Recognised for its ‘deep knowledge of the sector’, ‘practical solutions’, and ‘goal-orientation’, the public law practice at Clifford Chance boasts a robust offering which includes litigation, regulatory, transactional, and advisory services. The team has particular strength in the energy sector, although it is also active in mandates concerning the technology, aviation, and transport spaces. Jaime Almenar, who heads up the department, has extensive experience in public procurement, regulatory filings, and investments, particularly focusing on the energy and telecoms sectors. The firm also benefits from the expertise of José Luis Zamarro, who is proficient in public-private partnerships (PPPs), concessions, and privatisations, as well as financial sector regulations. Other key practitioners include infrastructure specialist Carme Briera, public procurement expert Marc Casas, Octavio Canseco, a reference for administrative law litigation, and Mónica Romero, who concentrates on green refinancing and investments. María Guinot joined from Deloitte in June 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is highly professional, and experienced, and deals with complex and technically innovative issues, which makes them a reference in the sector. Their collaboration is extraordinary and there is always a partner on the other end of the phone to answer any questions or queries, which is what makes them unique. They also adapt to needs.’
‘Jaime Almenar is a retired state attorney and knows administrative law and contentious courts inside out. His knowledge, solid foundation, and ability to use different approaches to problems and disputes make him stand out.’
‘They have a deep technical knowledge of the sector, incredible experience, and all this with a practical and flexible approach, always considering all the implications of each case and each step. In each case, they form the best team and they integrate and collaborate with the client as one more department. They help and accompany clients to manage the risks in very complex projects like no other firm.’
‘Their availability and total flexibility to adapt to all circumstances and problems while maintaining exceptional technical rigour differentiates the group. It is a real pleasure to work with them and they transmit to the entire team that essential security in the most complex matters.’
‘José Luis Zamarro stands out far above the partners of the other firms as he is always available, aware of each step, and actively participates in everything with the depth that clients need in each case. Mónica Romero is also an exceptional lawyer who has incredible experience and adapts to be as efficient as possible at all times. It is clear that they enjoy law to the fullest and are personally involved as part of the client's team, both with other lawyers, as well as technicians, and business teams.’
‘The team is unique as a result of its proximity, flexibility in approach, and creativity in finding solutions. They are focused on offering what the client needs and understanding the company's overall strategy.’
‘Jaime Almenar and Carme Briera put all their knowledge at the client's disposal, working directly with them, making it clear that their priority is the client's satisfaction with their work, and getting involved in the design and execution of the procedural strategy, ensuring that it fits in with the company's overall strategy. Their ability to translate the most technical legal issues into executive language and to do the opposite (that is, to understand what the client wants to express in the documents and actions under their charge), their flexibility, and their willingness make it comfortable to work with them.'
‘They stand out for their deep knowledge of the sector, the practical solutions they propose, and their goal orientation. José Luis Zamarro and Octavio Canseco stand out in particular.’
Key clients
- BBVA
- Iberdrola
- Endesa
- Huawei
- Grenergy
- Asociación de Empresas de Energía Eléctrica
- Hydeal Asturias
- British Telecom
- Consejo Empresarial del Sector del Juego
- Norges Bank
Work highlights
Advised King Street, Taconic, SVP, and Attestor on the termination procedure regarding their majority stake in the financial debt of eight Spanish bankrupt toll roads.
Advising 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.
Advising Iberdrola's Regulation Committee on capacity mechanisms, charging points, regime of access tariffs for self-consumption of power plants, and requirements for the awarding of 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.
María Guinot
José Luis Zamarro
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Marc Casas
Practice head
Jaime Almenar
Other key lawyers
José Luis Zamarro; Carme Briera; Marc Casas; Octavio Canseco; Mónica Romero