Dispute Resolution: Spain

One happy client describes Antonio Hierro as "one of the sharpest legal minds I've ever met," and similarly complimentary comments abound. He has focused on international arbitration of late, having acted as an arbitrator at the LCIA and the ICC. Madrid-based Alfonso Iglesia heads the civil liability and construction team and is, according to interviewees, "excellent." Commercial litigator Jorge Badía is "a first-class lawyer with a soft spot for corporate litigation," say clients. Litigation practice co-head and ICC senior adviser Álvaro Mendiola "explains things very clearly, has a lot of experience and picks everything up extremely quickly." According to sources, Antonio Pipó is "perfectly prepared and meticulous, and has that rare quality among lawyers: commercial common sense." Elisabeth de Nadal Clanchet leads the arbitration team in Barcelona and is recognised as an "outstanding" arbitrator. She has handled numerous multi-jurisdictional disputes at the ICC, the LCIA and the Cairo Regional Centre. Young associate Alberto Fortún also impresses interviewees, who say: "When he bites he won't let go, and he's extremely agreeable to work with." Arbitrator Cristian Conejero Roos splits his time between Madrid and Paris. He is qualified in Chile and clients highlight his wealth of experience in the international arena as a key strength. In addition, he is “extremely organised and detail-oriented,” according to interviewees.

Fernando Pantaleón is a respected litigator and arbitrator who, according to interviewees, "is extremely intelligent; truly astonishing." Clients enjoy working with practice head Carlos de los Santos: "Apart from his technical knowledge he has a lot of experience and is practical; he will see beyond the purely legal considerations and is realistic. He avoids unnecessary reviews and explaining solutions which aren't viable." Alberto Pimenta continues to build an excellent reputation in litigation. According to clients, he "is completely available and takes the initiative – we never have to push him."

Jesús Remón Peñalver has an exceptional reputation as "an outstanding lawyer who has managed to build a fantastic team." He recently assisted Iberdrola with a corporate governance dispute. Ariadna Cambronero is another key member of the team, described by peers as "extraordinary." She handles a wide range of disputes, including those derived from insolvency situations. Interviewees are impressed by José Miguel Fatás' expertise in civil dispute resolution and administrative litigation. Alejandro Ferreres leads the litigation and arbitration team in Barcelona, and is another widely admired market figure. He recently acted on behalf of Philip Morris in a reimbursement action related to social security costs. Miguel Virgós has amassed enviable dispute resolution experience in Spain and Latin America, and regularly acts for high-profile clients such as Iberdrola. Eduardo Trigo is highly regarded for his expertise in civil and commercial litigation as well as domestic and international arbitrations.

Litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution expert José Antonio Caínzos receives unanimous praise from clients, who admire his "deep expertise, professionalism, and sensible and rigorous approach." He recently assisted Grupo Itevelesa in a major ICC arbitration against a consortium led by Macquarie. Iñigo Villoria continues to receive praise for his expertise in insolvency, litigation and arbitration.

Juliette Luycks is mentioned in our editorial for Netherlands - Dispute Resolution 

Practice head Vicente Sierra climbs the rankings this year following exceptional client reviews: "I put all my trust in him. He's got the strategic vision of a chess player – he's always a step ahead and his loyalty is unbreakable." Interviewees also speak warmly of Rafael Murillo, whose practice covers contractual and product liability disputes as well as public law and arbitration.

Dispute resolution expert Joaquín García-Romanillos remains an admired market figure. Francisco Peña González is a seasoned litigator and arbitrator, praised by clients as "an exceptional lawyer, very well rounded and balanced: he is knowledgeable, calm, analytical, fast and direct." Juan Viaño is "one of the most intelligent lawyers I know. He has a highly strategic vision," remarked one client. A well respected litigator, he has represented clients in arbitrations at the ICSID and the ICC. State lawyer and litigation specialist Borja de Obeso Pérez-Victoria was recently made partner, and enters the rankings following enthusiastic client feedback: "He's young but experienced, solid and extremely committed." He recently acted on behalf of Socoin Ingeniería y Construcción Industrial in arbitration concerning the construction and operation of a power plant in Mexico.

In a significant coup for the firm, litigation and arbitration expert José María Alonso moved to Baker & McKenzie from Garrigues in early 2012 to lead the dispute resolution practice. He receives unanimous praise from peers, who describe him as "a magnificent practitioner." Corporate, commercial and civil litigation expert Jose Ramón Casado is a favourite with clients, who say: "He's brilliant, extremely thorough, calm and convincing. He always remembered who I was and the exact details of the case when I called, and you can't say this about all lawyers." Víctor Mercedes leads the insolvency team in Barcelona, and was recently made partner. He joins the rankings having received excellent client feedback: "He is technically solid, as well as clear and precise before the court," one enthused.

Carlos Aguilar Fernández is a seasoned litigator whose practice focuses on trade mark, competition and white-collar crime matters. José Antonio Rodríguez Álvarez receives praise for his dynamic approach, and his broad contentious practice extends to restructuring mandates.

Managing partner José Luis Huerta's practice focuses on litigation and arbitration. One client enthused that he is "one of the best lawyers I know: he's intelligent, practical, and his highly structured approach to work is another key strength." Alejandro Lopez Ortiz is an arbitration expert, sought after for his expertise in construction engineering, trade and technology disputes. Sources describe him simply as "one of the best arbitrators in Spain." Senior associate Bernardino Muñiz continues to garner praise for his work in this area.

Practice head Mercedes Fernández is a standout name in the market. Her practice focuses on disputes derived from construction contracts, civil engineering and energy projects, and M&A transactions.

Leading arbitrator David Arias receives strong feedback from market sources. According to one client, "he is extremely intelligent and quickly grasps sector-specific complexities." Litigation and arbitration specialist Félix Montero Muriel is another key member of the team.

Shipping and international trade arbitrator Albert Badia receives resounding praise from clients: "He is always available, even at the weekends, and he is practical – he won't get lost in the paperwork, he'll quickly and clearly tell you what to do. In addition, his French is excellent."

Madrid managing partner Gonzalo Jiménez-Blanco is a banking and capital markets expert and a respected arbitrator. According to sources, he is "a magnificent lawyer – experienced, calm in his judgement and solid. It's a pleasure to appoint him as an arbitrator." Jesús Almoguera handles litigation and arbitration as part of a mixed practice that also covers M&A and insolvency. "He is a magnificent professional, very meticulous and absolutely aware of every aspect of the case," say clients. Litigation, arbitration and white-collar crime expert Daniel Jiménez also receives praise from clients: "He focuses on finding solutions and is proactive, involved and highly experienced." Cristina Calvo Ortega's expertise extends to real estate, construction, corporate and restructuring, as well as litigation and arbitration.

Francisco Málaga leads the litigation department, and has recently acted on behalf of L'Oréal in a dispute arising from the termination of a services agreement.

Clients enjoy working with "business-savvy" José María Ayala, who co-heads the litigation and arbitration department with Pedro Ramón y Cajal.

Antonio Vázquez-Guillén leads the litigation and arbitration department, and earns client praise for his expertise and pragmatic approach. He recently represented a group of international photovoltaic investors in a dispute regarding retroactive tariff changes against the Kingdom of Spain.

Alejandro Fernández de Araoz maintains a diverse practice which covers public law, capital markets, M&A and dispute resolution. According to clients, "not only is he very able but he also enjoys his job. He understands matters in depth, and is discreet and incisive." Litigation, insolvency and arbitration specialist Iñigo Rodríguez-Sastre is "an excellent negotiator who is creative and realistic," say clients. Clifford Hendel is renowned as an outstanding arbitrator with international credentials.

Bernardo Cremades is, according to market commentators, "one of the most renowned and respected international arbitrators." Litigator and arbitrator Ángel Tejada is another esteemed member of the team.

Department head Paulino Fajardo is a respected mediator and arbitrator who specialises in international dispute resolution. He is qualified in the UK and Spain.

Practice head Álvaro Lobato "has a very rare virtue: the capacity to understand a problem from all perspectives. In addition, he knows where to put the focus, and won't waste time on minutiae," according to clients. He has ample experience in restructurings and financial services disputes.

Practice head Ester Cubillo is sought after for her expertise in banking and real estate litigation. She works on behalf of prominent clients, such as Unilever and Caja Madrid. "Working with her gives me peace of mind," said one interviewee.

Founding partner Ramón Pelayo Jiménez specialises in litigation and arbitration. He receives warm praise from clients, who describe him as "a great professional who has plenty of common sense in addition to intelligence. He is experienced, rigorous, and a clear and precise speaker." 

Founding partner Ramón Hermosilla Martín is, as a peer warmly affirms, "legal nobility." Clients praise Pedro Rodríguez Rodero's analytical and technical skills, and peers describe him as "a magnificent lawyer." 

Managing partner and practice head John Gustafson is commended by interviewees: "He is a first-class professional who doesn't let go – he won't stop searching for solutions and has always given us practical advice in every circumstance."

Màrius Miró Gili is the firm's leading name for arbitration and litigation, and regularly assists high-profile clients on real estate and construction disputes, as well as product liability, unfair competition and ownership rights matters. 

Practice head Fernando González is highly regarded for his litigation, arbitration and IP expertise. Clients recommend Jesús Carrasco for his "complete dedication and availability, as well as his solution-oriented approach." He is often engaged in cross-border litigation.

Alfonso Lopez-Ibor is the firm's managing partner as well as an expert litigator who receives accolades for his work in this area. He recently assisted GE Capital with recovery of 15 aircraft on lease to Futura International Airways, as part of the latter's insolvency proceedings. Department co-head Ana Ribó handles a broad range of litigation, arbitration and insolvency matters, including cross-border disputes. She is also experienced in foreign judgment enforcement. According to clients, "her expertise in penal legislation and beyond is very extensive; she's my first port of call for any litigation matter."