Hailed by clients for its ‘excellent service’ and ‘regional coverage’, Central American firm Arias is well equipped to assist a client base of prominent multinational companies from an array of sectors – including retail, pharmaceuticals, automotive and consumer goods – in local and cross-border disputes. The team covers the full range of civil, commercial and administrative litigation, leveraging the support of the full-service firm’s strong real estate, labour, tax and IP departments to handle related cases, and is also skilled in arbitration. Fanny Rodríguez, who currently serves as vice president of the Honduran chapter of the Spanish and Ibero-American Arbitration Club (CEIA), leads the practice, with a notable strong suit in labour litigation. Senior associate Ekber Matute provides capable support.
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Work Department

Administrative and Constitutional Law | Civil and Notarial Law | Compliance, Anti-money Laundering and Anti-corruption | Corporate and Commercial law | Dispute Resolution, Litigation and Arbitration | Regulatory

Position

Senior Associate

Career

Ekber is a lawyer with an extensive and distinguished career in litigation and arbitration, recognized for his strategic acumen and meticulous approach in defending his clients' interests. His expertise spans civil, commercial, and administrative litigation, where he has demonstrated a notable ability to devise effective strategies and secure favorable outcomes in the courts of the Republic of Honduras. Furthermore, his negotiation skills and attention to detail have enabled him to successfully manage complex disputes in sectors such as oil, chemicals, real estate, and cooperativism.

In the field of arbitration, Ekber has excelled nationally, specializing in investment, commercial, and distribution arbitrations, while his experience has also allowed him to participate in international proceedings. His profound knowledge of arbitration procedures and his capacity to manage high-profile cases have been pivotal in resolving challenging disputes between companies across various industries. His professional approach and ability to navigate multicultural environments have further empowered him to advise clients effectively in arbitration scenarios under diverse institutional rules.

Moreover, Ekber boasts a solid track record in the commercial arena, providing comprehensive counsel on corporate structuring and engaging in high-impact projects, such as the establishment of the land transport consortium for the city of Tegucigalpa. His guidance has proven equally valuable for non-profit organizations, which he has assisted in processes involving exemptions, donations, and waivers, thereby facilitating their operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. His commitment to social impact and his expertise in the field has been instrumental in ensuring these institutions operate effectively and in full compliance with regulations.

Thanks to his extensive experience and strategic vision, Ekber has assumed the role of Compliance Director in Honduras, where he leads the implementation of regulatory compliance programs, manages risks, and ensures adherence to both local and international regulations.

His commitment to excellence and proactive approach have solidified his reputation, establishing him as a well-rounded and dynamic lawyer capable of delivering strategic and effective solutions in complex litigation, both national and international arbitrations, as well as in the realm of regulatory compliance.

Languages

Spanish and English

Memberships

  • International Bar Association (IBA)

  • Honduran Bar Association

  • Member of the Spanish and Ibero-American Arbitration Club (CEIA) Honduras Chapter

Education

  • Master in Business Law – University of Alcalá (Madrid, Spain).

  • Law Degree with orientation in Commercial Law.

Content supplied by Arias

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The firm stands out because it offers regional coverage.’

  • ‘Excellent service and professionalism. We can always count on the support of Fanny Rodríguez.’

  • ‘They are very good! The team is well structured.’

Key clients

  • Pan American Life Insurance Company (PALIG)
  • Punto Fa (Mango Spain)
  • Chevron Company
  • 3M
  • Procter & Gamble
  • Decameron
  • ADOC
  • Essity-SCA Group (Svenska Cellulosa)
  • Halyard (Avent HN)
  • Lear Automotive

Work highlights

Acting for Operadora Portuaria Centroamericana, the operator of Puerto Cortés, in a claim for damages against Chiquita Honduras Company relating to the historic rates charged to users of the port.
Representing Punto Fa, the company trading as Mango, in a dispute with Eurocomer, its former franchisee in Honduras, seeking the payment of damages over the termination of the contract.
Acting for Essity-SCA Group in contentious-administrative proceedings concerning the allegedly illegal termination of a distribution contract.