The Legal 500

Albors Galiano Portales is an excellent shipping boutique that regularly advises insurers. Eduardo Albors is a renowned expert on shipbuilding and ship finance, large-risk insurance and reinsurance. The practice also includes Javier Galiano, who specialises in shipping and administrative sanctuary law, and Javier Portales, who advises on maritime and aviation law including accidents and insurance.

Carlos López-Quiroga leads the ‘exceptionally professional’ team at Uría Menéndez, which recently acted for the Steamship Mutual Underwriting Association in settling legal proceedings against the owners of the M/V Wadi Sudr. Other recent highlights include advising RBS on a dispute over the breach of a shipbuilding contract. Julio López Quiroga has ‘deep industry knowledge’. Barcelona-based Tomás Fernández-Quirós is also recommended.

Amya Abogados has an excellent reputation in Spain and internationally for shipbuilding, ship finance, competition law issues affecting Spanish ports, and road transport infringement proceedings. Founder José Alcántara is particularly renowned for arbitration and Carlos Llorente is also recommended.

Blas de Lezo has a ‘high level of technical knowledge’ regarding shipping law. ‘Fantastic’ managing partner Miquel Roca was recently appointed Official Representative of the Kingdom of Spain to sign the Rotterdam Rules for the country.

Garrigues advises shipowners, freight forwarders, tug and salvage companies, insurers and P&I clubs, as well as Spanish importers and manufacturers. Manuel Torres heads the practice, which also includes Ignacio Cantillana and Manuel Betancor.

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo Abogados represents shipowners and shipyards on ship financing and related tax. Key clients include Ahorro Corporación, Caixanova, Naviera Elcano and Seatruck. Carlos Rueda heads the department, which also includes Ángel Varela.

Traditionally a specialist in maritime law, Goñi & Co Abogados has developed its practice to include land and air transport, and is recommended for its ‘humanity and knowledge’. The group’s expertise includes insurance and litigation. Founding partner José Luis Goñi is recommended.

The team at Hogan Lovells International LLP is ‘extremely professional’ and ‘a pleasure to deal with’. It advised Banco Pastor on new structures for the financing and acquisition of vessels. Practice head Miguel Ángel Sánchez has ‘marvellous knowledge’, and senior associate Juan Ortega is also recommended.

Lebrero & Co, Abogados is a shipping and aviation boutique with domestic and international clients including shipping companies, airlines, ship agents, forwarding agents and underwriters.

Meana Green Maura & Co has a team of ‘good professionals’ and is a well-reputed specialist in maritime, aviation and land transport law. Areas of expertise include freight and cargo claims, marine insurance as well as contractual disputes including agency and freight forwarding disputes.

Respected Barcelona-based Mestre Abogados has a wealth of expertise that includes maritime law, aviation, transport and logistics. Clients include shipowners, traders, insurers and P&I clubs. Managing partner Anna Mestre specialises in marine, insurance and trade litigation.

Ruiz-Gálvez Abogados specialises in the carriage of goods by land, air and sea, as well as passenger transport. The team has particular expertise in maritime law, and regularly advises liner companies. The firm also has expertise in marine salvage.

San Simón Duch & Co is highly regarded for its work in sea, air and road transport. The team’s expertise includes vessel registration and flagging, environmental pollution, P&I insurance and maritime fraud. Name partners Luis San Simón and Mercedes Duch are recommended.

Abogados Asociados para el Comercio, la Navegacion y la Industria, SL’s boutique practice is particularly known for representing ship cargo owners in arbitration. Managing partner Albert Badia has ‘good skills and understands his clients’ needs’.

Arizon Abogados SLP has a ‘solid and competent team’ that represents P&I clubs and handles marine casualty cases. Managing partner Felipe Arizon ‘has astounding knowledge of English law’.

Castro, Sueiro & Varela, Abogados, SL is highly regarded for its maritime practice advising clients on cargo claims, maritime pollution, personal injury, seizure and arrest of vessels, and salvaging and boarding.

Cuatrecasas, Gonçalves Pereira has a solid shipping practice, which was recently instructed by the London Maritime Arbitration to commence proceedings against West Transit AG for damages caused by a cargo of ammonium being transported to Spain from the Baltic Sea.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s ship finance practice is led by Iñaki Gabilondo and includes Miguel Klingenberg, who advises on tax structures. Senior associate Jaime Rossi is also recommended.

Muñoz & Montañes’ shipping practice advises insurers and P&I clubs on litigation and customs issues. Recent highlights include advising on the Tawe collision between Gibraltar and Algeciras. José Muñoz is recommended.

Perez Albors | & Co’s managing partner Carlos Perez and María Antonia Albors are ‘highly competent in shipping matters’. The firm acts for numerous P&I clubs and corporations, and was recently instructed by new clients Aage Hempel International and Peninsula Petroleum.

Estudio Jurídico Rodrigo de Larrucea advises shipowners, port terminals and port authorities. Albert Prats Ribas provides ‘prompt replies and an accurate service’. Managing partner Jaime Rodrigo de Larrucea is also recommended.

Ventura Garcés & López-Ibor, Abogados has a niche in aviation law, and regularly advises airlines on matters such as permits and licences, and the acquisition or repair of aircraft and engines. The firm also advises lenders on financing. Alfonso López-Ibor is recommended.