Handling the full range of dispute types across a broad range of sectors (particularly technology, insurance, energy and the mining sector, among others), Robalino is nevertheless best known for high-stakes disputes and international arbitration. The team’s arbitration capabilities are highlighted by its role in the Junefield ICC arbitration. A key case in point is its ongoing advice to Junefield Gold Investments in a $480m investment treaty arbitration against the Republic of Ecuador regarding the alleged indirect expropriation of mining operations. Currently chairman of the ICC Arbitration Commission in Ecuador, managing partner Javier Robalino heads up the firm’s alternative dispute resolution practice, is a prominent arbitrator, and is leading on the Junefield case. Luis Carlos Fernández, in turn, leads the litigation (and labour) offering, and is noted for liability claims and commercial disputes, as well as arbitration proceedings. Energy and natural resources specialist Andrés Donoso leads disputes in the hydrocarbon and mining sectors; while insurance practice head Lisette Torres Ortíz (in Guayaquil) handles contentious insurance matters and provides further support to both the corporate and disputes teams, notably as regards matters involving regulatory compliance, risk management, and ESG strategies. Daniel Robalino brings further, longstanding partner-level expertise with respect to international arbitrations and disputes; while experienced of counsel Cristina Viteri undertakes complex litigation and international arbitration. Promoted to senior associate in January 2026, Hernán Escudero assists with international commercial and investment arbitration, domestic arbitration and arbitration-related litigation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Robalino stands out for combining a profound knowledge of Ecuadorian law with a practical understanding of the market, the country's main industries, and the regional context. This perspective allows them to go beyond simply answering a strictly legal question and grasp its commercial, regulatory, and institutional implications. At the same time, the team operates with the levels of quality, responsiveness, and coordination expected of a leading international firm. Our experience collaborating with them has been completely seamless: they integrate naturally into international teams and, in practice, operate as an extension of our own. This is especially valuable in sensitive or highly regulated matters, such as those related to the mining sector. When we need a precise interpretation of the local framework, an assessment of how institutions function, or a practical perspective on the Ecuadorian judiciary, the team responds quickly, clearly, and judiciously. They are technically excellent lawyers, very approachable, and particularly easy to integrate into complex, multi-jurisdictional matters.
- Customer proximity and the technical quality of its members.
- Robalino Abogados is one of the most reputable firms in dispute resolution, headed by Javier Robalino. Furthermore, their response is swift and accurate.
- Javier Robalino: Excellent service and extensive knowledge. Andrés Donoso: Kindness and insightful analysis. Galo Guarderas: Excellent lawyer with in-depth knowledge of administrative law. Cristina Coello: Excellent lawyer with in-depth knowledge of environmental law.
- Javier Robalino and Lisette Torres are very attentive partners and dedicated to customer service.
Key clients
- Junefield Gold Investments
- PCR Ecuador
- Interoceanica C.A. De Seguros
- Club Deportivo Cuenca
- PCR Ecuador
- DPM
- CWT
- Cotecna Inspections
- Like Top Corporation
- Innovative Associated Corp.
- Inmobiliaria Mabra
- Salzgitter Mannesmann International
Work highlights
Representing Junefield Gold Investments in a $480m investment treaty arbitration against the Republic of Ecuador regarding the alleged indirect expropriation of mining operations
Represented Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) in a landmark Constitutional Court victory that solidified the enforcement of foreign arbitral awards in Ecuador without discriminatory procedural hurdles.
Representing Club Deportivo Cuenca in a high-profile arbitration concerning a management and control dispute that tests the legal boundaries of third-party management contracts in professional football.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Hernan Escudero
Practice head
Javier Robalino; Luis Carlos Fernández
Other key lawyers
Lisette Torres