Bringing together strong capabilities in transactional, regulatory and contentious work, Clifford Chance’s public law team is recognised in Spain for its strong regulatory focus and broad knowledge of key sectors, including energy, telecoms, transport and infrastructure. Turned to by multinational and domestic companies, financial entities, governmental entities, and infrastructure funds, the practice is regularly instructed in major transactions in regulated sectors, contentious-administrative proceedings, and litigation before public authorities and courts. Jaime Almenar leads the team, with a wealth of experience in energy regulation, telecoms, and public procurement. José Luis Zamarro advises on concessions, PPPs, and public-sector finance. Marc Casas focuses on infrastructure, public procurement, and regulated matters, while Octavio Canseco handles administrative litigation across the transport, water, energy, and pharmaceutical sectors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘José Luis Zamarro and Marc Casas stand out for remaining calm in any situation, always being available, and consistently delivering excellent work. Both are outstanding experts with exceptional technical ability.’
- ‘Their extensive knowledge of nuclear energy regulation is remarkable. José Luis Zamarro and Octavio Canseco possess deep expertise not only in the legal framework but also in the wider context surrounding these matters. They managed the case efficiently, ensuring no unnecessary costs.’
- ‘A highly qualified team with strong technical and problem-solving skills, proactive and very attuned to business needs. New additions have strengthened diversity and improved coordination across regions, helping anticipate regulatory trends.’
- ‘A very comprehensive team of highly experienced professionals who can draw on other practice areas where necessary. Their availability and understanding of the needs involved—both in terms of outcomes and timelines—are excellent.’
- ‘The practice is unique for its combination of technical rigour, strategic vision, and deep understanding of public-sector dynamics. They anticipate regulatory risks and develop solutions that work in practice, maintaining close communication and a strong sense of partnership.’
- ‘The team demonstrates a rare combination of technical excellence, foresight, and a proactive mindset. Rather than simply responding to questions, they anticipate scenarios, propose alternatives, and explain regulatory matters clearly and pragmatically.’
- ‘Jaime Almenar stands out for his ability to analyse issues quickly and accurately and translate them into clear, practical advice. He identifies what truly matters without sacrificing legal rigour, consistently bringing a calm, thoughtful, and professional approach.’
- ‘The team is available at all times and, even in complex matters, responds promptly and with precision. Its expertise in public law and insolvency law is impressive, and it is capable of working on several fronts simultaneously.’
Key clients
- BBVA
- Iberdrola
- Endesa
- Huawei
- Grenergy
- Asociación de Empresas de Energía Eléctrica (AELEC)
- British Telecom
- Consejo Empresarial del Sector del Juego (CeJuego)
- Norges Bank
- ACS Group (including Dragados and VÍAS)
- Town Council of Villar de Cañas
- easyJet
- Cellnex
- SOLARIS Bus Ibérica
- China Three Gorges (Europe)
- Sacyr
- Fertiberia
- Mirova
- Moove Cars
- Bytedance (TikTok)
Work highlights
Advised a committee of international investors (King Street, Taconic, SVP and Attestor), controlling a majority stake in the financial debt of 8 Spanish bankrupt toll roads with a global financial debt of €3.5bn, on the procedure to terminate the concession contracts and determine the termination payment, comprising the preparation and filing of the claims against the State.
Advises Huawei Technologies España on the legal proceedings and related actions against the regulation approved by the State Administration establishing the bases for the granting of subsidies for the deployment of 5G networks in areas without 4G coverage banning the possibility of telecoms operators to acquire equipment and infrastructure for such deployment to suppliers included in the list of high risk suppliers to be approved by the Spanish Council of Ministers.
Advised Iberdrola’s Regulation Committee on strategic regulatory matters, including capacity mechanisms, charging point regulation, access tariffs for self-consumption, and requirements for awarding green electricity supply contracts.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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
Jaime Almenar
Other key lawyers
José Luis Zamarro; Carme Briera; Marc Casas; Octavio Canseco; Mónica Romero