Iberian Lawyer ENERGY Awards 2024, the winners
The winners of the Iberian Lawyer Energy Awards 2024 were announced during the gala ceremony held at the Espacio Larra in Madrid, on 27th of June 2024. The Energy Awards recognized the excellence among Spanish and Portuguese professionals active in this area.
The winners were the following:
IN-HOUSE CATEGORIES
MARKET LEADER
Antonio Adami – Recurrent Energy
The lawyer is recognized for his exemplary role as general counsel, having showcased during the years, outstanding legal acumen and leadership skills. The legal outcomes he obtained make him one of the prominent legal professionals in the energy market.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR RENEWABLES
Repsol
The strategic legal guidance of the in-house team has been pivotal in navigating the complex regulatory landscape and advancing the company’s ambitious renewable energy projects. The significant legal achievements of the team has further consolidated its prominent position on the market.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR RENEWABLES
Borja García Ruiz – Iberdrola
The professional was capable of finding groundbreaking initiatives in renewable energy. His profound impact on shaping innovative legal frameworks and advancing sustainable practices marks him as a key figure in the renewables sector.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR OIL & GAS
Galp
Over the past years, the team has effectively safeguarded the company’s interests, earning the respect and recognition of the players in the energy sector. Their strategic approach and commitment to excellence have significantly enhanced the company’s legal standing in the industry.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR OIL & GAS
Margarita Hernando Martinez-Arroyo – Shell
The professional has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in managing complex legal disputes. Over the past year, she has led her team with distinction, earning the respect of her peers in the energy market.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR UTILITIES
EDP España
The in-house department has been exceptionally proactive in supporting all aspects of the company’s operations. The professionals stand out for comprehensive counseling and strategic guidance trough the legal aspects of such a dynamic industry.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR UTILITIES
Borja Acha Besga – Endesa
The professional has shown exceptional expertise in managing legal affairs and corporate governance. His strategic leadership and dedication have greatly supported the company’s operations.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR SUSTAINABILITY
Axpo Iberia
Recognized for their exceptional commitment and expertise, this in-house team has excelled in supporting sustainability initiatives. Thanks to their dedication and outstanding achievements the lawyers has consolidated their reputation.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR SUSTAINABILITY
Clara Cerdán Molina – Solarig
The lawyer is considered an expert in compliance, CSR, and international contracting. Her innovative approach and leadership can express at their best in the ambitious projects of the company.
PRIVATE PRACTICE CATEGORIES
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Watson Farley & Williams
Over the past 12 months, the firm’s lawyers have been significantly active, engaging in a wide range of impactful operations. Their expertise and contributions have not only reshaped the landscape but also earned considerable market recognition.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR
Mónica Carneiro Pacheco – CMS Portugal
With 30 years of experience and a remarkable track record, the lawyer has gained the status of leading figures in the energy and natural resources sector in Portugal. During the last 12 months she has been involved in some of the most prominent deals in the Iberian landscape.
MARKET LEADER
João Paulo Rosado – Miranda & Associados
The lawyer is one of the most esteemed legal professionals in the industry for his outstanding track record aiming for the excellence. His strategic approach and deep understanding of the law have been instrumental in successfully navigating complex legal challenges.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR PROJECT FINANCE
Squire Patton Boggs
The firm was involved in financing operations of multiple solar projects in Spain, playing a crucial role in securing projects and negotiating long-term power purchase agreements with major entities. The lawyers have showcased the commitment to advancing renewable energy initiatives.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR PROJECT FINANCE
Ignacio Echenagusia – Deloitte Legal
The lawyer is highly regarded in Spain’s finance sector for his specialization in the energy industry. His expertise involves advising energy companies and international investors on financial strategies, including project financing and mergers and acquisitions.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR M&A
Pinsent Masons
The firm’s energy and infrastructure team has extensive experience in the corporate field, in particular regarding mergers, acquisitions, sale and purchase of shares. The advice of the lawyers has helped important companies in their growth agenda through strategic acquisitions.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR M&A
Francisco Solchaga – Araoz & Rueda
The lawyer was involved in a complex acquisition, the transaction was very important for the client, whose main activity is the commercialization of gas and electricity. The professional is distinguished by the proactive approach and tailored advice that meet the clients business.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ADMINISTRATIVE & ENVIRONMENTAL
CS’Associados
The law firm team is composed by experienced individuals in several aspects of renewables energy projects. During the last 12 months they have been assisting prominent clients in the Iberian landscape.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR ADMINISTRATIVE & ENVIRONMENTAL
Irene Terrazas – Mariscal Abogados
During the last 12 months the lawyer has distinguished herself in managing the energy area in the law firm, taking part of crucial operations in the environmental field.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR LITIGATION
Gómez-Acebo & Pombo
The law firm can count on one of the top energy practice areas in the Iberian market, which can count on particularly competitive dispute lawyers. They have been advising major energy companies on wide scale projects.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR LITIGATION
João Quintela Cavaleiro – Cavaleiro & Associados Sociedade de Advogados
The lawyer is well known to be a clever litigator in the public law field, his technical skills and the deep knowledge of the industry could often make the difference in complex disputes.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ARBITRATION
CMS Portugal
The firm’s notable experience in renewables is highlighted by their legal assistance in various arbitration procedures. Over the past year, their most significant work involved advising a major energy producer in a complex arbitration case against the state concerning a hydropower project.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR ARBITRATION
Rui Medeiros – Sérvulo & Associados
The lawyer can be placed among the most renewed arbitrator in the Portuguese market. During his years of experience, he handled regulatory proceedings and complex administrative matters, distinguishing himself the high quality of the service provided.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR RENEWABLES
Addleshaw Goddard
The firm’s esteemed energy practice is built on its expansive international network, focusing on providing legal support to multinational clients operating in Spain’s renewable market. The lawyers are considered top tier professionals in the practice.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR RENEWABLES
Antonio Bañón – Squire Patton Boggs
Leading the energy department at the law firm, the lawyer has built a robust regulatory practice. He has attracted top-tier clients in the renewable energy sector and consolidated existing client relationships, significantly enhancing the quality of legal advice through comprehensive regulatory services.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR OIL & GAS
Pinsent Masons
The firm is a key player in the oil & gas sector, providing expert advice to several prominent companies during critical operations. The team, composed of highly skilled individuals, is distinguished by their cohesion and problem-solving mindset.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR OIL & GAS
João Rosado Correia – Miranda & Associados
The lawyer is recognized for his extensive expertise in in oil and gas, his proficiency spans regulatory mandates, public tenders, and judicial proceedings, making him a trusted advisor in complex legal landscapes.
LAWFIRM OF THE YEAR UTILITIES
GTA Villamagna Abogados
The firm is noted for its strong regulatory expertise in renewable and utilities energy projects, the team is composed by notable professionals able to provide extensive technical advice to complex transactions.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR UTILITIES
Javier Montalvo Cleofé – MVA Asociados
The lawyer is well appreciated by the market for his reliability and attention to detail, during the last period of activity he has been working alongside major energy providers on challenging projects.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR REGULATORY ANTITRUST
Miranda & Associados
The law firm distinguishes itself as a leading team in regulatory antitrust law, demonstrating expertise and dedication to excellence. The team is composed by talented professionals working cohesively under the partner guidance.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR REGULATORY ANTITRUST
Gonzalo Olivera – Addleshaw Goddard
The lawyer has been advising the principal players of the Iberian market on regulated sectors. He stands out in the practice for his negotiations skills and leadership attitude.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE
Abreu Advogados
The law firm boasts a highly active team in the renewable energy sector, with strong expertise in natural gas mandates. The firm excels in handling coal and waste-to-energy projects, and infrastructure initiatives, offering deep knowledge in regulatory, financing, and contractual matters.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE
Santiago Garrido – Gómez-Acebo & Pombo
The lawyer specializes in public and regulatory law with a focus on environmental and infrastructure sectors. He has extensive experience advising national and international companies on operations and procedures before administrative and judicial bodies.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ENERGY TAX
CCSL Advogados
The law firm team is capable to bring tailor made advice on very delicate issues, that’s the reason why the boutique is the first choice of important clients searching for a prompt and reliable assistance.
BEST PRACTICE ENERGY M&A MID MARKET
MACEDO VITORINO
The law firm advised a major client on the sale of several solar projects. Their work included comprehensive due diligence and negotiating sales agreements, showcasing their expertise in handling significant renewable energy transactions.
BEST PRACTICE RENEWABLE PROJECTS ADVISORY
BROSETA
The law firm has been working on a wide scale operation in the renewable industry involving a very notable energy provider in the Iberian market. The support provided consisted of continuous and permanent activity for various company departments.
RISING STAR
Juan Vicente Barquilla – Watson Farley & Williams
Despite the young age, the lawyer has accumulated a notable experience in the finance pracrice applied especially in the energy market. During the last 12 months he has been involved in a very important project finance deal regarding renewable energy.
