Noted for its 'solid legal knowledge' and 'extensive experience', the criminal law, compliance, and corporate investigations practice at Garrigues stands out for its expertise in criminal proceedings, internal investigations, and extradition procedures. The group, which is also proficient in pre-procedural matters and corporate compliance programmes, acts for clients across the energy, real estate, banking and finance sectors, among others. The 'extraordinarily brilliant' Gabriel Castro co-leads the team alongside Helena Prieto; Castro regularly defends corporate crimes before the National, Supreme, and Constitutional Courts, while Prieto concentrates on cross-border investigations, extradition proceedings, and criminal liability. The practice also benefits from the aptitude of 'promising lawyer' León Vidaller, who advises on all types of criminal and extradition proceedings.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘León Vidaller deserves the highest of praise and is an incredible representative of Garrigues. He must be recognised for his efforts, work, and the sacrifices of his personal time.’
‘They stand out for their experience and personalised approach: each client receives close treatment and solutions adapted to their particular needs. In addition, they have a great ability to cover highly complex cases from various perspectives.’
‘Ability to offer creative solutions to complex problems. They stand out for their agility and flexibility in decision-making. Constant and transparent communication with the client that generates a relationship of trust with the client.’
‘Solid legal knowledge, extensive experience, knowledge of legal institutions, ability to define a winning strategy, and a knowledge of the client and their needs differentiate the team.’
‘Gabriel Castro and Helena Prieto form an exceptional team.’
‘The Garrigues criminal economic law team is, without a doubt, extraordinary in every aspect. The level of preparation, dedication to the cases, anticipation of the movements of the lawsuits, adoption of strategic decisions, and adoption of the most favourable strategic decisions for the client's interests are admirable. They make the client feel that their case cannot be in better hands and that they defend the client's interests as if they were their own.’
‘Gabriel Castro is extraordinarily brilliant both in his interventions in court and in the briefs he prepares. He also knows how to be close to his clients, to transmit calm when necessary and, above all, to participate with them in the most important decisions without hiding. His dedication to the cases is total. On a personal level, he is a very approachable person and permanently accessible. León Vidaller is an extremely brilliant and promising lawyer.’
‘Very good service by top professionals. Number 1 in the Spanish market.’
‘Gabriel Castro and León Vidaller are excellent and dedicated lawyers.’
Key clients
- Iberdrola Generación España
- Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria
- Peter Wakkie
- Inmobiliaria Espacio
- Rosp Corunna
- Helena Revoredo
- Vicente Tardío
- Publicis Comunicación
- Zenith Media
- Cines Renoir
Work highlights
- Advised Iberdrola on a criminal proceeding for the alleged commission of a crime of manipulation of the price of electricity.
- Defended Peter Wakkie regarding charges of mismanagement of ZED + before the National Court.
- Defended Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria against alleged crimes of bribery, disclosure of secrets, and corruption in business in the “Villarejo” case before the National Court.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Helena Prieto
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
León Vidaller
Practice head
Gabriel Castro; Helena Prieto
Other key lawyers
León Vidaller