With a strong track record in international arbitration, ECIJA‘s team members bring a broad range of commercial and investment arbitration expertise. Juan Carlos Montenegro focuses on civil litigation, while Jaime Dousdebes is noted for public law disputes. The group’s deep bench in mediation grew further with the hire of Gabriela Balseca from Quito Chamber of Commerce, who often acts in mediation relating to assets of companies or high-net-worth individuals. Byron Sotomayor heads the dispute resolution department at the firm from the Guayaquil office, while Ingrid Rodríguez oversees the civil litigation department in Manta. Xavier Molina and Sebastián López are key team members in the Cuenca office. Blanca Gómez De La Torre is active in investment arbitration claims, and Christel Gaibor is a key name at the associate level in relation to arbitration claims.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Bayardo Poveda, Blanca Gomez de la Torre, and Christel Gaibor stand out for their professionalism and knowledge, as well as their personalised support and advice.'
- 'Their extensive knowledge of the energy market, contract management, and project development, combined with their legal experience, enables them to identify, address, and manage any legal issues that may arise for the company in the development of its activities in Ecuador.'
- 'They have a highly sophisticated team of professionals specialised in the field, with extensive experience in highly complex cases, which allows them to represent their clients technically and successfully.'
- 'Gonzalo González Galarza and Blanca Gómez de la Torre possess the experience, knowledge, and adaptability necessary for a cutting-edge lawyer, which places them among a select group of top-tier lawyers in Ecuador.'
Key clients
- Gabriela Sommerfeld
- Grupo Galarza
- Empresa Pública de Movilidad (EMOV EP)
- Banco Procredit
- Segurillanta
- Servicios Ecuatorianos de Energía (SECSA)
Work highlights
Defended Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld in a gender-political violence complaint before the Tribunal Contencioso Electoral of Ecuador.
Advised Grupo Galarza on a corporate complaint alleging accounting irregularities and administrative mismanagement, securing dismissals of all charges in court, protecting the group's operations.
Represented Banco ProCredit in pursuing a $1.7m debt against Soluciones Móviles del Ecuador Solumovecsa, resulting in property seizures and renewed settlement negotiations.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Christel Gaibor
Practice head
Blanca Gómez de la Torre; Gonzalo González; Juan Carlos Montenegro; Byron Sotomayor; Édgar Méndez; Ingrid Rodríguez; Xavier Molina; Sebastian López; Jaime Dousdebés; Gabriela Balseca