Gómez-Acebo & Pombo has established itself among the leading firms for environmental and climate change issues in Spain, and is highlighted for its ‘knowledge, experience, contacts and the ability to adapt to the requirements of the client’s way of working‘. The team stands out in particular for its extensive knowledge of waste and water regulations, where Pedro Poveda and Eduardo Orteu‘s former experience working at the Ministry of Environment, and Orteu’s additional experience at the Spanish Water Directorate, give it a strong edge. International and domestic clients – including major Spanish industrial associations – frequently seek the team’s assistance in non-contentious and contentious matters at the local, regional, national and EU level. In recent developments, 2021 saw the firm launching its Sustainability Group, which brings together a multidisciplinary team to advise clients on a range of issues connected with sustainable development. Another major move saw Santiago Garrido
and senior associate Helena Villena Romera joining the firm from Hogan Lovells International LLP. Paloma Tuñón Matienzo, Ester Abascal Iglesias, Ignacio Álvarez Serrano and Yago Fernández Darna are key contacts at the associate level.
Environment in Spain
Gómez-Acebo & Pombo
Practice head(s):
Pedro Poveda
Other key lawyers:
Santiago Garrido; Eduardo Orteu; Ester Abascal Iglesias; Paloma Tuñón Matienzo; Enrique Lucas; Blanca Lozano; Agustin García Ureta; Ignacio Álvarez Serrano; Yago Fernández Darna; Helena Villena Romera
Testimonials
‘The GAP team has a high specialisation in sustainability and waste management issues that makes them unique in the market. Many of the lawyers have held positions in the public administration, thus offering a holistic perspective on the legislation.’
‘Knowledge, experience, contacts and ability to adapt to the requirements of the client’s way of working. Sector sensitivity. Being a large office, in such complex legislation, they have the knowledge to respond from fiscal, organisational, administrative issues.’
‘Pedro Poveda is an excellent professional with great knowledge, who helps to solve day-to-day needs and to plan for the long term. Essential in an environment with as much new regulation as the current one in environmental matters. He is a person of recognised prestige in the sector and his opinion is highly valued by the administration. Eduardo Orteu is a great professional who is in the day to day and in the detail of the evolution of the legislation.’
‘Pedro Poveda, Ester Abascal Iglesias and Paloma Tuñon have done an outstanding job and we will undoubtedly count on them.’
‘They are very fast and are very aware of legislative developments. They have good contacts in the administration, which facilitates the discussion and interpretation of the problem.’
‘Pedro Poveda undoubtedly in our opinion is one of the best lawyers in Spain in environmental matters. Having the collaboration of him is a guarantee of having the best knowledge and attention.’
‘Wide spectrum of knowledge and long experience in the area dealing with matters with a wide variety of clients, from private companies to public companies. Pedro Poveda’s team stands out especially for its treatment, empathy and generosity with its clients, trying to help in every circumstance, often exceeding its contractual obligations.’
‘Pedro Poveda, Eduardo Orteu Berrocal and Ester Abascal Iglesias stand out for their outstanding advice and dedication.’
Key clients
Urbaser, SA – Sertego Servicios Ambientales, SL
Sistemas Integrados de Gestión de Residuos de Envases
UNESID (Spanish Union of Iron and Steel Industries)
Rota Maritime & Ship Candler Ltd
ASELIP (Asociación de Empresas de Limpieza Pública)
EMGRISA.
ASPAPEL (Asociación Española de Fabricantes de Pasta, Papel y Cartón)
CONSORCIO DE INDUSTRIAS DEL CAUCHO
UTE ALBADA
ADELTA
AEVERSU
ALMAR WATER SERVICIOS ESPAÑA S.L.
PEYSA AGRICOLA S.L.
ANGEREA, FER, REPACAR y Gremi Recuperación Catalunya
FLUIDRA S.L.
SOCAMEX
TRAGSATEC
Work highlights
- Acts as adviser to Spain’s main recycling and waste management systems, supporting in the formulating of draft legislation, particularly the preparation of legal opinions on the revision of the Waste Directives.
- Provides ongoing advice to the Ministry for Ecological Transition concerning regulatory development for water planning, water public constitutional and legal coordination, wastewater and water reuse legal framework.
- Advises urban waste management company Urbaser on the regulation of administrative concessions and public procurement.
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Hogan Lovells International LLP is a popular choice for energy, mining, life sciences and chemicals-sector companies, which seek the team’s advice on regulatory matters, administrative proceedings and environmental issues connected to major projects. Waste management is a particular area of expertise for the department. Lawyers from across the firm’s network are involved in its Business Integrity and Sustainable Development service, which assists clients in regulatory matters, financing, litigation and investigations. Santiago Garrido left the firm in December 2021, and Helena Villena Romera left in January 2022.
Other key lawyers:
David Antón
Testimonials
‘Exquisite treatment and professional expertise.’
Key clients
SIGRE Medicamento y Medio Ambiente
Fundación ECOLEC
Sertego Servicios Medioambientales SL (Sertego)
DS Smith
Urbaser
Madrid regional government
Work highlights
- Acts as SIGRE’s counsel on a daily basis, providing legal advice on permitting, regulatory and environmental matters.
- Advises Fundación ECOLEC on all aspects, from agreements with partners and distributors, to handling permits with regional authorities, sanctioning procedures, etc.
- Advising Sertego on environmental regulations regarding waste oil treatment.
Uría Menéndez
Uría Menéndez fields a dedicated team of environmental law experts, who ‘stand out for their deep knowledge of environmental law and mastery of related practices‘. The firm has been active in environmental law for 25 years and as such has a well-established reputation in the field, with experience in carbon trading, soil pollution, waste, water and natural spaces. Recently, the team has been particularly busy assisting clients with permitting issues, as well as judicial proceedings, including both contentious-administrative and criminal proceedings. Barcelona-based administrative and environment law specialist Juan Antonio Loste and counsel Jesús Sedano in Madrid, who has considerable experience before the contentious-administrative courts and the Constitutional Court, jointly head the practice. Other key practitioners include counsels Jaime Calvo Retuerto and Noemí Blázquez.
Practice head(s):
Juan Antonio Loste; Jesús Sedano
Other key lawyers:
Jaime Calvo Retuerto; Noemí Blázquez; Elena Picó Barandiarán; Bárbara Fernández Cobo
Testimonials
‘The Uría team has great knowledge and access to information greater than ours. We see it as very powerful in the environmental practice.’
‘Jesus Sedano. We appreciate his availability and understanding of the issues raised, as well as the inner workings of our company.’
‘They stand out for their deep knowledge of environmental law and mastery of related practices.’
‘Communication skills and empathy with the client. Proactivity and assertiveness. I’d highlight Jaime Calvo Retuerto.’
‘I would highlight their knowledge of the affected sector and specific applicable regulations related to the matter.’
‘Knowledge of the sector. Availability. Ease of communication and synthesis. I would recommend Jesus Sedano.’
‘Experience and knowledge in environmental matters. The network of contacts they have is very important.’
‘Availability, flexibility and adaptation to the ideas/culture of our company. Expert knowledge in environmental matters.’
Ceca Magán Abogados
Highly regarded environmental law and climate change expert María José Rovira brought her practice to Ceca Magán Abogados in 2019 and quickly established a strong and active practice with the firm, collaborating with other experts in corporate law, dispute resolution and tax to provide a wide-ranging service to clients. The team counts large industrial associations and public-sector entities among its clients, which it advises on water use and water consumption, waste disposal and regulation, carbon trading and environmental authorisations, among other areas. Litigator Emilio Gude Menéndez is also noted.
Practice head(s):
Maria José Rovira
Other key lawyers:
Emilio Gude Menéndez
Testimonials
‘The Ceca Magan team have always shown great involvement and availability with the needs we had as clients.’
‘I would highlight María José Rovira and Emilio Gude.’
‘Highly professional, queries answered clearly. They handled the case case efficiently even during the pandemic.’
‘Their knowledge and specialisation allow us to work on very specific highly specialised issues, where CECA MAGAN gives an excellent answer.’
‘I would highlight its knowledge and its close relationship with the client. This is essential to create a relationship of trust. That makes it much easier for the client to work and the predisposition to open up about the issues. Maria Jose Rovira excels in her knowledge, closeness, and problem solving.’
‘The team is very good.’
‘Knowledge of the business world and the industry. Interest in underlying technical issues, which are very relevant in this field.’
‘Maria Jose Rovira always responds in a comprehensive and timely manner.’
Key clients
FERTISAC SL. GRUPO MEDIFER
CRM SYNERGIES, S.L.
ASPAPEL
FUNDACIÓN BIODIVERSIDAD
SENSIENT FRAGRANCES S.A.U.
GRIEG GREEN
DABITRON MICROGRID CANARIAS, S.L.
WIKBORG REIN LLP, UK office. Norway Legal Firm
ANTIBIOTICOS LEON BIOPHARMA, ADL
TRANSA, TRANSFORMACIONES AGRÍCOLAS DE BADAJOZ, S.A.
CONSEJO INSULAR AGUAS DE LA GOMERA
MOVIALSA S.A. (Grupo Huertas)
PTECO2
ADELMA
THIRD BRIDGE
BALL
FEIQUE
Work highlights
- Provided legal support to a client on transboundary movement waste, in particular to move ships and oil rigs from Spain to Turkey when the waste is recycled.
- Advised a company which oversees large renewable projects on behalf of investment funds and transnational companies.
- Advising new clients on various environmental matters.
Clifford Chance
Jaime Almenar leads the environment practice at Clifford Chance, which is highlighted for ‘adding value with innovative solutions‘. The firm has been particularly active in clean hydrogen projects, and the establishment of its firm-wide Clean Hydrogen Taskforce illustrated its focus on this area; experts from across its global renewables group assist clients in project development, financing and M&A, among other areas. Senior associate Clara Alcaraz is a name to note in this field in Spain. The department is also regularly engaged by clients to advise on complex environmental aspects of renewable energy projects, and it has developed particular expertise in sustainable financing. Barcelona-based counsel Carme Briera advises on the environmental impact of mining, soil pollution and energy generation, and in the context of M&A and finance transactions. Finance expert José Guardo, regulatory and public law specialist José Luis Zamarro and senior associate Eugenio Fernández-Rico are also key members of the team.
Practice head(s):
Jaime Almenar
Other key lawyers:
Carme Briera; Clara Alcaraz; Eugenio Fernández-Rico; José Luis Zamarro; José Guardo
Testimonials
‘This firm stands out for its flexibility and for adding value with innovative solutions.’
‘Eugenio Fernández-Rico stands out in particular for being very decisive and oriented to solve problems to make life easier for the client.’
Key clients
Iberdrola
EQT
Soladvent
Finerge
Caixabank S.A.
Termosolar Alvarado, S.L.
Banco Santander
Allianz Global Investors GmbH
Natixis, Spanish Branch
Amazon
Cubico Sustainable Investments Spain, S.L.
Total Solar
Atlas Renewable Energy
Grenergy Renovables
Acciona
TPG Global, LLC
Cuatrecasas
Household name companies, including major players in the energy and chemicals sectors, turn to Cuatrecasas for assistance in regulatory, contentious and project-related environmental law matters. Particular areas of knowledge for the team include air, land and water pollution, waste management, air emissions and climate change. From the Barcelona office, Yolanda Guerra advises clients on urban planning, land use, environmental matters and climate change. Environment, energy and administrative law partner Luis Pérez de Ayala is a name to note in Madrid.
Practice head(s):
Luis Pérez de Ayala
Other key lawyers:
Yolanda Guerra; Joaquín Lozano
Key clients
Q-ENERGY
ENLIGHT
COMPAÑÍA LOGÍSTICA DE HIDROCARBUROS
MAPFRE
IBERDROLA
CEMENTOS COSMOS
COSENTINO
ARCOS SUN INVEST
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL COMPANIES (ANEPMA)
BERRYNEST SAT:
Work highlights
- Advising Compañía Logística de Hidrocarburos on regulatory matters, including environmental aspects of managing and developing a waste management plant in Algeciras (Cádiz).
- Advising Iberdrola on reviewing its corporate governance system, particularly its environmental policies.
- Advising Mapfre on environmental issues, including soil pollution in some plots of land in the 22@ district in Barcelona.
Del Pozo & De La Cuadra
Major energy and industrial companies turn to specialised environment, energy and natural resources boutique Del Pozo & De La Cuadra for assistance in a range of environmental law matters. Waste management and wastewater are notable areas of expertise, as are soil pollution, protected areas, fauna and flora, and hazardous substances, and the team is also equipped to advise clients on the environmental aspects of M&A transactions, and litigation. Covadonga del Pozo leads the team, which includes key associate María Soto, who re-joined the firm in September 2020 from an in-house position.
Practice head(s):
Covadonga del Pozo
Other key lawyers:
María Soto
Key clients
Banco Santander
Transfesa Group
URSA Ibérica Aislantes SA
Knorr-Bremse
Enerquat
Bio-Oils Group
Agroamb Group
CEAMSA
Acerinox Group
Altamira Asset Management
OSSA
Diggia Group
Evergreen Legal SLP
CAPOA Association
Elektrosol
Grupo Reciclarte
Tresmares Capital
Work highlights
- Advised a biofuels manufacturer on an administrative proceeding defending the classification of fuel produced from waste oils and used cooking oils in its facilities as a product fully marketable instead of maintaining its waste original condition with market restrictions.
- Advising the owner of a large building in Madrid whose soil and groundwaters are highly polluted as a consequence of the fuel storage activities developed nearby by a third party.
- Advised a client on its land reforestation activities in Spain with generation of long-term carbon sequestration rights.
Garrigues
Garrigues provides a ‘comprehensive service in environmental matters, not only from a legal perspective but also a technical one‘. Of particular note is its track record in major energy projects and M&A, where it advises on a range of environmental law issues. Its consulting arm G-advisory was established in 2000 and has since then participated in a large number of projects, where it advises from a technical, economic and strategic perspective on energy, environment, sustainability and compliance matters. Highly experienced principal associate Victoria Esteban del Palacio receives strong praise, as do principal associate Javier Toribio Jiménez and counsel Xavier Ruiz de Loizaga Solé. Alfredo Fernández Rancaño leads the public law and environment departments, with support from Javier Fernández Rivaya and ‘exceptional lawyer‘ David Sanz Pérez.
Practice head(s):
Alfredo Fernández Rancaño; Javier Fernández Rivaya; Victoria Esteban del Palacio
Other key lawyers:
David Sanz Pérez; Xavier Ruiz de Loizaga Solé; Javier Toribio Jiménez; Miguel Loya del Río; Francisco Javier García Martínez
Testimonials
‘The Garrigues team is a highly specialised team in the practice of the environment. Its special understanding of the sector, not only from a legal point of view but also from a business perspective, makes the advice complete and practical. In addition, its accessibility and availability make day-to-day issues dynamic and the problems consulted are resolved promptly. When a joint, legal and technical study is required, the Garrigues-G-advisory team is a service that is difficult to find in the rest of the market.’
‘Victoria Esteban has been very specialised for many years in the field of the environment, she knows perfectly the issues that affect our sector, and not only from the legal point of view, which makes her advice agile and complete. She is decisive, technically very complete, and always available to support both day-to-day issues and complex matters that require a more in-depth analysis.’
‘The Garrigues environment team led by David Sanz does an absolutely spectacular job. They reach such a degree of integration and knowledge of reality that they seem like the internal advisory team itself.’
‘David Sanz is a spectacular person and an exceptional lawyer.’
‘Victoria Esteban del Palacio is a great lawyer, with the highest knowledge in the environment, renewable energy, urban planning and administrative law. Always available and ready to help her clients, very creative with solutions and extremely technical and rigorous with her opinions, opinions and reports.’
‘It is a well-formed team, and with exceptional leadership from Mr. Javier Toribio. I’d highlight the coordination and camaraderie between the different members of the department, as well as with other departments of the firm.’
‘Garrigues Environment team offers a comprehensive service in environmental matters, not only from a legal perspective but also a technical one, as the team is made up not only of people with solid legal experience but also in its technical aspect with Engineers, Chemists, etc., providing a very broad and complete vision of the environmental and energy problems that arise.’
‘The experience I have with David Sanz and Xavier Ruiz de Loizaga is unbeatable. They are competent, fast in execution, excellent technical quality, forward-looking and imaginative in seeking solutions to the problems we pose to them.’
Key clients
VELA ENERGY
ANCALA PARTNERS, L.L.P.
CENTROS COMERCIALES CARREFOUR, S.A.
ALFANAR
MERCADONA
SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY WIND FARMS, S.A.
AGRUPACIÓN DE FABRICANTES DE CEMENTOS DE CATALUÑA
SOCIEDAD GALLEGA DEL MEDIO AMBIENTE, S.A.
ARCELORMITTAL ESPAÑA, S.A.
GUARDIAN INDUSTRIES EUROPE, S.A.R.L.
LAFARGE HOLCIM ESPAÑA, S.A.
INVESTMENT COMPANY IN MINING PROJECTS
GMP GROUP
MINAS AGUAS TEÑIDAS, S.A.U.
SNIACE
Work highlights
- Advised Ancala Partners on the acquisition of a 49% stake in Ence Energía y Celulosa’s renewables subsidiary Ence Energía.
- Provides ongoing legal advice to Mercadona, including on atmosphere and greenhouse gases permits
- Advised Q-Energy on several acquisitions of majority stakes in holding companies of operating solar photovoltaic plants and in the purchase of assets such as operating solar photovoltaic plants, thermosolar plants and greenfield projects.
GTA Villamagna Abogados
Noted for its ‘great theoretical and practical knowledge‘, GTA Villamagna Abogados stands out for its work in real estate, hotels, agriculture and mining-related environmental matters. The firm is well versed in environmental permits and environmental impact assessments, and often advises on the environmental law aspects of sales and acquisitions of energy and industrial projects. Ernesto García-Trevijano leads the department and maintains a diverse practice, covering environment, urban planning, construction and public procurement; Marta Plaza and Jesús Estrada are also noted.
Practice head(s):
Ernesto García-Trevijano
Other key lawyers:
Marta Plaza; Jesús Estrada; Javier García
Testimonials
‘The GTA office is extraordinarily efficient and decisive in public law. Within this branch, environmental regulations are increasingly demanding, and we are satisfied with the work of GTA.’
‘I would highlight Ernesto Trevijano Garnica, Marta Plaza and Jesus Estrada.’
‘Great theoretical and practical knowledge, availability, adaptation of economic proposals to the type of issue’
‘Marta Plaza has great legal and practical knowledge, quick and precise answers, and adaptation to different types of issues.’
Key clients
OROVALLE MINERALS, S.L.
CEMENTOS PORTLAND VALDERRIVAS, S.A.
SALMEDINA TRATAMIENTO DE RESIDUOS INERTES, S.L.
PROMONTORIA COLISEUM REAL ESTATE, S.L.
BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA S.A (BBVA)
DIVARIAN PROPIEDAD, S.A.
UTE CESPA GESTIÓN DE RESIDUOS, S.A. – ADALMO, S.L.
ELECTROQUÍMICA DEL NOROESTE, S.A.U (ELNOSA)
TÉCNICA Y NATURALEZA, S.A.
SANTA TERESITA S.L
Work highlights
- Acts as lead advisor to Orovalle Minerals in legal issues related to the daily operations of all its mining rights and research permits, located in the Rio Narcea Gold Belt of Asturias, that have been granted by the competent authorities.
- Advised Cementos Portland Valderrivas on obtaining the necessary environmental licenses and authorisations to amend the process of cement production in its factory located in Alcalá de Guadaíra (Seville) by adding non-hazardous waste through energy valorisation.
- Advised Salmedina Tratamiento de Residuos Inertes on the elaboration of a proposal to be submitted to the Community of Madrid, setting out the different improvement measures, from both a practical and regulatory point of view, to combat the significant increase in illegal dumping of inert waste.
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
With broad expertise in litigation, energy and environmental law, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP excels in environment-related contentious-administrative proceedings and high-value transactions and projects. The firm has been especially active in green hydrogen and offshore wind energy projects in Spain, and its environment group is also regularly called on for advice in the context of major infrastructure, mining and solar energy projects. Iria Calviño is an expert in environmental permitting, climate change, soil contamination, sanctioning proceedings and contentious-administrative appeals, and leads the firm’s ESG initiative from the Madrid office. She heads the environment practice, with support from Ignacio Paz and Miguel Riaño, of counsel José Ramón Mourenza and senior associates Esther Lumbreras and Miguel Ángel Barroso López.
Practice head(s):
Iria Calviño
Other key lawyers:
Ignacio Paz; Miguel Riaño; José Ramón Mourenza; Esther Lumbreras; Miguel Ángel Barroso López
Key clients
Acciona Energía
ERG SpA
PAI Partners
Iberdrola
Berkeley Minera España
Full Moon Investments
Work highlights
- Advising Acciona and Plug Power on their joint venture to establish a leading green hydrogen platform for the Iberian Peninsula which will serve clients in Spain and Portugal.
- Advising Iberdrola on the administrative appeals and the contentious-administrative proceedings related to the review of public concessions where some hydroelectric plants are located as a consequence of the entry into force of Royal Decree 1/2016 introducing new environmental flows.
- Advising Full Moon Investments on the obtainment of the relevant authorisations for the implementation of its cannabis plantation for medicinal purposes.
Pérez-Llorca
Pérez-Llorca‘s highly experienced environment and climate change group balances a busy and varied practice, and acts for companies in the utilities, oil and gas, financial services and transport sectors, among others. The firm’s well-established strengths in corporate and M&A and projects ensure a steady stream of transactional work, with the firm’s environmental experts regularly called on for advice on connected environmental liabilities and environmental insurance. Practice head Alberto Ibort Franch stands out for his work in waste management, soil contamination and environmental impact declarations and permits for land projects. Senior associates José Del Saz-Orozco, Marta Velasco and Paz Pardo and associate Beatriz Álvarez are also regularly involved in the department’s major mandates.
Practice head(s):
Alberto Ibort Franch
Other key lawyers:
José del Saz-Orozco; Marta Velasco; Paz Pardo; Beatriz Álvarez; Clara Carazo
Key clients
Cepsa
Suez
Ingka Centres España (IKEA Group)
National Mineral Water Association (ANEABE)
LG Electronics
VGO Capital Partners LLP (investment fund)
Environmental National Accreditation Entity (ENAC)
Ric Energy
Goodman Helena Logistics
Ekistics Property Advisors
Work highlights
- Provides legal advice to Suez on carrying out an environmental analysis of the status of 33 water treatment installations located in the Canary Islands.
- Continues to work as the environmental legal advisors of Ingka Centres on its developments located in Spain, and providing legal advice regarding the development of a strategic renewable energy project.
- Providing legal advice to LG Electronics on environmental matters, carrying out an environmental audit of the company’s Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment management.
Andersen
Andersen‘s environment practice was significantly boosted with the arrival of highly experienced partner Arancha Bengoechea Bartolomé to the Madrid office from PwC Tax & Legal Services in July 2020; she and Valencia-based natural resources, energy and environmental law specialist Carlos Minguez now jointly head the ‘extraordinary‘ team. In this field, the firm stands out in particular for its vast knowledge of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and for its track record in advising Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) on plastic, packaging and electrical waste, among other areas.
Practice head(s):
Arancha Bengoechea Bartolomé; Carlos Minguez
Other key lawyers:
José Miguel López; Carlos Morales
Testimonials
‘It is an extraordinary team. They have extensive knowledge of environmental matters and bring their great practical experience to bear. It is a team with several seniors and juniors that it is not usual to find.‘
‘Carlos Mingues and Carlos Morales are excellent.’
Key clients
ECOEMBES
ECOTIC
AMBILAMP
ESIC BUSINESS AND MARKETING SCHOOL
IBERIA
BERGÉ
AEDAS HOME OPCO, S.L.U.
CIOMAR
FEIQUE (Federación Empresarial de la Industria Química Española)
AYUNTAMIENTO DE MOGÁN
AYUNTAMIENTO DE AYAMONTE
VF HOLDING WORLDWIDE
HAYA REAL ESTATE
FUNESPAÑA (GRUPO MAPFRE)
COVINIL
SIG
ACE
BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO
AISBL THE ALLIANCE FOR BEVERAGE CARTONS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
CANON
INGENIERÍA DE SISTEMAS PARA LA DEFENSA DE ESPAÑA
UTE MUNDIPLAN
FARMACIAS TREBOL , SL
PROYECTOS DE PEDREÑA
COLEGIO DE INGENIEROS AERONÁUTICOS DE ESPAÑA
Work highlights
- On behalf of client FUNDACIÓN ECOTIC, challenging the RD WEEE (as permitted by Spanish administrative law) because some of its provisions conflicted with the LRSC.
- Provides advice to several PROs regarding the regulation and articulation of the compensation mechanism.
- Provided Sabic with upstream environmental regulatory advice on an ongoing basis and on all environmental issues.
ECIJA
ECIJA has quickly established an impressive sustainability and environment practice, which attracts clients from a diverse range of sectors, including regional governments, charities and NGOs, and sports clubs. The ‘brilliant team of experienced and trustworthy lawyers‘ is ‘very well positioned in terms of waste management, ecological transition and circular economy‘ matters, and is also well versed in urban planning and land use. Environmental law and urban planning specialist Víctor Moralo ‘combines the highest legal skills with tireless commitment and steadfast determination to achieve the client’s success‘. Magdalena Bertram, Jordi Bonet and David Sánchez Lanuza are other names to note.
Other key lawyers:
Víctor Moralo; Jordi Bonet; David Sánchez Lanuza; Magdalena Bertram
Testimonials
‘The firm is very well positioned in terms of waste management, ecological transition and circular economy, both at the level of advice to companies and regional governments. It has participated as an advisor in the drafting of waste legislation.’
‘Good knowledge of the sector and transparency, making the relationship highly trustworthy.’
‘From my point of view, the main virtue of this firm is its knowledge of the sector. This makes them know perfectly how to propose strategies, solutions and actions. And also, very efficiently. I would also highlight the great personal treatment, which always facilitates communication. And specifically, I would highlight Víctor Moralo.’
‘They are an expert firm and very diligent in the matters in which they work. Especially in environmental issues such as waste management and water.’
‘Without a doubt, Victor Moralo is an outstanding member of the Ecija team, highly specialised in the issues that we require.’
‘For me, the rigor with which they deal with matters, specifically Víctor Moralo in the environmental area stands out for his humility and professionalism, being a heavyweight in terms of detailed analysis and proposal of solutions; for me this is a quality of excellence in a lawyer.’
‘Ecija has a brilliant team of experienced and trustworthy lawyers led by Victor Moralo. Constantly available and putting himself, and the team, out on behalf of their clients, his commitment and expertise can assure the best outcome in all cases. Their knowledge on the subject – environmental law at local, regional, national and international levels- is up to date, deep and interrelated to other relevant issues. Our experience proves that Ecija are not only dependable and skilled, but think out of the box and present creative and efficient solutions which have been emulated at EU institutions’
‘Victor Moralo combines the highest legal skills with tireless commitment and steadfast determination to achieve the client’s success. His attention to detail and to possible twists in the process together with his unwavering tenacity are crucial assets. As well as a brilliant lawyer, Mr Moralo has a warm and trustworthy personality with a sense of humor. Always ready to go that extra mile for his clients, his reputation in the field is ever-growing.’
Key clients
Atletico de Madrid Football Club
LG Electronics
Melia Hotels
MAKRO
GreenPeace
Tomra
Regional Government of the Balearic Islands
Regional Government of Valencia
Regional Government of Catalonia
Artificial Intelligence Structures
INTERNACO
ANDRIA SERVICIOS INMOBILIARIOS
Madrid Town Council
SAREB Bank
PARCESA
Friends of Earth NGO
Work highlights
- Acts as advisor on environmental legal issues to Greenpeace on the case brought by it and Spain’s other major ecological groups before the European Commission against the Spanish state for failure to comply with the preparatory objective for reutilisation and recycling.
- Advising Makro on the adoption of measures to comply with the provisions contained in waste prevention, recycling, reuse and restriction of disposable plastic products such as coffee capsules and single-use plastic tableware.
- Acts as advisor on environmental law issues to Melia Hotels.
Watson Farley & Williams LLP
Watson Farley & Williams LLP ‘s ‘extensive practice in the field of renewable energy and the environment makes the firm’s advice complete and global‘. Highly regarded environmental law expert Luis González García brought his practice to the firm in September 2020, building on the firm’s traditional strengths in energy and projects. He joined David Diez, who has broad experience across regulated sectors, environment, energy and public law; the pair can regularly be found advising on complex environmental law aspects connected with major energy and real estate projects and acquisitions.
Practice head(s):
Luis González García; David Diez
Other key lawyers:
Lidia Fernández; Paula Pérez; Alejandro Martínez
Testimonials
‘The WFW Environment team has enormous technical competence. In addition, it participates in numerous projects and advises various clients, which allows the firm to be permanently up-to-date with the “state of the art” and in contact with the different Administrations. The combination of both factors is key in the energy sector, particularly in a regulatory context. Additionally, the degree of seniority within the firm is very high.’
‘I highlight Luis González for his treatment with the client, his ability to anticipate problems, his professionalism and his high degree of knowledge of the regulations and jurisprudence.’
‘The team is multidisciplinary, perfectly organised, they always know who to derive the requirement within the team to be able to give a good answer. Adaptability to the needs of the project, the client, the financial institutions, etc. Pro-active and pro-business vision.’
‘Comprehensive knowledge of the energy sector and the problems associated with it. State-of-the-art monitoring of matters and both legislative and jurisprudential developments. Fast communication and great availability. Its extensive practice in the field of renewable energy and the environment makes the firm’s advice complete and global.’
‘David Díez Marcos and Luis González García stand out in practice both for their knowledge of the sector and for their involvement in the search for the best solution for the client.’
‘The WFW team perfectly combines a high legal knowledge with an extraordinary keeping of the sectorial news. David Diez and Luis Gonzalez are great lawyers who have intervened in the main due diligence and project finance processes for renewables in Spain since 2006, with high knowledge of environmental matters surrounding energy.’
Key clients
Caixabank
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP)
GREENALIA BIOMASS POWER SL
Noy Infrastructure & Energy Investment Fund (“Noy Fund”)
Dos Grados Capital, S.A.
Sonnedix
Bluefield
Villar Mir Energía, S.A.
Tayan Energy
Unión Española Fotovoltaica (UNEF)
EY Abogados
Ana López Muiña leads EY Abogados‘ planning and environment department, which fields multidisciplinary teams to assist clients in climate change, sustainability, urban planning, corporate, real estate and tax matters. Recently, the team has been particularly active advising on the environmental law aspects of real estate, industrial and infrastructure projects. Susana Orgillés Mañas is a key associate.
Practice head(s):
Ana López Muiña
Other key lawyers:
Susana Orgillés Mañas
Key clients
PARQUES REUNIDOS, S.A.
GESTAN MEDIOAMBIENTAL
ECOVIDRIO
COEXPAN
COMISIÓN GESTORA NUEVO APD8 LAS MARÍAS
ARIMA REAL ESTATE SOCIMI, S.A.
ENGEL & VÖLKERS
GROSVENOR GROUP LIMITED
GI INVESTMENTS
ARDIAN
ZETLAND
KNOWMAD REAL ESTATE
DEA CAPITAL
Work highlights
- Provides legal advice to Gestan Medioambiental on the environmental authorisation process for the implementation of a waste treatment plant with a capacity of 1,000,000 tonnes in A Coruña.
- Provided legal advice to Coexpan to obtain all the required environmental authorisations for the implementation of an industrial project in Alcalá de Henares, Madrid.
- Advised Parques Reunidos on obtaining the environmental authorisations and urban planning licences regarding the enlargement of Warner Park in Madrid, with a strong environmental impact from the archaeological point of view.
PwC Tax & Legal Services
The environment practice at PwC Tax & Legal Services sits within the firm’s broader public law department and handles a range of regulatory matters, with an emphasis on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime and waste management matters. The department has seen some significant changes, with the departures of Arancha Bengoechea and Pablo Baquero Sánchez in 2020 and 2021, respectively, but draws on the experience of environmental law and EPR expert Ana Orondo Iglesias, who was promoted to director.
Practice head(s):
Fernando Calancha Marzana
Other key lawyers:
Ana Orondo Iglesias
Testimonials
‘Technical rigor. Recommendations and guide in solving problems of interpretation of legislation with an important European scope.’
‘Comprehensive advice on waste management (community, regional and local regulations), specialization in SCRAPs, Extended Producer Responsibility, eComerce, circular economy, sustainability and public aid (European funds, regional aid, etc.). Comprehensive advice to Third Sector entities. The level of the professionals is outstanding.’
‘High degree of specialisation.’
Key clients
Suez Group
Aixeindar, S.A.
Refresco Iberia
Viena
Huawei
Winslaro
Sindicato de Regantes
Sancal
Tratamiento de neumáticos usados (TNU)
Work highlights
- Advising Establishment Viena on the current and ongoing regulatory framework regarding the main aspects of environmental sustainability that may affect the company.
- Advises Refresco on environmental matters and, specifically, the circular economy.
- Advised Tratamiento de Neumáticos Usados (TNU) on the adaptation of the company, its internal and external functioning, to the future requirements of the EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility).
Ramón y Cajal Abogados
The multidisciplinary team at Ramón y Cajal Abogados combines its expertise in environment, public, administrative, real estate and urban planning law to advise new and longstanding clients in the energy, infrastructure and real estate sectors, among others. Both contentious and non-contentious matters feature in the department’s workload, with seasoned litigation and environmental law expert Joaquín García Bernaldo de Quirós often taking a lead role on the practice’s key mandates. Criminal law partner Enrique Molina and public law and regulated sectors specialist Federico Lara are also key contacts.
Practice head(s):
Joaquín García Bernaldo de Quirós; Enrique Molina
Other key lawyers:
Federico Lara; Pablo Silván; Carlos Melón; Jorge Crespo; Raquel Enciso; Inmaculada Labrador; Patricia Porras; Ester Martín
Testimonials
‘Wisdom and good work in the interpretation and application of legal regulations.’
‘Joaquín García Bernaldo de Quirós is a wise person, with a legal training superior to any other specialist that I have known.’
‘The experience has been 100% satisfactory, the comparisons have always been in favor of this team’
‘I’d highlight Federico Lara.’
‘Excellent knowledge of the local industry’s environment and public bodies key persons and strategy. Exceptional knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework.’
‘Federico Lara and his team members are simply exceptional.’
‘The main asset, in addition to quality legal technical knowledge, is the preferential treatment that is felt. This proximity is not always found and in our opinion it is an asset.’
‘Exceptional wisdom and knowledge of Joaquín García Bernaldo de Quirós.’
Key clients
CANAL GESTIÓN LANZAROTE
VILLARICOS
HIDROELÉCTRICA EL RUMBLAR
CLUB DE MAR ALMERÍA
FCC
GRUPO ALMANZORA BAY
IBERDROLA INMOBILIARIA
ALMERÍA GYPSUM LTD., A SUBSIDIARY OF THE ETEX GROUP
CITY COUNCIL OF MOJÁCAR
APPA (RENEWABLE ENERGIES ASSOCIATION)
ASSOCIATION OF OWNERS OF THE ISLAND “VALDECAÑAS”.
APESAL (ASOCIACIÓN DE PROPIETARIOS DE ESTACIONES DE SERVICIO DE AMERÍA)
Work highlights
- Advised the Public Administration of Mojacár on the project to build a promenade.
- Assisted Iberdrola Inmobiliaria on an appeal before the Spanish Supreme Court against a court sentence regarding the annulment of the urban plan modifications of the towns of Lorca and Águilas.
- Advised Grupo Almanzora Bay, providing a legal report on the need to submit Almeria’s urbanism plan, to a strategic environmental assessment.