Uría Menéndez > Madrid, Spain > Firm Profile

Uría Menéndez
PRÍNCIPE DE VERGARA 187
PLAZA RODRÍGUEZ URÍA
28002 MADRID
Spain

Spain > Banking and finance Tier 1

With a strong presence in Iberia and extensive experience in cross-border transactions involving Europe and Latin America, Uría Menéndez is a key port of call for both lenders and borrowers seeking advice on complex financing transactions. The team manages a diverse workload where corporate lending features alongside project finance, restructurings, asset finance, and acquisition finance deals. Ángel Pérez López heads the practice, bringing significant expertise in corporate, acquisition, and project finance, along with a proven track record in debt restructuring. Carlos de Cárdenas Smith is frequently sought after for his advice on high-profile banking, finance, and restructuring transactions, while Sebastián Sáenz de Santa María is a name to note for corporate and project finance, as well as debt restructuring. Luis Jiménez stands out for his financing work in the energy sector. Ignacio Zapata excels in acquisition finance and structured transactions.

Practice head(s):

Ángel Pérez López

Testimonials

‘The UM team stands out for its technical qualifications and its extensive experience even in the most innovative segments.’

‘UM stands out, in addition to its experience and knowledge in the field, for its clear focus on business without neglecting the legal/risk part. Angel Perez is worth mentioning.’

‘Sector knowledge, hard work, and experience in closing the largest and most complex operations in Spain.’

‘It is the best team we have ever worked with. José Félix and the team have done an excellent job at the execution and human level. Not only have they produced robust documentation quickly, but they have also managed relationships, expectations and setbacks in an outstanding manner.’

‘They are hard-working and committed people who are also good people.’

Key clients

Banco Santander

CaixaBank

Amrest Holdings

Goldman Sachs Asset Management

MGG Investment Group

Lar SOCIMI

Work highlights

  • Advising a syndicate of Spanish lenders on the refinancing of the € 2.9bn financial indebtedness of Celsa Group by means of, among others: a €252m master term loan agreement; and a €261m syndicated factoring agreement.
  • Advising Banco de Sabadell and other lenders in a €2bn sustainable revolving credit facility in favour of AENA, SME, SA.
  • Advising AmRest Holdings SE, as borrower, on an English-law-governed €800m financing transaction with Bank Polska Kasa Opieki SA; Powszechna Kasa Oszczędności Bank Polski SA; Česká Spořitelna, ING Bank Śląski SA; Banco Santander, SA; Santander Bank Polska SA; Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, SA; BNP Paribas and Coöperatieve Rabobankk, as lenders, for the purposes of refinancing certain existing financial indebtedness of the company and its Group; financing organic growth of the AmRest Group and for general corporate purposes; and financing the AmRest Group’s current business activity and working capital needs.

Spain > Capital markets: Equity Tier 1

Highlighted for its 'deep theoretical and practical knowledge of the subject', the capital markets team at Uría Menéndez is a key port of call in the Spanish market for major issuers and underwriters engaged in innovative and complex equity transactions, most notably IPOs. The group is also well versed in follow-on equity offerings, rights issues, accelerated bookbuilt offerings, equity-linked instruments, and public M&A. Practice leader Javier Redonet has a wealth of experience in ECM deals, as well as regulatory issues concerning listed companies and corporate governance matters. In addition to his impressive track record in public offerings and IPOs, Gabriel Núñez Fernández is also skilled in takeovers and M&A involving listed companies. Other noteworthy ECM practitioners include Alfonso Ventoso and Enrique Nieto, both of whom excel in delistings, takeover bids and block trades, among other mandates.

Practice head(s):

Javier Redonet

Testimonials

‘Deep theoretical and practical knowledge of the subject. Vast experience. Versatile teams that adapt to the client’s needs, both in terms of dedicated human resources and the incorporation of the necessary specialists. Full and continuous involvement.’

‘Alfonso Ventoso: deep theoretical and practical knowledge of capital markets and associated corporate transactions. Ease of contact and relationship.’

‘Javier Redonet: knowledge of contracting derivative structures.’

‘Excellent service for complex issues.’

‘Gabriel Nuñez: proximity, availability, flexibility and technical rigour. Unique for coordinating stock market deals in several jurisdictions. Special differential value in IPOs due to his experience.’

Key clients

Banco Sabadell

Telefónica

Applus Services

Criteria Caixa

Trilantic

Ercros

JSS Real Estate SOCIMI

Técnicas Reunidas

Prosegur Compañía de Seguridad

Link Securities

Norbel Inversiones

eDreams ODIGEO

Assured Investment Management

Medcom Tech

IBI Lion SOCIMI

Global Piélago SOCIMI

Work highlights

  • Advised Banco Sabadell on the voluntary tender offer launched by BBVA over the entire share capital of Banco Sabadell.
  • Advised Criteria Caixa (Spain’s largest industrial investor) on the subscription of a share capital increase by Criteria in Colonial (a leading Spanish listed real estate company).
  • Advising on the voluntary public acquisition offer in the form of a partial offer for shares representing, approximately, up to 28.19% of the share capital and the voting rights of Telefónica Deutschland Holding AG launched by Telefónica, SA’s German subsidiary.

Spain > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

Highly regarded for its strong capabilities in high-value M&A across Iberia and Latin America, Uría Menéndez is regularly turned to by listed companies and private equity funds, who consistently praise its 'utmost technical strength and in-depth knowledge of the client's business'. Co-head Manuel Echenique is trusted by IBEX-35 companies and PE firms for his proficiency in both domestic and international M&A and financing transactions. Fellow co-leader Francisco San Miguel is known for his work in both public and private M&A. Rafael Núñez-Lagos brings considerable expertise in M&A, corporate law, and corporate governance, frequently advising on complex deals involving the infrastructure sector. Other key individuals in the department include Jaime Pereda, Pedro Ravina, and María Vidal-Pardo, who also significantly contribute to sophisticated M&A and corporate matters.

Practice head(s):

Manuel Echenique; Francisco San Miguel

Other key lawyers:

Rafael Núñez-Lagos; Christian Hoedl; Juan Martín Perrotto; Jaime Pereda; Pedro Ravina; María Vidal-Pardo; Guillermo del Río

Testimonials

‘They are an interdisciplinary team that always seeks solutions based on the company’s case studies, the core business and internal political management. They make the company’s problems their own, which makes them feel close and with a sense of belonging to the company. Personally, I feel that this makes me always want to count on URIA. In addition, their work is exceptional, neat, and attentive, without neglecting efficiency and on-time delivery. Extraordinary!’

‘Close, knowledgeable about the business, attentive to details, visionary, collaborative, they make your life easier! Jaime Pereda is a great partner, leader and for me, he is my right-hand man in any corporate matter. If at any time and for any reason Jaime cannot be present or attend a meeting, any of his team can step in and do it magnificently.’

‘Top-level legal partner: close collaboration, availability, transversality and specialisation.’

‘In this area, we have considered that URÍA MENÉNDEZ brings an extra level of legal rigour, professionalism, talent and relationship with the client that we have not seen in other firms. All of this influenced the decision to hire their services in this area, the results of which have been excellent. We consider that the service provided has been unbeatable.’

‘As we have already said, the lawyers at URÍA MENÉNDEZ bring something extra that we have not seen in other lawyers. Their training, experience and closeness in the relationship make them, in our opinion, the best. The partner in charge of our project has been María Vidal-Pardo del Río.’

‘This is a team with the utmost technical strength and in-depth knowledge of the client’s business. They always propose solutions that combine compliance with the law with commercial needs, being flexible and capable of dealing with highly complex situations in very short time frames. They have generated maximum trust and have participated in the company’s most important and difficult operations and transactions, becoming our reference firm for other areas as well. In addition, they follow the company’s day-to-day operations, which keeps them up to date with our legal needs and disputes.’

‘Their quick response, 100% availability and end-to-end responsibility make them unique. They make the difficult seem easy.’

Key clients

Global Racing LX2

Axa Investment Managers

Software AG

KKR

Partners Group

Bridgepoint

Trilantic Capital Partners

Bankinter

Alantra Investment Managers

Tressis Sociedad de Valores

Asterion

PAI

Providence

Work highlights

Spain > Dispute resolution Tier 1

Offering assistance with litigation, international arbitration, and civil and commercial proceedings, the dispute resolution team at Uría Menéndez is capable of handling high-value, multijurisdictional, and complex matters. The group's expertise has amassed an impressive client roster which continues to expand, and consists of government entities, financial institutions, and construction companies, among others. National and international arbitration specialist José Miguel Fatás co-heads the practice alongside litigation, judicial, and arbitration proceeding expert Agustín Capilla Casco, and investment arbitration authority Gabriel Bottini. Other notable names in the team include Heidi López Castro - who is adept in leading on energy, construction, and corporate arbitrations - and Javier Yáñez Evangelista - who concentrates on civil litigation with a particular focus on corporate and insolvency disputes.

Practice head(s):

José Miguel Fatás; Agustín Capilla Casco; Gabriel Bottini

Testimonials

‘The team stands out for its high technical qualifications, accessibility of partners, and mastery of mass litigation, individual litigation, and litigation before the Court of Justice of the European Union. They provide full confidence in the client when entrusting them with the highest legal and reputational risk matters.’

‘Uria’s strengths are their in-depth knowledge of law and business operations, which allows them to understand the problem beyond the purely legal and to get involved with business issues that are of interest to the company.’

‘Agustín Capilla exhibits an understanding of the problem for the company beyond the pure legal conflict, proximity and easy access, and a high technical level. He has very solid knowledge which he applies to practice and a global procedural strategy.’

‘Javier Yáñez has a global vision when handling matters.’

‘The Uría Menéndez team is highly collaborative, works with rigor and flexibility, and is always focused on providing a personalised and top-quality service. Its strengths include its ability to handle large-scale matters and its preventative approach, which minimises future risks for companies.’

‘The firm has developed strong international ties, which allows it to offer a consistent and effective service in multiple jurisdictions. Compared to other firms, Uría Menéndez is in a prominent position thanks to its high degree of specialisation, its multidisciplinary approach and the excellent reputation of its professionals.’

‘The main advantage that makes Uría Menéndez lawyers stand out is their ability to combine unrivaled technical excellence with a deep understanding of their clients’ business and commercial environment. This allows them to offer solutions that not only meet the highest legal standards, but are also strategically aligned with business objectives. Their approach is highly personalised, with a constant commitment to offering a close and client-oriented service.’

‘Among Gabriel Bottini’s best qualities are his analytical rigor, ability to solve complex problems, flexibility and adaptability to changing situations, and a preventive approach that helps his clients minimize risks.’

Key clients

Banco Santander, S.A.

Boliden

Metrovacesa, S.A.

Government of Malaysia

Ingeniería y Economía del Transporte

Mota-Engil Ingeniería y Construcción, S.A.

REPSOL, S.A.

Telefónica, S.A.

Enel Group

Canal Extensia S.A.U.

Elecnor

Government of the Dominican Republic

Operadora Ecológica Titica

Toyota España, S.L.U.

Cofares, Sociedad Cooperativa Farmacéutica Española

Instituto Empresa

Work highlights

  • Representing Telefónica in an investment arbitration relating to a dispute stemming from tax measures a South-American country imposed affecting the client’s local subsidiary.
  • Representing Banco Santander, S.A. against claims filed by its clients who subscribed Valores Santander.
  • Representing the State of Malaysia as global lead counsel in a dispute with seven private individuals in a claim based on a 19th-Century cession agreement affecting specific territories of Malaysia.

Spain > Employment Tier 1

With expertise in redundancy procedures, temporary layoffs, and dismissal claims, Uría Menéndez is often engaged in union negotiations. In Madrid, Mario Barros heads the group and is noted for his aptitude in employment contracts, transactions, and disputes, while in Barcelona, Juan Reyes specialises in collective negotiations, restructuring, and litigation. Raúl Boo leads the department in Valencia and is adept in M&A transactions, out-of-court settlements, and collective redundancies. Sergio Ponce is another key team member.

Practice head(s):

Mario Barros; Juan Reyes; Raúl Boo

Other key lawyers:

Sergio Ponce; Daniel Cerrutti; Ana Alós Ramos; Alba Pérez

Testimonials

‘Mario Barros is highlighted for his knowledge, his professional credibility, and experience in mediating with unions.’

‘Uría Menéndez  stands out for having a solid base of technical knowledge. They also propose strategies that resolve conflicts without necessarily having to go to court.’

‘Uría Menéndez stands out for the high qualification of its professionals, their intense dedication to the client, and their holistic vision of the law and the issues raised. Their work is always oriented towards excellence. Ana Alós stands out in particular.’

‘Raúl Boo has excellent negotiation skills and is an outstanding lawyer.’

‘The team offers excellent technical service and a closeness that makes clients feel very comfortable working with them. Their knowledge and experience allow clients to have complete confidence in their judgment.’

‘They provide very precise, pragmatic, helpful, and legally grounded pieces of advice. They are always responsive and business oriented. This type of precise, punctual, and practical support cannot be found in other firms in the market.’

‘Alba Pérez and Raúl Boo Vicente have wide ranging expertise, provide practical tips, and offer very detailed and mindful risk-based assessments. Alba’s advice is well-grounded, clear, helpful, practical, and business oriented. If I have a complex matter to solve, I will always involve Alba and Raul as I know I will be in safe hands with them. ’

‘Juan Reyes is a great professional and a very communicative person. Juan keeps the balance between law, practice, and legal risks and knows the practice well and shares his opinions on it. Juan communicates his advice and opinions clearly and without unnecessary details. ’

Key clients

Real Sporting de Gijón

Acciona Group

Confederación Nacional de la Construcción

Partners Group

Asterion Industrial Partners

Comercia Global Payments

First Brands Group

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority

NEC Corporation

Providence Partners

Spain > Environment Tier 1

Domestic and international clients operating in environmentally sensitive industries – including steel, pharma, chemicals, automotive, food, manufacturing and energy, to name a few – regularly turn to Uría Menéndez for advice on complex environmental matters, covering both preventive and contentious issues. The group is well equipped to handle environmental crimes and liability matters, as well as issues related to waste management, the circular economy and air emissions, among others. The team is jointly led by three partners: Juan Antonio Loste Madoz, who brings extensive experience in administrative, civil and criminal environmental cases; Jamie Calvo, who advises on administrative proceedings involving concessions, sewage permits, waste management, pollution and contamination issues; and Jesús Sedano, who is proficient in mandates concerning climate change, pollution, waste, water, mines and coasts.

Practice head(s):

Juan Antonio Loste Madoz, Jaime Calvo Retuerto, Jesús Sedano

Other key lawyers:

Guillermo Cavero Lapuerta; Claudia Lastella Ortega

Key clients

ERCROS

COMPAÑÍA ESPAÑOLA DE PETRÓLEOS SA (CEPSA)

COCA COLA EUROPACIFIC PARTNERS

SANDOZ INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS (NOVARTIS GROUP)

CAL INDUSTRIAL (LHOIST GROUP)

EDP ESPAÑA, SA (ENERGÍAS DE PORTUGAL)

ECOEMBALAJES, SA (ECOEMBES)

BOLIDEN GROUP

STRATEGIC MINERALS SPAIN

COMPAÑÍA ESPAÑOLA DE LAMINACIÓN SA (CELSA)

RENAULT ESPAÑA

HEIDELBERG CEMENT

GRUPO DAMM

META PLATFORMS

IPSEN PHARMA

PROCTER AND GAMBLE

ASCÓ-VANDELLÒS NUCLEAR POWER PLANT (ENDESA)

SILVALAC Y MACRESAC (GRUPO ARMANDO ALVAREZ)

HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL

NISSAN MOTOR IBÉRICA

FRIME SAU NOBIOIBÉRICA SA

REPSOL INVESTIGACIONES PETROLÍFERAS, SA

W RESOURCES (BLACKROCK)

RP GLOBAL HOLDING

HEWLETT PACKARD SPAIN

TORRASPAPEL (LECTA GROUP)

ROVI PHARMA INDUSTRIAL SERVICES

Work highlights

  • Advised a chemical company on one of the largest soil remediation projects in southern Europe, involving remediation activities valued at over €500m.
  • Advised several companies in the plastics sector on the first major environmental liability procedure initiated by the environmental authorities for the discharge of plastic pellets into the environment.
  • Advised REPSOL on the closure of its off-shore facilities in Spain (subsea wells and platforms) and on the implementation of environmental investigation projects in the former oil facilities.

Spain > EU and competition Tier 1

With expertise spanning merger control, damages claims, and cartel investigations, Uría Menéndez is a leading player in both transactional and contentious competition law in Spain. The team boasts notable expertise in EU law and state aid, advising multinationals on the implications of new regulations and ECJ matters. Antonio Guerra Fernandez leads the group, offering deep insight into the activities of the Spanish competition authority. Alfonso Gutiérrez Hernández  is a key name in distribution practices, while Patricia Vidal Martínez frequently advises on damages litigation. Tomás Arranz regularly advises on cartel investigations and merger control matters.

Practice head(s):

Antonio Guerra Fernández

Other key lawyers:

Alfonso Gutiérrez Hernández; Patricia Vidal Martínez; Tomás Arranz Fernández-Bravo; Edurne Navarro Varona; Miguel Martínez Gimeno

Testimonials

‘Outstanding competition law team that provide you with outstanding services related to competition law litigation and dawn raids services. ’

‘Alfonso Gutierrez is one of the best competition lawyers in Spain. Vast experience and outstanding technical expertise.’ 

‘Alfonso Gutierrez and Tomás Arranz have the experience and strength necessary to advise large pharmaceutical companies. Knowledge of the sector and attention to detail is exceptional.’

‘Deep knowledge of competition law combined with knowledge of the pharmaceutical sector. Good at risk mitigation.’

Key clients

Danone

JCDecaux

Banco Sabadell

Air Europa

DAF

LMVH

Acciona

Toyota

Banco Santander

Johnson & Johnson

Work highlights

  • Representing Danone in follow-on damages litigation that is being pursued on behalf of cow breeders.
  • Advising and representing JCDecaux on all merger-control issues and proceedings in Spain.
  • Representing Air Europa in IAG’s potential acquisition of sole control.

Spain > Industry focus: Food Tier 1

Uría Menéndez handles a plethora of matters related to the food and beverage industry. The team ‘covers all relevant legal aspects on an excellent professional level’, advising sector-related domestic and international clients on M&A, joint ventures, marketing issues, IP, distribution matters and unfair competition. Based in Barcelona, Montiano Monteagudo brings together experience in IP, contract, competition and corporate law, while Francisco Javier García is noted for his expertise in M&A, litigation and regulatory issues involving the food industry. Other noteworthy practitioners include Borja Sainz de Aja, a key contact for IP and data protection matters, and Patricia Vidal, who focuses on competition law.

Practice head(s):

Montiano Monteagudo; Francisco Javier García

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The lawyers of Uría go beyond pure professional interaction, there is always a strong and honest interest in people. They listen until they fully understand your problems and needs. With Uría you always go the correct way, legally and morally, a path that in our case always has led to full success. The team covers all relevant legal aspects, national and international, on an excellent professional level.’

‘Individually, any partner or associate makes you feel like a special and outstanding client. Their availability is always 100%.’

‘Uría’s lawyers never make you feel inferior or incompetent. They are skilled in making you understand complex legal circumstances. Borja Sainz de Aja stands out.’

‘The team is highly responsive, and always takes a very personal approach to tasks. They are very well-managed and synchronised. The attorneys work together to provide coherent advice even in cross-border cases. The team is highly knowledgeable and provides practical advice that is relevant to the jurisdiction and the matter at hand.’

‘Francisco Javier García is dedicated to every client and case, highly knowledgeable and very detail-oriented. His approach to problem- and case-solving is pragmatic while still upholding the highest quality of legal service. Whenever I am uncertain of another law firm’s advice, I double-check with him. His response time and quality of work are unparalleled. ’

‘They undertake great preparation; the quality of the work is the best.’

Key clients

Anfabra (National Association of Beberages Manufacturers)

Destilerías MG

Schell & Kamper

Mars Group

Eden Springs

Tasty Bidco (KKR)

World Confectionery Group (Investindustrial)

Smithfield Foods

Campofrío Food Group

Galletas Gullón

Alimentos Polar

Grupo Osborne

Work highlights

  • Helped Anfabra navigate potential regulatory challenges posed by proposed legislation in the region of Galicia.
  • Advised Danone S.A. on the sale of its factory in Parets del Vallés.
  • Advised Destilerías MG on the acquisition of the trade marks, designs and recipes of the ready-to-drink and ready-to-serve cocktails “Coppa Cocktails”.

Spain > Industry focus: Healthcare and life sciences Tier 1

With pricing and reimbursement, manufacturing agreements, marketing authorisations forming a key part of Uría Menéndez‘s caseload, the firm is also noted for advising on M&A and the establishment of laboratories. Following the retirement of Teresa Paz-Ares, Beatriz Cocina, Montiano Monteagudo, and Ingrid Pi assumed leadership of the practice. In Madrid, Cocina is an expert in supply systems and collaboration agreements within the healthcare industry. In the Barcelona office, Monteagudo often represents pharma laboratories and corporations in trade mark proceedings and the protection of trade secrets, while Pi is a key contact for patent nullity and infringement proceedings, in addition to interim injunctions. Francisco Javier García assists with unfair competition issues and data privacy work in this space.

Practice head(s):

Beatriz Cocina; Montiano Monteagudo; Ingrid Pi

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘This team is highly skilled in helping pharmaceutical companies with legal issues related to drug development, clinical trials, and regulatory approvals. The team is known for giving clear, practical advice that fits well with the business goals of their clients. Compared to other firms, this team’s expertise in handling pharmaceutical-specific challenges, makes them stand out. Their strong focus on working closely with clients and staying informed about changes in regulations helps them provide valuable support tailored to the needs of pharmaceutical companies.’

‘The firm’s lawyers stand out for their deep industry knowledge, collaborative approach, and genuine commitment to client success. They combine legal expertise with a strong understanding of the specific business needs of their clients, particularly in complex, highly regulated sectors like pharmaceuticals. They are approachable, responsive, and consistently go the extra mile to deliver practical solutions.’

‘Francisco Javier García is renowned for his expertise in regulatory matters and Montiano Monteagudo is known for his sharp negotiation skills in pharmaceutical licensing agreements. The firm’s dedication to nurturing client relationships and fostering a culture of excellence ensures that clients receive not only legal advice but strategic business insights as well.’

‘Agility, prompt response to needs, and professionalism. Added to the general consideration of a topic and not just an isolated one, that is, when doing an analysis or delivering a job, even if it is not what was requested, it always provides something additional that allows considering all legal, judicial and regulatory aspects. They provide a comprehensive service.’

‘Uria Menendez’s practitioners know the healthcare and life sciences industry very well, which is key to providing hands-on and straightforward advice. They are also very responsive.’

‘I mainly worked with Francisco Javier García, who is super responsive, knows the pharma and medtech industry very well, and always delivers straightforward and hands-on advice.’

‘Francisco Javier García is a leading expert on issues related to data management in the health sciences environment.’

Key clients

Farmaindustria

Glaxo

Lilly

Sanofi-Aventis

Laboratorios Rovi

Novo Nordisk

Gilead

Astrazeneca

Boehringer

Universal Diagnostics, S.A. (UDx)

Work highlights

Spain > Industry focus: TMT Tier 1

With expertise in intangible assets, e-health, and fintech, the TMT group at Uría Menéndez specialises in technology matters, with a focus on transactions. The team is capable of handling complex, cross-border matters on behalf of an impressive and extensive client roster which is comprised of notable names from the digital services sector. Heading up the practice are regulatory and commercial experts Pablo González-Espejo and Leticia Lopez-Lapuente. Espejo stands out for his experience advising multinational audiovisual, telecoms, and IT companies on joint ventures, acquisitions, and IPOs, while López-Lapuente is noted for her aptitude assisting technology companies with M&A deals, e-commerce matters, and contracts.

Practice head(s):

Pablo González Espejo; Leticia López-Lapuente

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘They keep up to date with the latest developments and legislation, especially from the EU.

‘Francisco Javier is an excellent collaborator and responds immediately to any non-standard request: he is proactive and decisive.

‘Thanks to its experience and knowledge of the sector, the team provides an excellent and unique service.’

‘Pablo González Espejo stands out for his technical excellence, negotiation skills, and business understanding.’

‘Uría is the firm that best combines legal practice with knowledge of the technology and telecommunications sector.’

‘The team led by Pablo Gonzáles Espejo is very well oriented, is capable of undertaking complex M&A projects, and understands the background of the matters to be able to provide legal advice and write the corresponding contracts.’

‘The Uría team has extensive experience and a very deep knowledge of the technology sector.’

‘Pablo González Espejo has a business vision that provides a lot of value beyond technical knowledge.’

Key clients

Meta Group

Telefónica

Microsoft

Amazon

NTT

TikTok

Snap Inc

Airbnb

Equinix

T-Mobile

Cogent Communications

Truphone

Be Mobile Client

Everseen

GlovoApp23, S.A.

Logalty

Santander Consumer Finance

UCI

Edreams

Repsol

Mahou

Reganosa

El Corte Ingles

Bernard KRONE Holding

Afiniti

Unidad Editorial

Mediaset

Abrdn Investments

Work highlights

  • Advised Telefónica on its strategic long term wholesale mobile access services and spectrum sharing agreements with DIGI.
  • Advising Meta on digital and tech related matters such as AI and e-commerce.
  • Advised Microsoft as part of its EU selected panel for all IT-related matters including AI, software, and digital services.

Spain > Private equity Tier 1

Uría Menéndez‘s dynamic private equity practice encompasses fund formation and fundraising, equity investments, debt financing, and divestments. The team is a trusted adviser to prominent private equity sponsors and asset managers, frequently leading their high-profile and complex M&A transactions. The group is known for its ability to manage private equity deals involving a Latin American element. Co-head Manuel Echenique is renowned for his expertise in cross-border deals, reflecting the firm’s international capabilities. Francisco San Miguel, also co-chair, advises major financial entities on corporate and M&A transactions, alongside regulatory matters. Christian Hoedl is a recognised private equity expert, particularly adept at handling transactions involving publicly listed companies.

Practice head(s):

Manuel Echenique; Francisco San Miguel

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘It is a friendly team that is always available to help with any matter. The team understands the company and its needs, which makes the work easier and more effective.’ 

‘They always give accurate advice and are available to help at any time. They are able to manage large amounts of work in short periods.’ 

‘The Uria team is very experienced, diligent and available. In addition to providing assistance with the legal component of any project, they are always available to help with business strategy and any other topic.’

‘Tomas Acosta has a wealth of experience in PE projects and makes any negotiation much easier. In addition to being an added value for us, due to all the input we need, he is also an excellent communicator.’ 

‘Excellent corporate PE practice, in particular Pedro Ravina’s team. A great mix of local knowledge but also understanding of how to execute international M&A to the standard expected by major PE sponsors.’ 

‘We treat them a trusted advisers both for Spanish and Latin American issues across a range of general corporate and M&A projects.’ 

‘Pedro Ravina is a real standout performer. He is a trusted partner for us across a range of projects.’ 

Key clients

Trilantic Capital Partners

Bridgepoint

Cibus Capital

Louis Dreyfus Company Ventures

Providence Equity Partners

Asterion Industrial Infra Fund II, FCR

Charterhouse Capital Partners

Magnum Capital Industrial Partners

GPF Capital III Partnership Fund

Artá Capital

Work highlights

Spain > Public law Tier 1

The public law department at Uría Menéndez has a breadth of expertise which covers banking regulations, energy, infrastructure, transport, telecoms, healthcare and consumer protection regulations, among others. The team excels in administrative and judicial proceedings before Spanish and European courts, and also stands out for its wealth of experience in public procurement and contracting matters. Leading the practice is Mariano Magide, who specialises in public contracts, public infrastructure, and administrative litigation. Manuel Vélez stands out for his deep knowledge of regulated sectors, public procurement and public authority liability. Other notable practitioners include Miguel Martínez Gimeno, who draws on his former role as General Director of the Legal Service of the Spanish Securities and Exchange Commission; and administrative law experts José Alberto Navarro, José Miguel Fatás and Xavier Codina García-Andrade.

Practice head(s):

Mariano Magide

Testimonials

‘Uria’s public law team, and in particular its practice related to the prevention of money laundering, stands out for its very high level of theoretical and technical knowledge, combined with the ability to understand the particularities of the client and their practical reality; its pro-activity not only in following up on issues, but also in providing personalised information on them regarding new developments that may arise once the assignment in question has been completed, in sharing knowledge and discussing new developments among colleagues; and its personalised treatment and availability.’

‘Manuel Vélez and Xavier Codina García-Andrade form a very good team. Manuel stands out because he makes the issues his own and directs the matter in detail and Xavier stands out because he contributes constant work and ideas complementary to those of the partner that are useful.’

‘Uría has a perfectly interconnected team and all of them have excellent knowledge of the client and their needs in each case they face. Compared to other firms, I would highlight the continuous monitoring of the issues, always being ahead of any problem that may arise.’

‘The team are quick to react and have a great ability to cover all aspects of transactions, alongside having a practical approach to problems and negotiations. They are firm when they need to be and are balanced in the advice they provide.’

‘José Alberto Navarro stands out for his proximity and immediate availability. Despite being a very large firm, the partner response is very fast and effective. Their long career in the public law sector means that they have a very broad knowledge of this area of ​​law and also a very multidisciplinary vision.’

‘The team perfectly combines the highest capabilities and most solid knowledge in legal matters with the most appropriate response to the needs of companies in their relations with Public Administrations. In addition, they are fully available and always respond to all the questions that are raised with a great capacity to react to unforeseen events or very complex issues.’

‘The team’s main characteristics are its versatility in terms of the topics addressed and its great capacity to react, always attentive to the needs of the client.’

‘Xavier always demonstrates a very high technical level while offering a practical approach that allows him to unblock the problems that arise in the different projects. This, together with his total availability, generates absolute trust: you know that you can always count on him.’

Key clients

Quirónsalud Group

Nuevo Hospital de Burgos

Serveo

Cintra

AENA, S.A.U.

Telefónica

SNCF Voyageurs

Ouigo, S.A.U.

UCI

Generali

Farmaindustria

BNP Paribas

Banco Santander

BBVA

Red Eléctrica de España, S.A.

REDEIA Corporación

Minera Los Frailes, S.L.

AMC Mining Spain

Grupo México S.A.B de C.V.

Iberdrola

Reganosa

Meridiam

Applus

Cabify

ABANCA

ISDEFE, S.A. S.M.E.

MEP Pension Fund ASBL

Spain > Real estate and construction Tier 1

With expertise in real estate investments, M&A urban planning, development projects, and mortgage-backed financings, the 'diligent and thorough' real estate practice at Uría Menéndez is a popular choice for investment funds, SOCIMIs, family offices, and real estate developers. The group is well positioned to handle transactions across all real estate asset classes, including offices, hotels, retail and residential properties, data centres, and logistics projects. Fernando Azofra, who is skilled in real estate investments, financings and M&A, jointly leads the department with Diego Armero, described by a client as 'the best real estate lawyer in Spain', who stands out for his experience in joint ventures, sale and leaseback transactions, and real estate asset deals. Rafael Jiménez Mateo is another key practitioner, who focuses on the sale of real estate assets, financings, SOCIMIs, and project development.

Practice head(s):

Fernando Azofra; Diego Armero

Other key lawyers:

Rafael Jiménez Mateo; Iván Abad; Andrea Sandi

Testimonials

‘Top lawyers who are super well connected and very strong in the market.’

‘It is a team with extensive experience in a variety of issues and the added value they provide due to their broad expertise is evident in their advice.’

‘Iván Abad stands out for his dedication, availability, ability to adapt to different paces in negotiations, and always providing solutions promptly that are tailored to the client’s needs.’

‘The Uría team is diligent and thorough, and most importantly, very commercial.’

‘They are great at coming up with solutions, not just identifying problems.’

‘Diego Armero is the best real estate lawyer in Spain without a close second.’

Key clients

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority

Singapur Investment Corporation

Azora

EQT

Metrovacesa

Testa Residencial

HIP

Aliseda

J. Safra Sarasin

Angelo Gordon

Grupo Lar

Stoneshield

Work highlights

  • Advised Abu Dhabi Investment Authority on the acquisition of 24 hotels.
  • Advised Metrovacesa on a successful challenge against the exercise of a pre-emption right by the regional government of the Balearic Islands under a piece of legislation.
  • Advised GIC on the acquisition of a 35% stake in Hotel Investment Partners (HIP), the ownerof a hospitality portfolio including 70 hotels in Spain (59) and overseas (11).

Spain > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1

Lauded for its ‘outstanding technical knowledge and experience’, the restructuring and insolvency team at Uría Menéndez is a strong choice for advice on a range of matters, including group restructurings, debt refinancings, insolvency proceedings and related litigation. The practice is led by Javier Yáñez, who specialises in litigation involving corporate and insolvency law. Also noted are corporate and finance practitioners Carlos de Cárdenas Smith and Ángel Pérez López; dispute resolution specialist José María Blanco; and Sebastián Sáenz de Santa María, who garners client praise for his ‘great technical knowledge’ of debt restructuring.

Practice head(s):

Javier Yáñez

Other key lawyers:

Sebastián Saenz de Santa María; Carlos de Cárdenas Smith; Ángel Pérez López; Manuel García-Villarrubia; Angel Alonso; José María Blanco

Testimonials

‘Uría’s team has in-depth knowledge of insolvency law and corporate restructuring processes in Spain. In addition, they adapt to the needs of their clients and provide innovative solutions to solve complex problems.’

‘The closeness, knowledge of the market, dedication and flexibility to adapt to our needs, always with a positive attitude. I have had very good experience with Sebastián Sáenz de Santamaría and Javier Yañez.’

‘Javier Yáñez and José María Blanco are two highly regarded professionals who are recognised and admired in the legal sector and in the business world.’

‘Outstanding technical knowledge and experience, the ability to work against the clock, availability and agility of response. The Uría team is excellent and better than other firms.’

‘Sebastián Saenz de Santa María – I would particularly like to highlight his great technical knowledge and willingness to study, the quality of his work and his availability and friendly approach.’

‘More technical quality compared to other firms. Main focus on client service. Best in Spain.’

Key clients

BBVA

Unicaja Banco

Grupo Cinépolis

Food Delivery Brands group

Tubos Reunidos

Arrow

Frux

Spain > Tax Tier 1

Equipped with ‘deep knowledge across various legal areas’, Uría Menéndez‘s tax team is a popular choice for a diverse range of clients, including large corporations, financial institutions, private equity and investment funds, majority shareholders, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), and family offices. The team excels in transactional matters, particularly in company migrations, equity and finance restructuring, and capital markets deals. Practice head Víctor Viana Barral offers extensive expertise in transactional tax matters, including M&A, corporate restructuring and real estate deals. Miguel Cremades leads on tax and customs procedure work, while David López Pombo is a key figure in tax litigation and investigations. Violeta Pina specialises in transfer pricing and the application of the FATCA and CRS rules.

Practice head(s):

Víctor Viana Barral

Other key lawyers:

Guillermo Canalejo, Miguel Cremades, David López Pombo, Carlos Durán, Violeta Pina, David Vilches

Testimonials

‘Uría Menéndez’s tax team is known for its practical and decisive approach, delivering out-of-the-box solutions that go beyond legal frameworks to offer comprehensive advice.’

‘Their outstanding human quality complements their technical expertise, ensuring empathy and personalised recommendations tailored to clients’ personal and professional needs.’

‘Uría stands out for its deep knowledge across various legal areas, a realistic approach that avoids overpromising, and a commitment to clear and pragmatic advice.’

‘Their availability and accessibility, even during inconvenient hours, set them apart.’

‘Collaboration is integral to their approach, ensuring well-coordinated, cross-departmental solutions. Their tailored tax solutions are both preventive and responsive, maximising value while mitigating risks.’

‘Technological integration further enhances their service, simplifying document exchange and case management through modern methods, creating efficiency and ease for clients.’

‘Víctor Viana is a key contact in tax matters, known for his technical perfection, accessibility, and client-first mindset, contrasting with more rigid competitors. His approach inspires trust and delivers effective solutions.’

Key clients

Telefónica

Banco Santander

BBVA

Goldman Sachs

Blackstone

Coca Cola EP

Banco Sabadell

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority

Lone Star

UBS

Angelo Gordon

Tristan Capital Partners

Porcelanosa

Klepierre

Grupo Safra

Neinor Homes

UCI

Acciona

CCR (Brasil)

Repsol

Ferrovial

Unicaja

Alcoa

BNP Paribas

Metrovacesa

Visma International

Advent

Magnum Capital

Asterion

Vitro

Grupo LAR

MyInvestor

HSBC Global Services

Citigroup Global Markets

Ace Entertainment

GS Funds (Ireland)

Work highlights

  • Advised Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) on the second phase of the acquisition of 17 hotels owned by Equity Inmuebles, S.L.
  • Advised Testa Residencial Socimi on the refinancing of Testa Residencial’s syndicated, mortgage-secured corporate debt.
  • Advised Palex on the Apax Partners’ acquisition of a majority stake in Palex, the leading distributor of high-value-added MedTech equipment and solutions, from Fremman, Ergon Capital Partners and Corpfin Capital.

Spain > Capital markets: Debt Tier 2

The capital markets team at Uría Menéndez offers comprehensive advice on hybrid securities, regulatory capital instruments, as well as structured and project bonds, regularly assisting major corporates and financial institutions in navigating high-value transactions. The department is led by Rafael Sebastián, whose areas of expertise span capital markets, structured finance, M&A, and corporate restructuring. Carolina Albuerne, known for her banking regulatory expertise, frequently handles deals involving hybrid debt, a key area of focus for Javier Redonet. Enrique Nieto acts for issuers and investors in both ECM and DCM deals.

Practice head(s):

Rafael Sebastián

Testimonials

‘High technical knowledge and extensive experience in the sector. Up to date with all legislative developments and involved in most of the country’s relevant deals, which provides legal security in the client’s decision-making.’

‘Security and forcefulness in responses, high availability and flexibility.’

‘The Uría team compares favourably with the teams of other law firms, both for its high technical level and for the tools it uses to serve its clients. It is a diverse team that adapts at all times to the needs of the client. It is friendly and at the same time very professional, which leads to consolidating a sustainable relationship of trust.’

‘The team we work with is led by Javier Redonet. In the areas in which he has provided us with his services, he has demonstrated a high level of knowledge about the products and has maintained a relationship of trust. He has known how to delegate to his team, which has maintained this trust without ever losing professionalism.’

Key clients

Banco Santander

Cellnex Telecom

Ence Energía y Celulosa

OK Mobility Group

Banco Cetelem

JB Capital Markets

Société Générale

Holaluz Clidom

Work highlights

  • Advised on the issuance by Banco Santander of $1.25bn in subordinated debt (T2) and $ 2.75bn in senior non-preferred debt under the F3 programme registered with the US Securities Exchange Commission and listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
  • Advised on the issuance of senior unsecured convertible bonds, convertible into new and/or exchangeable for existing ordinary shares in Cellnex Telecom, SA, on a non-pre-emptive basis, for an aggregate principal of  €1bn combined with a concurrent repurchase of the outstanding €795.4m in 1.50% senior unsecured convertible bonds due 2026 for total consideration exceeding €1bn.
  • Advising on the registration of Ence Energía y Celulosa SA’s €200m inaugural sustainable commercial paper programme with the Spanish Alternative Fixed-Income Market (Mercado Alternativo de Renta Fija).

Spain > Data privacy and data protection Tier 2

With a robust offering covering data protection implementations, privacy, and cyber security matters, Uría Menéndez‘ counts businesses from the technology, media and entertainment, and automotive sectors on its client roster. Heading up the team is Leticia Lopez-Lapuente, who specialises in e-commerce personal data protection, and also has experience representing clients before the Spanish Data Protection Agency in data privacy and protection proceedings. Other notable names in the department include Pablo González-Espejo and Borja Sainz de Aja, both of whom are adept at handling outsourcing matters.

Practice head(s):

Leticia López-Lapuente

Testimonials

‘The team is very friendly and clear from the outset regarding the options available. They give their opinions based on their experience and good professional judgement, trying to leave no doubts about the actions to be taken.’

‘Leticia López-Lapuente’s availability, anticipation when it comes to finding solutions, and the professional background that characterises them are outstanding.’

‘The team’s full availability, quick responses to specific queries, and coordination makes it stand out.’

‘The team in charge fully understands the uniqueness of our business and anticipates our needs effectively.’

‘The personalised attention and immediate response to the various questions raised by the client makes them stand out.’

‘In the field of personal data protection, technical and specific knowledge of the subject is essential. Uría Menéndez is always a reference in this field.’

‘They are distinguished by offering an exceptional level of quality in each of their deliverables. Not only do they meet the highest professional standards in the market, but they also adapt perfectly to our specific needs at any given time. They know how to listen efficiently, which allows them to provide initial feedback instantly. They know how to create an environment of trust and comfort for the client. I think it is a combination of technical excellence, immediate attention, and closeness that makes them unique. They stand out above all for their excellent knowledge and practical experience in the matter.’

‘Francisco Javier García Pérez stands out for his close treatment and empathy towards the client, combined with his deep knowledge and mastery not only of the subject matter of personal data protection, but also of other areas of commercial and regulatory law. Francisco is proactive in finding solutions, open to our ideas, agile, with a positive attitude, and very executive. Without a doubt, he is one of the most outstanding partners in the firm.’

Key clients

Meta Group

Afiniti

El Corte Inglés

Microsoft

Amazon Web Services

Repsol

Banco Santander

Edreams

Fraudfense

Bankinter

Tiktok

Liberty Latin America

Snap Inc

Anthropic

EDP

General Logistics Systems Spain

Toyota

Grupo Reganosa

Grand Vision

Work highlights

  • Advising Meta Group on privacy and data protection matters affecting its platforms and services.
  • Advising El Corte Inglés on setting up its global data protection structure.
  • Advising Banco Santander on data protection, cyber security, and digital law matters.

Spain > Industry focus: Manufacturing Tier 2

Uría Menéndez provides a ‘full portfolio of services’ to clients from the manufacturing sector, covering areas as broad as corporate, competition and IP law as well as regulatory issues. Noted for his extensive experience in commercial, IP and competition matters, Borja Sainz de Aja leads the team in Madrid alongside Patricia Vidal, who shines in competition mandates. In Barcelona, the team is jointly overseen by Jamie Calvo, an environmental and public law specialist, and Christian Gual, who takes the lead on contentious mandates, including product liability claims.

Practice head(s):

Borja Sainz de Aja; Jaime Calvo; Patricia Vidal; Christian Gual

Other key lawyers:

Cristina Ayo; Guillermo Cavero

Testimonials

‘Absolutely the highest level of proficiency on each level of organisation.’

‘A full portfolio of services alongside the highest level of care for the client’s interests and a huge insight into individual cases.’

‘Perfect manners mixed with relaxed behaviours make working with the team a real pleasure.’

Key clients

Laboratorios Rovi

Nissan

DAF Trucks

Toyota

Anfabra – Asociación Nacional de Fabricantes de Bebidas Refrescantes Analcohólicas

Danone

Work highlights

  • Advised Laboratorios Rovi on a manufacturing agreement involving pre-filled syringes for a separate global pharmaceutical company.
  • Assisted Nissan with preparing, negotiating and drafting a distribution agreement pursuant to which Nissan will distribute Silence’s electric vehicles in specific European markets.
  • Advised Coca-Cola Europacific Partners on the company’s adaptation to new regulations affecting its activities, including regular assessment on the company’s single-use-plastics policy.

Spain > Industry focus: Retail Tier 2

The team at Uría Menéndez brings together specialisms in corporate, commercial, IP, privacy, competition, environmental and regulatory law to advise on the full array of retail, fashion and luxury goods-related matters. Patricia Vidal Martínez, a specialist in competition litigation, and Borja Sainz de Aja Tirapu, whose vast expertise covers IP, distribution and advertising matters, co-lead the practice.

Practice head(s):

Patricia Vidal Martínez; Borja Sainz de Aja Tirapu

Testimonials

‘Each and every member of the Uría team is a quality professional. They understand our business and the needs of our company like no one else, and they anticipate any situation as if they were an in-house lawyer. They are always “two steps ahead” in every sense and are impeccable in all their actions and recommendations.’

‘They are able to understand our business and our needs as if they were internal employees. They are able to offer us their best recommendations and advice in a way that is 100% adapted to our operation and the characteristics of our companies and businesses.’

‘Excellence, professionalism and creativity are, I think, the adjectives that best define this team.’

‘Very friendly and up-to-date. Very good knowledge of the sector.’

‘Excellent comprehensive service, professional, agile and in line with our needs. They also provide updates and are willing to adapt to our needs.’

‘The team provides comprehensive support and considers aspects that we sometimes do not take into account, providing a reduction in risks and allowing for a global analysis of projects and requests.’

‘Very extensive knowledge of the use of technology and data in the sector. They are very interested in understanding the client’s business model and mastering its processes, and are able to provide legal recommendations tailored to the client’s needs.’

Key clients

Zara España (Zara)

Lidl Supermercados

Food Delivery Brands Group (formerly Telepizza)

Prénatal Retail Group

Tasty Bidco (KKR)

Rolls-Royce

Primark

Toyota

Air Europa

Smile2Impress

Peris Costumes

Work highlights

  • Advised Globalia, Air Europa’s controlling shareholder, on Air Europa’s potential acquisition of sole control over IAG.
  • Assisted Nissan with the negotiation of a distribution contract between Nissan Automotive Europe and Silence.
  • Represented DAF in numerous damages-claim proceedings regarding the European trucks cartel case brought in Spain.

Spain > Insurance Tier 2

The expertise of the ‘exceptional’ group at Uría Menéndez encompasses corporate and M&A transactions in the insurance space, insurance and reinsurance litigation, and regulatory work. Guillermo San Pedro steers the practice and covers domestic and cross-border M&A, bancassurance joint ventures and regulatory matters. Also noted are Jaime Del Fraile, who shares San Pedro’s areas of expertise, and Julio Iglesias, who is skilled in litigation and arbitration regarding civil and commercial matters.

Practice head(s):

Guillermo San Pedro

Other key lawyers:

Jaime del Fraile; Julio Iglesias

Testimonials

‘Excellent legal understanding and support.’

‘Very fast and good response time.’

‘The Uría team is an exceptional team, both in terms of professionalism and human quality. They have great knowledge of the subject, they are very professional, they always pay attention to detail and their goal is to achieve excellent work. Their motto is excellence, and they achieve it with very hard and constant work, and, in my opinion, that is what sets them apart from the rest.’

‘I would highlight the partner, Guillermo San Pedro, and the counsel, Jaime del Fraile, for their great work, great knowledge, for being great lawyers, and their professional excellence. In my opinion, they form a magnificent team. They always achieve great work.’

‘Knowledge of the subject matter. Their experience is very important in providing quality solutions to their clients. The team members have great knowledge of the subject matter, providing clients and partners with very valid opinions.’

‘The accessibility of partners and the high qualification of the staff assigned to provide the service stand out’.

Key clients

Santander Seguros y Reaseguros, Compañía Aseguradora

Vida-Caixa, S.A.U. de Seguros y Reaseguros

Banco Santander

CaixaBank

Abanca Corporación Bancaria

Criteria Caixa

Helvetia Schweizerische Versicherungsgesellschaft AG

Zurich Insurance Plc, Sucursal en España

Zurich Vida, Compañía de Seguros y Reaseguros

ING Bank NV, Sucursal en España

KKR & Co. Inc.

Mutualidad de Previsión Social Fondo de Asistencia Mutua del Colegio de Ingenieros de Caminos, Canales y Puertos

Mutualidad General de la Abogacía, Mutualidad de Previsión Social a Prima Fija

Tecnologías de la Información y Redes para las Entidades Aseguradoras (TIREA)

Unión Española de Entidades Aseguradoras y Reaseguradoras (UNESPA)

Unicaja Banco

Unicorp Vida Compañía de Seguros y Reaseguros

Spain > Intellectual property: Copyright Tier 2

Uría Menéndez‘s IP team has built a strong and growing client base, featuring major names in digital platforms, media, entertainment, and telecoms. The group is well positioned to advise on both contentious and non-contentious matters involving copyright. Madrid-based life science specialist Ingrid Pi, image rights expert Carles Vendrell, and Borja Sainz de Aja, a reference for copyright-related litigation, jointly lead the department with Montiano Monteagudo, who sits in the Barcelona office, and advises clients from the pharma, tech, food, textile, and education sectors, among others, on proceedings involving the protection of a variety of IP rights, including copyright.

Practice head(s):

Montiano Monteagudo; Ingrid Pi; Borja Sainz de Aja; Carles Vendrell

Other key lawyers:

Álvaro Seijo; Francisco Javier García; Cristina Suanzes

Testimonials

‘Their team is the best in this area.

‘Carles Vendrell always shows exceptional willingness to attend to and resolve queries with great efficiency and speed. In addition, he is able to explain clearly all the legal aspects and make them understandable.’

‘The team is technically very good and very professional. It is one of the best firms nationwide.’

‘Technical skills, knowledge, and being up to date with the latest developments in intellectual property differentiate the team.’

‘The team at Uría Menéndez has a vision that does not focus solely on the purely legal aspect. They understand the problems of the sector and offer useful solutions for the business, with very tight response times.’

‘Their time and response capacity and the quality of their service are unbeatable. We also appreciate the human quality of the team, especially Álvaro Seijo and Carles Vendrell.’

‘The team provides up-to-date and in-depth knowledge of the subject and provides clients with essential support.’

‘The Uría Menéndez team demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the law, advising clients at all times with transparency, honesty, and a firm ethical commitment. It is worth noting their excellent availability and efficient management of the resources, as well as their effective coordination with other areas of the firm when necessary. The quality of their work is exceptional, with always clear, detailed, and professional communication, explaining precisely what will be done, how, and in what time frame.’

Key clients

Telefónica

Meta Platforms Ireland Limited

Fever

Kukuxumusu

La Liga

NH

AERC

Glovo Groceries

Oakley

La Liga F

Lefebvre-El Derecho

Work highlights

  • Advising Lefebvre-El Derecho on copyright litigation.
  • Representing Kukuxumusu in an appeal before the Spanish Supreme Court in a case related to copyrights involving cartoon characters.
  • Acting for NH Group in litigation against a CMO claiming damages arising out of the abuse of a dominant position in the negotiation of copyright tariffs.

Spain > Intellectual property: patents Tier 2

The team Uría Menéndez is predominantly engaged by clients from the pharmaceutical, chemical, and digital sectors seeking assistance with patent litigation and prosecution matters. Montiano Monteagudo leads the practice from Barcelona, standing out for his proficiency in patent protection and litigation matters involving the telecoms, pharmaceutical, and electronics sectors. Life sciences and plant variety specialist Ingrid Pi co-leads the group in Madrid alongside patent protection expert Borja Sainz de Aja and Carles Vendrell, who is adept in both contentious and non-contentious patent matters.

Practice head(s):

Montiano Monteagudo; Ingrid Pi; Borja Sainz de Aja; Carles Vendrell

Other key lawyers:

Álvaro Seijo

Testimonials

‘The intellectual property team at Uría Menéndez has a vision that does not focus solely on the purely legal aspect. They understand the problems of the sector and offer useful solutions for the business, with very tight response times and a global vision.’

‘The quality of their service, the unbeatable response times, their human quality, and their ability to offer solutions adapted to the sector and the circumstances differentiate the team.’

‘Carles Vendrell stands out in particular.’

Key clients

Sanofi

Telefónica

SAS Nadorcott Protection

Saeta Yield

Galenicum

Sagard

Work highlights

  • Advising SAS Nadorcott Protection (NCP) on infringement proceedings in the field of plant-variety rights.
  • Advising Telefónica Group on a patent infringement in connection with pay-TV services and a patent-revocation action.

Spain > Intellectual property: Trade marks Tier 2

Uría Menéndez's trade marks practice has a robust offering which covers advisory services, litigation, and transactional matters. The group, which is singled out for its experience before the Supreme Court, acts for household names from the cosmetics, media, and technology sectors, among others. Barcelona-based Montiano Monteagudo is skilled in both contentious and non-contentious matters, ranging from misappropriation of trade marks to unfair competition litigation. In Madrid, regulatory and commercial agreement specialist Ingrid Pi co-heads the team alongside advertising expert Borja Sainz de Aja and Carles Vendrell, a key contact for disputes concerning trade marks and designs.

Practice head(s):

Montiano Monteagudo; Ingrid Pi; Borja Sainz de Aja; Carles Vendrell

Other key lawyers:

Francisco Javier García; Álvaro Seijo Bar; Cristina Suanzes

Testimonials

‘Excellent media and technology advice.’

‘Francisco Javier García is an excellent lawyer with a high technical level and a practical approach.’

Key clients

Magic Box Int. Toys, S.L.U.

Value Retail

Mediaset Spain

Acciona

García Baquero

INEOS

Cabify

European Union Intellectual Property Office

Work highlights

  • Advising INEOS on the Spanish side of a multijurisdictional litigation seeking the cancellation of Jaguar Land Rover’s 3-D trade marks protecting the shape of a vehicle, as well as on the unfair competition claim filed by Jaguar Land Rover alleging unfair competition acts related to the release of the new INEOS Grenadier.
  • Advising Magic Box on the trade mark litigation filed by KMA Concept Limited in relation to the signs “Super Things Rivals of Kaboom”, which refer to a well-known toy.

Spain > Projects and energy Tier 2

The projects and energy team at Uría Menéndez ‘combines excellent and multidisciplinary technical knowledge with great negotiating skills’, offering expertise across regulatory, M&A, and financing matters in the solar and wind power segments. Wind and solar power expert Ignacio Álvarez Couso co-leads the team, assisting renewable energy operators on large-scale financings and acting for industrial companies on power purchase agreements. The practice is also co-headed by Juan Ignacio González Ruiz , who advises energy market players on corporate, transactional, and contentious matters. José Félix Zaldívar de la Rica bolsters the team in energy sector corporate and project finance work, while Roberto Fernández brings longstanding expertise in regulatory and contentious matters.

Practice head(s):

Juan Ignacio González

Other key lawyers:

José Félix Zaldívar; Alejandro Alberte; Nasif Hamed; Roberto Fernández; Ignacio Álvarez Couso

Testimonials

‘The firm knows the business and understands the client’s needs and priorities.

‘Combines excellent and multidisciplinary technical knowledge with great negotiating skills. Impeccable work.’

‘There is constant excellence in the services provided, a decisive nature in the face of each problem, and a pro-deal spirit.’

‘The legal knowledge of all team members is exceptional, beyond just their areas of ​​practice.’

‘They are an excellent team, leaders in their area of ​​practice with a great knowledge of the client’s sector of activity. They are accessible and proactive.’

‘Ignacio Álvarez Couso is decisive, available, and has high technical knowledge.’

‘José Félix Zaldívar demonstrates an extraordinary level of commitment and involvement, as well as an excellent strategic vision. He also stands out for his versatility, combining the legal management of M&A and Project Finance processes.’

Key clients

Asterion Industrial Partners

Ferrovial

Deutsche Bank

Partners Group

Enel

AEPIBAL

Brookfield

Saeta Yield

Amarenco Solar

Ferroglobe

Bahía de Bizkaia Electricidad

Fortia

Work highlights

Spain > Transport: Shipping Tier 2

Singled out for its ‘immediate and concrete responses’, the team at Uría Menéndez routinely assists shipping companies, port operators, shipyards, banks, insurance companies and P&I Clubs with a range of shipping matters. Core areas of expertise for the group include financing, shipbuilding contracts, charter arrangements, cargo claims and M&A transactions within the shipping and transport sectors. The practice is led by Carlos López-Quiroga, who specialises in M&A and corporate restructuring transactions in the transport sector and is lauded for his ‘knowledge, proximity to clients and availability at all times’. Additional names to note include commercial and financing specialists Luz Martínez de Azcoitia, José Sánchez-Fayos and Diego Pérez.

Practice head(s):

Carlos López-Quiroga

Testimonials

‘Uría’s strengths are its qualifications and commitment to the client’s interests, which is something that other similar firms sometimes lack.’

‘The lawyers are highly qualified. The treatment provided by the lawyers is friendly and their commitment to the client’s interests is outstanding. In addition, the lawyers are fully available to assist you quickly and efficiently.’

‘The breadth and depth of Uría’s expertise is unrivalled in Spain. This is especially evident when they have acted for us in complex, multijurisdictional matters. They are very experienced and comfortable in handling such matters, and the service we receive is the same as we receive from big US firms.’

‘José Sánchez-Fayos is a rising star in their shipping practice exhibiting top-class commercial understanding.’

‘Immediate and concrete responses. Newsletters and invitations to webinars. Closeness in treatment – Carlos López-Quiroga.’

‘The team is supportive and always on top of things. Response time is very quick. I mainly work with Diego Pérez. He is very easy to work with, he has attention to detail and on top of this – he is a very nice person.’

‘What we value most about this practice is the closeness to the client. The lawyers are very experienced in maritime law, they know the cases and their history well; and the commercial approach in their analyses.’

‘Partner Carlos López Quiroga stands out for his knowledge, proximity to clients and availability at all times.’

Key clients

Aleatica

Asociación Nacional de Empresas Estibadoras y Consignatarias de Buques (ANESCO)

AquaShip AS

Astilleros de Santander

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria

CaixaBank

Campa Iberia

CSP Iberian Valencia Terminal

DFDS Logistics

Empresa Naviera Elcano

Forde Reederei Seetouristik Iberia

Nordea Danmark

Knutsen OAS Shipping

Purus Wind SPV 4

Regasificadora del Noroeste

Talley’s Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised DFDS Logistics on the acquisition of FRS Iberia and its entry into the ferry business in the Strait of Gibraltar.
  • Advised Purus Wind SPV 4 on the acquisition of all shares of Puerto de Calella.
  • Advised Naviera Altube on the sale of the second-hand tanker vessel ‘Monte Toledo’.

Spain > White-collar crime Tier 2

Standing out for their 'experience', 'dedication' and 'strategy', Uría Menéndez's corporate crime and internal investigations department is highly adept at handling market manipulation, public corruption, and espionage-related matters, as well as investigations before the National Court. The group is capable of dealing with high-value, high-profile, and complex matters across a range of sectors, including financial services, engineering, and construction. Co-leading the team are Jaime Alonso, who concentrates on tax evasion, fraud, and insider trading, and Ismael Clemente, who specialises in fraud, environmental crimes, and work-related accidents. The department also benefits from the expertise of Patricia Leandro, who advises on false accounting, bribery and corruption, and misappropriation of trade secrets.

Practice head(s):

Jaime Alonso; Ismael Clemente

Other key lawyers:

Patricia Leandro; Alberto Gómez; Arianna Vázquez

Testimonials

‘They stand out due to their experience, ability to work, dedication, knowledge of the subject, continuous training, 100% availability, and strategy. They cannot be compared to other law firms; they are the best in the sector.’

‘The Uría criminal team is excellent. Its partners, associates, and lawyers stand out in all aspects; from the legal point of view, they surpass other firms due to their knowledge, strategy, availability, and rigour. Jaime Alonso, Patricia Leandro, and Ismael Clemente stand out in particular.’

‘Ismael Clemente and Arianna Vázquez stand out for their technical quality and approach to defence strategies.’

‘The Uría criminal department is completely reliable: it always offers the best legal advice.’

‘Alberto Gómez is an excellent lawyer. In addition to his technical knowledge, his close relationship with the client, his understanding of the industry and business problems, and the fact that he always provides sound advice regarding the legal strategy to follow differentiate him.’

‘The Uría team has great cohesion and provides timely knowledge of the case and well-channeled information to the client.’

‘Training and experience are an advantage that Uría has over other teams, combined with excellent human treatment. Ismael Clemente and Arianna Vázquez should be highlighted.’

‘The Uría team seamlessly integrates environmental expertise with criminal defence. They are innovative, decisive, and responsive. Uría can explain the complex processes in Spanish courts and can recommend experts that support the litigation strategy. Their knowledge of the local court has proved invaluable and I recommend them highly.’

Spain > Financial services regulatory Tier 3

Uría Menéndez is recognised for being ‘capable of proposing actionable solutions to problems of very high technical complexity‘ in the financial services sector. The firm serves a diverse client base comprised of major domestic and international banks, brokers, payment institutions, non-regulated lenders, crypto service providers, and non-financial entities. The team focuses on advising clients on the legal frameworks governing investment services, collective investments, asset management, payments, banking, and insurance activities. Recently, the group has been particularly active in assisting MiFID firms with the new prudential regime introduced under IFD and IFR, helping to establish illiquid funds and their management companies, and advising on BaaS (banking as a service) arrangements between regulated entities and distributors. Co-head Isabel Aguilar is ‘very knowledgeable about investment funds and the payment services sector‘, while fellow co-leader Carolina Albuerne is noted for her banking regulatory acumen.

Practice head(s):

Isabel Aguilar; Carolina Albuerne

Other key lawyers:

Maria Vidal-Pardo

Testimonials

‘The financial services regulation team is capable of proposing actionable solutions to problems of very high technical complexity, having enabled the execution of two cross-border operations in the last year, among others, affecting very different regulations. A highly trusted team that allows the client to challenge preconceived internal ideas and to activate growth and profitability levers with innovative solutions.’

‘Great technical mastery and extensive experience; sensitivity to internal and strategic political issues of the client; great knowledge of the client, their history and previous operations that allow greater speed and quality in responses.’

‘This is my go-to team for any financial services regulatory advice in Spain. All clients we have referred to Uria are very happy with their services. The advice that they provide is quick, pragmatic and highly technical. ’

‘Carolina Albuerne is outstanding – advice is tailor-made and easy to implement, taking into account client constraints. Isabel Aguilar is also very knowledgeable about investment funds and the payment services sector.’

‘A very good team, led by two great partners, with extensive knowledge and experience, attentive, receptive and with contributions of ideas in the sector.’

‘Both Isabel Aguilar and Carolina Albuerne are excellent professionals due to their knowledge, proactivity, follow-up of matters and immediate attention when you contact them.’

Key clients

Banco Santander

Banco de Sabadell

CaixaBank

Cecabank

Unicaja Banco

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria

Abanca Corporación Bancaria

Morgan Stanley

Santander Consumer Finance

Altura Markets, S.V.

Work highlights

  • Advising CaixaBank on broadening the customer portfolios of all its European branches (through the freedom to provide services from each branch) in other European target countries – a key aspect of CaixaBank’s international strategy.
  • Advising Santander Consumer Finance on expanding the activity of its PayCar platform to intermediating in the sale of vehicles between retailers (c2c) and, in a second phase, to when a third marketplace also participates.
  • Advising on and analysing the regulatory circumstances of Santander Consumer Finance Inc. (SCF Canada), one of Banco Santander group’s subsidiaries in Canada dedicated to consumer financing, and on the approach to be adopted in the discussions with the Joint Supervisory Team for the creation of a new credit institution in Canada.

Spain > Transport: Other transport

Worldwide > Antitrust Tier 1

Worldwide > White-collar crime Tier 1

Latin America: International firms > Corporate and M&A Tier 4

Uría Menéndez handles a signicant volume of deals involving Latin America. Much of this is down to its long-term focus on the region from its Madrid office and its presence in the continent through Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría (its associated regional firm which has offices in Colombia, Chile and Peru). The firm's deal flow in Iberia often involves a Latin America connection, and it frequently advises large European corporates on their investments and acquisitions in the region; the firm recently advised Publicis on its acquisition of 100% of Practia Group, one of Latin America’s leading independent technology companies with operations in Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Colombia and Spain. The firm is also noted for its expertise in corporate reorganisations and restructurings, as well as for its experience acting for private equity funds and other financial sponsors. Eduardo Rodríguez-Rovira heads the Latin America practice group, which includes Juan Martín Perrotto and Pablo González-Espejo, the latter specialising in Brazil investments. Rafael Jiménez is also active in Latin America deals, particularly in Chile.

Practice head(s):

Eduardo Rodríguez-Rovira

Testimonials

‘Uría has a large practice in the region. They combine highly prestigious local advisors with advisers from their offices in Spain with a lot of international experience.’

‘I would highlight their local knowledge and proximity to the client.’

Work highlights

  • Advised Publicis on its acquisition of 100% of Practia Group, one of Latin America’s leading independent technology companies with operations in Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Colombia and Spain.
  • Advised Grupo Rovensa on its acquisition of a 70% stake in Chilean Company MIP Agro.
  • Advised Clinicla Market International on the restructuring and internationalisation of the Chilean group and set-up under a Spanish-based structure.

Latin America: International firms > International arbitration Tier 4

Uría Menéndez continues to represent a multitude of European clients, especially those based in the Iberian Peninsula, in investment treaty cases against Latin American states; many of its matters are connected to Spain’s bilateral investment treaties with states such as Peru and Colombia. The firm is also a key player in commercial arbitration and in public international law cases. The Madrid headquarters houses a sizeable cohort of international arbitration specialists, many of whom have extensive experience of Latin America disputes. The Barcelona and Lisbon offices provide further senior experience and resources, all of which can be further combined with the local expertise provided by associated firm Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría from its offices in Chile, Colombia and Peru. Gabriel Bottini has a prolific record in Latin America international arbitration, frequently acting as counsel or as arbitrator in major cases. Another prominent figure in Latin America disputes, José Miguel Fatás is now head of the international arbitration practice. Álvaro López de Argumedo is an experienced arbitral specialist with a lengthy track record in Latin America matters; while younger partner Heidi López Castro continues to build his practice having being promoted to partner in January 2024. All named individuals are based in Madrid.

Practice head(s):

José Miguel Fatás; Gabriel Bottini; Fernando Aguilar de Carvalho

Testimonials

‘They are always available. A great legal team.’

‘Gabriel Bottini, a great lawyer with a lot of experience, with a lot of experience in international arbitrations.’

‘Specifically, the most relevant thing and to be appreciated for an internal team is the organisation of the Uría firm when it comes to ordering the process and focusing the tasks for the sake of efficiency and the best defence of the client’s interests.’

‘Their availability and commitment to adapt to the client and not the other way around, taking into account the client’s organisation.’

‘Heidi Lopez and her team have proven to be natural workers, always willing to look for solutions. They helped us find a good expert for the case.’

‘Heidi Lopez never seems to leave a loose end and makes her work brilliant at times. Daniela Amarante – you can tell that she likes what she does, she is very intelligent and alert.’

‘ In terms of comparison with other firms, the practice stands out for its approach focused on collaboration and diversity. The integration of professionals with diverse backgrounds enriches the team’s perspective. This not only strengthens the team, but also creates more creative and robust results for clients. In short, the practice is distinguished by its comprehensive approach, team diversity and collaboration. These aspects place it in a favorable position compared to other firms, providing significant value to in-house attorneys and their clients.’

‘The lawyers of this firm stand out for several distinctive qualities that differentiate them from the competition. Some of the highlights that make them stand out include; depth and breadth of knowledge, culture of collaboration and diversity, and a personalised approach to clients.’

Key clients

Banco Nacional de Cuba

Canal Extensia

Dominican Republic

Mota-Engil Ingeniería y Construcción (Paraguayan branch office)

Telefónica

The Cuatro Ríos Cuenca Consortium

Zuma Energía

TSK Electrónica y Electricidad

Banco Central de Bolivia

Work highlights

  • Represented Telefónica in an investment arbitration (under the Peru-Spain BIT) relating to a dispute on tax measures imposed by a Latin-American State against the client’s local subsidiary .
  • Represented Canal Extensia in an investment arbitration against Colombia regarding measures the current government imposed in relation to Canal Extensia’s investments, which resulted in Canal Extensia being forced to sell its shareholding in Triple A (Barranquilla’s Water Public Utilities).
  • Represented Operadora Ecológica del Titicaca (OPETI) in an investment arbitration relating to the company’s alleged inability to carry out the project due to unfeasible stipulations and requirements in the concession contract entered into with the Ministerio de Vivienda, Construcción y Saneamiento of the Peruvian Republic.

The firm: Uría Menéndez is one of the most prestigious independent law firms in the Iberian market. Founded in the 1940s, it comprises 134 partners, and over 400 associates in 12 offices in the most important financial centres in Europe and the Americas.

The firm’s international structure allows them to provide Spanish, Portuguese and EU legal advice to clients on their investments in the Iberian Peninsula and abroad.

The firm focuses on banking and capital markets, company and commercial, environment, litigation and arbitration, infrastructures, project finance, private equity, telecommunications, EU and competition, intellectual property, labour, tax, maritime, transport, logistics and real estate.

Areas of practice
Banking and finance: We have extensive experience advising on Spanish and Portuguese law, as well as English law through the Financing Hub, a bilateral group created in collaboration with Slaughter and May. Our strong international focus is reinforced by our presence in all the main financial centres (London, New York and Brussels) and in Latin America through PPU’s offices in Chile, Colombia and Peru.

We work with borrowers and lenders (or buyers and sellers in the case of NPAs) to find truly balanced solutions and support the market’s main players (banks, funds, real estate investment trusts, listed companies, large corporate groups, infrastructure and energy funds and asset-management platforms) in all types of financing

Capital markets: With our extensive experience and capacity for dialogue with the main regulatory authorities, we can provide advice of the highest calibre to issuers, selling shareholders, investment banks, private equity firms, financial advisers and offerers and companies affected by takeovers.

Among all the firms in the Iberian Peninsula, our multidisciplinary team and practice is unparalleled in its balanced representation of issuers and underwriters, winning us credibility and recognition in the market

Company law and corporate governance: Our knowledge of domestic and international markets and capacity to provide advice on all aspects of market practice in company law, including in highly regulated sectors, enable us to support boards, proactively manage risks and protect business interests by implementing sustainable frameworks.

Our team is made up of experts in company law who provide advice on all stages of the company life cycle.

Competition and EU law: Our specialist lawyers share an in-depth understanding of the regulations and leverage extensive experience liaising with the competition authorities and advising our clients on how to realise their business strategies.

In a constantly changing environment, we offer advice that is technically sound and guaranteed to be of the highest quality, both on the traditional strategic sectors and the new digital economy.

Copyright: Our solid track record with domestic and international players in the information technology, broadcasting, entertainment and cultural industries has given us a thorough understanding of the sector and regulations. We deliver valuable solutions that pursue our clients’ objectives and defend their interests.

We work with a wide range of clients, from literary publishers and newspapers to audiovisual producers, as well as museums, art galleries, cultural foundations, radio and television organisations, information technology companies, digital platforms and telecommunications operators.

Corporate crime and internal investigations: We specialise in economic criminal litigation and pursue the interests of large corporations and management teams in the main economic sectors, assisting them to develop well-informed risk-management strategies that encompass effective corporate governance and robust anti-corruption frameworks.

This includes conducting internal investigations and implementing and reviewing compliance programmes that respond to legal obligations and reputational considerations, all while providing comprehensive solutions that protect business interests.

Digital economy: Our multidisciplinary team takes a 360º approach to tackling the legal questions that technology raises in corporate transactions and litigation, including the intellectual property, employment, tax and competition law aspects. We work together to offer our clients creative and pragmatic solutions.

What sets us apart and ensures all aspects of our clients’ projects are covered is our passion for innovation, our commitment to continual learning and our tireless academic efforts.

Employment: Our specialist lawyers use their comprehensive understanding of business, academic vocation and first-hand experience in the labour and social security authorities to support the human resources departments of large and medium-sized companies in all aspects of employment and social security law.

We also advise on employment issues that arise in the context of mergers, acquisitions, transfers of undertakings and outsourcing.

Energy and natural resources: When it comes to tackling regulatory, financial or business challenges, our team specialises in the needs of the energy, mining and raw materials industries and understands all angles of the issues involved.

Environment and sustainable development: Our multidisciplinary team has more than 25 years’ experience and offers both preventive and corrective advice on environmental matters. We are in a position to establish a dialogue with public bodies and the main regulatory authorities, which allows us to closely follow developments affecting our clients’ interests.

We advise corporate groups whose activities have an environmental impact, regardless of their sector, and entities participating in M&A transactions raising environmental issues.

Financial regulation: Our team is highly specialised, client-focused and capable of handling all areas of financial regulation to provide first-class technical advice for both the Ibero-American and international markets. We are in continual contact with the supervisory authorities and our experience enables us to offer an innovative and practical approach.

Healthcare and life sciences: We are experts in the healthcare, life sciences and chemicals sectors (medicines, food, cosmetics, mixed categories) and take a multidisciplinary approach covering a range of angles: corporate and contractual, administrative and regulatory, competition law, intellectual property, M&A and compliance.

We advise clients from the start of their activity and throughout the research, development, manufacturing, commercialisation and advertising cycle of their products and services. Our knowledge of the market enables us to provide first-rate legal advice that is pragmatic and tailored to each individual case.

IP and unfair competition: What sets us apart is our close relationships with clients, built on a wealth of experience and a thorough understanding of the technical, practical and commercial problems that arise in their regulatory environments and when pursuing their long-term strategies.

We are known for our role in developing doctrine through academic publications that have been accepted and relied upon by courts, as well as for our rigorous analysis and innovative approach to delivering solutions.

Receiving commercially savvy advice is vital for the most innovative and efficient companies – it can prove to be the difference in difficult cases and plays a key role in monetising R&D&I and designing new business strategies.

We advise clients spanning the main strategic sectors on a broad range of matters: pharmaceuticals, chemicals, automobiles, electronics, cosmetics, textiles, defence, services (telecommunications, software, media, banking and finance, public works), food and beverages, farming (plant varieties) and commerce (e-commerce, consumer goods and retail).

Infrastructure projects: Our versatile team of lawyers provides multijurisdictional advice through our network across the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America. Our comprehensive understanding of business and fluid dealings with the regulatory bodies enable us to anticipate the challenges associated with each type of infrastructure, actively participate in preparing draft legislation, and design innovative contractual solutions.

We advise public authorities, construction groups, developers and lenders on all types of issues and help businesses execute those that are particularly complex, ranging from public-infrastructure projects and concessions to public-private partnerships (PPP/PFI), doing so at every stage of the value chain.

Insolvency and financial distress: Our experience tackling business issues and our multidisciplinary and multijurisdictional capabilities enable us to coordinate and manage each matter to optimise processes and ensure the right knowledge and resources are in place so that our clients’ interests are always protected.

Market confidence in our abilities has seen us advise many of the leading Ibero-American financial entities, distressed-debt funds and investors, alternative financiers and distressed businesses on a number of the most important matters in this area.

Insurance and reinsurance: Our multidisciplinary capabilities, extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the insurance industry enable us to support clients faced with a complex regulatory framework, challenging market conditions and digitalisation programmes, and major changes to distribution channels. We tackle the legal and business issues that can arise when designing and executing corporate and financing transactions, along with regulatory and commercial strategy issues to reinforce market share, capital position and commercial performance.

Our team is made up of expert lawyers who handle all legal aspects of insurance and reinsurance in litigation and commercial, tax, employment, data protection, administrative and competition law.

International arbitration: Our team of specialist lawyers from nine different jurisdictions is able to work in seven languages and apply all the main international rules. We represent companies and high-net-worth individuals before the world’s main arbitral tribunals (the CCI, LCIA, Swiss Courts, CIADI, CAM, CIMA and Spanish Arbitration Court) and in ad hoc arbitrations.

Internet and privacy: Our in-depth knowledge of the digital environment and technologies such as big data, AI, apps and social networks enables us to meet the needs of companies no matter their sector.

We assist our clients with all aspects of data protection and cyberspace.

Litigation: Clients trust our reputation for rigorous, sophisticated, and above all practical advice in all types of proceedings and arbitrations on business-related matters. We set the standard and stand apart in the market.

We carry out a detailed overall analysis of each matter to offer the most effective and appropriate solution to achieve the client’s objectives, providing the necessary resources and team to handle the litigation, but also exploring every possible avenue to resolve the dispute out of court.

We are leaders in multijurisdictional legal defence and appear before all Spanish and Portuguese courts, the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Court of Human Rights, as well as all domestic and international arbitral tribunals.

Our strong presence in Latin America (in Chile, Colombia and Peru) and our Best Friends network in Europe enable us to provide first-class advice to companies, high-net-worth individuals and family businesses.

M&A:  We offer comprehensive advice that takes a multidisciplinary approach, placing our experience across all areas of law and unparalleled working standards at the disposal of our clients. They can rely on lawyers with training in finance and business – as well as chaired university professors of commercial, civil and employment law – to address all legal and business aspects of their activity.

We tailor our teams to each transaction with lawyers from other practice areas to ensure the advice we deliver covers all aspects of M&A transactions, no matter the sector and whether they are domestic or cross-border. Our established presence in finance and industry enables us to provide the highest-quality advice on how to design, implement and execute transactions and achieve business objectives.

Knowing our clients and their businesses means we can anticipate the impact that changes in legislation and case law will have in their field and offer creative and innovative solutions to complex problems.

We invest long-term in our relations with clients and accompany them through each transaction with top-quality advice and a practical, efficient and creative approach.

Media, sport and leisure: We advise on the corporate governance, commercial contracting, regulatory and consumer relations aspects of large corporate transactions in these sectors.

We assemble teams of multidisciplinary lawyers based on the approach and strategy necessary in each case to offer tailored solutions, efficiently manage risks and pursue business objectives. Our resources and wide-ranging international experience allow us to accompany our clients step by step through their cross-border projects, collaborating with the top specialists in each jurisdiction.

Our track record in sports law has earned our team a reputation for excellence in added-value transactions and particularly complex cases. We are there to support companies, clubs, national and international federations, leagues, event organisers and athletes, as well as financers, sponsors, major sporting equipment brands, broadcasters and audiovisual rights holders.

Private equity: Our clients benefit from the experience of leading lawyers across all areas of law: corporate, contractual, finance, tax, employment, regulatory, environment, public, IP, IT, data protection, capital markets (both ECM and DCM), litigation and arbitration. We have private equity specialists throughout the firm, enabling us to organise multidisciplinary teams quickly and efficiently to handle both purely domestic transactions in Spain and Portugal and those with a cross-border component.

Over the last 40 years we have advised the majority of the main funds on their investments and divestitures across all sectors. We understand the risks and requirements involved in private equity and our strong presence in finance and industry enables us to provide funds and their management teams with the highest-quality advice on designing, implementing and executing transactions so that they can achieve their business objectives.

We accompany our clients through each phase of the private-equity investment cycle, from fund structuring and fund raising to equity and debt investment, R&W insurance, senior management incentives, recaps, build-ups and divestitures (trade-sale, secondary, IPO). We invest long-term in our relations with clients and tie ourselves to their success, always offering a practical, efficient and creative approach.

Public law: Our specialist team assists contractors and concessionaires of infrastructures and services in their relations with public bodies, advising companies in heavily regulated and industrial sectors, foreign companies – including investment funds – making bids in Spain and Portugal, and Ibero-American companies when they are carrying out infrastructure and public services projects abroad.

Our academic standing, our close relationships with the main players and professional and industry associations, and our capacity to foster dialogue with public bodies and regulators mean that we are best placed to propose novel solutions for public projects and public-private partnerships.

Real estate and planning: Our in-depth understanding of our clients’ activities and objectives, excellent knowledge of the law and the market, creativity and capacity to organise multidisciplinary teams enable us to offer alternative solutions for real estate and planning transactions.

We work with the main players in the real estate market (investment funds, asset managers and local partners, real estate investment trusts and owners of all types of assets, real estate developers and banks) to design and implement their projects.

Tax: We are equipped to handle the most complex aspects of tax law, with many of our lawyers dual qualified in law and business administration. Our clients also benefit from the insights provided by two ex-tax inspectors and a PhD in Law.

We provide multidisciplinary advice to large corporations, financial entities, private equity and investment funds, majority shareholders of large companies and family groups.

Our international dimension enables us to advise any client with an international presence on Spanish, Portuguese or EU law, with a special focus on the Latin American market where we provide local advice through PPU’s offices in Chile, Colombia and Peru.

Transport and mobilityTransport, logistics and mobility form the backbone of the current economic, social and business environment. The result is a dynamic and complex regulatory framework that requires an all-encompassing approach to legal advice and transactional support.

Our multidisciplinary and versatile team knows how to design and implement regulatory and financing structures, execute corporate and infrastructure transactions, and manage risks in the maritime, aviation, rail, logistics and urban-mobility sectors of the main Ibero-American markets.

Department Name Email Telephone
Corporate & Commercial Carlos de Cárdenas
Financial Ángel Pérez López
Restructuring & Insolvency Ángel Alonso Hernández
Tax Víctor Viana Barral
Telecommunications, Media & Entertainment Pablo González-Espejo
Litigation & Arbitration Jesús Remón
Competition Antonio Guerra
Energy Juan Ignacio González
Environmental Carlos de Miguel
Environmental Juan Antonio Loste
Litigation & Arbitration Gabriel Bottini
Litigation & Arbitration Javier García Sanz
Real Estate / Urban Planning Fernando Azofra Vegas
Environment Juan Antonio Loste Madoz
Energy Juan González Ruiz
Employment & Pensions Mario Barro García
Maritime & Transport Carlos López-Quiroga
Photo Name Position Profile
Luz  Martínez De Azcoitia photo Luz Martínez De Azcoitia
José Félix  Zaldívar de la Rica photo José Félix Zaldívar de la Rica
Ivan Abad photo Ivan Abad
Luis Acuña photo Mr Luis Acuña
Isabel Aguilar photo Isabel Aguilar
Carolina Albuerne photo Carolina Albuerne
Jaime Alonso photo Mr Jaime Alonso
Angel Alonso Hernández photo Mr Angel Alonso Hernández
Ignacio Álvarez Couso photo Ignacio Álvarez Couso
Cristina Areces photo Cristina Areces
Diego Armero photo Mr Diego Armero
Tomás Arranz photo Tomás Arranz
Fernando Azofra photo Mr Fernando Azofra
Mario Barros photo Mr Mario Barros
Gabriel Bottini photo Mr Gabriel Bottini
Darya Budova photo Darya Budova
Fernando Calbacho Losada photo Mr Fernando Calbacho Losada
Guillermo Canalejo photo Mr Guillermo Canalejo
Agustín Capilla Casco photo Mr Agustín Capilla Casco
Ismael Clemente photo Mr Ismael Clemente
Beatriz Cocina photo Beatriz Cocina
Xavier Codina García-Andrade photo Xavier Codina García-Andrade
Miguel Cremades photo Mr Miguel Cremades
Jaime Del Fraile photo Jaime Del Fraile
Manuel Echenique photo Mr Manuel Echenique
Juan Francisco Falcón photo Mr Juan Francisco Falcón
José Miguel Fatás photo Mr José Miguel Fatás
Eva Ferrada photo Mrs Eva Ferrada
Jaime Folguera Crespo photo Mr Jaime Folguera Crespo
Francisco Javier García photo Mr Francisco Javier García
Rafael García Llaneza photo Mr Rafael García Llaneza
Javier Garcia Sanz photo Mr Javier Garcia Sanz
Manuel García-Villarrubia photo Mr Manuel García-Villarrubia
Juan Miguel Goenechea Domínguez photo Mr Juan Miguel Goenechea Domínguez
Antonio Gómez Cid photo Mr Antonio Gómez Cid
Juan Ignacio González Ruiz photo Mr Juan Ignacio González Ruiz
Pablo González-Espejo photo Mr Pablo González-Espejo
Antonio Guerra photo Mr Antonio Guerra
Alfonso Gutiérrez Hernández photo Mr Alfonso Gutiérrez Hernández
Christian Hoedl photo Mr Christian Hoedl
Julio Iglesias photo Mr Julio Iglesias
Luis Jiménez photo Mr Luis Jiménez
Ignacio Klingenberg photo Mr Ignacio Klingenberg
Patricia Leandro photo Patricia Leandro
David López  photo Mr David López
Jesús López Tello photo Mr Jesús López Tello
Álvaro López de Argumedo photo Mr Álvaro López de Argumedo
Leticia López-Lapuente photo Leticia López-Lapuente Leticia López-Lapuente joined Uría Menéndez in 2004 and she is partner of…
Carlos López-Quiroga photo Mr Carlos López-Quiroga
Mariano Magide photo Mr Mariano Magide
Gloria Marin photo Mrs Gloria Marin
Miguel Martínez Gimeno photo Miguel Martínez Gimeno
Yásser-Harbi Mustafa Tomás photo Mr Yásser-Harbi Mustafa Tomás
Álvaro Navarro photo Álvaro Navarro
Enrique Nieto photo Mr Enrique Nieto
Gabriel Núñez Fernández photo Mr Gabriel Núñez Fernández
Rafael Núñez-Lagos photo Mr Rafael Núñez-Lagos
Carlos Paredes photo Mr Carlos Paredes
Teresa Paz-Ares photo Mrs Teresa Paz-Ares
Cándido Paz-Ares photo Mr Cándido Paz-Ares
Jaime Pereda Espeso photo Mr Jaime Pereda Espeso
Diego Pérez photo Diego Pérez
Ángel Pérez López photo Mr Ángel Pérez López
Ángel Pérez Pardo de Vera photo Mr Ángel Pérez Pardo de Vera
Juan Martín Perrotto photo Mr Juan Martín Perrotto
Violeta Pina photo Violeta Pina
Sergio Ponce photo Mr Sergio Ponce
Pedro Ravina photo Mr Pedro Ravina
Javier Redonet photo Mr Javier Redonet
Jesús Remón photo Mr Jesús Remón
Juan Reyes photo Juan Reyes
Marta Ríos photo Mrs Marta Ríos
Ramiro Rivera photo Mr Ramiro Rivera
Enrique  Rodríguez Celada photo Enrique Rodríguez Celada
Sofía  Rodríguez Torres photo Sofía Rodríguez Torres
Eduardo Rodríguez-Rovira photo Mr Eduardo Rodríguez-Rovira
Javier  Rubio Sanz photo Javier Rubio Sanz
Javier Ruiz-Cámara photo Mr Javier Ruiz-Cámara
Sebastián Sáenz de Santa María photo Mr Sebastián Sáenz de Santa María
Borja Sainz de Aja photo Mr Borja Sainz de Aja
Francisco San Miguel photo Mr Francisco San Miguel
Guillermo San Pedro photo Mr Guillermo San Pedro
José Sánchez-Fayos photo José Sánchez-Fayos
Salvador Sánchez-Terán photo Mr Salvador Sánchez-Terán
Rafael Sebastián photo Mr Rafael Sebastián
Jesús Sedano photo Jesús Sedano
Álvaro Seijo photo Álvaro Seijo
Javier Tortuero Ortiz photo Mr Javier Tortuero Ortiz
Manuel Vélez photo Mr Manuel Vélez
Carles Vendrell photo Mr Carles Vendrell
Alfonso Ventoso photo Mr Alfonso Ventoso
Victor Viana photo Mr Victor Viana
Patricia Vidal photo Mrs Patricia Vidal
David Vilches photo Mr David Vilches
Javier Yáñez photo Mr Javier Yáñez
Carlos de Cardenas Smith photo Mr Carlos de Cardenas Smith
Luis de Carlos Bertrán photo Mr Luis de Carlos Bertrán
Number of lawyers worldwide : 709
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Lex Mundi
Other offices : Barcelona
Other offices : Bilbao
Other offices : Brussels
Other offices : Lisbon
Other offices : London
Other offices : New York
Other offices : Porto
Other offices : Valencia
Other offices : Bogotá with a stake in Philippi, Prietocarrizosa, Ferrero DU & Uría.
Other offices : Lima with a stake in Philippi, Prietocarrizosa, Ferrero DU & Uría.
Other offices : Santiago de Chile with a stake in Philippi, Prietocarrizosa, Ferrero DU & Uría.