Capital Markets: Spain

Practice head José Manuel Cuenca receives warm praise from interviewees, who point to his technical expertise and proactive attitude as key strengths. "He's one of the best – tireless and brilliant," remarks a client.

Clients praise Yolanda Azanza's responsiveness and service-oriented approach, noting that "she's an expert on the Spanish side of capital markets transactions." Another source adds that she is "highly responsive, friendly, and helpful."

A key member of the team, Javier García de Enterría wins broad praise: "He's the technical star; the go-to lawyer when there is a complicated question."

Eduardo García led the team representing Crédit Agricole, Deutsche Bank, and Société Générale in their capacity as arrangers of the EUR1.9 billion securitisation of Europcar's car fleet in Spain, France, Germany and Italy.

Practice co-head Fernando Torrente García de la Mata leads the equity team.

Clients admire Juan Aguayo's long-standing expertise and exceptional service levels. He counts Banco Popular, la Caixa and BC Partners amongst his clients. 

According to clients, Emilio Coco is well-rounded and experienced lawyer.

Rafael Mínguez Prieto leads the debt and securitisations team. Interviewees point to his experience in this area and in M&A as his key strengths.

Javier Carvajal handles capital markets transactions and wins admiration for his expertise in this area, as well as in private equity and M&A.

Jaime De la Torre is recommended for his prowess in securitisations. Clients highlight his responsiveness, pointed advice, and business sense.

Armando Albarrán leads the practice. Clients laud his negotiating skills and pragmatic approach, stating:"He's one of the best lawyers in Spain. He is trustworthy, has an abundance of common sense and is a pleasure to work with."

Clients describe senior associate Alfonso De Marcos as "extraordinary. He's extremely hard-working and you know that he has everything under control and knows exactly what to do."

Íñigo Berrícano is admitted to practice in England and Wales as well as Spain, and is admired by clients as "one of the most experienced capital markets lawyers in Spain. A trusted adviser."

Sebastián Albella is widely recognised as one of the leading names in this area. He is a state lawyer and former head of the CNMV's legal department.

Qualified in England and Wales, Federico Briano receives praise for his business-oriented attitude: "He's outstanding on the commercial side – he always knows where we want to get to, so I don't need to go through the details with him."

Young associate Jorge Alegre stands out for his technical expertise and pragmatic approach. He was part of the team that advised the book runners, underwriters and managers of Banca Cívica's EUR600 million IPO.

New York-based Conrado Tenaglia is qualified in England and Wales, the USA and Argentina. He spent several years at the firm's Madrid office and was part of the team that handled Bankia's IPO.

Luis de Carlos remains one of the most admired players in the market: "He's undoubtedly amongst the best corporate lawyers in Spain," enthuses a client.

Clients enjoy working with Gabriel Núñez, saying: "He emanates a sense of calm even in tense times. He juggles a lot of complex matters and is very resilient. In addition, he's technically excellent."

Interviewees praise Javier Redonet's "top legal mind, experience, and insight: he has a great understanding of the market." 

Rafael Sebastián is the managing partner of the firm's Madrid office. He also leads the corporate department and receives unanimous praise for his expertise in this area.

Securitisations and structured finance expert Ramiro Rivera recently assisted Bankia and Titulización de Activos with the establishment of a securitisation fund and a EUR614 million notes issue.

Sources praise Jaime Pereda for his quick reactions and profound understanding of clients: "He's always willing to help and puts himself in your shoes, unlike other lawyers who keep their distance."

Senior associate Alfonso Ventoso is a highly respected market figure: "He's incredibly promising and has a great market presence," say sources.

Javier Ybáñez leads the team. He is sought for his expertise in debt and equity capital markets transactions, and earns praise for his commitment and availability.

Sources admire Gonzalo García-Fuertes' hands-on and business-like approach. He counts BBVA, Bankia and Banco Sabadell amongst his clients. 

A new name in the rankings, Marta López Brea impresses clients with her skill and experience in this area.

Iñigo Gómez-Jordana is the managing partner of the firm's Madrid office. He recently advised Ahorro y Titulización and Barclays on the EUR1.3 billion securitisation of a mortgage portfolio.

Charles Poole-Warren is qualified in England and Wales and Spain, and advises on both sides of equity capital markets transactions.

Managing partners César Albiñana and Rafael Suárez de Lezo are the primary points of contact. 

Corporate all-rounder Ángel Varela Varas leads the team. Sources admire his expertise and service-oriented attitude.

José Luis Blanco is the primary point of contact.

Clients highlight Vicente Conde's drive, creativity, and commitment as key strengths. In negotiations, "he does all he can for his client and is clear and direct. He can also be tough when necessary," remarks an interviewee. 

Interviewees regard Spain and US-qualified Juan Manuel De Remedios as "an excellent lawyer who is highly committed and has great expertise. He makes me feel safe."

Yoko Takagi is qualified to practise in Spain and England and Wales. Clients say she is "fantastic – methodical, clear, and direct, which makes her a pleasure to work with."