Gonzalo González

Managing Partner in Ecuador

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Gonzalo is managing partner and a leading legal figure in extractive industries and arbitration, recognized by top international legal directories

Gonzalo González Galarza is the Managing and Founding Partner of ECIJA Ecuador. With more than 40 years of experience, he is widely regarded as one of Ecuador’s most influential lawyers in the energy sector. He holds a Doctorate in Jurisprudence from the Central University of Ecuador and an MBA from INCAE, with strong specialization in energy law.

He has played a key role in drafting major reforms to Ecuador’s Hydrocarbons Law and in developing contractual models for the sector. His 16+ years of public sector experience with the State Oil Corporation and Petroecuador, combined with his private sector advisory work, give him a comprehensive understanding of both public and private legal frameworks.

Gonzalo has led over 30 contract negotiations in the oil and electricity sectors, including the expansion of the Esmeraldas Refinery and hydroelectric bidding processes. He has served as a consultant for the World Bank and the Ministry of Energy. He has also held a prominent role in national and international arbitration, including serving as President of the Arbitration Center of the Quito Chamber of Commerce.


Academic Background

  • Bachelor's in Social and Public Sciences, Central University of Ecuador
  • Doctor of Jurisprudence, Central University of Ecuador
  • MBA, INCAE Business School
  • University and postgraduate professor in Mining Law, Oil & Gas Law, and Arbitration

Admissions

  • Attorney at Law admitted before the Courts of Justice of Ecuador, 1985

  • Member of the Pichincha Bar Association

  • Member of the Board of Directors of AIEN (formerly AIPN, Houston)

  • Founding Member of the ICC Ecuador Chapter

Recognitions

  • Chambers & Partners 2023, 2024 y 2025: “His knowledge, technical abilities and strategy won us the case.”
  • Legal 500 2023, 2024 y 2025: “The partner’s knowledge in oil matters is unique.”
  • Recognized by Leaders League 2024–2025 in Energy, Natural Resources, and Mining
  • Honored by the Ministry of Labor and the Quito Chamber of Commerce for his legal contributions

Other Activities

  • Vice President, Quito Chamber of Commerce (2004–2007)
  • President, Arbitration and Mediation Center, Quito Chamber of Commerce
  • President, Arbitration Commission of ICC Ecuador
  • President, Ecuadorian Petroleum Commission

Related services

  • Litigation and Arbitration
  • Corporate/Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Energy & Natural Resources

"Gonzalo González Galarza is a person with a lot of knowledge who quickly understands the needs of the business, driving the work to achieve the objectives"

Chambers & Partners