Described as ‘excellent at defining litigation strategies, integrating innovative and efficient solutions, always taking into account the sector’s risk level’, Pino Elizalde Abogados specialises in government disputes and administrative litigation. The group has a strong presence in the food and beverage sector, including in matters connected to beer distribution. Marco (Valentín) Elizalde has a practice which revolves around administrative and constitutional litigation. Elizalde leads the team alongside Jorge Cedeño Cuellar, who was made partner in March 2025 and is key to the group’s procedural strategies within litigation. The team handles bankruptcy before administrative and civil courts, for which Jorge Cedeño is well known, while senior associate Rafael Ulloa is a key name at associate level.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'A go-to firm for advice on litigation and regulatory matters. The firm's members possess in-depth knowledge of Ecuadorian procedural law, both theoretically and in its practical application, which distinguishes them from other firms. We believe this is largely due to the doctoral studies in administrative law of its partner, Marco (Valentín) Elizalde, who also manages this department. He also has exceptional prestige as a litigating lawyer.'
- 'When it comes to Dispute Resolution, Pino Elizalde Abogados sets itself apart with its strategic approach and ability to manage disputes with effective solutions. Marco Elizalde and Jorge Cedeño Cuellar lead the structuring of solid strategies for litigation and arbitration, ensuring solid and well-founded representation. Rafael Ulloa complements the team with his skill for detailed analysis and agile execution in each process. What makes them stand out is their ability to negotiate, efficiently resolve conflicts, and their great capacity to think outside the box with different strategies.'
Key clients
- Cervecería Nacional
- Dinadec
Work highlights
Represented Holcim in a case against the Ecuadorian State for the reliquidation of mining royalties for 2009.
Practice head
Marco (Valentín) Elizalde; Jorge Cedeño Cuellar