Iberian Lawyer ENERGY Awards 2023, the winners
The winners of the Iberian Lawyer Energy Awards 2023 were announced during the gala ceremony held at the Rui Plaza Espana Hotel in Madrid, on 29th June 2023.
The Energy Awards recognised the excellence among Spanish and Portuguese professionals active in this area.
The winners were the following:
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Watson Farley & Williams
The law firm is unanimously recognized as a dominant market leader in the energy sector. Their exceptional team of professionals excels in coordinating crucial operations that hold significant strategic and economic value. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, they leverage their expertise to drive success and deliver exceptional results for their clients.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR
Mónica Carneiro Pacheco – CMS Portugal
The lawyer is one of the most leading influential figures in the energy and natural resources sector. Thanks to her deep knowledge in energy, renewables and infrastructure projects, she frequently coordinates the legal aspects of the most prominent deals in the industry.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Hermenegildo Altozano – Pinsent Masons
The lawyer has gained during years of brilliant career a strong reputation in the energy sector, he is considered by the principal market players a reliable performance guarantor professional. His entrance in the law firm team reinforced the practice and increases prospects for the future.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR FINANCE
Gómez-Acebo & Pombo
The firm boasts exceptional expertise in the dynamic energy market, specializing in a wide range of financial services such as financing, refinancing, and syndicated financing operations. Their team of highly skilled lawyers possesses extensive experience in various sectors, including electricity, water, oil & gas, and renewable energy.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR FINANCE
Álvaro Barro – ONTIER
The professional distinguish himself between the competitors following important banking and finance operations in the energy sector. The lawyer obtained, thanks to his remarkable track record and technical abilities, the recognition from the market.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR PROJECT FINANCE
Squire Patton Boggs
The firm has garnered widespread recognition from the market due to its exceptional performance in the field. Continuously expanding its expertise, the team consistently engages in large-scale projects across various sectors, with a particular focus on renewables and energy transition.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR PROJECT FINANCE
Verónica Romaní Sancho – Gómez-Acebo & Pombo
She is a prominent figure in Spain’s banking and finance realm, renowned for her mastery in project finance assignments, specifically those focused on renewable energy. She represents energy firms and foreign investors in project financing, in M&A transactions and investor-state arbitration.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR M&A
Pinsent Masons
Over the past 12 months, the law firm has been sought after by top-tier companies in the Iberian market, engaging in a series of remarkable operations that have made a significant impact in the sector. The firm’s professionals have garnered individual appreciation for their exceptional standing among their competitors.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR M&A
María Pilar García Guijarro – Watson Farley & Williams
The professional is widely regarded as a true reference in the energy sector, recognized for her profound knowledge and expertise. She has consistently demonstrated her ability to navigate and manage complex deals with meticulous attention to detail.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ADMINISTRATIVE & ENVIRONMENTAL
King & Wood Mallesons
The law firm’s team has established a strong reputation in administrative proceedings and is highly regarded in the market for their top-quality advice. The professionals consistently maintain their composure and focus, ensuring the best possible resolution for their clients.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR ADMINISTRATIVE & ENVIRONMENTAL
Antonio Bañón – Squire Patton Boggs
The professional distinguishes himself through his exceptional technical knowledge, enabling him to possess a comprehensive understanding of the legal regulatory framework. He excels at communicating with clients in a clear and accessible manner.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR LITIGATION
Cavaleiro & Associados
Over the past 12 months, the law firm has showcased its exceptional team of highly skilled and competitive dispute resolution lawyers. Their expertise and track record have been demonstrated through their involvement in a delicate and significant deal, which entailed partnering with a notable public institution of substantial economic value.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ARBITRATION
CMS Portugal
The law firm’s team has further solidified its position in the energy sector by providing exceptional legal assistance to multiple clients in arbitration procedures. Over the past 12 months, the professionals successfully handled a high-profile proceeding involving a leading company in the sector.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR ARBITRATION
Rui Medeiros – Sérvulo
The lawyer is considered as a reference in the Portuguese legal market with an extensive experience in the energy sector. The professional is a renowned arbitrator in public law operations.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Watson Farley & Williams
The law firm offers a top quality advisory in the field. During the last year, the professionals of the team consolidated their reputations thanks of the excellent track record.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Nuno Calaim Lourenço – SRS Legal
Energy efficiency is another focus of the law firm energy team. The professional coordinated various operations in the field for high profile company in the Portugase market.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR RENEWABLES
Abreu Advogados
The firm’s highly regarded energy practice is established through its global network, with a strong emphasis on legal assistance to multinational clients active in the electric utility sector headquartered in Spain. Particularly relevant is their activity in green hydrogen projects this year.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR RENEWABLES
Mónica Carneiro Pacheco – CMS Portugal
Partner and Head of the energy & climate change department, she is a leading figure in Portugal’s Energy and natural resources sector, specialized in renewables. With over 30 years of experience and deep regulatory expertise, she actively engages in high-value renewable energy projects.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR OIL & GAS
SRS Legal
The firm is a leading player in the oil & gas sector, advising several prominent companies during crucial operations. The team is formed by skilled individuals that stand out for their cohesion and problem-solving mentality.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR OIL & GAS
João Robles – Eversheds Sutherland FCB
With a specific focus on oil & gas, the dedicated efforts have yielded impressive returns, cementing his position as a trusted advisor in the energy sector. His exceptional track record demonstrates his leadership capabilities, profound industry knowledge, and ability to navigate complex transactions.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR UTILITIES
MVA Asociados
The law firm is considered as one of the best in the utilities sector due to their successful acquisition of top energy clients in the Iberia market. Their regulatory and pre-litigation advice, combined with their understanding of the evolving electricity market, solidified their position as industry leaders.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR UTILITIES
José Luís Moreira da Silva – SRS Legal
The lawyer stood out for the outstanding management of a complex long-term electricity supply contract involving regulatory advice, financial impact, and addressing new challenges in the evolving electricity market.
BEST PRACTICE RENEWABLE TRANSACTION
Araoz & Rueda
The law firm demonstrated exceptional expertise in structuring renewable energy transactions, advising one of the leading companies in the solar sector. Fostering sustainable development, they facilitated due diligence, and negotiation of agreements.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR REGULATORY ANTITRUST
MVA Asociados
The firm excels in providing comprehensive legal advice on a wide range of regulatory matters and litigation, offering invaluable support to clients on a regular basis.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR REGULATORY ANTITRUST
Gonzalo Olivera – King & Wood Mallesons
He stands out for his outstanding expertise in regulatory antitrust, specifically in the energy and infrastructure sectors. With over 20 years of experience, he has provided strategic counsel to prominent operators in the Iberian energy market.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE
Abreu Advogados
The firm has solidified its position as a preeminent provider of smart energy and infrastructure solutions, earning widespread recognition in the market. The team’s expertise is highly regarded, and the professionals are renowned for their excellent technical skills.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE
Santiago Garrido – Gómez-Acebo & Pombo
The lawyer is specialised in several aspects of the sector, such as environment, energy and other regulated sectors. The professional advised high profile companies on the Spanish market in ambitious infrastructure projects.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR INNOVATION
Cavaleiro & Associados
The law firm professionals stand out for the innovative approach to the practice, skill that is more than appreciated in a sector in constant evolution. During the last year, they have advised successfully demanding clients with an open minded approach.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR INNOVATION
Mafalda Ferreira – CS’Associados
She is very appreciated by the market for her extensive legal expertise in energy, sustainability, public and regulatory affairs, and projects. She is recognised as a leading lawyer for her dynamic counsel and understanding of clients’ businesses.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ENERGY TAX
CCSL Advogados
The tax team of the law firm excels in providing regular assistance to multinational companies operating in the energy sector. What sets them apart is their multidisciplinary approach and synergy with other departments within the firm.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR AFRICAN REGION
João Robles – Eversheds Sutherland FCB
The professional assisted a leading private energy company in Angola and established the firm as a trusted and experienced player in oil and gas M&A operations in the country. The involvement of multiple renowned offices demonstrates the magnitude of collaboration and strategic negotiation involved.
