Clifford Chance > Madrid, Spain > Firm Profile

‘Hiring the firm is always a guarantee of success. Experience, knowledge, proximity to clients and leadership in the market are their main strengths. In addition, it should be added that they are one of the leading firms in the market, which gives their lawyers a deep understanding of the dynamics of the sector.’

‘Epifanio Pérez and Ignacio Magariños make a very well-rounded partnership capable of leading complex operations at the highest level, striving to reach agreements between the parties without losing sight of their role as adviser to each party.’

‘A team with deep legal knowledge, which is very experienced, established (they have been working together for many years) and knowledgeable about the market. In addition, the office can provide support in other areas if necessary (for example, with derivatives).’

‘Epifanio Pérez and Felipe Font stand out.’

‘José Manuel Cuenca has an outstanding view of the banking and financial industry. He is very knowledgeable about existing legal issues. That makes all the difference to his advice.’

‘The team stands out for its proximity to clients, rigour and timely handling of matters.’

‘Great availability to assist clients and facilitate a good outcome in a timely manner.’

‘Ignacio Magariños provides a great service and is always willing to collaborate.’

‘Clifford Chance is always a safe bet for fixed income trading matters. It is present in the most demanding operations and has an experienced team that has been together for many years, which demonstrates excellent coordination.’

‘I would like to highlight Yolanda Azanza and Francisco Pizarro. They have excellent technical quality. They propose creative solutions to the most complex problems and always go above and beyond, providing support in other matters aside from the legal issues.’

‘Leonardo Fernández Rodríguez is very responsive and practical, and I appreciated the good working relationship he maintained with opposing counsels, which often prevented legal issues from becoming commercial bottlenecks.’

‘When hiring a firm, what we are looking for is excellence, rigour and availability – all aspects that we have found in this team. It also has the sensitivity to understand the client, both from a business perspective and during the transaction.’

‘I would like to highlight the personal treatment of clients by all the people in the team and, especially, Yolanda Azanza and Francisco Pizarro. The difference with respect to other competitors lies in their availability, friendliness and resilience – since in this type of operation there are always last-minute changes that are not always favourable and the team have always been available.’

‘Excellent work by the entire team, from the participating partners to the most junior lawyers. Great knowledge of the sector, market and regulator. The value for money is very good for the time spent and the expertise received.’

‘I would especially highlight Antonio Henriquez for his enormous knowledge and experience in bond issuances, and his close communication and availability when required on our part.’

‘Clifford Chance provides a 360° service with a deep business understanding of the issues. They are always available to provide solutions in deadlock situations during a negotiation.’

‘The team formed by Luis Alonso and Pablo Murcia is unrivalled in the industry. Miguel Barredo also stands out among the youngest lawyers.’

‘In my experience, they are the best law firm I have ever worked with. I especially value his efficiency and his ability to get up to speed with complex business issues and integrate as one of the team. I also appreciate the ability to comfort ideas looking for the best possible solution for the client.’

‘Luis Alonso: He is the partner responsible for M&A and our reference lawyer. I especially value his strength in negotiations and ability to find commercial solutions to all the problems that arise in operations. He also has an amazing ability to understand and give an opinion on the financial and strategic aspects of the operation. Pablo Murcia: He is an outstanding associate with great career potential. Javier Hermosilla: Another outstanding associate to highlight. I would also highlight younger associates such as Miguel Barredo and Jorge Martín.’

‘Javier Amantegui – very commercial lawyer, focusing on the key topics without wasting time on less relevant topics. Patricia Puertas and Javier Montañes are also of note.’

‘Clifford’s Corporate and M&A team led by Luis Alonso surpasses its competitors in experience and professionalism; borders on excellence. With extensive experience in complex transactions, they have the ability to offer innovative and imaginative solutions for the benefit of the client. They also incorporate Artificial Intelligence tools, especially in terms of due diligence, which makes them highly competitive. Another noteworthy element would be the diversity in the composition of the teams associated with a project, both in terms of knowledge and, above all, and it is something that I would especially like to highlight, in terms of gender.’

‘Our work was mainly with Pablo Murcia, from the corporate team. The experience has been very, very good. He perfectly understood our needs and was essential for the conclusion of the operation. He advised us from the beginning to the closing and we can say that the issue would not have been closed without his intervention.’

‘Extraordinary global vision of the specific needs and problems, in a transversal way with different legal practices, in a context of very high tension and stress, with enormous pressure of closing schedule, complying with all the very demanding requirements of maturities and deadlines. I have not had such a complete and consolidated professional experience with any other firm, neither national nor international.’

‘Very good knowledge of Spanish law and international arbitration, very good client service, with pragmatism and incomparable response time.’

‘The experience of working with the arbitration team at Clifford Chance has been magnificent.’

‘In addition to being great professionals, they know their client well and offer legal solutions that are in line with commercial or business needs.’

‘The different teams of lawyers at Clifford Chance Barcelona with whom I have been working are lovers of their profession, which translates into dedication to study and understand matters in depth, in the continuous study of legislative and/or jurisprudential developments, as well as in learning about how the market moves in a certain sector; they are educated and well prepared. They have the capacity and resources to take on litigation of a certain complexity and scope, which clearly makes them stand out.’

‘Adrián Crespo, due to his knowledge and way of working and raising issues, has become a trusted person in the Group.’

‘Fernando Irurzun is a great professional who combines a great technical rigor with a great knowledge of human psychology, which makes him unique for the resolution of legal disputes.’

‘It is a team highly specialised in litigation and arbitration. In addition, it is very sophisticated, keeping up to date with advances and changes (especially in arbitration). They have also been able to quickly understand very specific problems.’

‘Fernando Irurzun and Fernando Giménez-Alvear have been two absolutely exceptional lawyers for me. With them on my side, I feel calm.’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘The team is made up of a group of very experienced lawyers in the sector, knowledgeable about the problems of the industry and with a portfolio of clients that allows them to benchmark. Especially strong in the drug pricing and reimbursement system, among other specialties. Very few teams in other firms in Spain have the industry knowledge that Clifford Chance has.’

‘The experience acquired after years of specialization is an important plus for this team. The team has the figure of Miquel Montaná, a benchmark in Spain and Europe in his specialty. Miquel is fully involved in the firm’s affairs and contributes his knowledge from decades of full dedication to the life sciences sector.’

‘They are lawyers with a lot of experience and knowledge in the matter. Excellent quality of work.’

‘Clifford Chance attorneys are very efficient. The quality of their work is excellent as well as their response time. They are very close with the client and have the ability to explain technical issues to legal and business profiles.’

‘The Clifford Chance IP team is one of the ‘go-to’ teams for Life Sciences/IP work in Spain. Their pragmatic and responsive approach, combined with their depth of knowledge means that they are often a key part of the multi-jurisdictional teams a client may assemble.’

‘Josep Montefusco, Adrian Crespo and Ana Beneto are a formidable team advising on technical and strategic IP matters in the Life Sciences sector. Their depth of knowledge, coupled with their responsiveness and their pragmatic approach makes them extremely effective and highly valued by clients.’

‘They have the best patent litigation lawyer in Spain, which is Miquel Montañá. The technical level of the people that make up the team is excellent, as is their knowledge of the pharmaceutical sector.’

‘They are simply the best Spanish IP litigators, both in counselling and in representation before court.’

‘Miquel Montañá has an incredibly sharp mind, is very experienced and is a great fighter for his client’s interests in court. Couldn’t wish for a better lawyer.’

‘Josep Montefusco is extremely knowledgeable in patent matters and an excellent counsellor for all Spanish IP matters.‘

‘Adrián Crespo is a great analytical mind with excellent knowledge of both English and German.’

‘Miquel Montañá is a star player in Spain. His depth of knowledge of IP law is unrivalled. He is creative, practical and very client friendly.’

‘The team has real depth to its subject matter expertise – i.e. skilled legal professionals who are also completely on top of the business sector. They also work in partnership with the in-house team and understand the commercial realities of any given situation.’

‘Josep Montefusco is an outstanding patent lawyer and patent litigator. Fernando Cerdà Belda, under the tutelage of Josep, looks like a rising star within the patents team.’

‘They are very commercial and understand the strategy and priorities of the clients.’

‘All team members are very well-prepared and contribute.’

‘It is a well-prepared team with an excellent technical level. It fully understands the business.’

‘Its particular knowledge of the business and excellent legal advice. They perfectly understand the sensitivity of the client.’

‘The Clifford Chance team has a perfect command of the subject and also puts at the client’s disposal tools and documents that greatly facilitate the work and the successful outcome of the operation.’

‘The Clifford Chance team have extensive experience structuring transactions of all kinds and always provide prompt and excellent support.’

‘Eduardo Sánchez is one of the best lawyers both in the field of structured financing with project and PPA negotiation. Alejandro Cubillo also provides excellent treatment and support with great attention to detail and practical solutions to get transactions closed in a timely manner.’

‘Very reliable knowledge of the industry, very fine understanding of the complex integrated green hydrogen system, creativity regarding the design of legal and financial solutions.’

‘Its qualities are an ability to listen to the needs of all stakeholders and to design adapted solutions.’

‘Eduardo Sanchez stands out enormously by combining great commercial capacity and negotiating skills with solid technical knowledge and a high degree of involvement. He has great leadership skills. Gabriel Miranda has great technical knowledge and know-how. Jose Guardo contributes a lot of value and lets his great team shine. Its great reputation is well deserved.’

‘The team has a high level of technical training and what makes them different from other firms is the number of senior officials who not only have extensive knowledge of the subject, but also have information on the functioning of the Administration and the area of competence of each department.’

‘They have expanded the subject matters of this practice, incorporating expert lawyers so that they provide a comprehensive and very complete service, something that clearly differentiates them from other firms.’

‘Their status as State Lawyers and experts in the field and their availability to attend to emergencies and queries that may arise. Jaime Almenar and José Manuel Cuenca are held in high regard.’ 

‘Clifford Chance’s public law team is exceptional in both its knowledge and its pragmatic approach to matters. Couldn’t be happier with them for the results they get.’

‘They know the matter in detail, they are very fast and agile. Jaime Almenar is an impressive lawyer because of the solidity of his knowledge in a way that you are always sure you are going to get the best possible result.’

‘Jaime Almenar’s contributions are certainly of great value, they have complemented the work of other lawyers and help the client find solutions to very complex problems.’ 

‘Its practical vision to find solutions. Leadership in meetings. Mastery of public contracting and its final results.’

‘It is worth highlighting the work of Fernando Irurzun and Clara Alcaraz.’

‘Experience, knowledge of the market, availability, and speed.

‘They are professional, and have resources from other areas as it is a multi-disciplinary team.’

‘Knowledge of the business and pro-deal focus.’

‘Clifford’s lawyers in addition to their magnificent legal training, connect with the client and their needs, and are always looking for solutions.’

‘The team has great flexibility and response times, as well as always being available. In addition, the team has direct access to the regulator and other actors related to the capital markets, which is very helpful as it facilitates certain aspects of very complex transactions.’

‘Javier García de Enterría has a great technical knowledge and great negotiating skills, and is fully involved in the matters he is responsible for, with a prestigious reputation that is recognised by other lawyers in the market.’

‘This is a very new practice that requires continuous study and updating by lawyers. The international dimension of the firm, compared to others of a local scope, allows knowing the trends in other geographies and anticipating possible regulatory initiatives, as well as transferring business opportunities to the client in the transition towards a low-carbon economy.’

‘Jaime Velázquez and Jaime Almenar have been pioneers in this practice and are permanently updated on the applicable regulations, which are very detailed and profuse. They are two very complete, experienced, and highly trained lawyers, with a transversal vision and very focused on the client.’

‘What makes Clifford Chance’s practice unique is that in addition to knowing about TMT, they are solid lawyers in other practices (this is civil and administrative law), which differentiates them.’

‘They are up to date on technology and have good contacts in the regulator. They are the most robust and reliable on the market.’

‘Legal solidity, the speed with which they resolve issues and the breadth of their knowledge.’

‘In my opinion they are number one in TMT in Spain. Jaime Almenar is a brilliant lawyer. What sets Jaime apart from the other attorneys is that he has a very quick, sharp and practical mind. He is a very solid lawyer.’

‘Clifford Chance’s insurance team has extensive industry operations experience and members who have been dedicated to this area since its inception. They work very well with other offices.’

‘Clifford Chance’s team has delivered outstanding work regarding insurance to us. They have thorough knowledge of the sector and take advantage of their full service offering to provide top notch and complete advice. They provide detailed and solid advice very swiftly and are particularly knowledgable and proficient in insurance regulatory matters and insurance M&A.’

‘Miguel Barredo is an outstanding lawyer. He is fast paced, but always on point, and has deep knowledge of the sector.’

‘Juan Valcárcel has good skills in insurance law.’

‘Very good knowledge of the subject matter.’

‘A very solid team with great knowledge of the restructuring and insolvency practice area. Their work is very organised and this gives clients a feeling of security about the management of these files, which in most cases are very complex. I fully trust the team, who are always seeking to contribute ideas and solutions.’

‘The team members are great lawyers and very committed to their work. Always available to assist and provide the best service. I would like to highlight Felipe Font, with whom I have had the pleasure of being able to work on several projects. I have always had a very good experience.’

‘The team stand out for their specialist knowledge, technical credibility and effectiveness. They give you confidence in their advice. They have extensive knowledge of the subject and are very up to date with the regulatory changes. They get to know their clients well so they can adapt advice to their requirements. Good management of resources, immediate responses and the ability to resolve issues.’

‘Reliability and technical strength with great knowledge of the client. The best customer service. Rodrigo Uría and Felipe Font are exceptional.’

‘The team is very professional, experienced and solid. Having them on board is an asset.’

‘Both Eduardo Garcia and Felipe Font have a deep understanding of restructuring and insolvency matters. Eduardo is a seasoned professional with a lot of experience. Felipe is an outstanding lawyer with strong legal skills. Working with both of them is a great opportunity to learn from professionals with a lot of experience.’

‘It is a firm with a very good international network and they are very aware of business practices in other countries.’

‘In our latest project, Pablo Serrano and Fernando Escribano have done an incredible job of coordinating with their foreign offices and have defended the interests of their Spanish client as if they were their own. And they have demonstrated a deep understanding of complex business structures and their tax implications.’

‘The team has great technical strength, in both tax and regulatory and corporate matters. It offers unified global advice which is seamless, exhaustive, thorough and at the same time concise. They are exceptional experts in tax relating to financial services and products, offering fast, practical and precise solutions.’

‘They stand out for their absolute availability to the client, the great support they provide without ever giving up their efforts, analysing the issues in depth and always thinking of the client’s perspective, and the kind treatment and humility with which they pass on their extraordinary knowledge, based on practice and experience. I would like to highlight Roberto Grau in the tax practice.’

‘An excellent understanding of tax practices in Spain. 100% availability and professionalism.’

‘The team stand out for their great capabilities, network and ability to find creative solutions in a short space of time. Deep knowledge of market practices’

‘The team is excellent.’

‘Great technical knowledge and practical strategies.’

‘Excellent professional knowledge and empathy with the client.’

‘The team understands the business and is able to dimension the risks properly, giving advice consequently and carrying out investigations in a discreet and professional manner.’

‘They understand the client’s distress with different issues and makes them feel comfortable.’

‘The team is simply exceptional. In addition, each of its members are lawyers with deep knowledge of the issues, and above all it is pleasant to work with them.’

‘Thais Garcia has a great knowledge of energy sector M&A in LATAM and is a trusted advisor for trans-frontier transactions.’

‘Clifford Chance advises on M&A transactions. The experience arising from advising on relevant M&A operations in a wide variety of sectors is very valuable and contributes a lot to the quality of the advice offered by this firm. The fluency in the Spanish language of its lawyers facilitated the interaction with the different teams of the company.’

‘Thais García and Carla Ruggero are two Clifford attorneys who stand out for their extensive experience in advising on M&A transactions. Their brilliant journey allows them to always give alternatives to clients in the face of situations that arise in operations. They are very kind people and always available when needed. The command of several languages is also a great advantage.’

‘Great commercial and negotiation experience with international partners and counterparties.’

‘Agility of execution, holistic view and quality of work.‘