LAWYER PROFILE

Gonzalo González Galarza

Latin America 2027

ECIJA GPA

Ranked in 1 practice area

Energy & Natural Resources

Ecuador

14 years ranked

About

Provided by ECIJA GPA

Latin America

Practice Areas

Litigation and Arbitration

Corporate and M&A

Energy and Natural Resources

Career

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.

- 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

Professional Memberships

- 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

Education

Central University of Ecuador

Bachelor's in Social and Public Sciences

Central University of Ecuador

Doctor of Jurisprudence

INCAE Business School

MBA

University and postgraduate professor in Mining Law, Oil & Gas Law, and Arbitration

Awards

"His knowledge, technical abilities and strategy won us the case." (2023, 2024, 2025)

Chambers & Partners

"The partner's knowledge in oil matters is unique." (2023, 2024, 2025)

Legal 500

Recognized in Energy, Natural Resources, and Mining (2024–2025)

Leaders League

Honored for legal contributions

Ministry of Labor and the Quito Chamber of Commerce

Expert in these Jurisdictions

Ecuador

Industry Sector Expertise

Energy

Oil & Gas

Mining

Natural Resources

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Latin America

Energy & Natural Resources - Ecuador

Band 1

Individual Editorial

Leading practitioner Gonzalo González Galarza has longstanding experience in the energy and natural resources sector and is particularly highly regarded by interviewees for his strong oil and gas practice in Ecuador.

Learn more about this team View ranking table

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Gonzalo González Galarza has extensive experience in the oil and gas industry and a strong grasp of recent developments. His support is invaluable, as he identifies key background information and resolves issues that require expertise in oil exploration and specialised contractual frameworks.
Energy & Natural ResourcesChambers Latin America
Gonzalo González Galarza combines legal rigour with a business-oriented approach, supported by extensive experience and a commercial perspective that is closely aligned with the company's needs.
Energy & Natural ResourcesChambers Latin America