Wealth Management: Spain

THE FIRM This international giant advises some of the most renowned family offices, high net worth individuals and financial institutions in the country. With a team of 26 practitioners dedicated to wealth management, the firm has the resources and depth of expertise to handle the most complex matters. These include expatriation, reorganisation, acquisition, divestment, inheritance tax planning and family governance issues. 

Sources say: "These lawyers never fail to impress: their advice is accurate, well researched and swift, and it's easy to develop a relationship of trust with them. You spend very little time explaining things – even when you speak with partners in different offices, communication across the firm is excellent."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Luis Briones Fernández is one of the most respected tax specialists in the market. Clients describe him as "brilliant, imaginative, and an amazing intellect: he solves the problems that nobody else can solve."

New to the rankings, Esteban Raventós has a wealth of experience in international tax planning, and is praised for his technical ability and service-oriented approach. 

Young associate Jaime Martínez is "fast, meticulous and rigorous," say clients.

Antonio Zurera is new to the rankings, having earned admiration for his know-how and commitment: "He has deep expertise in tax and a great capacity for work. He's completely involved, and will call you at midnight if you need him," remark interviewees.

THE FIRM Sources agree that this large team of wealth management experts is outstanding. Although the firm enjoys a particularly strong presence in Catalonia, its impressive client portfolio includes some of the most notable family offices across the country. The complete service offered by the group includes tax planning, investment management, private equity and dispute resolution advice.

Sources say: "This firm is a step above the rest. The lawyers are extraordinary and form an unbeatable team."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Carles Puig remains one of the most admired tax lawyers in Spain. Clients highlight his global vision and reflective approach: "He takes a long-term view to create an efficient strategy, and his capacity for work, mental agility and depth of expertise are second to none."

Jorge Arqués is "a strong communicator who demonstrates a lot of empathy. He is experienced and easy to work with," say clients. 

Carlos Onandia Alsius is sought after for his expertise in corporate and private client tax issues.

Tax planning specialist Alberto Moya Mesas wins accolades for his work in this area.

THE FIRM This consistently excellent Spanish firm remains a strong player in the wealth management arena. Its impressive network of offices across Spain and overseas makes it a favourite amongst prominent international banks, family groups and high net worth individuals. The team's areas of expertise include tax planning, handovers, and sales and acquisitions of family businesses.

Sources say: "The lawyers work extremely well as a team, and are empathetic and committed."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Juan Luis Zayas receives praise for his work in this area, with interviewees highlighting his expertise, imaginative approach and communication skills as key strengths.

THE FIRM The tax practice at this first-class Spanish firm houses a sizeable team of wealth management specialists, who advise high-profile family offices, high net worth individuals and financial institutions. The lawyers' areas of expertise include tax planning, estate administration, acquisitions, joint ventures and reorganisation.

Sources say: "A key strength is the lawyers' team spirit: they work very closely with colleagues in other departments, for example finance. They are responsive and diligent, and bring a lot of prestige – I can't praise them highly enough."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Splendid" practice head Rafael Fuster enjoys an excellent reputation in the field.

Luis Viñuales heads the tax team in Barcelona. His impressive client portfolio includes artists and sports people.

Víctor Viana attracts praise for his technical prowess and pragmatic outlook. "He looks at the big picture and understands the commercial side of things," state clients.

THE FIRM This esteemed wealth management boutique maintains its robust market position. The lawyers operate out of Madrid and Bilbao, and cover a broad range of matters, including international tax planning, real estate transactions and asset reorganisation.

Sources say: "These lawyers know my affairs better than I do. They're down to earth, practical and always available."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients are extremely happy with practice head Javier Estella Lana, stating that "he's wonderful: exhaustive in his approach, trustworthy and fantastic when it comes to tax optimisation."

A new name in the rankings, Patricia García Mediero focuses on international tax planning. "She's pragmatic and sensible, and her English is brilliant," say clients.

THE FIRM The already sizeable wealth management group at this well-respected firm continues to expand, with notable recent additions including partner Javier Seijo Pérez, formerly of Arco Abogados y Asesores Tributarios. The team's prestigious clientele includes family offices, financial institutions and high net worth individuals in Spain and overseas. Its recent workload has included tax planning, asset restructuring, acquisitions and tax evasion cases.

Sources say: "These lawyers see the big picture – they understand where you want to go as a client and give clear advice. In addition, they're a pleasure to work with."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Heribert Padrol is the first port of call for wealth management advice.

THE FIRM This prestigious mid-sized firm has offices in Valencia and Madrid, and maintains a strong reputation. It offers a substantial team of tax, banking and finance and private equity practitioners, who cover the full spectrum of wealth management matters. Pontegadea, Omega Capital and Editions Francis Lefebvre are noteworthy clients of the group.

Sources say: "These lawyers always act as a team, taking an integrated approach. They are flexible, proactive and always available."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Team leader Luis Trigo is "exceptional: technically excellent, dedicated, accessible and up to date," remark interviewees.

Clients enjoy working with Javier Morera, saying: "He offers a global vision and is responsive and technically robust."

THE FIRM This magic circle firm houses a compact but committed and gifted team of tax practitioners handling wealth management. The group remains a favourite amongst financial institutions, and also acts for some family offices. It counts Merrill Lynch, Banco Santander and BNP amongst its clients. 

Sources say: "The lawyers' knowledge of international vehicles is greater than that of their competitors. In addition, they're proactive and keep us up to date with all the legal news and changes. They provide a lot of added value."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Recently named partner, Pablo Serrano de Haro earns praise for his pragmatic approach. One client notes: "I can read the law myself but he gives me practical advice and I value this highly." 

THE FIRM This team combines tax, public and corporate law expertise to provide a full range of services to clients. It acts for private clients and financial institutions, including JPMorgan, Merrill Lynch and Credit Suisse. Its recent workload has included large-scale asset management, formation of investment vehicles and will drafting and execution.

Sources say: "The team provides comprehensive advice and anticipates any possible future problems."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Javier Torre de Silva focuses on the corporate and public law aspects of wealth management. According to clients, "he's a careful listener with an excellent ability to detect key issues in a transaction, in terms of both tax and civil law."