Bustamante Fabara's litigation and dispute resolution team works closely with the firm's public contracts and procurement practice to represent clients in a broad range of contentious matters. The group regularly handles constitutional actions, commercial disputes and public law proceedings for clients across both the private and public sectors, including disputes arising from major infrastructure projects. The practice is also active in arbitration, energy and project-related disputes, as well as commercial disputes across a variety of sectors. Managing partner and practice head María Rosa Fabara has extensive experience navigating public procurement and commercial disputes, with a practice spanning litigation as well as domestic and international arbitration. A strong cohort of associates includes Francisco Dávila (arbitration), who was appointed practice director in April 2026; and seniors Xavier Palacios and Paula Mesías (constitutional and administrative litigation).
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The ability to present arguments clearly, concisely, and didactically to complex audiences.
- Dr. Fabara, Francisco Dávila, and Paula Zambrano work exceptionally well together. They are technically skilled, capable, and brilliant litigators.
- It's a solid team with a remarkable track record. My particular experience has been with Xavier Palacios Abad, in constitutional litigation. He's a lawyer specializing in that area, with in-depth knowledge, and his methodical approach sets him apart from other firms.
- Xavier Palacios Abad is a lawyer who easily stands out for his track record and experience in constitutional matters. He has the skills to handle high-stakes litigation that is critical to his clients' businesses and to manage it with great strategy.
- The people in the office are very well-prepared and willing to help.
- It is a law firm that collaborates 100% with its clients.
- Xavier Palacios, a renowned constitutional lawyer, has experience based on his strong conceptual foundation, which, combined with his youth, makes a difference.
- In our experience, the key difference lies in the relationship with the executive staff of the Bustamante Fabara Law Firm, which allowed us to access the specific advice we sought and, in this way, based on a previously built relationship of trust, to have a committed legal team representing our interests before third parties.
- Extensive experience in the hydrocarbons sector, prompt response to inquiries with little advance notice, fulfillment of legal obligations, and above all, honesty regarding the likelihood of a case.
- Honesty regarding the likelihood of winning or losing a case is important. I value and appreciate Gustavo Almeida's willingness to answer questions, generate reports, and fulfill obligations. He has always been respectful and efficient in delivering results.
Key clients
- Fideicomiso Mercantil Las Plazas (Vial Fabara)
- Icesa
- Sanfer Bussié Ecuador
- Laboratorios Bussié Ecuador
- Generali Ecuador Compañía de Seguros
- AIG Metropolitana Cía. de Seguros y Reaseguros
- Asociación Mutualista de Ahorro y Crédito para la Vivienda Pichincha
- Zurich Seguros Ecuador
- Tabacarcen / Tababela Cargo Center
- Ecuasanitas
- Clínica Internacional Intersanitas
- CNPC Chuanqing Drilling Engineering Company Limited
- Abbott Laboratorios del Ecuador
- Kontoor Brands / Wrangler Apparel
- Oriflame del Ecuador
- Empresas DeMaria
- Farmalatina
- Yichang Humanwell Pharmaceutical
- China Railway No. 9 Engineering Group
- China International Water & Electric
Work highlights
Represented Generali Ecuador Compañía de Seguros in a $100m civil claim brought by the Quito Municipal Public Company for Mobility and Public Works (EPMMQ), under a contractor’s all-risks policy linked to the Quito Metro construction project.
Represented China International Water & Electric in contentious administrative litigation challenging a $29.8m civil liability assessment issued by Ecuador’s State Comptroller General following an audit of CWE public contract with CELEC EP.
Represented Metropass II in constitutional litigation arising from a public tender awarded by Quito’s mobility authority (EPMMOP) for operating a “Multi Lane Free Flow” electronic tolling system.
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.
Practice head
María Rosa Fabara
Other key lawyers
Francisco Dávila; Xavier Palacios; Paula Mesías