Gómez-Acebo & Pombo’s environment practice is distinguished by its strong focus on the circular economy, advising on waste management, water regulation, industrial environmental matters, including permitting issues, and ESG/greenwashing. With strong regulatory, commercial and contentious capabilities, the team is also well placed to assist with biodiversity and climate change matters, including deforestation regulations at both EU and domestic levels. The team is co-led by Pedro Poveda, a leading figure in the market noted for his expertise in environmental, waste and water issues, and Eduardo Orteu, who stands out for his knowledge of water regulation and extended producer responsibility (EPR). Santiago Garrido is a seasoned environmental law specialist with a strong track record in complex administrative and judicial proceedings, while Ana Orondo assists with waste, EPR and circular economy matters. Helena Villena advises on sustainable development and contentious environmental mandates.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘It is undoubtedly one of the leading teams in environmental issues in Spain.’
- ‘Pedro Poveda, who leads the team, is a leading figure in the sector. Ana Orondo brings balance and competence.’
- ‘Knowledge of environmental legislation and the legislator.’
- ‘Knowledge, experience, flexibility, high-level attention.’
- ‘For us, it is important to have a comprehensive view of all the legal aspects that affect our company, and this is one of the values that Gómez Acebo & Pombo brings to the table: the coordination of activities as a team, regardless of need.’
- ‘In my opinion, what I would highlight about Ana Orondo, besides her dedication to customer service, is her ability to solve problems very quickly. As for Pedro Poveda, I would also highlight his ease in resolving any challenge, and I would further define it as experience.’
- ‘Considering that the firm provides highly specialised comprehensive legal services and advice, it is essential that the legal advisory team be composed of professionals with extensive experience in both the public administration and the private sector. Gómez-Acebo & Pombo exemplifies this approach, where Pedro Poveda, Eduardo Orteu, as well as Carlos Vázquez have all held senior positions in the Ministry of the Environment.'
- 'The team is further strengthened by Yago Fernández Darna, an up-and-coming senior associate, with more than ten years of experience advising large companies and national and international entities in environmental law and, more specifically, in matters related to extended producer responsibility (EPR).'
Key clients
- Urbaser, SA - Sertego Servicios Ambientales, SL (Esp)
- Collective extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes (ECOEMBES, ECOVIDRIO, SIGNUS, SIGAUS, ECOPILAS, ECOASIMELEC, ECOFIMATICA, ECOLEC, SIGRE, GENCI)
- Collective extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes at the state level for commercial and industrial packaging: ENVALORA, Recyclia-packaging, GENCI, ECOLEC-packaging.
- DS Smith
- ASELIP (Asociación de Empresas de Limpieza Pública)
- A&G
- COMUNIDAD GENERAL DE REGANTES DE LOS CANALES DE URGEL
- ACCIONA URBAN SERVICES
- URGELL WATER IRRIGATION COMUNITY
- ALMAR WATER SERVICIOS ESPAÑA S.L.
- ASPAPEL (Spanish Association of Pulp and Paper Manufacturers)
- VEOLIA
- CARREFOUR
- ASELUBE
- STANPA
- INSUD PHARMA
- CIP COPENHAGEN INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERS
- AIE ASCO NUCLEAR POWER
- HERA HOLDING
- COBRA
Work highlights
Comprehensive and continuous legal advice to each of the domestic packaging extended producer responsibility systems - ECOEMBES, ECOVIDRIO, SIGRE, GENCI, ENVALORA, RECYCLIA ENVASES and ECOLECPACKAGING - on all environmental and regulatory aspects of their day-to-day operations.
Comprehensive and continuous legal advice to each of the oils, wheels and electronic devices extended producer responsibility systems - SIGNUS, SIGAUS, ECOPILAS, ECOASIMELEC, ECOFIMATICA and ECOLEC - on all environmental and regulatory aspects of their day-to-day operations.
Advises ACCIONA Urban Services, the Spanish branch of the multinational leading company Acciona, a global company that invests in, develops and operates infrastructure assets across the globe.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Ana Orondo
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Pedro Poveda; Eduardo Orteu
Other key lawyers
Santiago Garrido; Carlos Vázquez; Ana Orondo; Helena Villena; Yago Fernández Darna; Blanca García de Madariaga