The Legal 500

Garrigues’ ‘excellent service, competence and technical expertise’ makes it ‘very good value for money’. It recently advised Red Eléctrica on the implications of a joint project between member states and other countries to promote the use of renewable energy. It is advising Banesto and other lenders to the Castor Project, an underground natural gas facility, and other recent mandates include preparing draft law on climate change for the Junta of Andalucia. Santiago Garrido provides ‘tailor-made solutions and satisfactory results’.

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo Abogados’ three-partner team advises Ecovidrio, a special interest group formed to support glass recycling, on all environmental legal and administrative proceedings. It has also been assisting Factor CO2 with its conversion to a securities business, and advising Recyclia on the development of initiatives relating to electrical waste in compliance with the EC Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). Pedro Poveda heads the practice.

Uría Menéndez’s practice is led by Carlos De Miguel and Juan Antonio Loste. It frequently advises on climate change issues, oil spills and other contamination. Past instructions have included advising an international airline on the European emissions trading scheme, and assisting another client with the compulsory purchase of a polluted plot affected by the implementation of new railway infrastructure.

Baker & McKenzie’s ‘very strong’ practice has been representing NDC Infrared Engineering before the Nuclear Security Counsel in Madrid for authorisation to trade in the Spanish market. It has also been advising Arvin on packaging matters. The key partners are Ernesto García-Trevijano in Madrid and Xavier Junquera in Barcelona.

Clifford Chance advised ACS on a divestment strategy involving the sale of various wind farms and thermosolar plants to different buyers. It also acted for Endesa Generación during administrative proceedings relating to an environmental incident at its nuclear plant. Juan José Lavilla heads the eight-lawyer practice, which includes senior associate Ignacio Ramos’ specialised carbon trading team, which acts for clients including Sendeco and the European Federation of Energy Traders.

Cuatrecasas, Gonçalves Pereira is advising Purac Bioquimica and E.ON on CO2 emissions, and assisting Hidrodata with issues relating to its hydropower stations including challenging administrative sanctions. Yolanda Guerra now leads the practice, after Covadonga del Pozo recently left to found environmental boutique Del Pozo & De La Cuadra.

Of counsel José Ignacio Monedero leads DLA Piper LLP’s practice, which advised NextEra Energy Resources, a subsidiary of FPL Group, on the environmental aspects of the construction and development of two solar energy plants in rural Spain.

Allen & Overy advised BBVA on the environmental and planning aspects of Desarrollo Urbanístico Chamartín, a private initiative to partially reform the Paseo de la Castellana in Madrid, and is advising Acciona on the environmental regulatory framework governing wind farms and thermosolar energy. Pablo Mayor is recommended.

Broseta Abogados is advising on the environmental aspects of Puerto Ademuz, an urban development project. FCC Environment is also a client. Rosa Vidal is the key contact.

DAC Beachcroft LLP recently acted for the liabiltiy insurers of the engineering company that designed the dam in Doñana National Park, where a waste reservoir collapsed, leading to substantial pollution. Paulino Fajardo and Ricardo Garrido are recommended.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP’s Miguel Riaño is expert in energy-related work, and Ignacio Paz is experienced in public law. The firm is defending the Spanish government in international arbitration pertaining to its new photovoltaic legislation.