Public Law: Spain

THE FIRM The Spanish office of this magic circle giant is a leading light in this practice area, receiving plaudits from all corners of the market, despite the departure of Pablo Mayor to Allen & Overy. It has had an active year on the regulatory front, as well as in public law litigation and public contracts. Big-name clients come from a variety of sectors and include ONO, Pfizer, Carrefour and Acciona. The team regularly acts for Endesa, recently advising it on regulatory matters relating to the Ascó I nuclear power station, as well as providing assistance on tariff deficit issues.

Sources say: “This is one of the best public law teams in Spain, due in large part to the smart professionals it houses.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees describe Juan José Lavilla as “one of the top practitioners in Spain in public law.” Clients appreciate his formidable knowledge of the practice area, while peers remark on his fabulous team-leading skills. 

THE FIRM This domestic giant's powerful public law team is recommended for its impeccable client service levels and its string of top-notch mandates from key operators in the energy, construction and banking sectors. The team recently participated in the Medgaz project, advising on the building of the sub-sea gas pipeline between Beni Saf in Algeria and Almeria on the southern coast of Spain.

Sources say: “We always see this team on high-level deals.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Albert Raventós brings his extensive administrative and public contracts expertise to a range of sectors, including tourism, pharmaceuticals and urban planning.

Nicolás González-Deleito Domínguez is a litigation specialist, and recently led the team advising on Endesa's sale of electricity distribution assets to Red Electrica de Espana.

Interviewees highlight Santiago Milans del Bosch's highly regarded white-collar crime expertise and his reputation for advising on environmental and planning offences.

Sources describe Luis Perez de Ayala as “a balanced, reasonable negotiator who is a pleasure to work with.” His recent highlights include the Medgaz sub-sea gas pipeline project.

THE FIRM This team's client portfolio has some impressive names, including public authorities as well as key commercial players. A recent key mandate was advising Gipuzkoa Waste Consortium and its special purpose vehicle on infrastructure projects valued at EUR400 million. The team has also been involved in the process for the financing and execution of the urban waste management infrastructures of Gipuzkoa.

Sources say: “The hard-hitting style of these lawyers ensures that clients' objectives are achieved all the time.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Carmen Chinchilla receives excellent feedback from interviewees, who note that “her dependable academic know-how coupled with her pragmatic outlook always put her in the driving seat in negotiations.”

Department head Alfredo Fernández Rancaño is a hands-on team leader who is held in high esteem by clients for his “moderate, diplomatic approach in tense negotiations and flexible style.”

THE FIRM With a total of 30 fee earners based across Madrid, Bilbao, Malaga, Valencia and Barcelona, this practice is active on the infrastructure development front. The lawyers represent both public and private clients, including AENA, the autonomous governments of Aragon, Galicia and Cantabria, and DEPFA BANK. The lawyers have been active of late advising on public contracting procedures, with representative mandates including advising Agencia Catalana del Agua with respect to hydraulic infrastructure in the region.

Sources say: “This a public team par excellence, which inspires much confidence in its clients.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Juan Alfonso Santamaría Pastor is acclaimed by peers as “a great professional” and recently led the team advising the Instituto de Espana on the definition of its public procurement regime.

Carlos Vázquez Cobos recently led the team advising a consortium led by Acciona on its successful public tender for the construction and operation of a hospital in Vigo, the total project being valued at EUR800 million.

Senior associate Eduardo Parada Gimeno also played a major role in the Acciona deal.

THE FIRM This Spanish giant's public law team houses 30 fee earners who regularly take on huge mandates, for clients from the health and life sciences, telecoms and project finance sectors. A recent highlight was the team's representation of Isolux Group in litigation relating to a claim valued at EUR34.5 million against the Spanish Ministry of Public Works for work on a highway.

Sources say: “This team deserves its Band 1 ranking, as it boasts some supreme lawyers in this area.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients remark on José Miguel Fatás' “rigorous style and ability to get excellent results,” and peers note that he has a “wonderful understanding of public law.” 

Jesús Remón Peñalver is described by interviewees as a comprehensive public law expert with a reputation in the market as a “hard-working, magnificent professional.”

Daniel Ripley is revered for his “potent team-playing skills and ability always to produce top-quality advice.”

Client feedback for Esteban Arimany focuses on his admirable leadership skills and valuable experience as a state lawyer. He is described as a “well-respected deal maker who benefits from great communication skills.”

Clients also highlight Mariano Magide for his in-depth knowledge of this practice area.

THE FIRM This domestic boutique has long been a familiar name on the Spanish public law scene, and benefits from an in-depth understanding of the workings of the administration. Clients come from a range of sectors, particularly property.

Sources say: “We turn to this team for advice on complex public law-related issues as the lawyers are always on the end of the telephone line if we need to call.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Senior statesman Gaspar Ariño Ortiz's towering reputation in the public law arena is evident from the effusive comments he receives from interviewees. He is described as “a renowned specialist with an exceedingly robust academic background, who is well known for his telecoms work.” 

THE FIRM The Spanish outpost of this multinational makes good use of its global network, and clients of the public law team come from the private sector as well as administrative bodies. The lawyers have been active of late in the transport sector, advising FCC Construcción in relation to the execution of an agreement relating to the operation of the Cuenca A-3 highway.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients recommend Madrid partner Ernesto García-Trevijano for his hands-on approach and superb dedication to the practice area.

Clients appreciate Barcelona-based Xavier Junquera for his profound knowledge of environmental matters and renowned negotiation skills.

Since publication, Ernesto García-Trevijano has joined GTA VILLAMAGNA.

THE FIRM Clients applaud the international reach of this firm and its three-partner public law team. Interviewees comment on the team's efficient, proactive approach to deals and its broad knowledge of the public law arena. Praise also extends to the lawyers' sector-specific knowledge, which covers the telecoms, health and energy sectors, amongst others. The team recently advised Unilabs on public law issues relating to an acquisition of a health sector company valued at EUR50 million.

Sources say: “This efficient, proactive team is one we turn to for assistance with complex domestic public law projects.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Praise for Félix Plasencia identifies him as “a bright, talented expert who draws well upon his previous state lawyer experience and leaves no stone unturned when looking for solutions.”

Clients commend Javier Torre de Silva's extensive public law knowledge and his in-depth analyses on projects.

Pablo Dorronsoro climbs the rankings following reports from clients who observe that he benefits from comprehensive commercial knowledge and displays a firm grasp of administrative issues.

Since publication, Pablo Dorronsoro has joined Baker & McKenzie

THE FIRM This team is lauded for its exceptional drafting skills and the importance the team gives to nurturing client rapport. Key clients include Abengoa, Banco Pastor, Telefónica, regional Spanish governments and public bodies. The team recently advised Red.es in connection with the financing systems for technology operators.

Sources say: “This superb team is distinguished by its outstanding domestic capability.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Former state lawyer and practice head José Ramón de Hoces climbs the rankings following spectacular client feedback. He is appreciated for his genuine interest and comprehensive understanding of the workings of the administration, and is described as “a truly dedicated, efficient adviser who doubles up as a talented litigator.”

THE FIRM Pablo Mayor's arrival at this firm represents a significant boost for the team, according to market commentators. The five-partner team advises operators in all the regulated sectors, particularly infrastructure, telecoms and energy. Representative clients include Cintra and France Telecom (Orange), the latter of which the team frequently assists on regulatory matters relating to access and connection conflicts, as well as in procedures before the CMT and the national courts.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Recent arrival Pablo Mayor now heads the firm's public law department, and is lauded as “one of the great reference points in the public law area.” Sources highlight his practical application of the law. He has secured the loyalty of clients such as JCDecaux, Macquarie Capital Europe and BBVA.

Antonio Jiménez-Blanco is a valued expert on economic and administrative matters, and brings a nuanced viewpoint to operations in the banking, energy and health sectors.

Antonio Vázquez-Guillén is a former state lawyer whose broad experience is valuable to clients when giving advice on public contracts and administrative proceedings.

THE FIRM This niche practice has offices in Madrid and Córdoba, and advises on administrative, constitutional and European law. Clients include names from the pharmaceutical, telecoms and publishing industries.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Santiago Muñóz Machado is a highly regarded administrative law professor with a broad knowledge of media matters.

THE FIRM This team is traditionally strong in Cantabria and is increasing its profile in Madrid, where it is quickly establishing a reputation as a favourite with the administrative authorities. The six-member team recently advised the health department of La Rioja's regional government on the PPP project for the construction and development of an administrative building complex.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Emiliano Garayar is a favourite with administrative bodies and led the team assisting a subsidiary of the Institut Catala de Finances on the new legal framework for public infrastructure facilities.

THE FIRM This public law team forms part of the firm's corporate department and often collaborates with colleagues on transactional work, such as the sale of Endesa's gas assets. Public law clients come from the electricity, renewables, gas and telecoms sectors, and a recent key mandate has been the team's assistance to Gamesa in connection with administrative authorisations for the execution of wind power facilities.

Sources say: “This team excels on administrative matters with an energy dimension.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head José Giménez is recognised for his vast experience in the public law arena. Clients hail him as “a brilliant specialist with a practical approach and high levels of availability, whose contribution to public law projects is invaluable.”

THE FIRM This eight-lawyer public law team is appreciated for its sector-specific know-how, particularly in pharmaceutical and energy-related matters. Recent work highlights include assisting T-Solar Global in challenging the Spanish government's regulatory measures affecting electric power facilities before the national courts.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department co-head Pablo Silván's clients include La Caixa and Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, reflecting his versatile public law expertise. He recently led the team assisting a Spanish regional government on the legal aspects of a comprehensive audit of highway concession agreements.

Fellow co-head José Ignacio Vega is described by sources as “an efficient, well-connected adviser who excels in maintaining positive dialogue during complicated negotiations."

THE FIRM This team is well known in administrative matters and works in close alliance with Absis Legal Advocats. The Barcelona-based public lawyers advise clients in Catalonia on data protection, litigation and public procurement issues.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joaquín Tornos Mas is an esteemed administrative law professor with broad knowledge and expertise.

THE FIRM With offices in Valencia and Madrid, this team is a favourite with the public administration for public contracts work and the drafting of legislative texts. The team has also advised big names from the construction and infrastructure sectors, such as Dragados, Sacyr and Lubasa. A recent key mandate for Concesiones Aeroportuarias involved works at the Castellon Airport, where the lawyers assisted with public law matters during the construction process, as well as on issues relating to the operation of the airport.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jesus Avezuela is the managing partner of the firm's Madrid office. He brings his profound knowledge of arbitration to complex deals and is a familiar face at public law conferences.

Department co-head and former state lawyer Rosa Vidal is based in the firm's Valencia office. She draws on her previous experience as a state lawyer and recently led the team working on the Castellon Airport project.

Since publication, Rosa Vidal has moved in-house.

THE FIRM This three-lawyer team benefits from the presence of a former state lawyer and is respected by peers for its energy prowess. Major names in several sectors choose to instruct this firm, including key players from banking, telecoms and energy. The team recently advised NextEra Energy Resources, a subsidiary of Florida Power and Light, on the administrative regime affecting the construction and development of two solar energy plants in Extremadura.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources speak highly of practice head José Ignacio Monedero, highlighting his experience of working with the public administration on major deals. He recently led the team on mandates from Alliance Medical, Santander and CVC Capital Partners.

THE FIRM This Madrid-based boutique concentrates on public contracts and planning issues.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Esteemed planning expert Tomás Ramón Fernández is highlighted by sources for his solid academic background and extensive experience. He is well known in this area for authoring several prominent legal manuals, and sources confirm him to be “well-deserving of his reputation as a senior statesman.”

THE FIRM Peers highlight this long-standing boutique as one of the pioneers of public law in Spain.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Eduardo García de Enterría is described as “the godfather of Spanish public law,” and interviewees emphasise his tremendous reputation and superb public law knowledge.

THE FIRM This two-partner public law team has a marked regulatory slant and specialises in renewable energy, water, mining and infrastructure. The team has been active of late in mining regulatory matters, and has assisted copper mining company Cobre Las Cruces on permits and water rights, as well as contentious administrative proceedings.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Ignacio Paz is the key contact here.

THE FIRM Sources highlight the health expertise of this public law team, which focuses on regulatory issues and administrative law matters. The group has been active of late in both advisory work and litigation matters, with recent key mandates extending to comparative advice on European and Spanish law.

Sources say: “We were impressed by the solid reputation of this team, its hands-on approach and overall value for money.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Juan de la Cruz Ferrer currently heads the firm's competition and economic regulation team, and is a highly regarded academic in this area. In his legal practice, he specialises in public procurement, infrastructure, administrative and European law, and is also a seasoned arbitrator.

Jose Ignacio Juarez Chicote has a strong academic background and is active in the telecoms and education sectors, advising on the validity of actions and regulations of the administrative authorities and the constitutionality of state policies.

THE FIRM Positive client feedback for this Barcelona-based firm relates to its in-depth public law expertise, hands-on involvement of partners and quick response times. Recent times have seen the team focusing on healthcare, construction and mining issues for public authorities, private companies, individuals and other law firms.

Sources say: “This team of lawyers balances rich academic knowledge with a flexible, pragmatic approach to projects.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Carles Pareja i Lozano is appreciated for his useful contacts with the administrative authorities. Clients are happy with the overall vision he brings to matters, coupled with his consensual style in negotiations and willingness “to put his neck on the line in deals.”

THE FIRM This domestic firm has offices in Madrid, Girona, Palma de Mallorca, Lleida and Barcelona. In January 2012, the firm joined Nabarro's international alliance. Its four-partner public law team has recognised connections with authorities throughout Catalonia. The lawyers have been busy of late working on the due diligence reviews of several M&A transactions, including the EUR630 million purchase of Spanish food company Ebro Puleva by French group Lactalis.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lluís Saura leads the public law department and is based in the firm's Barcelona headquarters. He is an astute planning expert and advises both private companies and public bodies. He is also a litigator and represents clients in contentious administrative proceedings.

THE FIRM The innovation and technology transfer team at this firm regularly advises the central administration, local administrative bodies and other public bodies all over the country. The group includes one partner and 15 associates, and clients praise the lawyers' in-depth understanding of information and patent transfers, medical research and public regulations.

Sources say: “We trust this team because of its supreme knowledge of technology issues and the valuable insight it brings on the workings of the administration.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Barcelona-based department head Ignasi Costas is hailed as a knowledgeable public lawyer who benefits from the support of a strong team. Clients describe him as “the perfect interface between private operators and public bodies.”