Hugo Écija participates in the Legal Management Forum 2025: “To be the leading Ibero-American law firm in technology is our vision and our commitment”

Hugo Écija at the Legal Management Forum 2025:

• “Chosen for our trajectory, our future plan, and a clear vision: to be the leading Ibero-American law firm in technology.” 
• “Our history and purpose made us the ideal partner: an Ibero-American firm with a technological vision and global growth plan.” 
• “ECIJA, selected for its business model and ambition to establish itself as the reference technology firm in the Ibero-American region.”

During the plenary session “The entry of funds into law firms: objectives and challenges” of the Legal Management Forum 2025, Hugo Écija —founder and executive president of ECIJA— shared the firm’s transformation story and his vision on the role of private equity in the legal sector.

He reminded that ECIJA was born with a business model from day one, with executive management, corporate governance, and a professional leadership culture, which allowed a natural step towards the entry of a minority private equity fund.

Hugo highlighted that the investment did not change the essence of the firm, but validated a sustained trajectory of growth —from a boutique specialized in technology in 1997 to a global firm present in 18 countries and 37 offices—.

The fund backed a strategic plan already underway, based on internationalization and technological leadership.

“We know who we are and where we want to go. We are an Ibero-American firm with a technological DNA, guided by management, innovation, and purpose. Our vision is measured in value, specialization, and transformative capability.”

In the last year, ECIJA has integrated CORP Abogados (Zaragoza), three firms in Navarra, and CLC Cripto in the digital field, in addition to reinforcement in Colombia and Portugal, incorporating more than a hundred professionals and new partners in key areas.

Hugo also emphasized the professional independence as a non-negotiable principle, and the strength of a culture that combines business management and legal vocation: “The fund does not decide what we do. It invests in how we do it.”

Hugo highlighted the pride of belonging and the strength of the internal culture, as well as client support in a evolution that consolidates ECIJA as the leading Ibero-American law firm in technology.

Finally, he pointed out that the entry of funds into the legal sector is a growing trend, but not universal: reserved for firms with a solid business model, professional leadership, a cohesive culture, and a long-term strategic vision.

Special thanks to Miguel Riaño, president of Carbonia Investments.

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