplinary focus it provides private and corporate clients with tax advice, planning and representation in litigation and claims. International Arbitration: The team has extensive experience in ICSID and ICC cases. Banking, Finance & Insurance: The firm assists foreign and local banks and multilaterals and insurers and reinsurers in their activities PBP’s team has both local and international cross in Ecuador. border experience. Several members have attended Energy & Natural Resources: renowned local and international universities and PBP has led the negotiation, signing and implemenhave worked at first-rate law firms around the world. tation of major projects in Ecuador’s oil, gas, mining, Furthermore, a number of its attorneys have been hydroelectric and alternative energy industries. admitted to practice in the State of New York, District of Columbia, Spain, Chile, Colombia and other Infrastructure & Project Finance: Infrastructure has been a very active area for PBP jurisdictions. during the past years. The firm advised in the Posorja PBP has steadily been honoured as ‘Ecuadorian Firm Port development, the first public private partnerof the Year’ by Chambers Latin America (2020, 2019, ship project to be executed in Ecuador. 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010 and Mergers & Acquisitions: 2009). Also in 2019 it was recognised by Internation- The firm is at the forefront of structuring and executal Tax Review (ITR) as Ecuador Tax Firm of the Year. ing mergers and acquisitions. It actively participates in multinational teams and work closely with interPBP believes that pro bono work is inseparable from national law firms. the practice law. In 1987, it founded Fundación Fa- Competition & Antitrust: bián Ponce Ordóñez to coordinate and optimise the The team specialise in merger control authorisations firm’s pro bono resources to maximise its scope. and in non-transactional work, including investiga- tions, due diligence and litigation before the local PBP strives to be an increasingly inclusive firm and antitrust authority. endeavours to promote the leadership and profesCompliance & Anti-Corruption: sional development of women. PBP is a pioneer in the region in this area. It advises local and foreign clients in all compliance matters, including design and implementation of compliance programs, preacquisition corruption risk assessments, compliance due diligence, internal investigations, remediation and litigation. 562 Org ID: 2224 3 Out Authorised by: Date: ............................ Quito: República de El Salvador N36-140 y NNUU. Edificio Mansión Blanca Guayaquil: Av. Francisco de Orellana. Edificio Las Cámaras, Torre B, oficina 904 Tel: +593 2 382 7640/7649 Website: www.pbplaw.com LinkedIn: Pérez Bustamante & Ponce (PBP) Twitter: @pbplaw CONTACTS Arbitration & Litigation: Rodrigo Jijón, Juan Manuel Marchán Energy: Sebastián Pérez-Arteta, Francisco Roldán, Sebastián Cortez Project Financing: Sandra Reed, Juan Manuel Marchán Corporate/Commercial: Diego Pérez-Ordóñez, Juan Manuel Marchán, Bruno Pineda, Esteban Ortiz Mergers & Acquisitions: Diego Pérez-Ordóñez, Juan Manuel Marchan Banking & Finance: Bruno Pineda Intellectual Property: Francisco Pérez-Gangotena Competition: Diego Pérez-Ordóñez Mining & Environmental: Jaime Zaldumbide Labour & Immigration: Diego Palacios, Javier Salvador Tax: Juan Gabriel Reyes, Carmen Simone, Juan Francisco Carrasco Labour & Immigration: PBP advises clients on how to face and adapt to the growing demands of recently enacted regulations in this area, including employment, social security and immigration issues. Intellectual Property: PBP’s IP practice combines a long track record with a dynamic and up-to-date team of experts. It is best known for handling local and/or foreign trademark portfolios, dispute resolution and IP due diligence processes. Environmental Law: PBP advises in environmental matters involving preventive compliance, elaboration of policies and environmental claims, within a very stringent local environmental legislation. www.chambers.com ECUADOR Leading Law Firms Leading Law Firms Ecuador QUEVEDO & PONCE Managing Partner: Ernesto Guarderas Izquierdo Senior Partner: Alejandro Ponce Martínez Senior Partner Guayaquil Office: Monserrat Barreno Bravo Senior Partner Cuenca Office: Santiago Ponce Rose Senior Partner Tulcán Office: Galo Terán Varela Number of partners: 13 Firm Overview: Quevedo & Ponce is recognised as one of the best law firms in Ecuador, supported by its prestige of almost 80 years of experience in the legal market, its national and international reach has been the driving force of its trajectory. It has been characterised by providing a highquality professional service under the highest standards of knowledge and ethics. Adaptability and innovation run through the veins of the firm’s professionals, it maintains its professional practice-oriented to the defence of the client, with complete loyalty and subject to legal and ethical principles. Main Areas of Practice: Quevedo & Ponce is located in 4 strategic points of Ecuador, Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca and Tulcán. This strong and efficient group maintains its leadership in litigation and arbitration. With firm offices in key cities, the team represents itself in a wide range of contentious matters throughout Ecuador. The firm has been involved in major arbitration cases under UNCITRAL and ICSID rules, as well as in domestic arbitrations. Members of the firm have been consistently appointed as arbitrators with an impressive track record in developing domestic and international arbitration. Negotiation and mediation have been the means used to resolve important cases. Quevedo & Ponce was founded in 1941 and has maintained its tradition of high-quality service with renewed techniques in complex litigation and actions against the government. With its presence in the main cities of Ecuador and its constant activity and current devotion against corruption for the maintenance of the rule of law, Quevedo & Ponce has provided extensive support to its clients not only in litigation, arbitration, human rights, corporate structuring, mergers and acquisitions, issuance of bonds to be placed abroad, intellectual property, insurance and reinsurance, and taxation but also in the fields of maritime and customs law, for obtaining a maritime passport, nationalization of vessels, temporary admission and operation of vessels for tourism services mainly in the Galapagos Islands. Constitutional tutelage by judges has been an area of constant debate before the tribunals, especially given the difficulty imposed by the implementation of new concepts such as the adversarial principle and oral proceedings and hearings. Quevedo & Ponce has been a leader in imposing new trends in these matters. In the field of intellectual property Quevedo & Ponce has obtained important decisions from the Supreme Court (now eliminated in Ecuador), the National Court of Justice and the Andean Court of Justice, decisions that constitute precedents and jurisprudence. Patent rights have been an issue of a constant dispute with the government. Recent court decisions obtained Org ID: 2229 2 Out LATIN AMERICA OFFICES ECUADOR Quito: Torre 1492, Av. 12 de Octubre Nº 26-97 y Lincoln, 16th floor, ZIP: 170523 Tel: +593 2 298 6570 Tel: +593 2 298 6580 Mobile: +593 93700914 Email: [email protected] Website: www.quevedo-ponce.com in cases brought by Quevedo & Ponce have declared as invalid certain administrative rulings rejecting the granting of patents. The law firm has obtained important resolutions in administrative proceedings for the nullity of registered trademarks in defence of its clients’ rights. Clients: The firm’s clients have been offered the best techniques to defend the patentability of inventions, mainly in the pharmaceutical field, and the validity of granted patents, trademark litigation in administrative and judicial matters, as well as services in the sanitary regulatory field regarding sanitary registration and mandatory sanitary notifications, for drugs, medical devices, food, cosmetics, medical devices, natural medicines, cannabis, GMP, GSP, GTP as well as pharmacovigilance, technovigilance and labeling. Quevedo & Ponce has succeeding in preventing the enforcement of loseing arbitral awards that violated public policy of Ecuador. The area of competition law, in defence of the freedom of contract and economic freedom to develop activities in an environment of free competition, has been covered by Quevedo & Ponce with a deep analysis with the successful intervention in defence of its clients, on administrative proceedings iniciated for he propose of the imposition of safeguards, getting them archived. Quevedo & Ponce prides itself in being where its clients’ interests are, providing services, and defence to the energy and natural resources, infrastructure and investment, technology and innovation, telecommunications and media industries, serving the tourism, education, health and pharmaceutical, chemical, veterinary and medical devices industries. The firm’s services are also focused on advising the manufacturing and marketing industries of mass consumption and retail products, insurance and reinsurance and financial institutions, the agro-industrial sector, banana, coffee, cocoa, the automotive industry, transportation and logistics and always supporting entrepreneurs. The team of lawyers is highly trained in compliance and advising our clients in the implementation of anticorruption systems and policies. Guayaquil: Calle Numa Pompilio Llona, Puerto Santa Ana, Ciudad del Río, Edif. - The Point, Piso 5to., ofic 503 Tel: +593 4 4632290 Mobile: +593 997502377 Email: [email protected] Cuenca: Inés Salcedo 199 y Agustin Cueva Tel: +593 7 4218100 Fax: +593 7 4218100 Email: [email protected] Tulcán: Sucre No 48-015 y 9 de Octubre, piso 1 Tel: +593 6 298 4220 Email: [email protected] CONTACTS Administrative: Ernesto Guarderas, Monserrat Barreno Bravo Arbitration & Litigation: Alejandro Ponce Martínez, Ernesto Guarderas Izquierdo, María Belén Merchán, Ricardo Hernández Gonzalez, Nicole Álvarez Barreno Constitutional: María Isabel Zurita Ramirez Commercial & Corporate: Alfredo Gallegos Banderas, Monserrat Barreno Bravo, Daniela Román Aguinaga, Galo Terán, Axel Vedani De la Torre Complex Litigation & Human Rights: Maria Isabel Zurita Ramirez Crimminal Law & Compliance: Juan Esteban Ponce, Geraldine Martín Arellano Energy & Natural Resources: Galo Terán, Fernando Dávila, Nicole Álvarez Barreno Environmental Law: Monserrat Barreno, Intellectual Property: Alejandro Ponce Martínez, Santiago Ponce Rose, Daniela Román, Daniela Jácome Labour Law: Daniela Jácome Dávila, Maritime Law: Alfredo Gallegos Banderas, Monserrat Barreno, Daniela Jácome Dávila Mediation & Negotiation: Juan Esteban Ponce, Daniela Jácome Dávila Insurance, Banking &Capital Markets: Luis Ponce Palacios, Fernando Dávila Bond, Axel Vedani de la Torre Taxation, Customs & International Trade: Alejandro Ponce Martínez, Galo Terán Varela, Geraldine Martin Arellano Its partners and associates have graduate and post- Langauges: graduate degrees from universities in the United States, Spain, United Kingdom and some are university pro- Spanish, English, French fessors in their areas of expertise in many of the most recognised universities in Ecuador and combine their time with their professional practice, keeping themselves at the vanguard of the discussion and study of the legal issues with the greatest national and global impact. Authorised by: Date: ............................ 563 Ecuador Leading Leading Law Firmswww.chambers.com ECUADOR Law Firms ROMERO CORRAL ABOGADOS Managing Partner: Margarita Romero Senior Partner: Alfredo Corral Junior Partner: Samantha Maldonado Equity Partner: Xavier Gómez Number of Partners: 4 Number of lawyers: 6 LATIN AMERICA OFFICES ECUADOR Firm Overview: Romero Corral is a boutique IP firm, recognised in Ecuador and around the world for offering the best legal and strategic advice on intellectual property, regulatory affairs, litigation, and competition matters and this year it have included data protection in its area of expertise. The founding partners, in equity and juniors are legal professionals with a solid reputation in the field of intellectual property both in Ecuador and throughout the region. They are 60% women and 40% men (including partners) and the selection process for team members is carried out primarily on their merits, training and experience, regardless of their race, gender, sexual identity, economic situation. The team offers experience in the public and private sector, as an advantage to provide the highest standards of service and professionalism for their clients. Most of them have been appointed WIPO experts in patents and intellectual property. The philosophy of the firm promotes the idea that only when the true dimension of intellectual property is understood, one is more sensitive to the environment, which is why it considers itself much more than a trademark agent. It pays special attention to the needs and vision of their clients, to offer effective advice on various alternatives for the protection of intellectual and industrial property, as well as procedures in regulatory matters, competition cases and from now on advises on data protection and advertising. During this pandemic, it has increased their brand portfolio with new clients, always providing them with an agile and timely service. During this difficult months the firm managed to change the switch, reinvent itself and move forward, always with faith, optimism and a lot of effort. Like most firms, Romero Corral digitalised the cases in the legal area, administrative contentious processes and courts, as well as patent files and trademark registrations. Although the trademark and patent office does not work 100% digitally, at least it allows the firm to continue working for its clients around the world. Likewise, Romero Corral migrated to Microsoft Office 365 in order to optimise its activities, offering 100% accessible information to their staff. ROMERO CORRAL once again became part of the United Nations Global Compact, a non-binding agreement of the United Nations to encourage companies around the world to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies, and to report on its implementation. The firm is part of the companies that believe in a better, fairer, more supportive and sustainable world. 564 Org ID: 22788117 Out Main Areas of Practice: Patents: Equity partner Xavier Gómez Velasco handles prosecution (including oppositions), as well as appeals and enforcement matters. Clients appreciate the fact that the team includes professionals with science backgrounds, especially chemistry expert to handle such matters. Quito: Av. La Coruña E25-58 y 12 de Octubre, Altana Plaza Building, 3rd Floor, Office 304 Tel: +593 2 323 0518 / +593 9 9706 8128 Email: [email protected]/ [email protected] Website: www.romerocorral.ec The firm is already in the first stage of detection and awareness of all the business data, once classified it will proceed with their regularisation and protection, already preparing for this first internally and then to be able to assist its clients in this essential process. In the same way, Romero Corral will be working with one of its clients in AI for the first steps of the trademark registration procedures. Romero Corral is very excited to begin these projects and goals for 2021. Trademarks: Margarita Romero is the head of the busy and experienced trademark practice. The team handles trademark prosecution, trademark commercialisation matters (such as franchising, licensing and assignments), as well as contentious matters, which are mainly opposition procedures since court litigation in Ecuador is rare. The team is therefore highly ex- Languages: perienced in this area and skilful in obtaining vast English, Spanish amount of hard evidence to successfully support applications for well-known status declaration. Margarita holds her LL.M. from the highly reputed Master’s Program in IP from the University of Alicante, Spain, giving her a widely international outlook. She is fluent in English. Enforcement: The enforcement practice area has grown considerably over the past years. In the last years, Romero Corral launched a dedicated anti-counterfeiting practice, working closely with the Ecuadorian customs authorities to ensure clients’ IP rights are protected from counterfeit infringement. Copyright Law: The firm is the advisor to the Ecuadorian Association of Authors and Composers on copyright matters. Advice includes legal issues arising from use of music as mobile phone ringtones and in other technologies. Competition Law: The firm’s IP practice is enhanced by its competition law practice. Partner Alfredo Corral is a region-wide expert in competition law, including unfair competition and consumer rights law. Data Protection Area: Always thinking about the safety of its clients, Romero Corral implemented the data protection area since last year, complying with the legal regulations in force since May 26, 2021 when the Organic Law on Personal Data Protection was published, which has in order to guarantee the right to the protection of personal data, that includes access and decision on information and data, as well as its corresponding protection. Authorised by: Date: ............................ www.chambers.com ECUADOR Leading Law Firms Leading Law Firms Ecuador TOBAR ZVS SPINGARN Managing Partner: Bernardo Tobar Senior Partners: Bernardo Tobar, César Zumárraga, Oscar Vela, Álvaro Sevilla, René De Sola, Juan Fernando Larrea Number of partners: 8 Number of other lawyers: 17 Firm Overview: LegalTech: Tobar ZVS is a full-service firm for corporate clients, The firm has set up a special business unit to innowith over 25 years of experience. As opposed to the tra- vate on LegalTech solutions for their clients, which ditional legal firm model, Tobar ZVS is run as a busi- now includes AI chatbots for corporate consultaness company with a client-centric approach, seeking tions (in final testing), AI-powered data mining an understanding of their clients’ industry and particu- tools, legal templates for frequently used documents lar business objectives. The firm’s mindset is to provide in business transactions, and on-line self-service soinnovative and integral solutions that add value. In ad- lutions for certain corporate products. dition, Tobar ZVS is the exclusive member of TerraLex Natural Resources, Energy & Infrastructure: in Ecuador, a global legal network with a presence in The team advises on the entire lifecycle of minmore than 150 jurisdictions. ing, energy, and infrastructure projects. This work Main Areas of Practice: Antitrust & Competition: The firm has developed a strong leading practice in this area, and has been at the centre of highly visible antitrust cases, including M&A approvals by the Antitrust Authority, unfair competition actions and the most recent case involving the largest players in the beverage industry. The team provides legal counseling since the antitrust law came into effect in Ecuador, with a strong focus in preventive measures, avoiding risks of fines and legal actions for their clients. Corporate & M&A: Due to the transnational vocation and focus on corporate clients, the firm broadened its range of services, providing integral support to international companies that invest in Ecuador, companies throughout the region, as well as local companies that expand their operations abroad. The corporate and M&A team provides legal counseling related to compliance in general, with a strong focus in corporate governance, data protection, AML, diversity & inclusion, cybersecurity, and regulatory aspects. includes advising on initial bidding applications, licensing, financing, planning and construction, development and production agreements, and any related transactional matters and regulatory issues. This unit is well-positioned to assist clients with any regulatory and environmental regulation and compliance concerns. Although the unit works across the entire sector, the firm’s team is best known for their work in the mining sector. Mining is an area of continuous growth for the firm and the country. The firm has a strong portfolio of loyal clients who receive advice on all legal matters pertaining to their operations in Ecuador. Negotiation, Conflict Resolution & Disputes: The firm has a history and reputation of being a strong and successful litigant. The majority of conflicts entrusted to the firm are successfully handled through direct negotiations and ADR mechanisms. Several team members are qualified as arbitrators by institutional arbitration centers. LATIN AMERICA OFFICES ECUADOR Quito: Av. 12 de Octubre N26-97 y Lincoln, Edificio Torre 1492, Quito, Pichincha Phone: +593 2 298 6456 Email: [email protected] Website: www.tzvs.ec CONTACTS Antitrust & Competition: Álvaro Sevilla Corporate & M&A: Bernardo Tobar Insurance: René De Sola Intellectual Property & Anti-Piracy: Alfonso Rivera Natural Resources, Energy & Infrastructure: César Zumárraga Environment & Sustainability: Juan Fernando Larrea Negotiation, Conflict Resolution & Disputes: Oscar Vela for developing two mining projects, the acquisition of surface plots for the Cangrejos mining project and a request for a change of regime ■ Rendering guidance to Titan Gold through the takeover of Core Gold assets in Ecuador ■ Rendering advice to Cornerstone Capital Resources on several matters, including the execution of a Farm-in-Agreement contract ■ Leading the most important royalty-based project finance transaction in Ecuador in 2020, for the most important project in the natural resources sector ■ Representation of a reinsurance company in a claim related to cybersecurity ■ Representation of an international insurance company before National Courts regarding an undue payment during the earthquake catastrophe in April 2016 ■ Analysis and guidance to a reinsurance company in an infrastructure claim ■ Representation in a machinery breakdown claim before the local insurance company ■ Obtaining a favourable ruling from the Ecuadorian Supreme Court in a lawsuit for damages filed by the firm on behalf of a group of London reinsurance companies against a security company accused of indirect breach of extra-contractual obligations ■ Obtaining the first criminal sanction in a case of violation of plant breeders rights, for a German breeder ■ Obtaining the first ruling for damages in a case of trademark violation filed on behalf of one of the largest software producers in the world. Tax Consultancy: The firm’s tax team is committed to provide a range of strategic tax and financial services that answer to Insurance: the requirements of local and international busiThe team of professionals within the insurance unit nesses and contributes to the proper functioning and comprises specialists with over 17 years of experi- growth of companies. The aim is to allow clients to ence in this sector and industry insiders who have achieve their vision for the future. offered renowned advisory to companies in all the International Work: fields related to this area. The unit provides assisThe firm has a wide experience in cross-border tance to insurance, reinsurance, pre-paid medicine transactions in different fields, including mergers companies, insurance producing advisors and loss and acquisitions, public-private partnerships, nonadjusters. Among these services, the firm also prorenewable natural resources and infrastructure projvides M&A later support; dispute resolution; design ects and management of brand portfolios in several and implementation of new products; portfolio recountries across Latin America, North America, Eucovery; support for the fulfillment of obligations rope, and Asia. before the control entities; and support (prior and later) in catastrophes. Some of the firm’s work highlights include the folIntellectual Property & Anti-Piracy: lowing: The firm handles an important portfolio of IPRs ■ Supporting SolGold Plc in several matters with from particularly renowned companies, including regards to the Cascabel mining project. For inLanguages: trademarks, patents, plant varieties and copyrights. stance, advising on the structuring of mining royAs to plant breeder’s rights, TZVS’ combined port- alties and providing ongoing advice on regulatory, English, German, Portuguese, Spanish folio of clients represents 65% of rose varieties with environmental, social and land acquisition aspects a presence in international markets, becoming a ■ Assisting Ecuasolidus during the structuring of key business partner in the field. Additionally, the private placement and obtention of all permits to IP and anti-piracy unit handles license agreements initiate scout drilling in Yawi target for the use of IPRs and carries out legal actions and ■ Dealing with several matters for Lumina Group mediations to resolve conflicts for major multina- including defending them against a request for tional companies. Clients retain the firm for their public consultation and negotiating an earn-in well-known design and execution of strategic anti- joint venture agreement with Anglo American. The counterfeiting and enforcement campaigns. process included structuring an earn-in agreement Org ID: 192780 Out Authorised by: Date: ............................ 565
