Christel Gaibor
ECIJA GPANoted 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.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘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.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Blanca Gomez De La Torre
ECIJA GPAPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Blanca Gómez de la Torre, Juan Carlos Montenegro, Byron Sotomayor, Xavier Molina, Sebastian López, Jaime Dousdebes, Ingrid Rodríguez, Sebastián Valle