ECIJA GPA > Quito, Ecuador > Firm Profile

ECIJA GPA
AV. 12 DE OCTUBRE Y LINCOLN
OFICINA 1005
QUITO
Ecuador

Ecuador > Energy and natural resources Tier 1

Noted for its participation in the ‘main hydrocarbon projects of the last 10 years, which have had a significant impact on the development of the industry in Ecuador‘, ECIJA GPA fields a diverse team of specialised lawyers with expertise in oil and gas, mining and renewable energy matters. The group acts for domestic and international clients, most notably from China, in contractual matters, investments, projects and contentious issues. A key contact for oil and gas and mining heavyweights, Gonzalo González advises on the acquisition of assets throughout South America and on the execution of contracts. Another name to note for oil and gas clients, Bayardo Poveda is active in cross-border M&A, financing deals and public contracting. Other key individuals in the team include Álvaro Ordoñez, who oversees the mining practice, and Gustavo Arrobo, who focuses on hydrocarbons matters.

Practice head(s):

Gonzalo González; Bayardo Poveda Gustavo Arrobo; Alvaro Ordoñez

Testimonials

‘They have a solid team, with expertise in all areas of law, which helps any query (corporate, labour, tax) to be resolved by their team.’

‘They have partners with very high experience, and knowledge of the country, and the sector, which helps foreign companies in the development of projects.’

‘The area of ​​energy and natural resources stands out as one of the firm’s strongest practices. The department stands out in the country for having participated in the main hydrocarbon projects of the last 10 years, which have had a significant impact on the development of the industry in Ecuador. Our experience with the team over the years has consistently revealed an excellent level of service.’

‘ECIJA GPA is distinguished from other firms by its deep knowledge in various practice areas and its highly specialised team in regulated sectors, especially in the extractive industries. Their ability to develop appropriate strategies is remarkable. Gonzalo González, with decades of experience, offers proactive advice, standing out for his meticulous approach and incomparable knowledge in oil matters, in addition to his experience in public procurement and national and international arbitration. Bayardo Poveda has also stood out for his participation in addressing complex transactions.’

‘ECIJA GPA, has a team of professionals who are attentive to the client in their legal needs, they also have an update of the laws in force in the country, with constant changes in recent times. In the hydrocarbons area, they have full knowledge of the offers of investment that the country offers.’

‘Highly trained professionals, and knowledgeable about the hydrocarbon sector, in addition to the investment options that the country has.’

‘Recognised leadership in the oil industry. Proactivity in the management of critical issues for the industry.’

‘Few teams in Ecuador have more effective management of the procedures before public authorities necessary both in a context of mediation/negotiation prior to the start of an arbitration, and of execution/payment.’

Key clients

Karpowership

Pacifpetrol/petrobell

Celeo-elecnor

Condor Oil Services Consepetro

Enap Sipetrol

Petrobell / Grant Mining (Synergy Group) Petrogras Group Petrorsynergy

Work highlights

  • Advised KARPOWERSHIP on preparing for the qualification process for the concession of a 400MW natural gas plant initiated by the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
  • Advised Pacifpetrol /Petrobell on the challenging classification of companies that submitted economic bids for the TAMYA field.

Ecuador > Corporate and M&A Tier 2

ECIJA GPA acts for local and multinational clients from several industry sectors in M&A, corporate restructurings, as well as commercial and corporate law mandates. Noted for his ‘efficient and highly personalised service’, Michael Veintimilla co-leads the practice from the Quito office and is noted for his corporate restructuring expertise. Commercial law expert Santiago Vega, who is based in Cuenca, advises national and international companies navigating challenging business environments. Sitting in the Guayaquil office, Édgar Méndez handles significant corporate transactions, while Karen Álava assists large companies in Ecuador with corporate restructurings and commercial law matters. Gustavo Arrobo is another name to note in the corporate team in Quito.

Practice head(s):

Michael Veintimilla; Karen Álava; Santiago Vega; Édgar Mendez

Testimonials

‘The corporate law team stands out from other law firms because it is very proactive and seeks to provide solutions based on the knowledge and needs of the client. It is a team with several lawyers who respond to various queries and requirements in an agile and effective manner.’

‘Both Michael Veintimilla and Gustavo Arrobo are lawyers with very high ethics who propose solutions aligned with the norm and always seek to be at the forefront of technologies and knowledge.’

‘Édgar Mendez: high level of knowledge and problem-solving. Karen Álava: the gift of service and follow-up until the case is finished.’

‘The management and communication is professional, it is carried out promptly to resolve concerns.’

‘We maintain direct contact with Michael Veintimilla. The care provided is efficient and highly personalised. Among the skills that stand out in Veitimilla are his professionalism, deep knowledge of the subject, ability to actively listen and diligence in each application submitted.’

‘Gustavo Arrobo’s team consistently meets our needs with speed and efficiency.’

‘ECIJA GPA stands out for its exceptional team, comprised of individuals renowned for their expertise and extensive experience. The team consistently delivers top-quality legal services. They are renowned for advising local and multinational clients and navigating the dynamic landscape of the corporate market in Ecuador. Their in-depth understanding of different industries ensures that clients receive practical and pragmatic solutions, even for the most complex issues. The team’s commitment to excellence is evident in their unwavering dedication to work, ensuring they can always assist clients regardless of the nature of the query.’

Key clients

The Vazquez Group

FERREMUNDO

ROXCEL Holding

Balcama

DKT Deutsche Kennzelchen Technik

Pampa Energia

Compañia Servipaxa y Constitución de la Sociedad Urb. Montcarm

Wtz

The Larriva business group

Komatsu Finance

Alcarzarhold

Work highlights

  • Advised the Vazquez Group throughout the negotiation process involving 50% of the shareholders of the company, overseeing a series of transactions aimed at dividing the business group into two separate segments.
  • Advised DKT Deutsche Kennzeichen Technik GmbH on establishing its corporate presence in Ecuador.
  • Executed the spin-off of SERVIPAXA S.A., which held a high-net-worth and a complex financial structure, to establish the company U.R.B. MONTCARM S.A.S.

Ecuador > Dispute resolution Tier 2

Noted for its ‘high degree of experience’, the arbitration department at ECIJA GPA is active in domestic and international arbitration proceedings under ICSID, UNCITRAL, ICC and AAA/CIAC rules. Commercial and investment arbitration, as well as collection claims and judicial recovery are key strengths of the team, which predominantly acts for clients operating in the energy, construction, telecoms, and oil-and-gas sectors. In Quito, Juan Carlos Montenegro focuses on civil litigation, while Blanca Gomez De La Torre oversees the arbitration department. Gonzalo González, who specialises in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, Jaime Dousdebes, who handles constitutional and public procurement matters, and Christel Gaibor are other names to note in the same office. Byron Sotomayor  heads the dispute resolution team in Guayaquil, while Xavier Molina and Sebastián López are key contacts in Cuenca, and Ingrid Rodríguez oversees the civil litigation department in Manta.

Practice head(s):

Blanca Gómez de la Torre; Juan Carlos Montenegro; Byron Sotomayor; Xavier Molina; Sebastian López; Jaime Dousdebes; Ingrid Rodríguez; Sebastián Valle

Testimonials

‘The constitutional procedural practice and knowledge in the resolution of disputes against public institutions are unique at ECIJA GPA, largely due to the solid knowledge of its team in this area, since each group of lawyers specialises in different dispute resolution practices.’

‘The difference that we have noticed when outsourcing the services of ECIJA GPA is the excellent knowledge of regulations and jurisprudence, in addition to the skill, especially of Jaime Dousdebés, to litigate and intervene in hearings.’

‘Knowledge and closeness with the client.’

‘Knowledge and detailed study of cases. Special mention for the arbitration team led by Blanca Gomez De La Torre and also made up of Christel Gaibor and Camila Andrade.’

‘ECIJA has a high degree of experience to manage the processes in the best way. They provide very accurate recommendations for the defence of clients’ rights. They offer security and confidence in supporting processes, always being aware of their current situation.’

‘ECIJA has a great team of lawyers with extensive knowledge in the practice of processes.’

‘Due to the proven experience and qualification of the firm’s professionals, the transversal work of the different areas allows the optimisation of results of the projects entrusted to them. Additionally, they generate great trust due to their degree of commitment and client orientation.’

Key clients

Banco del Pacífico

Banco Pichincha

DirecTV

Ecuatoriana De Motores Cia.  Motorec

Segurillanta

Asiservy

Ecuador-Ersindustries

Arcotel

Zhondeleg

EMOV

Compañía Agropecuaria Ledesma Averos Ledav

Work highlights

  • Advised Tecnovia Madeira – Sociedade de Empreitadas on the negotiation and resolution of three contractual conflicts for the construction of the main highways in the province of Los Rios.
  • Defended Directv Ecuador in an unconstitutionality action against the local Government of Eloy Alfaro, leading to the removal of a municipal tax ordinance and reimbursement of taxes collected from 2020 to 2023.
  • Advised EMOV EP on a lawsuit initiated by the Azuay drivers’ union, obtaining a favourable resolution and avoiding the company having to repay $9m.

Ecuador > Tax Tier 2

Ecuador > Competition and antitrust Tier 4

ECIJA GPA offers expert guidance to companies on various competition-related issues, including sales strategies and pricing policies. The firm also assists with the development of contingency plans for potential competition authority investigations and represents clients in cases involving alleged unfair competition practices. Michael Veintimilla is a key contact for European clients, particularly from Germany, and advises on competition and corporate matters. Bernardo Maya has in-depth knowledge of merger control and abuse of dominant power position issues. Bayardo Poveda works closely with clients in the issuance of recommendations before the national competition authority.

Practice head(s):

Michael Veintimilla; Bayardo Poveda

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team always adapted very quickly to new situations and reacted appropriately. This was often the case because new facts led to a new assessment.’

Work highlights

Ecuador > Intellectual property Tier 4

The IP practice at ECIJA is a popular destination for local and international clients, most notably pharma companies, seeking advice on the registration, renewal, transfer and cancellation of trade marks. The group is also proficient in unfair competition and copyright protection matters. Gonzalo Muñoz, who specialises in administrative processes involving IP rights, jointly oversees the department with Michael Veintimilla, a key point of contact for clients from the cement, agrochemical and oil industries, Juan Fernando Valdivieso, who assists with the defence and registration of trade marks, and Ingrid Rodríguez.

Practice head(s):

Gonzalo Muñoz; Michael Veintimilla; Juan Fernando Valdivieso; Ingrid Rodriguez

Testimonials

They are clear, sincere, and agile.’

‘We have felt confident with the service provided, we have been constantly guided and supported.’

Key clients

Dermahealth

SIKA

Grupo Empresarial Bagó

Hormipisos

Health-Lab  (Farmacias suiza)

EMPREMAX

HACIENDA SUIZA

Laboratorios Bagó

Work highlights

  • Advised Hormipisos on a series of actions (registrations and oppositions) aimed at protecting its trade marks.
  • Advised DUKARE on responses to oppositions, and renewals for its trade mark portfolio.
  • Advised Grupo Empresarial Bagó on filing numerous oppositions to trade mark registrations.

Ecuador > Labour and employment Tier 4

Drawing on its international network, ECIJA GPA is called upon by multinational and local clients from the hydrocarbon, hotels, pharma and automotive industries, among others, to advise on day-to-day labour matters and employment disputes. The group is under the joint leadership of Byron Sotomayor, who advises on labour claims, Francisco Dávalos, another name to note for collective and individual labour disputes, Juan Carlos Montenegro, and Juan José Palacios, whose areas of expertise include wrongful dismissals and collective agreements.

Practice head(s):

Byron Sotomayor, Francisco Dávalos; Juan Carlos Montenegro; Juan José Palacios

Testimonials

‘ECIJA’s labour team is differentiated from others, especially for its level of technical knowledge of labour law. Its leader, Francisco Dávalos, is a lawyer who constantly updates himself on the regulations and who personally attends to hearings and other proceedings of his clients.’

‘Francisco Dávalos is a professional who, despite his technical knowledge, is very empathetic with the client. He seeks to understand the problems of each case, and usually does so immediately, thus showing the importance of his client.’

‘The service offering that ECIJA proposed adjusted to our needs.’

‘The experience of lawyers is a determining factor in conflict resolution.’

‘ECIJA has a service capacity in Latin America like few other firms. Its presence in several countries allows international work to be carried out with excellence and efficiency, adding high value for clients. ECIJA is also a pro-business team, so they act beyond the technical limits of the issues involved, and support them with strategic visions.’

‘Among the various qualities of the professionals, it is worth mentioning their efficiency and prompt service, in addition to the impeccable quality of the work.’

Key clients

Pampa Bloque 18

Corporación Para Los Recursos Naturales Corena

Maquinarias Y Vehiculos

Coheco

Jibaja Ribadeneira Wilson Ernesto

Mauricio David Del Hierro Lugo

Bananevito

Reencauchadora Del Pacífico

Internacional De Construcciones

Biotecdor

Banasoft

Saroa

Moret

Sigmaplast Group

Decentralized Autonomous Government of the Riobamba canton

Work highlights

  • Advised Pampa Energía on the process of dismissing a group of its workers due to the company’s closure in Ecuador.
  • Represented Bonanevito S.A. in a labour lawsuit filed by a former worker against the company, seeking compensation for untimely dismissal.
  • Represented Corena after a worker filed a labor lawsuit against the company, seeking compensation for an alleged workplace accident.

Ecuador > Real estate Tier 4

ECIJA advises local and international clients on the acquisition of real estate properties and the management of residential and urban projects. Ingrid Rodríguez in Manta is a key adviser to domestic and foreign investors with significant stakes in real estate projects. She oversees the group with Guayaquil-based Édgar Méndez, whose areas of expertise include asset deals, property development and regulatory issues, and Byron Sotomayor, a name to note for real estate transactions. Fellow co-head Genesis Bermeo leads the real estate offering in the Quito office.

Practice head(s):

Ingrid Rodríguez; Édgar Méndez; Genesis Bermeo; Byron Sotomayor

Key clients

Mkm importaciones

COMPANY SERVIPAXA

Cestia

Artenschutzstiftung Zoo Karlsruhe a

FANBERCELL

ASOCIACIÓN DE CORREDORES DE BIENES RAÍCES DEL GUAYAS ACBIR GUAYAS

Carlos Lasso Mendoza

C.H. Ocean

Muelle company of Mueller

Adam Corbin

Peter Tadros

Lori Ann Baker

Carlos Lasso Mendoza

MARIANA DEL ROCIO SARMIENTO ORELLANA

Work highlights

  • Provided ongoing advisory to Cestia S.A and regulatory compliance monitoring for a significant real estate project involving the consolidation of properties for a major shopping mall, along with legal restructuring and trust liquidation.
  • Advised Fanbercell S.A on the acquisition of the shares of a company that held ownership of a valuable real estate asset intended for the development of an urban project.
  • Advised over 32 private clients in the city of Manta on real estate transactions, including property acquisitions and sales, as well as foreign investments.

ECIJA GPA strengthens its presence in Ecuador with the opening of a new branch in Cuenca

ECIJA GPA expands its team by integrating the law firm Estudio Central of Cuenca.

ECIJA GPA strengthens its presence in Ecuador with the opening of a new office in Manta

ECIJA GPA starts the year reinforcing its team with Ingrid Rodriguez as the new partner of the Manta office.