Robalino > Quito, Ecuador > Firm Profile

Robalino > The Legal 500 Rankings

Ecuador > Banking and finance Tier 2

Robalino acts on behalf of a portfolio of domestic banks in cross-border transactions, focusing on pioneering work on socially motivated finance deals as well as in relation to securitisation and structured finance matters. Key areas of work in this regard include green and sustainable bond offerings, credit facilities, debt restructurings and derivatives transactions. The firm stands out for combining its vision of sustainability with traditional finance work, recently evidenced by its advice to FMO regarding the $6m financing to Ecua America Teak used to finance working capital, capital expenditure and the acquisition of new land to plant teak trees. Director Carol Riofrio stands at the forefront of these efforts, having joined from Grupo FINCA in December 2022, and bringing notable experience from her previous role as legal manager for a bank specialised in microcredits. This role sees Riofrío working closely with Martín Pallares and Javier Robalino, who are specialists in private equity projects and complex M&A deals. In October 2022, the firm saw the departure of seasoned practitioner Jesús Beltrán.

Ecuador > Competition and antitrust Tier 2

Robalino often acts for domestic and international clients in antitrust litigation, pre-merger control clearances, unfair competition matters and cessation agreements with the regulator, a broad offering complemented by the firm’s consultancy division CPA Robalino. Daniel Robalino serves as a main point of contact, steering the team’s efforts in relation to litigation as well as unfair competition and merger control matters, having recently supported the Superintendency of Market Power Control in the development of antitrust compliance guidelines. Javier Robalino is another key figure at the practice, as is special counsel Fausto Alvarado, who is recognised for being the first Competition Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and playing an active role in policy issues in Latin America.

Ecuador > Corporate and M&A Tier 2

Robalino, co-led by Martín Pallares and Daniel Robalino, remains a popular choice for blue-chip national and multinational companies. The department regularly assists clients with large and complex M&A transactions within the Ecuadorian market, the volume of which continues to grow year-on-year. Elsewhere in the team, senior partner Javier Robalino handles a broad range of corporate matters, including cross-border M&A, foreign investment, complex disputes and international arbitration. The group deals with a variety of corporate and commercial matters, from high-end corporate and finance transactions to general corporate and commercial work. Former practice head Jesús Beltrán and senior associate Juan Bernando Guarderas left the firm in September 2022.

Ecuador > Dispute resolution Tier 2

Robalino‘s practice is known for assisting local and multinational companies in domestic and cross-border litigation in large and complex arbitration cases. Managing partner Javier Robalino Orellana is a name to note and heads up the team alongside experienced practitioner Luis Carlos Fernández, who has a high success rate in litigation proceedings. The department's work ranges from high-value arbitrations to assisting clients with day-to-day, complex issues concerning operations in Ecuador, where it acts for household name companies in a range of sectors.

Ecuador > Energy and natural resources Tier 2

Robalino stands out for its comprehensive offering and is popular among leading oil and gas, mining and energy corporations, which seek advice on the structuring, development, negotiation and financing of upstream, midstream and downstream hydrocarbon projects and mining operations. Leadership of the team is shared between Andrés Donoso and Javier Robalino, experts in project financing, distribution chains and M&A, sought by the likes of Total Eren, Solaris Resources and Energylider. Additional standout practitioners include counsel Ernesto Velasco, a key hire in May 2022 aimed to strengthen the group’s experience in public-private relationships and regulatory matters, and senior associate Pedro Madero, a hydrocarbon specialist. In September 2022, Rafael Valdivieso left the firm, accompanied by Gustavo Almeida and Bruno Pesantes in his move.

Ecuador > Real estate Tier 2

With a strong position in the Ecuadorian and Latin American real estate markets, Robalino exhibits strength in a variety of matters, including project investment structuring and construction-related litigation. Arbitration proceedings are also regularly handled by the group. Led by Martín Pallares and Daniel Robalino, who are well versed in corporate issues relating to the acquisition of land and premises, the team is particularly active in the agriculture industry. Key developments in the practice include the departure of former practice co-head Ernesto Weisson in October 2022.

Ecuador > Tax Tier 2

Robalino continues to make strides towards a leading full-service offering, with a tax, transfer pricing and international commerce team dedicated to issues related to international tax matters, customs, litigation and complex cross-border transactions. Complementing the team’s expertise is the group’s relationship with local tax authorities. Javier Robalino is a standout practitioner, noted for his extensive background in tax and his experience in cross-border transactions, working alongside senior assoiciate and Guayaquil office leader Emilio Aguayo, who draws from his previous role at Servicio de Rentas Internas (SRI). Also from the senior associate ranks, Victor Murillo heads the Guayaquil office alongside Aguayo, specialising in tax litigation and regulatory work. Bolívar Figueroa returned to the firm in October 2022 after working for the Ministerio de Producción, Comercio Exterior, Inversiones y Pesca. In a significant development, Paola Gachet left the firm in July 2023.

Ecuador > Labour and employment Tier 3

The ten-strong labour department at Robalino offers support to domestic and foreign clients seeking advice on their internal restructurings, labour lawsuits and collective bargaining needs. The group demonstrates further expertise acting in mediation hearings as well as addressing claims and inspections made by the Ministry of Labour. Procedural expert Luis Carlos Fernández leads the team, leveraging his arbitration experience to act in complex labour proceedings; recent highlights include the team’s representation of Inepaca in multiple labour claims regarding severance payments filed by former employees. Director Emilio Aguayo is a key contact for dispute resolution. Esteban Baquero departed the firm in September 2022, with Ernesto Weisson leaving the following month. Sergio Mera left the firm in April 2023.

Ecuador > Intellectual property