Partner
Energy and Natural Resources, Dispute Resolution
Maria Isabel Aillón is a member of our mining team and has broad experience in dispute resolution.
María Isabel specializes in the Energy and Natural Resources and Dispute Resolution sectors. She has extensive experience in advising and representing investors in investment structuring processes and implementation of mining, oil, and gas projects. She also advises clients on environmental and regulatory matters, litigation, negotiations, and complex international transactions. She often represents her clients before sector authorities.
In the area of dispute resolution, María Isabel represents domestic and foreign companies in legal proceedings that include civil liability and tort, environmental responsibility, administrative proceedings, and litigation at the Ecuadorian courts. She has a leading practice in international arbitration and parallel proceedings, including the representation of a multinational company in a high-profile multi-million-dollar arbitration claim for denial of justice.
Her diverse and multidisciplinary experience allows her to provide advice to guide clients' decisions and investments prioritizing the perspective of sustainability (ESG) and corporate responsibility.
María Isabel was the first Ecuadorian lawyer to be included in international legal rankings as one of the best professionals in the Energy and Natural Resources sector. She is the founder and was the first president of the organization Women in Mining. In this role she has led several initiatives to promote the participation of women in local mining.
Spanish
English
Ecuador
Pérez Bustamante & Ponce (2011 - 2015, 2016 - present)
President, Women in Mining Ecuador (2019 - 2023)
Founder and Board Member, Women in Mining Ecuador (2023 - present)
Certified Board Candidate for public and private companies.
Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito (Lawyer, 2010)
Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar, Quito, Ecuador (Advanced Specialist in Constitutional Law, 2011)
The Center for American and International Law, Texas, U.S.A. (Fellow of the Academy, 2012)
University of California, Berkeley, U.S.A. (Master’s Degree in Law, LL.M., Corporate Law Certificate, 2015)
University of California, Berkeley, U.S.A. (Leadership in the Legal Profession Diploma, 2020)
Universidad de las Américas, BID, Fedexport, Quito, Ecuador (Certification for Board Members, 2022)
Corporate Directors International, Denver, U.S.A. (Certified Board Candidate, 2023)
"She is a lawyer with strategic vision and excellent leadership skills. She works tirelessly and enjoys a great position in the industry. Her commitment to equality and diversity is commendable."
"María Isabel Aillón-Vásconez knows a lot about the extractive sector. She has an excellent vision of what is happening in the country, knows what are the problems that we must solve, and has an outstanding disposition and responsiveness."
"Rising Star"
María Isabel Aillón-Vásconez benefits from solid legal capabilities in Ecuador's mining, energy, and oil and gas sectors.
"María Isabel Aillón-Vásconez does a very good job handling regulatory matters."
“Rising Star”
María Isabel Aillón-Vásconez garners praise from an interviewee for her "active presence in Ecuador's mining sphere." María Isabel Aillón-Vásconez also boasts significant expertise advising clients on energy and oil and gas mandates.
“Rising Star”
“María Isabel has developed into a very good lawyer who has a great perspective of the area.” She offers particular expertise in mining, with additional capabilities in the energy and oil and gas arenas.
“Rising star”
“Recommended lawyer”
International Bar Association
Ecuador Bar Association
Women in Mining Ecuador
International Women in Mining
Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
The Foundation for Mineral and Natural Resources
The Mining Law Review
10th, 11th, 12th Edition
