CorralRosales > Guayaquil, Ecuador > Firm Profile
CorralRosales Offices

AVENIDA FRANCISCO DE ORELLANA 234
EDIFICIIO BLUE TOWER, PISO 13, OFICINA 1307, GUAYAQUIL
Ecuador
CorralRosales > The Legal 500 Rankings
Ecuador > Competition and antitrust Tier 1
CorralRosales offers a comprehensive service in the competition and antitrust space, which covers antitrust investigations, merger control, restrictive practices, abuse of dominant position and cartel matters. Co-head Ana Samudio stands out for her notable expertise in telecoms-related competition matters, owing to her previous role with a regional mobile telecoms company. She oversees the group with Xavier Rosales, who advises on merger clearance processes and antitrust investigations. Also part of the core team, Christian Razza brings together expertise in competition law and technology.Practice head(s):
Xavier Rosales; Ana Samudio
Testimonials
‘Excellent, committed lawyers. The level of client service is very high.’
‘They have an established plan and they stick to it. The firm’s lawyers are responsive and creative when it comes to finding solutions to certain legal problems.’
Key clients
Suez Group
Sony Music
Nestlé
The Walt Disney Company
Unilever
Grupo Familia
COPEC – Compañía de Petróleos de Chile
Clorox
United Airlines
Grünenthal
BMI
Immunotec
Claro (CONECEL/ América Móvil)
General Electric
SAP
AkzoNobel
JetBlue Airways
Essity
DK Management
Santillana
Work highlights
- Advised Grupo Familia on a competition investigation initiated by the Ecuadorian Competition Authority.
- Advised The Walt Disney Company before the Ecuadorian competition authority involving the acquisition of 21st Century Fox.
- Advised Unilever on the antitrust clearance proceeding by the Ecuadorian Competition Authority.
Ecuador > Intellectual property Tier 1
Standing out for its strong track record in precedent-setting trade mark disputes, CorralRosales provides a comprehensive IP service offering, which in addition to trade mark prosecution and opposition matters also covers patents, copyrights, and plant varieties, as well as anti-counterfeiting, franchising, and portfolio management work. On the patents front, the group is adept at advising on cases encompassing pharma patents, utility models and industrial designs. María Cecilia Romoleroux, Francisco Gallegos and Gabriel Kuri head up a team which counts household names from the tech, pharma, consumer goods, entertainment, food and beverage, and fashion sectors as clients. Romoleroux is particularly skilled in trade mark registration and litigation matters; Gallegos is prolific in the life sciences and tech industries; and Kuri, a chemical engineer, is instrumental in patent work. Eduardo Rios focuses on IP litigation and anti-counterfeiting issues. The latter is a key area of expertise for associate Miguel Maigualema.Practice head(s):
Maria Cecilia Romoleroux; Francisco Gallegos; Gabriel Kuri
Testimonials
‘A high professional level in all aspects.’
‘Francisco Gallegos and his team provide top-level service. I want to highlight the response times and professional capacity of each lawyer who assists us. They have extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry which is key for our company.’
‘Francisco Gallegos is open to seeking practical solutions for clients, and is open to different legal points of view.’
Key clients
Société Des Produits Nestlé
AstraZeneca
IKEA
Pacari
Crocs
Pfizer
Merck Sharp and Dohme
Terpel
Tous
Bulgari
Productos Familia
Televisa
Sanofi
Uber Technologies
Amercia Movil
Work highlights
- Defending Faber-Castell in precedent-setting judicial litigation relating to an infringement matter involving 3D trade mark rights in pencils and constitutional protection orders as a defence to preliminary injunction measures.
- Representing Nestle in the Ecuadorian leg of a multi-territory dispute with The A2 Milk Company relating to trade mark rights over A2.
- Representing multiple clients’ operations in conjunction with the Attorney General’s Office and the police regarding 200,000 counterfeit items which were seized relating to various famous brands at Bahía market.
Ecuador > Corporate and M&A Tier 2
Noted for its ‘excellent service’, CorralRosales offers support to local companies and multinationals in transactional work and day-to-day corporate issues. M&A, business combinations, and corporate structuring are core areas of activity for the group, which has a strong track record in cross-border matters. Based in Quito, Xavier Rosales heads the corporate department and is supported by a diverse team, with key contacts including Santiago Palacios, who possesses over two decades of experience in corporate matters, Francisco Rosales, a name to note for international clients, and Rafael Rosales. Milton Carrera stands out for his expertise in corporate issues, M&A, and corporate immigration issues, while Ana Samudio is active in the competition, regulatory and TMT spaces, and Sofía Rosales assists with corporate restructuring and dissolutions.Practice head(s):
Xavier Rosales
Testimonials
‘CorralRosales has extensive knowledge and different areas of specialisation. The service is excellent.’
‘The lawyers of this firm are always available to resolve doubts, and respond to all requirements promptly.’
Key clients
Anddes Asociados
Credimatic
AmovEcuador
Crediprime
Rhenus Logistics
Zacua Ventures
Johnson & Johnson
Work highlights
- Advised Anddes Asociados on all aspects of its incorporation in Ecuador.
- Advised Credimatic on its day-to-day corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters.
- Advised AmovEcuador on the entire redomicillation process from a corporate and regulatory perspective.
Ecuador > Dispute resolution Tier 2
CorralRosales represents a mix of local and international entities in a wide range of disputes at all levels of the judicial system. A go-to destination for construction disputes, the team is proficient in local and international arbitration proceedings, as well as civil, commercial and administrative litigation. Practice head Santiago Palacios handles high-stakes disputes in the financial services, insurance, energy, real estate and environment spaces. The firm’s dispute resolution offering was strengthened in September 2024 by the addition of former Bustamante Fabara partner Hugo García Larriva to lead the arbitration practice. Other individuals to note include: Xavier Rosales, whose areas of expertise cover domestic and international arbitration, as well as dispute board proceedings under ICC rules; Francisco Rosales, a seasoned arbitrator; and senior associates Mateo Zavala, who focuses on litigation involving civil, administrative, constitutional and employment law, and Carla Cepeda, who also joined from Bustamante Fabara in September 2024, and has notable strengths in disputes in the construction, energy and telecoms sectors.Practice head(s):
Santiago Palacios
Testimonials
‘Extensive experience in international arbitrations.’
‘The firm is good, they assist us with queries and carry out administrative and judicial processes that have allowed our company to act efficiently and take manageable risks depending on the scenario that arises.’
‘Good management, availability of schedules and willingness to handle any emergency that happens.’
‘Technical and commercial excellence. They are always willing to get involved in the client’s needs. They always give legal advice in the face of market challenges and based on commercial sensitivity.’
‘Technical solvency, excellence in substance and form, knowledge of regulations and laws, permanent availability, sensitivity to the client’s business.’
Key clients
Banco Pichincha
Consorcio Petrolero Bloque 16 y Tivacuno
BMI Igualas Médicas
Nestlé
Pan American Life de Ecuador Seguros de Vida
Grünenthal
Indra Sistemas
Acciona Construcción
Notary First of Quito
Consorcio Línea 1 Metro de Quito
Work highlights
Ecuador > Labour and employment Tier 2
CorralRosales acts for businesses of all sizes, including large international companies, from across the automotive, insurance, food and beverage, and manufacturing sectors (among others) in the full range of employment matters. Day-to-day labour law issues, claims involving wrongful dismissals, restructurings, collective bargaining agreements, due diligence and administrative proceedings before the Ministry of Labour are all key areas of activity for the practice led by seasoned employment law expert Edmundo Ramos. Senior associate Victoria Beltran regularly assists with labour litigation, employment contracts and social security issues. Mateo Zavala is also noted for his involvement in labour disputes.Practice head(s):
Edmundo Ramos
Testimonials
‘The team has very good response times to the queries/requests generated.’
‘They are always ready to resolve the problems presented, providing comprehensive advice.’
‘Corral Rosales has a team that transmits security.’
‘The lawyers at CorralRosales are professionals in treatment and judgment in providing opinions, always focused on the client’s line of business and willing to accompany cases to the end.’
‘CorralRosales is a law firm with outstanding, reliable partners, and great legal and business knowledge. In labour matters, Edmundo Ramos is a brilliant lawyer, with practical solutions based on extensive legal knowledge, experience and a commercial background. He has supported us with labour advice that has been essential for the development and expansion of businesses with extraordinary results.’
‘Great knowledge, experience, and an excellent team. Commercial and business acumen and comprehensive counselling, as well as personalised and immediate attention.’
‘The Corrales team stands out for its people, who are proactive, follow up on cases, and ensure that as a company we comply with all legal requirements.’
‘Edmundo Ramos is always open to evaluating different possibilities, always for the benefit of our people and our company.’
Key clients
Nestlé
Mastercard
RB Reckitt Benckiser
Grünenthal
Novartis
Payless ShoeSource
Lumen
Avon
AIG
Claro/America Movil
BMI
Eriksson
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Zurich
United Airlines
TMF
Kyndryl
Nielsen
IBM
ZTE
Work highlights
- Advised Maxiauto on a lawsuit filed by a former commercial director involving a dismissal.
- Acted for Sport Bar S.A. in several lawsuits filed by 35 former employees, who considered their dismissal claim untimely and requested the recognition of severance payments.
- Advised Securitas Ecuador Cía. Ltda. on a lawsuit filed by former general manager, who demanded payment of labour rights.
Ecuador > Tax Tier 2
With deep knowledge of tax and customs regulation, the practice at CorralRosales attracts instructions from a multitude of clients, most notably multinationals, seeking assistance with tax assessment procedures, due diligence processes and the tax aspects of corporate and financing transactions. In addition, the firm is singled out for its contentious expertise, and proficiency in international tax and customs matters. At the helm is customs expert Andrea Moya, who regularly advises international companies doing business in Ecuador and local companies looking to expand abroad. Xavier Rosales takes the lead on transactional work. Key support is offered by Fernanda Inga, who joined as senior associate from the Customs Authority in June 2023, and associate María José Flores, who excels in reimbursement claims and customs matters.Practice head(s):
Andrea Moya
Key clients
Payless ShoeSource
United Parcel Service
COPA Airlines
Ferrero
Omnibus (General Motors)
Location World
Nestlé
Raúl Coka Barriga Cia
Münich Re
Hannover Re
BAYERPROINTEC (INDRA)
PETROLIA (REPSOL)
La Tablita
Novopan del Ecuador
Millpolimerosericssonrobert Bosch
Work highlights
- Advised Petrolia Ecuador on a challenge against the settlement issued by the public company of hydrocarbons of Ecuador.
- Advised Novopan del Ecuador on the analysis of the payment of contributions and initiation of claims for reimbursement before the tax agency.
- Advised Millpolimeros on the analysis of the tax benefits applicable to a new investment to be made by the client.
CorralRosales > Firm Profile
CorralRosales is a prominent law firm in Ecuador. Since its incorporation, the firm has focused on providing legal services in the different areas demanded by local and multinational companies with operations and interests in Ecuador. CorralRosales’ current portfolio of clients, which includes international and multinational companies from the United States, Europe, Latin America, and Asia, who operate in the most diverse sectors and industries, denotes the high degree of trust in the analysis, legal advice and creative solutions CorralRosales provides.
CorralRosales 40+ years of experience in advising and representing corporate clients in key fields for business, especially corporate, employment, tax, competition, intellectual property, regulatory and litigation, endorse CorralRosales’ local and international standing. The well-doing of the team of specialized 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, The Legal 500, Leaders League, WTR, among others.
Some of the clients that have trusted the firm thanks to its business-oriented approach include: AIG, Avon, Banco Pichincha, Conecel (Claro), IBM, Google, General Electric, Marriott Hotels, Mastercard, Nestlé, Novartis and Repsol.
Main areas of practice
Corporate/M&A: CorralRosales has a strong track record advising national and international clients in the incorporation of companies, day to day corporate legal advice, and complex corporate transactions and operations. The firm is highly renowned for its experience in M&A transactions, successfully dealing with share purchase agreements; asset purchase agreements; drafting, preparation and review of contracts and other documents; commercial trusts; international leases; and preparation of due diligence reports.
Intellectual property: the team is one of the most respected in the region, comprising lawyers, agents, and technical staff, who provide services in IP and counseling. It offers cutting edge services in every aspect of IP law, including patent, trademark, copyright, design, litigation, anti-counterfeiting, comprehensive portfolio management, prosecution, enforcement and more. It is one of the few firms with an Ecuadorian regulatory and litigation practice within its IP organization. The IP regulatory practice assists companies in highly regulated industries (including pharma, medical devices, agribusiness, food, and beverages) obtaining proper authorizations from government agencies.
Labour law and immigration: CorralRosales advises domestic and foreign companies in all areas related to the employer-employee relationship. This includes day-to-day issues as employment agreements tailored to specific needs, internal work regulations, consultations on hiring alternatives, employment of disabled employees, among others. The firm performs employment due diligence and work on tailoring the best alternatives to cope with existing risks or liabilities. The firm 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 work permits, temporary visas, work visas and permanent resident visas to expatriates and foreign employees.
Dispute resolution: CorralRosales covers all Ecuadorian courts and venues — effectively representing local and foreign clients in a wide spectrum of disputes. Members have experience 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.
Banking and finance and capital markets: advising private banks, multilateral agencies, as well as domestic and multinational companies in the negotiation and structuring of financial transactions. Lawyers in the area rely on multi-disciplinary teams that include experts in finance, tax, and sector-specific regulation. Drafting, preparation, and review of agreements and other loan documents; financial structuring; project financing, secured transactions; as well as day to day general advice. Additionally, the firm is highly knowledgeable in capital markets law, including regulatory matters, public stock and bond offerings, as well as debt restructurings.
Competition/antitrust: the firm covers all areas of competition and antitrust, together with regulatory and consumer protection matters, including representation of clients in investigation proceedings and related litigation, as well as negotiation of leniency and similar agreements. The team participates in complex mergers, acquisitions, integrations, antitrust due diligence and development of good practices and policies.
Compliance: advising domestic and international clients on compliance issues. Investigations dealing with government procurement and private dealings. Development and enforcement of compliance policies and compliance due diligence. Specialized team in high-profile investigations, the review, and implementation of compliance programs and the due diligence of third parties in the context of M&A, distribution, and other transactions.
Energy and natural resources: the department is divided into three industries: mining, oil and gas, and electricity. It advises clients on numerous administrative procedures for obtaining permits, licenses, concessions, and authorizations within their respective fields. The firm has substantive knowledge of the different industries, so it can advise on all stages involving the client’s business. Environmental: The firm has experience in the different environmental fields, advising clients on obtaining permits, defense on sanctioning proceedings, environmental damage, preventive due diligence and advice on good environmental and social practices.
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, the 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.
Tax and 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.
TMT: the experienced team serves major clients across the TMT sector, including leading telecoms companies, digital business and IT. It is renowned for its work in contentious, regulatory and transactional matters.
Languages: Spanish, English
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Antitrust and competition | Ana Samudio | [email protected] | |
Antitrust and competition | Xavier Rosales | [email protected] | |
Arbitration | Santiago Palacios | [email protected] | |
Arbitration | Francisco Rosales | [email protected] | |
Aviation | Xavier Rosales | [email protected] | |
Banking and finance | Santiago Palacios | [email protected] | |
Banking and finance | Xavier Rosales | [email protected] | |
Corporate/commercial/M&A | Xavier Rosales | [email protected] | |
Corporate/commercial/M&A | Milton Carrera | [email protected] | |
Compliance/FCPA | Francisco Rosales | [email protected] | |
Compliance/FCPA | Rafael Serrano | [email protected] | |
Data Protection | Rafael Serrano | [email protected] | |
Dispute Resolution | Santiago Palacios | [email protected] | |
Dispute Resolution | Ramón Paz y Miño | [email protected] | |
Energy and natural resources | Rafael Serrano | [email protected] | |
Foreign Trade | Andrea Moya | [email protected] | |
Insurance | Santiago Palacios | [email protected] | |
Insurance | Xavier Rosales | [email protected] | |
Intellectual property | María Cecilia Romoleroux | [email protected] | |
Intellectual property | Francisco Gallegos | [email protected] | |
Labour | Edmundo Ramos | [email protected] | |
Labour | Marta Villagómez | [email protected] | |
Public Procurement | Jimmy Rodriguez | [email protected] | |
Regulatory | Felipe Samaniego | [email protected] | |
Tax and Customs | Andrea Moya | [email protected] |
Meet The Team(s)
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
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Hugo García-Larriva | Partner | View Profile |
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Karen González | Associate | View Profile |
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Ramón Paz y Miño | Senior Associate | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Other fee-earners : 26 Total staff : 80Languages
English SpanishMemberships
L2B Aviation TAGLawOther
Partners : 10- Competition and antitrust
- Intellectual property
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Corporate and M&A
- Dispute resolution
- Labour and employment
- Tax