Juan Domingo Cárdenas: perseverance, sound judgement and a human touch in corporate law

Juan Domingo Cárdenas is a Senior Associate in the Corporate practice at ECIJA Ecuador. His career at the firm is characterised by steady growth, perseverance and an approach to practising law that focuses on problem-solving whilst never losing sight of principles, ethics and personal values.

“Solving the problem, but always in line with my principles and convictions.”

With almost ten years’ experience at the firm, Juan Domingo has built a career centred on corporate transactions, complex structuring, strategic negotiations and projects with an international dimension. His journey has also been marked by academic and professional challenges, such as his Master’s degree at King’s College London and his time at Taylor Wessing in London.

Resolving issues with sound judgement and principles

For Juan Domingo, corporate law demands analysis, strategy, negotiation skills and a practical approach. However, his approach to practising law is rooted in one essential idea: finding solutions, but always with integrity.

In his view, legal work should serve to unpick complex situations, support the client and chart viable paths forward. This search for solutions requires creativity and sound judgement, but also the resolve to act correctly even in demanding scenarios.

“I like to solve the problem, to find a way to resolve it, but without compromising my principles.”

Learning from challenges

Throughout his career, Juan Domingo has been involved in highly complex corporate and financial projects. Each one has taught him something different, but the most demanding cases have reinforced one conviction: consistency and perseverance are key to achieving goals that may initially seem difficult.

“Complex projects have taught me that, with consistency and perseverance, you can achieve your goals.”

Among the defining moments of his career, he recalls a negotiation in Lima that he undertook whilst still a junior lawyer. Representing the firm against highly experienced professionals was a significant challenge, but also an opportunity to demonstrate his preparation, judgement and negotiating skills.

Such experiences strengthened his professional confidence and helped him realise that growth does not always come from a position of comfort, but rather from challenges that force one to prepare, adapt and respond effectively.

An international perspective

One of the major milestones in Juan Domingo’s career was completing his master’s degree at King’s College London. The experience took place against a backdrop of uncertainty caused by the pandemic, but ultimately became an opportunity for tremendous academic, personal and family growth.

Studying at a law school such as The Dickson Poon School of Law meant stepping out of his comfort zone, tackling a different learning system and working with technical legal English in a highly competitive environment.

“It was a huge challenge. It taught me discipline, organisation and perseverance.”

During her time in London, she also undertook a secondment at Taylor Wessing London. This experience allowed her to gain first-hand insight into the dynamics of an international law firm, broaden her perspective on the legal profession and participate in initiatives aimed at promoting Ecuador as a country offering investment opportunities.

Belonging and trust

For Juan Domingo, working at ECIJA Ecuador means a sense of belonging. After almost a decade at the firm, he describes his experience as being part of a professional family, with challenges and opportunities for improvement, but also with a strong sense of team spirit.

“For me, ECIJA Ecuador is a family, with its ups and downs, but always with a sense of belonging.”

In his professional development, he particularly highlights the trust placed in him by his clients. For him, the recognition from those who have placed their trust in his work has been one of the most important pillars in strengthening his development and consolidating his practice.

“The recognition and trust of clients have been absolutely vital pillars in my professional growth.”

Growing without losing sight of what matters

Juan Domingo believes that professional goals cannot be completely separated from personal ones. For him, growth only makes sense when it goes hand in hand with family and with what gives purpose to one’s achievements.

“My professional goals will always be linked to my family and personal life.”

He recognises that practising his profession demands availability, effort and sacrifice, but he also believes it is essential to strike a balance that allows him to progress without giving up family life, personal time and the activities that contribute to his wellbeing.

That is why, rather than focusing solely on the amount of time available, he ensures that the time he spends with his family is quality time.

“I try to ensure that the time I spend with my family, or on myself, is quality time.”

Family, fatherhood and authenticity

Fatherhood has had a profound impact on his life. For Juan Domingo, being a father is one of the most important and transformative experiences, not only on a personal level, but also in terms of how he understands responsibility and his professional purpose.

“Being a dad is the best thing that can happen in life. It’s a huge responsibility and a motivation to be better.”

Outside work, he finds balance in his family, the countryside, horses, football and padel. He also has a special passion for the bullfighting tradition, which for him represents discipline, character, truth and authenticity.

“It’s a passion and an art form that has shaped my character. It has helped me grow as a person.”

Juan Domingo describes himself as persevering, upright and cheerful. Three words that reflect his outlook on life and his profession: moving forward with determination, acting with integrity and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of challenges.

A career with purpose

Juan Domingo Cárdenas embodies an approach to practising corporate law based on technical expertise, perseverance and values. His career at ECIJA Ecuador spans almost a decade of growth, learning and commitment to the firm, its clients and his team.

His experience in complex transactions, his international background and his ability to take on challenges make him a key figure in ECIJA Ecuador´s Corporate practice.

His story reminds us that professional growth is most meaningful when it is built without losing sight of family, authenticity and integrity.