‘Clifford Chance has a stellar competition practice with an incredible team, who are open minded and ready to offer the best quality advice in the Spanish market. They are extremely cooperative and integrate seamlessly with clients’ in-house teams.’

‘Miguel Odriozola has vast knowledge of competition law and works together with his team to successfully resolve problems through a detailed study of the issues, always providing value-added solutions. He also has a great understanding of the issues and of clients’ needs. The rest of the team is also very impressive. Begoña Barrantes and Ana Latorre are both fundamental to the team and are very practical in their approach.’

‘Begoña Barrantes stands out for her great technical strength.’ 

‘A large team backed by a multidisciplinary firm that allows specialists from other areas of law to be brought in when the situation so requires.’

‘The Clifford Chance competition and EU law team is unique because of its close relationships with the client and level of involvement in each case, which I have never seen before. The team’s focus on looking out for the client’s interests, knowing the case perfectly and seeking out what is best for the client is unprecedented.’

‘The lawyers get involved in the case with a passion that I haven’t seen before. They want to help and put themselves in the client’s shoes. I would highlight the work of Ana Latorre and Diego Doménech in this regard.’

‘Clifford Chance’s competition and EU law practice remains a benchmark for us in Spain. It is the team we go to for matters that are most important to the company. This decision is the result of recognising the team’s technical excellence and intelligence in its strategic approach to matters before the European or Spanish competition authorities.’

‘The team have the intelligence to convince the authorities and resolve our cases. They work with us to facilitate the formation of a project team with our in-house lawyers. They have excellent technical legal training and business knowledge, and the team is led by a partner (more so than in any other law firm we have worked with). Miguel Odriozola and Belén Irissarry deserve to be highlighted.’

‘Garrigues’ lawyers know the law and the internal workings of the European Commission, and they understand and adjust to the needs of the client and think strategically. The team showed great commitment in dealing with our complex and sensitive matter over several years. They know when to mount a strong defence, when to negotiate effectively with the Commission and when to go to court. Their role has been key to the successful resolution of our matter, and our experience with them has been excellent.’

‘Alfonso Lamadrid and Luis Ortiz Blanco both demonstrated great technical strength in writing and in oral hearings. Alfonso Lamadrid stood out particularly for his design of long-term strategies, for his close communication with the client and for his skill in negotiating with the Commission. Luis Ortiz is a highly respected lawyer in the professional and academic world and highly valued by the competition authorities and by his fellow professionals.’

‘Garrigues’ antitrust team has the best antitrust lawyers in Spain. The team of partners and senior associates participate in major cases and major transactions in Spain. The technical quality of the team and their ability to understand the client’s business and commercial needs makes them stand out from other firms. By turning to Garrigues, you can be certain that a matter will be dealt with at the highest technical level and with a commercial approach. I would like to highlight the involvement of the partners in all cases.’

‘Oriol Armengol is one of the few lawyers in Spain who understands the issues affecting the digital market and has participated in most cases before the competition authority in that sector. His technical quality and personal involvement in matters make him stand out from the rest.’

‘We like that they are able to say whether we should go ahead with a case or transaction and explain it convincingly and seamlessly. Then they are exceptional when processing the files before the authorities. Jaime Pérez-Bustamante and Fredrik Löwhagen immediately grasp ideas, quickly describe the context and explain the situation in a way that is understandable.’

‘Jaime Pérez-Bustamante, Juan Passás and Barbara Rivera stand out for their mastery of the subject and of the CNMC’s scope and the minimum time limits before an important inspection or decision on the matter. Their command of English, which enables them to write documents in both languages, is also positively valued.’

‘They show total commitment to the client, looking for creative solutions that are not always the ones that everyone follows. They always try to go a step further in the defence of their client. In addition, they have excellent knowledge of the subject and make an in-depth study of the case from all perspectives.’

‘Juan Passás is a fantastic lawyer who is fully focused on delivering a tailored advice and identifying pragmatic solution to unexpected problems. I would like to praise his business-oriented approach and his availability.’

‘The Linklaters competition law team stands out for its professionalism and close relationships with clients, as well as for its focus on proposing legal solutions that adapt to the needs of the client’s business. It is a very balanced team, with some lawyers with a more technical focus and others with a more commercial/business focus. Likewise, its commitment to young lawyers stands out, giving them visibility when the matter does not require the intervention of the most senior partner or lawyers.’

‘We have worked with Juan Passás. His practical approach and simple explanations are perfect, so members of senior management who do not have a legal background can understand the legal advice provided.’

‘The team’s understanding of cases is fast and global. From the beginning, they set out a very effective strategy to achieve the interests of the client, with great results. They look at the issues exhaustively and from different perspectives, which gives rigour and originality to their approach, and they are able to extract what is most important from each case. Communication is very practical and fluid, avoiding heavy workloads for the client.’

‘Jaime Pérez-Bustamante stands out for his professionalism and rigour, as well as his sense of empathy.’

‘Their technical quality and experience is superior. They also manage to explain complex problems (and possible solutions) simply. They are able to help you make complicated decisions because they are not obvious or risk-free. Antonio Guerra deserves a special mention for his technical ability and experience.’

‘Their strong points are their extensive knowledge in competition matters, great knowledge of the sector and their full availability.’

‘The team stands out for its technical knowledge, excellent relationships with the regulators and great strategic vision.’

‘Alfonso Gutiérrez and Tomás Arranz are two of the best competition law lawyers in Spain. Their understanding of the issues on which the different cases centre is excellent; this is what makes them stand out above the rest of lawyers specialised in the subject matter.’

‘The Uría Menéndez team not only has the technical legal knowledge that is expected of any first-rate law firm, but also an extra understanding of the client and a specialised service is adapted to each client’s needs. Compared to other firms in Madrid, its strong point is in adapting to the needs of the client in each case, regardless of the team in charge. Uría Menéndez stands out above other firms in terms of quality and personalised attention. The firm regularly sends out an adapted bulletin with legal developments that specifically affect each area of the client’s business.’

‘Very available, brilliant and technically able.’

‘Beyond the deep knowledge they have, I would like to highlight their availability in urgent situations when we have needed their advice without prior notice.’

‘Both Antonio Martínez and Jaime Rodríguez differ from their competitors due to their high degree of commitment and their close relationships with clients, which creates trust between the parties.’

‘José María Jiménez-Laiglesia and his team are great lawyers with enormous experience in competition matters. They propose ideas and suggestions that are highly valued.’

‘Fantastic experience in merger control and antitrust litigation, with a special mention for private enforcement litigation.’

‘Iñigo Igartua is one of the best known Spanish lawyers and deserves it. He is always available and responsive, with very good advice on every topic.’

‘The Gómez-Acebo & Pombo team seeks solutions in very complicated competition law matters. They obtain from the client all the information they need to be able to give complete and coherent advice. In the city of Barcelona there are few teams with that ability to get involved.’

‘Iñigo Igartua, in my opinion, is one of the best competition lawyers. He studies each topic in depth to help the client find the solution they need.’

‘The Ramón y Cajal team is agile and practical, focusing on the actual problems that we face, with a good knowledge of our needs and internal procedures. They keep us promptly informed of both legislative developments and news in relation to specific issues that affect us, not in a generic or abstract way.’

‘We work with Pedro Suarez and Pablo González de Zárate. They are easily accessible, have a good understanding of the urgency and importance of the issues, and are knowledgeable about the practice area. Their advice is precise and useful.’

‘They understand our business model, our concerns and the requirements that have to be covered when it came to having a legal service perfectly, going beyond simply resolving or giving technical advice on a specific issue.’

‘Pedro Suárez and Javier Salinas stand out for the technical quality of their service, and their experience, availability, and understanding of the client’s requirements and business model.’

‘The team have extensive legal training, a lot of experience, know the workings of our company very well, are permanently available and produce high-quality documents. They work together with total coordination and also coordinate the external economic advisers. Finally, they are flexible and competent in dealing with legal proceedings. This is what matters to us.’

‘Pedro Suáez and Javier Salinas are highly trained lawyers, who have a good academic background, analytical skills, and a great work capacity. They are rigorous, independent, and think critically and with initiative.’

‘In addition to their expertise, they are fast, efficient and agile with immediate response times. We can immediately get in touch with Pedro Suárez and Javier Pérez.’

‘Pedro Suárez and Pablo González de Zarate should be singled out. They are our go-to advisers for Spanish competition law. Great to work with, great team players.’

‘Specialist competition boutique. Responsive, proactive and friendly.’

‘Pedro Callol is energetic, focused, responsive and well respected.’

‘As a boutique law firm their focus is entirely on EU and Spanish competition law, which ensures they have broad experience and in-depth knowledge of this area of law, the right approach and strategies for their clients and are dedicated to handling cases successfully.’

‘Pedro Callol is very impressive. He is always in control of the case because of his outstanding strategic skills and thorough knowledge of the law, as well as the commercial aspects of the field in which his clients are operating. He is always accessible and very pleasant to deal with.’

‘The team are highly specialised and it gives clients a sense of security to know they are managing the file.’

‘As it is a boutique-type office, the client service is very attentive and transparent.’

‘The CMS team strive to learn everything related to the client’s business and anticipate their needs. They are very empathetic – they not only see things from a legal perspective but also take into account the business they are providing the service to.’

‘Their best quality is their close communication and empathy with clients. They know how to get down from their position as lawyers to be able to connect with the business and its needs. They adapt a lot.’

‘The CMS Albiñana & Suarez de Lezo team provides the necessary experience and specialisation for competition and EU law matters. Its approach has been essential for decision-making in these aspects.’

‘The team stands out for its experience and knowledge, as well as its professionalism, close relationships with clients and high level of availability. We would like to highlight Carlos Vérgez, Aida Oviedo and Edward Crespo.’

‘Pragmatic and solid lawyers for mid-market transactions. Value for money.’

‘Carlos Vérgez has extensive experience in competition law. He is also charming and trustworthy.’

‘The CMS competition law practice in Spain is simply fantastic! Carlos Vérgez is the key to its success. In my experience, this practice group has a very sophisticated level of expertise in every phase of competition law involving an M&A transaction. Carlos Vérgez and his team provide excellent, efficient and seamless legal services. Their advice is very commercial and they are very collaborative, which is a wonderful value add. The entire team are also especially helpful in keeping the entire process moving forward, whether it is with opposing counsel, government authorities or other members of the client’s team.’

‘Carlos Vergez is a true standout. He has a keen and deep expertise in the field of competition law. Additionally, I truly valued how he was always able to communicate and discuss legal issues with me and my non-legal colleagues in a clear, concise and very comprehensible manner. He was also very helpful in addressing commercial issues in addition to legal matters. He is the type of outside counsel whom I always felt comfortable inviting on calls with my business colleagues. This was very valuable to me because it helped me meaningfully manage risk and expectations on behalf of my organisation. Finally, it was simply a pleasure working with Carlos – he is lovely and was always a bright part of my workday! Potential clients will find that Carlos Vérgez and his team are a ten out of ten!’

‘Joaquín Hervada is an expert in competition law. He is focused on his work and his clients, and is very quick and at the same time attentive to detail in his way of working.’

‘Extensive knowledge of merger processes in our sector and good management of the relationship with the authority, which brings added value to their advice.’

‘Joaquin Hervada and Rafael Maldonado keep us up to date with the possible options when considering a transaction and filing with the authorities.’

‘Hogan Lovells has a team of highly technical, meticulous and highly experienced lawyers. When you work with Hogan Lovells you can see that they are used to managing complex situations.’

‘Casto Gonzalez Páramo is an exceptional lawyer, with extensive experience in competition law. Casto has a strategic vision and knowledge of the client’s needs that allows him to provide precise advice at all times to detect or solve problems.’

‘It has a team that knows our sector and is very used to working on international projects.’

‘Casto González Páramo has great knowledge of the subject and the sector. Easily accessible. He understands matters quickly and is very open to the client’s business needs.’

‘The team is solid, hard-working, goes deep into the issues and always looks for the best solution. They have perfectly adapted to new technologies and other ways of working for clients without any reduction in the quality of the service.’

‘In particular, I would like to highlight Casto González-Páramo’s knowledge, his in-depth study of the issues without forgetting nuances, his overarching strategy when dealing with problems, his clarity when explaining legal issues to people who are not so knowledgeable about them, and his calmness in moments of great tension.’

‘Francisco Cantos has extensive experience in this area.’

‘The team’s knowledge of competition law is unmatched. We have not seen such a meticulous and detailed way of working at other firms. They work well with international clients. Their management of files is completely reliable.’

‘The team stand out for their knowledge, treatment of clients, trustworthiness and delivery.’

‘The firm’s experience, knowledge and ability to stay up to date mean that it is constantly advising us on any competition law issue that may affect any of our usual activities, as well as any new projects. In this sense, the work of Raimundo Ortega is impeccable.’

‘Good availability, close communication with clients and advice that is adapted to clients’ requirements.’

‘Raimundo Ortega is a great connoisseur of the subject. He always offers us solutions and also has the ability to explain the issues in a way that makes them easier to understand.’

‘The team stand out for their technical knowledge, previous experience and good communication skills and availability. They keep in close contact with clients and understand the organisation so they can identify problems when trying to resolve cases. They speak English fluently and know how to express technical legal concepts in English. The partner responsible for the case is available and we deal with them directly, so doubts are resolved more quickly.’

‘Raimundo Ortega provides a 360-degree approach that none can beat in the Spanish market. He has two very important skills: his expertise in competition and European Union law and the commercial knowledge to understand the impact of these areas of law on a company’s business.’

‘They are a team with great experience in this area. They stand out from other firms for their versatility to adapt to other sectors and for their customer service.’

‘Marta Delgado stands out for her great ability to understand complex legal problems in new sectors in situations without legal or jurisprudential precedents.’

‘Great availability and great knowledge of our business. They anticipate our needs. Raimundo Ortega is a great professional who knows exactly what we need and what our areas for improvement are. We couldn’t have anyone better.’