THE FIRM This elite shipping boutique houses some of the best-known names in the market. The team handles litigation, arbitration, shipbuilding contracts and vessel registration, and remains a top choice for P&I clubs, shipyards, shipowners and port operators. With offices in Madrid, Barcelona and Bilbao, the firm's excellent geographical coverage is another asset.
Sources say: "Outstanding professionals, technically extraordinary: other lawyers remain on the surface but they know the law better than anyone else I've met."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Eduardo Albors is "extremely experienced, pragmatic and a great negotiator," say clients. According to sources, Javier Portales offers "encyclopaedic knowledge and imaginative solutions to any problem." Interviewees agree that it is a pleasure to work with Barcelona-based Alfonso de Ochoa Martínez.
THE FIRM This stalwart of the Spanish legal market offers a 22-strong shipping team covering the full spectrum of related matters. The lawyers recently assisted Jan de Nul with the structuring of a EUR110.8 million security package concerning the construction of a new vessel. Other notable clients include Petroleum Geo-Services, BBVA and Esvagt.
Sources say: "A first-rate shipping practice which remains at the forefront of the market. It knows our sector extremely well."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Maritime and transport law expert Tomás Fernández Quirós is "excellent: he knows the law by heart and explains the impact that it will have on you in a way that you can understand," remarks a client. Interviewees enjoy working with Julio López Quiroga, commenting that "he is enthusiastic, responsive and pragmatic, as well as direct in negotiations." Antonio Quirós is sought after for his expertise in shipping litigation, insurance and international commerce.
THE FIRM This Bilbao-based firm has a long-standing presence in the Spanish maritime arena. Its impressive client list includes insurers, P&I clubs, charter parties and shipowners, and it covers the full range of traditional shipping matters. The team is also sought after for arbitrations, and offers advice to foreign law firms.
KEY INDIVIDUALS José María Ruiz Soroa is a top performer in the market. Commentators describe him as "a brilliant mind, solution-focused and a number-one academic." Peers acknowledge that Santiago Zabaleta is "one of the best." One interviewee remarks that "if I had a conflict of interest I would recommend him."
THE FIRM This well-respected shipping boutique was established more than eight decades ago, and has amassed a wealth of experience. It offers expertise in all areas of maritime law, including vessel registration, shipbuilding and charter contracts, collisions, cargo claims and insurance issues.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers acknowledge partner Félix Ruiz-Gálvez as "a classic." Highly respected partner Fernando Ruiz-Gálvez is a long-established figure in the shipping market.
THE FIRM With 27 offices strategically distributed across Spain, as well as an extensive overseas network, Garrigues offers clients superb geographical reach and a full-service offering. The firm fields a substantial team of shipping specialists who handle vessel registration, financings and refinancings, salvage procedures and maritime claims. Recent instructions include acting for Sociedad Anónima de Trabajos y Obras following the sinking of a vessel off the coast of Algeria.
Sources say: "This firm provides added value. It's reassuring to know that it offers more than shipping expertise: the lawyers can inform you of the tax or employment consequences of certain decisions and can also provide advice on foreign jurisdictions."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Seville-based Jesús Barbadillo Eyzaguirre is "experienced, dynamic and up to date with the latest legislation. You can tell that he enjoys his job," say clients.
THE FIRM This esteemed maritime boutique remains a popular choice for shipowners, shipyards, insurance companies and port authorities. The lawyers offer first-class advice on ship and cargo arrests, charter party disputes, collisions, yachting and salvage procedures. Recent highlights include assisting PSE Cement Trading with a EUR21 million claim.
Sources say: "I can only say good things about this firm. The lawyers are always available and have excellent knowledge of the law and the market."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Anna Mestre is widely admired for her expertise in this area. "Her approach is highly commercial and she is accessible and humble. I feel very comfortable working with her – I feel that I can trust her," remarks a client. Maritime litigation expert Andrés Candomeque wins accolades for his work in this area.
THE FIRM This long-established shipping boutique is based in Valencia, although it is well known and respected across the country. The team acts on behalf of carriers and shipowners, and offers a vast range of expertise, including maritime claims, ship arrests, collisions, salvage procedures and insurance matters.
Sources say: "Enjoys a strong presence in the market."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Name partner Alicia Montañés continues to be a widely respected name in the field. José Muñoz is highly regarded for his considerable shipping expertise.
THE FIRM This well-respected firm has significant teams in Madrid, Seville, Cadiz and Bilbao. The lawyers handle all aspects of maritime law, as well as transport, insurance and international commerce issues. Recently, the team assisted claimants and shipowners with several vessel arrests, and handled insolvency procedures and cargo claims. Noteworthy clients include Ge SeaCo, Hornbeck Offshore Services and Generali.
Sources say: "One of the most complete and organised shipping firms."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Luis San Simón receives enthusiastic feedback, with one interviewee stating: "He's exceptionally energetic: what can be done tomorrow he gets done today. He's an experienced, inspirational lawyer who offers commercial advice." Clients praise Mercedes Duch for her solution-focused approach, responsiveness and negotiating skills: "She's not too aggressive – she'll look for the best solutions for all parties."
THE FIRM This prestigious firm has its headquarters in Madrid, although it maintains a network of strategically placed offices throughout the country. Founded more than 40 years ago, AMYA maintains an enviable market reputation. The lawyers advise Spanish and foreign clients on a broad range of shipping issues, including bareboat and charter parties, vessel sales and acquisitions, arrests, salvage procedures and ship registration.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner José María Alcántara is highly regarded for his expertise in this area. Managing partner Carlos Llorente receives admiration for his work in shipping litigation and finance.
THE FIRM A new entry to the rankings, this well-respected boutique handles all manner of litigation cases, although it is best known for its shipping and general transport expertise. It has its headquarters in Malaga, with outposts in Madrid, Cadiz and Brussels, and an impressive client portfolio that includes Chartis, Allianz and Astilleros Cernaval. The group's recent workload includes high-profile ship arrests and arbitration cases.
Sources say: "The lawyers are dedicated and client-focused, and we know that we can trust them."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients are quick to praise name partner Felipe Arizon, saying that "he's highly experienced and committed – a fighter who won't give up."
THE FIRM This top-flight Spanish firm combines the expertise of international commerce, litigation, finance and tax specialists to form its logistics and transport practice group. With several offices in port cities and more than 30 lawyers, the team attracts heavyweight clients such as Lloyd's Register, Costa Cruceros and the Port of Barcelona. A recent highlight was assisting ENAP with a damages claim filed against Morgan Stanley Commodities.
Sources say: “I feel extremely comfortable working with this team: the lawyers are thorough and switched on, as well as friendly and easy to work with.”
KEY INDIVIDUALS Litigation and arbitration specialist Íñigo Quintana Aguirre is sought after for cross-border matters. Clients praise his command of English and extensive experience in the shipping arena.
THE FIRM This esteemed traditional firm is based in Barcelona, where it has an outstanding reputation. Its team of five specialists, drawn from the corporate, public law, litigation, healthcare and international commerce departments, offers comprehensive advice to logistics operators, port authorities, terminals and shipowners. The group's workload has recently included cargo claims, salvage procedures, charter parties, commodity transactions and injury claims.
Sources say: "They're shipping specialists and understand the sector and our needs extremely well. The lawyers are client-oriented and offer precise and reliable advice: the service is unbeatable."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Jaime Rodrigo de Larrucea is "spectacular," according to clients. "He doesn't bore me with technical jargon: he's a highly commercial man who goes straight into action and quickly offers the best solutions," states one interviewee. Maritime law expert and experienced litigator Albert Prats is "honest, pragmatic and responsive," say sources.
THE FIRM This highly regarded shipping boutique is one of the most established in Spain, with five decades' experience in the field. It has offices in Madrid, Bilbao and Cadiz, and tackles the whole range of maritime issues for shipowners, shipbuilders, charterers, insurance companies and port operators.
Sources say: "A classic firm whose quality makes it stand out."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Name partners Fernando Meana and Pedro Maura are the primary points of contact.
Seasoned shipping practitioner
José Luis Goñi Etchevers of Goñi & Cajigas Abogados is a well-established name in the market. Sources describe him as
"a gentleman and a first-class lawyer." His colleague
Roberto Sanz Abascal commands a strong reputation. According to clients,
"he is a diplomatic, strategic negotiator who complements his legal expertise with hands-on experience." Clients highlight the close personal attention that they receive from widely respected shipping specialist
José Luis Ortiz, of José Luis Ortiz Abogados.
Ángel Vallejo recently opened his own boutique, MAIO Legal. Clients are extremely happy with his service, stating that
"he's responsive and pragmatic, and always goes to the point, unlike other lawyers who are more academic. He also tries to avoid conflict whenever possible, and holds your hand throughout the process." Javier Arias-Camisón of MALCOM Law is a well-respected player in the shipping arena. He handles the full spectrum of related matters, including shipping finance.
Albert Badia of Abogados Asociados para el Comercio, la Navegación y la Industria (AACNI) is
"fast, incisive and realistic. He always explains all your options and gives clear guidelines," say clients. At the same firm,
Mónica Comas is
"persevering, and a pleasure to work with," remark interviewees. A new name in the rankings,
Carlos Pérez of Pérez Albors & Co impresses interviewees with his tailored and swift advice.
Miquel Roca of Blas de Lezo Abogados enters the rankings on the back of enthusiastic client feedback:
"He's extremely direct and his recommendations are based on solid knowledge of Spanish and English law. He uses plain language even when he's dealing with highly complex issues."