Arbitration is the cornerstone of the dispute resolution practice at ECIJA, which acts for high-profile multinationals – including household names in the telecoms, tech, energy and agribusiness sectors – as well as sovereign states in high-profile commercial and investment cases and enforcement actions. Lauded for its ‘high level of technical specialisation, strategic focus and a constant commitment to quality’, the team is well equipped to take on both domestic and international mandates, with the ability to join up with the international firm’s other offices in Latin America. In addition, the firm boasts active commercial litigation and criminal law practices. Practice head Mauricio París is a ’market leader’ in the field of domestic and international arbitration (and a member of the Court of Arbitration of the ICC in Paris). Other key figures include Arturo Guerrero, who is skilled in litigation and arbitration; of counsel José Francisco Madrigal, who oversees the criminal law practice; senior associate Aracelly López, who joined from Dentons in March 2025 and has strong experience in cross-border cases, and associate Mario Alberto Umaña.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘ECIJA's regional presence truly facilitates the work when information and analysis are required in different jurisdictions. They demonstrate a truly active and dynamic approach in resolving the issues they are asked to address.’

  • ‘Mauricio París possesses a tremendous ability to quickly understand what is needed and provides highly efficient service and attention. He stands out for his outstanding ability to present complex topics with ease for non-lawyers to understand, his efficiency in coordinating teams in various jurisdictions, and above all, his willingness to answer questions at any time with kindness and deep concern for his clients.’

  • ‘Mauricio París and Arturo Guerrero are outstanding. In addition to being excellent lawyers, they are extremely diligent, always available to collaborate, and extremely proactive. What sets them apart is their attention to detail and response times.’

  • ‘I have worked with Mauricio París as an arbitrator, and he is excellent. He is thoroughly knowledgeable about the law, but also very practical. He is dedicated to his cases, attentive, and eager to do things right. He is very responsible and has extensive academic and legal knowledge.’

  • ‘Mauricio París is a market leader.’

  • 'The team is distinguished by its high level of technical specialisation, strategic focus and a constant commitment to quality in the provision of its services. They are highly responsible lawyers, with an outstanding ability to understand the regulatory environment and adapt to the client's specific needs. Their advice combines legal depth with a practical approach aimed at decision-making. Compared to other firms, they demonstrate superior attention to detail and proactivity.'

Key clients

  • Claro (América Movil)
  • Republic of Panama
  • Sony
  • SOLSGE
  • Naturgy
  • Playa las Palmitas
  • Union Fenosa Generadora La Joya
  • Chiquita Brands

Work highlights

Representing the Republic of Panama in proceedings seeking the annulment of an arbitral award rendered in an investment arbitration administered by the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague.
Acting for Marcas Mundiales, a food and beverage distribution company in Honduras, in an international arbitration under ICC rules against a Mexican company.
Representing the interests of Sony in a bankruptcy proceeding initiated in Costa Rica by Grupo Camedia, a local supplier.

Lawyers

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Practice head

Mauricio París