DLA Piper > Madrid, Spain > Firm Profile

DLA Piper > The Legal 500 Rankings

Spain > Industry focus: Manufacturing Tier 1

A popular destination for clients operating in the manufacturing sector, DLA Piper is recognised by clients for its ‘extensive experience’ in this segment. The team is well equipped to handle a wide range of matters, including IP, corporate transactions, public law, real estate and banking. The team is led by Joaquín Hervada, an EU and competition law expert with significant expertise in merger control and structuring transactions within the manufacturing and industrial sectors.

Spain > Industry focus: Retail Tier 1

DLA Piper provides a wide range of cross-disciplinary services to both international and domestic clients in the retail sector, covering corporate, tax, and IP law. Diego Ramos is a key contact for retailers and investors seeking assistance with commercial, technology and IP matters. Former head of real estate Orson Alcocer is no longer at the firm.

Spain > Banking and finance Tier 2

DLA Piper‘s banking and finance team in Spain manages a diverse transactional workload, where acquisition and real estate finance mandates feature alongside syndicated factoring deals and project finance in the energy and infrastructure sectors. With a strong following of commercial banks, debt funds, borrowers and sponsors, the team also demonstrates strong skills in financial regulation and compliance issues. The practice is spearheaded by César Herrero, known for his extensive experience in high-value domestic and cross-border transactions, particularly in leveraged, project, and structured finance. Jesús Zapata is a key player in the team, specialising in corporate and acquisition financing deals. Also notable are Natalia López, who leads the financial regulation and investment funds practice, and José Marco, whose expertise in real estate financings is a standout feature of the group.

Spain > Employment Tier 2

The employment team at DLA Piper is a key port of call for technology, financial services, and consumer goods clients on collective bargaining, restructuring, M&A transactions, and litigation. International employment and social security specialist Pilar Menor co-heads the department alongside ESG expert Paz De La Iglesia. Menor regularly advises on collective labour negotiations and litigation arising from restructurings and M&A transactions, while Iglesia concentrates on due diligence and hiring processes. Other key practitioners in the team include Pedro Molina and Raúl Torres.

Spain > Industry focus: Food Tier 2

Singled out for its extensive experience in food safety, labelling, packaging, advertising and distribution issues in the food sector, DLA Piper is noted for its wide-ranging expertise in this space. Spearheaded by Diego Ramos, the team handles a wide range of matters, including food regulation, M&A transactions, commercial agreements, trade relations, brand management, and product liability. Paula González De Castejón is a key contact for regulatory matters, while Joaquín Hervada focuses on EU and competition law.

Spain > Real estate and construction Tier 2

DLA Piper‘s real estate practice excels in real estate investments and divestments, financings, and joint ventures. The group has amassed an impressive client roster comprised of businesses from a range of sectors, including hospitality, financial services, and logistics, among others. José María Oliva is noted for his experience in real estate transactional matters, ranging from sale and leaseback deals to distressed portfolio transactions. Former practice head Orson Alcocer is no longer at the firm.

Spain > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 3

DLA Piper’s corporate and M&A practice in Spain benefits from the firm’s extensive international network, making it well positioned to advise on multijurisdictional transactions across a variety of industries, including regulated sectors such as telecoms, energy, and healthcare. Practice head Jose Maria Gil-Robles is the go-to counsel for private equity investors and hedge funds. Other key practitioners include Joaquín Echánove, who frequently handles PE and M&A matters, as well as transactions in the renewable energy sector, and Enrique Chamorro, known for his expertise in cross-border M&A and corporate restructurings.

Spain > Dispute resolution Tier 3

DLA Piper's dispute resolution practice has a particular focus on litigation and arbitration arising from the financial sector and from restructuring and insolvency matters. The group has regulatory expertise and is capable of handling both domestic and cross-border disputes, both of which continue to attract new clients. Borja De Obeso heads up the department and brings a wealth of experience to the team. He concentrates on international arbitration, civil and criminal litigation, and contentious administrative actions, and regularly acts for financial institutions. Irene Ávila stands out for her ‘extensive experience,’ providing ‘professional judgement,’ and ‘preparing high-quality documents.’

Spain > Industry focus: Healthcare and life sciences Tier 3

Paula González De Castejón and Diego Ramos jointly head the practice at DLA Piper, which regularly handles advertising work and distribution agreements. González de Castejón is recommended for her in-depth knowledge of pricing and reimbursement, clinical trial, and market access mandates, with a strong focus on transparency issues, while Ramos handles a broad caseload consisting of cybersecurity, marketing, and data protection work.

Spain > Industry focus: TMT Tier 3

With expertise in the financial services, media and entertainment, and consumer goods sector, the TMT group at DLA Piper is capable of handling both domestic and cross-border matters related to regulatory issues, outsourcing agreements, and e-commerce, to name a few. The department has amassed an impressive client roster, comprised of household names, that continues to expand. Heading up the practice is Diego Ramos who specialises in technology outsourcing. Paula González De Castejón stands out for her experience advising on gambling, gaming, and e-commerce regulations. Elisa Lorenzo is another key contact in the group.

Spain > Projects and energy Tier 3

Across its energy and project finance practice groups, DLA Piper offers a deep bench of experts on energy and infrastructure M&A and finance matters. The team is led by Pablo Echenique, a renewable power transaction expert, and César Herrero, who regularly brings lenders expertise regarding the financing of energy projects and digital and transport infrastructure. José María Barrios complements the transactional practice with regulatory and litigation know-how relevant to a broad spectrum of energy transition projects.

Spain > Public law Tier 3

DLA Piper is regularly sought for advice on public procurement, administrative proceedings and regulatory issues, showcasing particular strength in the infrastructure, energy, healthcare and defence sectors. Practice head José María Barrios, noted for his 'enormous capacity for work, ability to motivate, and knowledge of regulated sectors', brings significant experience in public procurement, expropriation and town planning. José Manuel Sala is a name to note for judicial review proceedings, while Carlos Daza shines in matters concerning public law and regulated sectors.

Spain > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 3

Spain > Tax Tier 3

Showcasing strength in both contentious and non-contentious tax mandates, the team at DLA Piper is often seen advising on tax restructurings and reorganisations, tax planning, tax audits and litigation. The group is particularly active in the energy, food and beverage, life sciences, and real estate sectors and offers notable expertise in transfer pricing. Practice head César Salagaray leads on transfer pricing work, while Carlos Rodríguez is highly regarded for his involvement in international tax planning matters. Other key figures include Miguel Baz, noted for his experience in the real estate sector, and Guillermo Bailach, who focuses on tax-efficient international structures and M&A transactions.

Spain > EU and competition Tier 4

DLA Piper leverages its broad competition law expertise across the TMT, automotive, media, and pharmaceutical sectors. The team is frequently sought for guidance on merger control, FDI, and other antitrust matters. Practice head Joaquín Hervada balances a dual focus on M&A transactions and competition infringement proceedings. Rafael Maldonado and Miguel Higuero are both actively involved in regulatory filings and competition investigations.

Spain > Intellectual property: Copyright Tier 4

DLA Piper‘s IP and technology group is a trusted adviser to high-profile clients in the pharmaceutical, technology, media, and entertainment sectors, handling copyright regulatory matters, litigation, registration, licensing, enforcement, and general advisory matters. Leading the practice is Diego Ramos, who regularly advises on ownership rights and branding. The team also benefits from the expertise of Paula González De Castejón, a key contact for the gaming and pharma sectors.

Spain > Private equity Tier 4

DLA Piper delivers essential guidance to private equity investors, hedge funds, and other entities, advising on the financing of private equity deals and refinancing portfolio assets. Team head Jose Maria Gil-Robles brings extensive expertise in the structuring of private equity investments and divestments, conducting due diligence, and drafting transactional agreements. Joaquín Echánove’s exceptional M&A expertise enhances his already robust private equity practice.

West Midlands > Employment > Employment Tier 1