Services

CorralRosales > Services

Compliance

We have extensive experience in the field of Compliance. Our team continuously monitors and advises on the evolution of global, regional, and local regulations related to compliance and anti-corruption.

We assist our clients in implementing mechanisms, processes, policies, and recommendations that ensure adherence to applicable regulations while fostering best practices aimed at building an ethical corporate culture.

Our services primarily focus on risk analysis, the development of policies, compliance programs, and their implementation.

Services

    • Drafting and reviewing internal policies
    • Developing and analyzing risk matrices tailored to the type and scope of the business
    • Preparing, implementing, and monitoring compliance programs
    • Conducting due diligence
    • Drafting, preparing, and reviewing anti-corruption and anti-money laundering documents
    • Establishing whistleblower programs
    • Providing training sessions

Team

Aeronautics

Our aeronautic practice specializes in providing comprehensive legal advice that integrates legal, technical, and regulatory knowledge of the aviation sector. Our clients benefit from the team’s deep understanding of the industry and the broader regulatory, economic, and financial landscape of the country.

Thanks to our industry-focused approach, we have an in-depth understanding of the aviation business and provide services in corporate, commercial, labor, regulatory, tax, intellectual property, and data protection matters, always aligned with the specific needs of the sector.

In addition, we maintain close relationships with local authorities, airport operators, and service providers, allowing us to anticipate challenges and streamline key procedures for our clients.

Services

    • Advisory on aeronautic regulations applicable to foreign airlines operating in Ecuador.
    • Structuring and documentation of aviation finance transactions.
    • Drafting of key agreements, including aircraft leases, strategic alliances, commercial agreements, and codeshare arrangements.
    • Advisory and representation in passenger claims.

Team

Partners

Xavier Rosales

Associates

Verónica Olivo

Corporate

In our corporate practice we have a team specialized in commercial and corporate legal advice, with a transversal knowledge of the sectors and industries in which our clients operate. We focus on creating value through efficient solutions, tailored to each need.

We have extensive experience advising foreign companies in the start-up of their operations in Ecuador. Our support goes beyond purely legal advice and seeks to facilitate both their “landing” in the country and their adaptation to the local environment.

All teams, including the corporate team, provide support in regulatory compliance, ensuring that their operations are up to date with current legislation.

Services

    • Corporate structuring and restructuring.
    • Investment vehicles.
    • Incorporation, administration and maintenance of companies.
    • Strategic alliances.
    • Partnerships and consortiums.
    • Shareholders agreements.
    • Negotiation and termination of commercial relationships.
    • Commercial contracts of all types and high sophistication.

Team

Public Procurement

In our practice we have extensive experience providing advice on all aspects of public procurement in Ecuador, including the different modalities of public-private partnerships.

Our team has extensive experience providing legal support in various auditing processes carried out by government auditing agencies.

We have participated in several of the most relevant infrastructure projects in the country, such as hydroelectric and renewable energy projects, roads and highways, drinking water plants, as well as in the construction of the tramway in the city of Cuenca, the subway in the city of Quito and the management of Puerto Bolivar.

Services

    • Pre-contractual matters.
    • Negotiation and execution of all types of agreements and dispute resolution.
    • Consulting agreements.
    • Supply of goods and services to governmental entities.

Team

Banking and Finance

In our banking and finance practice we represent banks, multilateral organizations, financial institutions, investment funds, as well as investors and borrowers in all types of transactions. Our experience allows us to have a broad vision of the needs of each party involved.

We have a solid track record in structuring, documenting and closing complex financial transactions, which allows us to design effective legal solutions tailored to each transaction.

In addition, we have extensive knowledge in capital markets, debt offerings and restructurings, as well as in banking and financial regulation, applicable to banks, associations and microfinance institutions.

Services

    • Drafting, preparation and closing of contracts and other financial documents.
    • Financial structuring.
    • Asset and project finance.
    • Secured transactions.
    • Legal opinions.
    • Offerings and placements.
    • Regulatory matters.
    • Debt restructuring.

Team

Partners

Xavier Rosales

Associates

Sofía Rosales

Infrastructure

The CorralRosales team is distinguished by its solid track record in providing comprehensive advice to local and international clients in infrastructure and high-impact projects in Ecuador. We offer strategic, personalized and multidisciplinary support covering all phases of large projects. Our focus extends to critical sectors such as road, port, airport, health, potable water, telecommunications, hydroelectric, sanitary and potable water systems, transportation and mobility systems. Our experience and knowledge of this practice in diverse industries has allowed us to establish relationships with engineering and construction companies, operators, consultants, financial institutions and investors, and key public sector entities.

CorralRosales’ infrastructure team stands out for its specialization in the structuring, execution, completion and dispute resolution of projects under Ecuadorian law, multilateral financing agreements and FIDIC rules, consolidating itself as a fundamental ally for our clients in the structuring of construction projects, concessions, strategic alliances, public-private partnerships, joint ventures and other contracting schemes. Our commitment is to offer customized solutions that guarantee the success and sustainability of each project, ensuring that our interventions not only meet the highest standards, but also align with the needs and strategic objectives of our clients.

Experience

Our experience includes:

    1. Ecuadorian consortium in the execution of a Strategic Alliance Contract for the development, administration, implementation and maintenance of a digital platform to manage traffic violations in Cuenca, including the filing of a notice of arbitration against EMOV EP, achieving a favorable agreement to avoid the unilateral termination of the contract.

     

    1. Chilean investor in the development of the largest private port in Ecuador, defending the investor against restrictions to its concession and guaranteeing the continuity of its operation.

     

    1. Spanish consortium in a project management contract for the construction of the Quito subway, participating in the negotiation of modifications to the contract.

     

    1. U.S. investor in the development of telecommunications infrastructure, including the acquisition of radio base stations and obtaining permits, as well as in litigation against governmental entities.

     

    1. Brazilian-German investor in the construction and management of dialysis hospitals in Ecuador, including negotiating contracts and obtaining governmental authorizations.

     

    1. Spanish-Chinese consortium in the construction of hospital projects in Ecuador, negotiating the delivery of works and defending the investor against glosses imposed by the Comptroller General of the State.

     

    1. Spanish investor in the implementation of technologies in the pharmaceutical and health industry, including contract negotiation and dispute resolution.

     

    1. Australian investor in the negotiation and execution of the third large-scale Mining Exploitation Contract in Ecuador, including the modification of the Investment Protection Contract of the Cascabel project.

     

    1. Chinese investor in the construction, redesign and improvement of 14 road projects, including the resolution of disputes with subcontractors and the defense against glosses imposed by the Comptroller General of the State.

     

    1. Ecuadorian investor in the negotiation and execution of an investment contract with the Government of Ecuador for a highway concessionaire.

     

    1. Ecuadorian investor in the negotiation and execution of a concession contract for hydroelectric projects, including obtaining authorizations and contracts with electricity distributors.

     

    1. Ecuadorian investor in the negotiation and execution of a concession contract for hydroelectric projects, including obtaining connection contracts and authorizations.

Services

    • Advice on planning and development of infrastructure projects.
    • Structuring and negotiation of construction and concession contracts.
    • Advice on structuring and feasibility of public-private alliances and joint ventures.
    • Permit management and regulatory compliance.
    • Advising on financing and structuring of investments.
    • Representation in contractual and administrative disputes.
    • Assistance in the purchase and sale and operation of infrastructure projects.

Recognitions

“With deep knowledge of tax and customs regulation, the practice at CorralRosales attracts instructions from a multitude of clients, most notably multinationals, seeking assistance with tax assessment procedures, due diligence processes and the tax aspects of corporate and financing transactions. In addition, the firm is singled out for its contentious expertise, and proficiency in international tax and customs matters.”
Legal 500 – Tier 2

“Andrea Moya leads this impressive offering and garners reviews from clients, with one customer describing her as “an excellent professional, who gives timely responses, which adapted to all our needs”.
Latin Lawyer – Highly Recommended

“Andrea Moya leads this impressive offering and garners reviews from clients, with one customer describing her as “an excellent professional, who gives timely responses, which adapted to all our needs”.
Chambers

Team

bernardamuriel_color_
Bernarda Muriel
carlostorres_color_
Carlos Torres
homerotorres_color_2
Homero Torres
hugogarcia-color_
Hugo García Larriva
mariofernández_color_
Mario Fernández
martinflores_color_
Martín Flores
veronica_color_
Verónica Olivo
xavierrosales-color_
Xavier Rosales

Arbitration

At CorralRosales, we provide legal and strategic advice to clients in arbitrations under the international and domestic rules of the main arbitral institutions, including the ICC, ICSID, CIAM–Ecuador, AMCHAM–Quito, CCQ, CCG, UESS, CENAMACO, among others; as well as in ad hoc arbitrations under UNCITRAL rules.

Our practice focuses on representing domestic and foreign clients in complex commercial and investment disputes, including those in highly regulated sectors and against public sector institutions. We have extensive experience advising clients in the negotiation of arbitration agreements and in all phases of arbitration proceedings, including representation in related or derivative litigation, such as actions for annulment or enforcement of domestic and foreign awards. We focus on providing holistic and comprehensive strategies with the aim of mitigating risks and achieving effective results that favor the specific needs of our clients.

Our team is composed of highly trained professionals, each contributing extensive experience and knowledge in various areas of law and our clients’ industries. We are equipped to handle the complexities of each case with a thorough and meticulous approach. Our team members have academic backgrounds from leading universities in Ecuador, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Several of them have acquired in-depth knowledge of arbitration through their roles in foreign firms, arbitral institutions, and active involvement in academic initiatives.

Experience

Our experience includes arbitration related to commercial transactions, focusing on the infrastructure, telecommunications, and energy industries. The most recent cases the team has led include defending:

    1. A Chinese company in proceedings under the ICC Rules in a dispute related to the construction of Ecuador’s largest hydroelectric plant. Prior to the arbitration phase, the team successfully advised the client before the combined dispute resolution boards. The amount in dispute is USD 800 million.

     

    1. A Mexican company in an arbitration under the rules of the International Center for Arbitration and Mediation in relation to a dispute over the violation of the stability clause of the concession contract signed with a Latin American state. The dispute was valued at USD 245 million.

     

    1. Mexican investor in arbitration under the rules of the International Arbitration and Mediation Center in a dispute against the government entity in the field of telecommunications, arising from the determination and quantification of the variable price of a concession contract. The amount claimed by the investor was USD 100 million.

     

    1. Chinese investor in a dispute relating to the construction, redesign, and improvement of 14 road projects in Ecuador. The approximate amount of the dispute was USD 200 million.

     

    1. A Spanish consortium in emergency arbitration, and subsequent main arbitration under ICC rules in Santiago, Chile. The value of the dispute was around USD 28 million.

     

    1. A Spanish company before Dispute Boards and four ICC arbitrations, arising from the construction of the country’s first metro line, worth USD 1.6 billion. The approximate amount of the dispute is valued at USD 168 million.

     

    1. Chinese investor in the telecommunications industry in arbitration related to a contract worth approximately USD 45 million for the supply and installation of digital equipment and fiber optic cable.

     

    1. Ecuadorian investor in an ICC arbitration concerning a dispute over a contract for the supply and installation of a hydrocarbon re-refining plant under the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods and UNIDROIT Principles of Commercial Contracts. The dispute amounted to approximately USD 20 million.

     

    1. Spanish consortium in relation to the construction of hospital projects, negotiating the final delivery of the works and preparing strategies to initiate investment arbitration against the Ecuadorian State for violations of international protection standards under the Bilateral Investment Treaty between Ecuador and Spain (approximate amount of the dispute USD $150 million).

Services

    • Negotiation and advice on contracts and arbitration clauses.
    • Pre-arbitration risk assessment and analysis.
    • Advice during direct negotiations and mediation processes.
    • Representation in court and arbitration proceedings for precautionary and provisional measures, as well as emergency arbitration.
    • Analysis of specific and individualized strategies.
    • Representation in domestic and international commercial and investment arbitrations.
    • Enforcement and annulment of arbitral awards.

Recognitions

Chambers & Partners (Public Law) Ranking 2024

  • Hugo García Larriva – Band 2

Legal 500 – Dispute Resolution 

  • Tier 2

Legal 500 – Dispute Resolution 

  • Hugo García Larriva – Next Generation Partner

Leaders League – Arbitration

  • Highly Recommended

Who’s Who Arbitration 

  • Hugo García Larriva – Leader

Legal 500 Private Practice Powerlist LATAM 

  • Hugo García Larriva – Arbitration

Team

Partners

Hugo García

Associates

Bernarda Muriel
Homero Torres
Martín Flores

Environmental

Our environmental practice provides comprehensive technical-legal advice to ensure compliance with regulations and the correct implementation of the environmental management plan.

We specialize in assisting our clients in obtaining the environmental permits applicable to their activities and in complying with their obligations, providing a preventive approach. In addition, we participate in the preparation of the necessary environmental policies to create a positive impact on society and the communities involved.

We have experience advising major multinationals in administrative sanctioning procedures and investigations by various competent authorities.

Services

    • Obtaining environmental permits.
    • Compliance with environmental obligations.
    • Elaboration of environmental policies.
    • Compliance with the Circular Economy Law.
    • Representation in proceedings before environmental authorities.
    • Due diligence on environmental obligations.
    • Training on regulatory compliance.

Team

Partners

Felipe Samaniego
Rafael Serrano

Associates

Ignacio Espinoza
Juan Martín Chávez

Tax

Our Tax practice specializes in providing technical and strategic tax advice. We advise local and international clients from the start of their operations in Ecuador, with the goal of mitigating risks, seeking tax efficiency, and ensuring compliance with their tax obligations.

Our team stands out for delivering innovative, tailored solutions for each case. We are particularly active in advising on complex transactions, application of international tax treaties, business restructurings and sales, tax assessments and claims before administrative authorities, and judicial appeals.

Experience

Our experience includes:

    1. Ecuadorian Airline Representatives Association (ARLAE): We successfully represented ARLAE in an objective nullity action filed against the Presidency of the Republic. In the proceedings, we demonstrated the illegality of a regulatory reform that sought to impose income tax on presumed dividends.

     

    1. International leader in the freight transportation sector: We successfully represented the client in a tax assessment process conducted by the Ecuadorian Internal Revenue Service (SRI) regarding Value Added Tax (VAT). We proved that all freight services provided by the client were subject to a 0% VAT rate.

     

    1. Local leader in the plastic products manufacturing sector: We advised the client on entering into an investment agreement with the Ecuadorian State, through which the project obtained tax benefits.

     

    1. International leader in the engineering sector: We successfully represented the client in a criminal investigation for alleged tax fraud due to supposed discrepancies in income tax payments. The investigation was ultimately dismissed.

     

    1. Local leader in the food industry: We successfully represented the client in a tax assessment process by the SRI regarding Income Tax. We demonstrated the deductibility of costs and expenses, significantly reducing the amount payable.

     

    1. Sports betting companies: We advise the main international sports betting operators on the fulfillment of their tax obligations in Ecuador.

Services

    • Tax advisory and planning for local and international operations. Analysis of complex transactions, including cross-border and intra-group dealings.
    • Tax advisory in M&A processes, including due diligence, and analysis of tax implications in restructuring transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, and spin-offs.
    • Tax planning and structuring of investment projects, including the execution of investment agreements and subsequent application of tax benefits.
    • Tax advisory and planning for domestic and foreign individuals, including estate and wealth planning.
    • Support in information requests or tax assessment procedures initiated by the tax authority.
    • Advisory at all stages of tax litigation, including administrative claims, mediation proceedings, and judicial challenges.
    • Representation in criminal investigations related to tax fraud offenses.
    • Transfer pricing analysis, including the preparation of pricing studies and valuation rulings before the tax authority.
    • Tax advisory on the interpretation and application of double taxation treaties.
    • Representation in tax credit refund processes.

Recognitions

“With deep knowledge of tax and customs regulation, the practice at CorralRosales attracts instructions from a multitude of clients, most notably multinationals, seeking assistance with tax assessment procedures, due diligence processes and the tax aspects of corporate and financing transactions. In addition, the firm is singled out for its contentious expertise, and proficiency in international tax and customs matters.”
Legal 500 – Tier 2

“Andrea Moya leads this impressive offering and garners reviews from clients, with one customer describing her as “an excellent professional, who gives timely responses, which adapted to all our needs”.
Latin Lawyer – Highly Recommended

“Andrea Moya leads this impressive offering and garners reviews from clients, with one customer describing her as “an excellent professional, who gives timely responses, which adapted to all our needs”.
Chambers

Team

Partners

Andrea Moya

Associates

Alberto Bonilla
Mateo Bravo

Customs and International Trade

Our International Trade and Customs practice specializes in providing comprehensive and highly specialized legal advice to both local and international clients. We focus on preventing contingencies and achieving efficiency in foreign trade operations by delivering strategic legal solutions that simplify and streamline such processes.

We have one of the most experienced and skilled teams in Ecuador, with deep expertise in implementing customs optimization tools such as Free Trade Zones, AEO programs, and special customs regimes. Our team has successfully represented clients in various proceedings, including customs assessments, valuation, origin, and tariff classification disputes, as well as in obtaining or renewing foreign trade operation permits, among others.

Experience

Our experience includes:

    1. International leading company in the poultry sector: We successfully represented the client in a post-clearance audit conducted by the National Customs Service of Ecuador regarding import duties. During the proceeding, we demonstrated that the tariff classification applied by the client was correct.

     

    1. Leading local company in the vehicle distribution sector: We successfully represented the client in a judicial challenge seeking the reimbursement of Special Consumption Tax (ICE) and Value-Added Tax (VAT) paid on vehicle imports.

     

    1. International leading company in the passenger transportation sector: We successfully represented the client in several administrative sanctioning proceedings initiated by the National Customs Service of Ecuador. We demonstrated in the administrative process that the client had not committed the alleged infractions.

     

    1. International leading company in the pharmaceutical sector: We successfully represented the client in a sanctioning proceeding initiated by the National Customs Service of Ecuador for alleged customs fraud. We proved in the administrative process that the client had not committed any offense, thus avoiding the seizure of goods.

     

    1. International leading company in the retail sector: We successfully represented the client in a post-clearance audit conducted by the National Customs Service of Ecuador regarding import duties. We demonstrated that the customs value declared by the client was correct.

Services

    • Advisory on customs and foreign trade operations, including analysis of rules of origin, customs valuation, tariff classification, among others.
    • Advisory on international commercial contracts, documentary credits, and the application of INCOTERMS 2020.
    • Advisory on obtaining authorizations, qualifications, and permits required for customs operations, such as the application of special regimes, cargo consolidation/deconsolidation, courier services, special warehouses, among others.
    • Advisory on the application of international trade agreements, including rules of origin and dispute resolution.
    • Structuring of Free Trade Zone projects, including authorization processes, user qualification requests, and general legal support for operations conducted under this regime.
    • Advisory on the qualification process as an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO).
    • Support in information requests, reasonable doubt procedures, and post-clearance audits conducted by the customs authority.
    • Legal advice at any stage of customs litigation, including administrative claims, mediation processes, and judicial challenges.
    • Advisory and representation in trade defense proceedings, including anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures.
    • Advisory on the application of customs benefits derived from investment contracts.
    • Advisory on the application of benefits for exporters, including drawback procedures, reimbursement of local taxes, among others.

Recognitions

“With deep knowledge of tax and customs regulation, the practice at CorralRosales attracts instructions from a multitude of clients, most notably multinationals, seeking assistance with tax assessment procedures, due diligence processes and the tax aspects of corporate and financing transactions. In addition, the firm is singled out for its contentious expertise, and proficiency in international tax and customs matters.”
Legal 500 – Tier 2

“Andrea Moya leads this impressive offering and garners reviews from clients, with one customer describing her as “an excellent professional, who gives timely responses, which adapted to all our needs”.
Latin Lawyer – Highly Recommended

“Andrea Moya leads this impressive offering and garners reviews from clients, with one customer describing her as “an excellent professional, who gives timely responses, which adapted to all our needs”.
Chambers

Team

Partners

Andrea Moya

Partners

Alberto Bonilla
Mateo Bravo
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