THE FIRM This sizeable team has long been at the forefront of white-collar crime. The group's areas of expertise include tax evasion and social security fraud, money laundering, violation of business secrets and intellectual property, insider trading, market manipulation and securities fraud, among others. Recently, it has also been advising on corporate compliance, in response to the increase in demand following the reform of the Spanish penal code in December 2010.
Sources say: "The lawyers give clear advice which I trust completely, and are extremely responsive and enthusiastic."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers admire practice head Luis Jordana de Pozas, reporting that "he inspires trust, he's intelligent, friendly and assertive, and it's obvious that clients are happy with him." According to clients, Joaquín Burkhalter Thiébaut is "absolutely terrific – sensible, imaginative, dedicated, really a top-notch lawyer in all aspects. It's a pleasure to be associated with him." Josep Maria Paret is a key team member, who specialises in economic and environmental crime as well as workplace safety issues.
THE FIRM With one of the longest-established and best-respected teams in the market, Uría Menéndez remains firmly rooted in the top tier. It covers the entire spectrum of corporate crime matters, including tax and corporate fraud, environmental crimes and matters related to safety in the workplace. In response to the increasing demand for corporate compliance advice, the group has offered a number of highly successful seminars.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers acknowledge that former judge Carlos Bueren is a leading player. He handles fraud, forgery, concealment of assets, tax fraud and misappropriation cases. Commentators highly rate Esteban Astarloa, who has a background in civil litigation and arbitration, and is much admired for his expertise in white-collar crime. Oscar Morales earns plaudits for his work in tax fraud, environmental crime, IP infringements and e-crime. Clients say Ismael Clemente Casas has "a great capacity to analyse and synthesise – he assisted us with a complicated case in which several agents were involved, and he was extremely efficient."
THE FIRM Despite the departure of Mar De Pedraza, this first-class firm remains a prominent contender in the corporate crime arena. Operating out of Madrid and Barcelona, the group assists Spanish and international clients with tax evasion, forgery, criminal negligence and misappropriation cases, among other matters.
Sources say: "The lawyers are technically brilliant. Young and dynamic but at the same time experienced."
KEY INDIVIDUALS State lawyer Víctor Mercedes impresses clients with his technical expertise and the clarity with which he communicates.
THE FIRM The sizeable team of corporate crime specialists at this Spanish heavyweight has garnered an outstanding reputation over the years. Its covers a wide range of matters, including environmental crimes and forgery, as well as tax, social security and public health offences.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Former public prosecutor and practice head Florentino Ortí is commended for his work in this area. Barcelona-based Enric Carulla is "an exceptional lawyer," according to sources.
THE FIRM This small but hard-hitting Spanish firm has long been one of the leading names in corporate crime. It maintains an extraordinary reputation and offers a wide range of expertise. The group covers professional negligence, bribery, embezzlement and corruption cases, in addition to environmental and planning crimes, among other matters.
Sources say: "Magnificent in tax fraud and criminal procedures: this is an excellent team."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Horacio Oliva maintains an outstanding reputation, with peers declaring that "he's a classic; an exceptional lawyer." Ignacio Ayala wins admiration for his work in this area. "He's technically one of the best; I have a lot of respect for him," remarked one interviewee. Laura Martínez-Sanz is "a magnificent professional," according to sources.
THE FIRM This well-respected player continues to act on behalf of noteworthy clients from a variety of industries, such as telecoms, financial services and energy. The team tackles the full range of white-collar crime matters, including directors' criminal responsibility issues.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Reputable litigator Carlos Aguilar Fernández receives praise for his expertise in corporate crime matters. "I have an excellent opinion of him – he is a pleasure to work with and a strong negotiator," said one interviewee.
THE FIRM This 15-lawyer team remains a popular choice among prestigious Spanish and international clients. In response to the increase in demand for compliance advice that followed the reform of the penal code, the lawyers have developed a comprehensive preventative programme, as part of which they have spoken at prestigious institutions in Spain and abroad. The group continues to handle a wide range of matters, including corporate fraud, environmental, employment and tax offences.
Sources say: "This is an exceptional team of enthusiastic and experienced lawyers who offer personalised attention and good value for money."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Former prosecutor Carlos Saiz Díaz, "in addition to having technical expertise, is extremely practical, accessible and commercial. He is able to see the best solution to each problem." Javier Béjar García is a key member of the team, described by sources as "a technical pro, really impeccable."
Former prosecutor
Javier Sánchez Junco of Sánchez Junco Abogados continues to work for high-profile Spanish and international clients. He is, according to interviewees,
"a magnificent practitioner – technically flawless." Gonzalo Rodríguez Mourullo of Despacho Rodríguez Mourullo remains one of the most admired criminal lawyers in the country.
"He is extraordinary – brilliant," say peers. Sources hail corporate crime expert and sole practitioner
Juan Córdoba Roda as
"first-class." José Antonio Choclán Montalvo of Bufete Choclán Montalvo is
"an excellent litigator. I've directed clients to him when I've had a conflict of interest," stated one peer.
Cristóbal Martell of Barcelona boutique Martell Abogados impresses interviewees with his enviable experience as a corporate crime specialist.
Javier Melero Merino of Melero & Gené Advocats maintains his strong market profile.
Miguel Bajo Fernández of Gabinete Jurídico Miguel Bajo is a reference point for corruption cases, and is also well respected for his publications on white-collar crime.
Fermín Morales Prats of Gabinete Jurídico Fermín Morales Prats is renowned for his expertise in corporate crime, especially in Barcelona, where he is based.
Fernando Aizpún is Simmons & Simmons Mochales & Palacios LLP's leading name for white-collar crime work.
Adriana de Buerba of PEREZ-LLORCA is well respected for her expertise in tax fraud and environmental crimes. Previously at Baker & McKenzie, corporate crime expert
Mar De Pedraza recently set up her own boutique firm, De Pedraza Abogados, S.L.P. Peers and clients praise her for being
"diligent and strategic, with an excellent focus and clear approach: she is extremely knowledgeable but doesn't get lost in the rhetoric."