José Antonio Caínzos earns praise for his commercial awareness and stellar drafting and presentational skills. "He's very intelligent and fully aware of any changes in the market. He's also a great communicator and remains measured and calm throughout negotiations," asserts one client.

Iñigo Villoria enjoys a highly respected insolvency and financial litigation practice. Sources highlight his client-friendly manner and strong performance in court, saying he is "available, attentive and a really great pleader."

Juliette Luycks is qualified in Spain and the Netherlands. She currently heads the firm's arbitration practice in Amsterdam and handles corporate and commercial disputes.

Interviewees laud Antonio Hierro's breadth of experience and reassuring manner. He currently heads the Club Español del Arbitraje and has recently acted on both institutional and ad hoc arbitrations. 

Practice co-head Jorge Badía moves up the rankings thanks to superb feedback from clients, who highlight his clear court summaries and robust litigation style.

Alfonso Iglesia is singled out for his knowledge of construction disputes and civil liability law. Clients particularly appreciate his conscientious and hard-working approach. Iglesia assists domestic and international construction clients with all manner of issues, from the drafting of contractual terms through to representation in court.

Clients commend practice co-head Álvaro Mendiola's in-depth knowledge of commercial disputes. He led the team defending IMS in proceedings brought against Infonis for the breach of intellectual property and unfair competition laws. 

Sources note Elisabeth de Nadal Clanchet's growing reputation and increased visibility in the arbitration arena. She advises clients on commercial distribution agreements, competition law, and entertainment and sports matters. In addition, she is a member of the firm's French desk and a fluent French speaker. She advises Spanish companies on matters in France, as well as French companies investing in Spain.

Antonio Pipó represented Mitsubishi in proceedings against GE Capital relating to the breach of a joint venture agreement.

Up-and-comer Alberto Fortún is noted by interviewees for his sound reputation in litigation and his pleasant working style. Recently his workload has grown to include representing sports event sponsors, football clubs and athletes in international litigation and arbitration. 

The German desk houses 35 lawyers who act on cross-border transactions and international disputes. Clients include German corporates with interests in the Iberian peninsula, as well as Spanish clients with a presence in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Kai Christian Fischer is the key contact for the desk.

One of the grand names of litigation, Fernando Pantaleón is praised by clients for his impressive drafting skills, stellar knowledge of civil law and fluency in English. He has an active arbitration and litigation practice, and is additionally able to assist with criminal law matters. 

Carlos de los Santos recently represented Banco Privado Portugues in a EUR114 million claim filed by Kendall. He has an extensive practice representing clients in litigation in Latin America. Sources laud his sharp litigation skills and commercial awareness, saying he is "courageous and persistent, and shows real flair in the courtroom." Another client adds: "He is quick on his feet and technically excellent, proposing creative solutions."

Alberto Pimenta handles civil, corporate and commercial litigation, and has additional expertise in criminal law. He gains warm feedback from sources, who say he is "great in court."

Prolific arbitrator Jesús Remón Peñalver heads the firm's litigation, arbitration and public law offering. "He's a real legend: he's quick, hands-on and technically brilliant," say sources. He is also appreciated for his expertise in Latin American arbitration.

Sources commend José Miguel Fatás's skills in the courtroom, saying he is "strategically strong and an impressive interrogator." His practice covers civil and administrative litigation, and his client portfolio includes players in the telecoms and pharmaceuticals areas. 

Market observers appreciate the hard-working, serious style of Alejandro Ferreres. He advised Novacaixagalicia on a collective claim relating to investment services and the intermediation of financial products, a matter valued at over EUR150 million. 

Miguel Virgós co-ordinates the international arbitration and mediation practice group. He notably represented Spain in international treaty negotiations and has been involved in legislative projects in Spain and in Europe. Clients admire his drafting skills and sound knowledge of private international law. Virgós is also known for his Latin American expertise and is a member of the Argentine Committee for National and Transnational Arbitration (CARAT).

Eduardo Trigo handles civil and commercial cases and proceedings for precautionary measures. He is a member of the LCIA and the Club Español de Arbitraje.

Clients appreciate department co-head Rafael Murillo for his strong analytical skills and solution-oriented approach: "He's quick to identify the problem and solve it." Another source adds that he "stays calm under pressure and is a gentleman in the courtroom." Murillo led the team advising Repsol in a dispute under an agreement between Sacyr Vallehermoso and Pemex.

Sources highlight co-head Vicente Sierra's personable style, common-sense approach, and impressive negotiation skills. He has standout experience in the areas of environmental and planning law. 

Natalia Gómez enters the rankings having been highlighted as a “sharp associate with solid drafting skills. She explains things clearly and is a hard worker."

Joaquín García-Romanillos is singled out by interviewees as a key name for civil and criminal litigation and arbitration. 

Clients value Francisco Peña González's ability to spot problems early on. He led the team advising Aareal Bank on the bankruptcy proceedings of CLESA.

Juan Viaño rises in the rankings having earned broad praise for his stellar litigation skills. He handles civil litigation and arbitration, and represents clients in national and international proceedings.

Borja de Obeso Pérez- Victoria is admired for his wealth of experience in litigation and his robust knowledge of contract law.

Félix J. Montero receives broad praise for his "faultless" drafting, English and German language skills, and his first-rate technical ability. "He's straightforward, meticulous and brilliant at finding solutions. He sticks to his word and tells things as they are," says a client.

Managing partner of the Madrid office Gonzalo Jiménez-Blanco is described as a “superb" arbitrator. His broad experience covers transport, infrastructure, energy and sports law. He recently represented TP Ferro in arbitration proceedings initiated against France and Spain relating to the construction of the Figueras-Perpignan high-speed rail link.

Daniel Jiménez has a well-respected practice, handling disputes relating to unfair competition, intellectual property, debt recovery and corporate acquisitions. Interviewees commend his well-prepared documents and cordial litigation style: "He sees key points early on, writes with conviction and is impressive in the courtroom, with a polite but firm style."

Interviewees describe José María Alonso as a “superb, well-known arbitrator with a formidable client portfolio.” Sources also say he is clear and highly efficient. He has a particular focus on Latin American arbitration.

Víctor Mercedes co-heads the firm's litigation and insolvency practice group in Barcelona. He recently defended the Sovereign Wealth Fund of the Republic of India in an arbitration before the LCIA regarding the purchase of a group of Spanish companies. Clients say he is an “intelligent lawyer who excels at drafting, thanks to his detail-oriented style.”

Jose Ramón Casado recently represented Fuencarral Agrupanorte in eviction proceedings brought against CLESA, in connection with the defendant's factory.

Barcelona-based Fernando De la Mata enters the rankings this year thanks to enthusiastic praise from clients, who identify him as "an able orator whose attention to detail and strategic vision make for a great litigation lawyer."

Carlos Aguilar Fernández retains a robust reputation in litigation, with interviewees particularly rating his commercial awareness and strong client rapport.

José Antonio Rodríguez Álvarez combines dispute resolution expertise with strong insolvency and restructuring credentials.

Department head José Luis Huerta is considered to be a great negotiator. He focuses on corporate disputes, including insolvency and product liability cases.

Sources highlight Alejandro Lopez Ortiz's mighty technical knowledge in the arbitration area. His understanding of the energy sector is also appreciated by clients. 

Senior associate Bernardino Muñiz focuses on financial services litigation and arbitration. Interviewees say he is client-oriented and has sound drafting skills.

Paris-based Carmen Nuñez-Lagos is dual-qualified in France and Spain. She represents clients in complex intenational arbitrations, with a focus on mandates with a Latin American or Spanish aspect. She acts on behalf of states and corporates in disputes under ICC and LCIA rules.

Mercedes Fernández is said to be "one of the best litigators in Spain – she's very hard-working and quick, and exhaustive in every detail." Sources also appreciate her strong client care ethos, saying she "puts client satisfaction at the forefront."

Practice head Iñigo Rodríguez-Sastre is lauded for his responsiveness, concise advice, and client care skills. He combines an impressive legal career with strong academic credentials, having lectured at the Instituto de Empresa for over a decade.

Sources praise Clifford Hendel's strong international background. He is admitted to the Bar in Madrid, Paris, New York and England and Wales, and has acted as arbitrator in all the major international institutions, including the ICC, the LCIA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Clients describe Alejandro Fernández de Araoz as “an all-rounder who brings useful corporate knowledge to his work.” He recently advised a leading financial institution on banking litigation against BBVA and Cartera Meridional regarding the scope and application of an on-demand guarantee.

Legendary arbitrator and name partner Bernardo Cremades has a leading international practice, representing high-profile clients from across the world.

Peers single out Ángel Tejada as a “robust, conscientious lawyer with a huge capacity for work.” He focuses on commercial arbitration, investor protection and civil litigation.

Clients strongly endorse department head Francisco Málaga for his accessibility, people skills and objectivity. He led the team representing Banesto in a EUR10 million mis-selling claim.

Sources say the legendary Ramón Hermosilla Martín is "a great litigator who almost never loses a case." He is revered by sources for his talents in finance and corporate crime.

Litigation practice head Pedro Rodríguez Rodero gains plaudits for being "very practical, understanding the business world, and defending clients superbly in trials."

Having recently been appointed of counsel, José María Ayala receives warm feedback from clients for his top legal credentials and the "reassuring" advice he provides. They note that he is "a safe pair of hands."

Market observers remark upon Màrius Miró Gili's extensive litigation experience. He has practised for more than 40 years, with previous appointments at the Paris ICC and the Barcelona Arbitration Board.

Department co-head Ana Ribó is active in litigation related to unfair competition, contractual disputes and directors' liability issues. She is admired for her “astounding intellectual capacity, great foresight and strategic vision.”

Managing partner Alfonso López-Ibor is heavily involved in litigation work connected to professional negligence claims. He is singled out by clients for his varied litigation experience and persuasive negotiation skills. They say he is “an all-rounder with excellent drafting skills. He's proactive and doesn't get bogged down in legal arguments.” 

Managing partner Albert Badia is lauded for his pragmatism, precise drafting and "extremely commercial" outlook. He has recently been active in shipping and commercial disputes.

Paulino Fajardo garners praise for his in-depth understanding of the insurance world and clients note he is “a great lawyer who displays impressive pleading skills.”

Sources commend practice head Álvaro Lobato for his ability to communicate complex legal issues in simple terms. He played a lead role in defending BP in a case relating to the operation of installation contracts. 

Clients highlight Esther Cubillo's personable manner and direct approach as key strengths. She recently led the team assisting CBRE Global Investors with legal proceedings against possible claims resulting from lease agreements. 

Founding partner Ramón Pelayo Jiménez is a seasoned litigator who draws praise for his impressive property client portfolio and familiarity with contractual law.

Practice head Fernando González brings profound knowledge of intellectual property law to his litigation work. He also has an active international arbitration practice.

Jesús Carrasco covers construction and property, IP and sports mandates in his litigation and arbitration practice. Clients particularly value his personable style and concise drafting skills.

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