Gabriel Santelices > Dentons Paz Horowitz > Quito, Ecuador > Lawyer Profile

Dentons Paz Horowitz showcases an extensive breadth of expertise, handling due diligence, audits, licensing agreements for trade marks, copyright and plant varieties, and the enforcement of a variety of IP rights. Co-founding partner Bruce Horowitz shares leadership of the practice with Gabriel Santelices, combining expertise in non-traditional marks such as sound marks and tactile marks, which makes up a niche area of focus for the group. Senior associate Verónica Chiriboga is another key contact, recognised for her work on trade mark prosecution and anti-counterfeiting matters, while Mónica Cortez, who coordinates the firm’s IP portfolio, works on trade mark and patent prosecutions. Former practice head Byron Robayo Arroyo left in January 2023.

The employment and labour team at Dentons Paz Horowitz divides its time between assisting with labour audits, employment relationships and litigation involving unjustified dismissals and occupational accidents. Within the employment field, the firm showcases further capabilities in issues relating to labour unions and collective bargaining, handling contract, internal labour regulation and profit-sharing matters. Patricia Andrade leads the team, with considerable experience navigating breach of contract, wrongful termination and profit-sharing issues, accompanied by director Gabriel Santelices, who brings a broad understanding of civil, labour and constitutional litigation in addition to restructuring processes and compliance programmes. In recent developments, the firm saw the departure of Andrés Chong Qui.

The energy and natural resources department at Dentons Paz Horowitz stands out for its ability to handle shifting trends, with significant knowledge of the mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Within these areas of focus, the team is particularly active in the implementation of electric and hydroelectric projects across the country, managing domestic and foreign investments. Co-founder Jorge Paz Durini spearheads these efforts, leveraging experience gained at his previous role at the Ecuadorian Mining Chamber and involvement in several oil exploration projects. The group also features fellow directors Gabriel Santelices, whose practice encompasses dispute resolution and the obtainment of concession agreements, and María del Mar Hereda, noted for a variety of M&A transactions.

Jorge Paz Durini, Agustin Acosta Cárdenas, Rocio Cordova, David Benalcazar and Juan Carlos Pérez run Dentons Paz Horowitz‘s team, noted for its ‘good knowledge of regulatory management that must be met in order to operate in the country’. The group is indeed well equipped to handle complex and regulatory matters such as advice on regulatory compliance and permits required by different industries, especially for new businesses and investments in Ecuador. Legal director Gabriel Santelices is a standout member of the team, with experience advising private companies on corporate restructuring processes and compliance and corporate governance systems.