José Andrés Estupiñán is an Senior Associate at ECIJA GPA, with experience in corporate and litigation matters, particularly in civil and administrative law. His journey with the firm began very early on, whilst he was still in his first few semesters of law school and looking for an opportunity to gain practical experience.
He joined when the firm was still operating as González Peñaherrera & Asociados. What began as a gateway to working in a field related to his studies eventually became a space for professional growth, learning and discovery.
“My main motivation was to start working in a field related to what I was studying: law.”
Finding his way within the firm
During his early years, José Andrés worked in the litigation department as a legal assistant. Later, upon returning as a solicitor, he joined the Corporate department, where he was involved in matters relating to companies, transactions and relations with public bodies.
However, his interest in litigation was always there. The opportunity to appear at hearings, develop his oral advocacy skills and take part in legal proceedings allowed him to discover a vocation that is now an essential part of his professional profile.
One of the cases that most shaped his career was a three-year-long case concerning extraordinary acquisitive prescription of title. The experience allowed him to immerse himself fully in a complex piece of litigation, learn from the process and confirm his interest in this area of practice.
“I was always more drawn to going to court, attending hearings and developing my litigation skills.”
Learning to distinguish between what is important and what is urgent
For José Andrés, one of the most important lessons he has learnt throughout his career has been to understand that not everything that is urgent is necessarily the most important, and that knowing how to distinguish between the two can make a difference to the outcome of a case.
He has applied this lesson to both corporate and procedural matters, particularly when the work requires coordination with clients, authorities and public bodies.
He also believes that professional relationships are a fundamental part of legal practice. Knowing how to approach people, communicate and build trust can help to better manage timelines, processes and expectations.
“I’ve learnt that there’s a difference between important matters and urgent matters, and knowing how to distinguish between them is key.”
A team that drives growth
In his current role within the Litigation department, José Andrés highlights the value of working in a team where there is an openness to learning, participating and contributing.
He particularly values the leadership of Sebastián Valle, whom he credits for his generosity in sharing knowledge and for fostering an environment in which every team member can get involved and grow.
“Sebastián isn’t possessive about what he knows. He’s keen for us all to learn and also for us all to be able to teach something.”
For José Andrés, working with people who are experts in litigation and who demand a high professional standard presents a positive challenge. It allows him to raise his own standards, strengthen his skills and continue to forge his own path as a lawyer.
Personal life as part of the balance
Outside the professional sphere, José Andrés finds balance in his family, his wife, music, poetry, travel and history. His hobbies include singing, reading, watching documentaries and learning about historical events that have shaped the development of societies.
He also enjoys travelling and discovering new cultures. For him, every experience is an opportunity to learn something new, broaden his horizons and continue to grow as a person.
In his daily life, he tries to keep his work and family lives separate. Although he acknowledges that it is not always easy, he tries not to take work home so that he can spend quality time with his wife and look after his personal life.
“I’d rather stay in the office a bit longer and get home with my mind free of work.”
Political science, faith and debate
One of José Andrés’s most important personal interests is political science. He is passionate about studying ideas, social trends, contemporary debates and different ways of understanding society.
He also identifies as a Catholic, and his faith plays an important role in his life. He begins and ends each day by giving thanks to God, a routine that helps him maintain perspective, gratitude and a sense of purpose.
For him, debating politics, ideas or values does not mean imposing a particular viewpoint, but rather creating spaces for respectful conversation. He is keen to share his views, but also to listen to and learn from others.
“I like to debate respectfully, share my thoughts and also learn from others.”
A motto for living courageously
José Andrés recalls a phrase by Joaquín Sabina that has stayed with him since his school days:
“May being brave not come at such a high price, and may being a coward not be worth it.”
That phrase sums up part of his outlook on life: taking on challenges, stepping out of his comfort zone and striving towards his goals, but always responsibly and without losing sight of his priorities.
It’s not about seeking risk for risk’s sake, but about not standing still out of fear. For him, growth requires courage, effort and a willingness to keep trying.
Looking ahead
Over the coming years, José Andrés wants to continue developing his skills, strengthen his knowledge of corporate and procedural law, and continue to grow as a litigator. He aspires to undertake postgraduate studies, expand his client base and build a solid career within the firm.
He is also clear that professional growth must go hand in hand with authenticity. He wants to keep learning, contribute to the team and remain true to the values that have guided his life.
José Andrés Estupiñán embodies an approach to practising law based on sound judgement, curiosity and conviction. His career at ECIJA GPA reflects the value of starting early, seizing opportunities and, over time, finding the environment where talent can flourish most fully.
His story reminds us that a professional career does not always follow a straight path, but that each stage can provide tools, lessons and new ways to grow.
