Iberian Lawyer Forty under 40 2025, the winners
The winners of the Iberian Lawyer 2025 Forty under 40 awards were announced at the ceremony gala held on Thursday 25th of September at the VP Madroño Hotel in Madrid.
The award ceremony gathered numerous representatives of prestigious law firms of Spain and Portugal to recognise the most promising young lawyers/professionals and teams in the Iberian market. The awards were an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the top lawyers/professionals and teams under 40 years of age, who will lead the legal profession in the future and deserve to be recognised for their work and dedication in their respective practices.
The winners are the following:
TEAM OF THE YEAR
Gómez-Acebo & Pombo
The team showcases remarkable dynamism across every area of the legal market. Recognized for tackling ambitious and complex deals with outstanding results, its professionals are affirming themselves as trusted advisors in the Iberian legal landscape.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR
Inês Palma Ramalho – Pérez-Llorca
Despite the young age, the lawyer advises a broad range of banks and financial services institutions on complex regulatory matters. She is recognized for her clear, results-oriented approach and unwavering focus on achieving effective outcomes.
TEAM OF THE YEAR ARBITRATION
Sérvulo & Associados
Highly praised for its sophisticated arbitration practice, the team represents clients in complex cross-border disputes, combining procedural expertise with strategic advocacy.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR ARBITRATION
Silvia de Paz – Pérez-Llorca
The lawyer brings extensive experience in national and international arbitration, spanning both institutional and ad hoc proceedings. She is widely recognised for her expertise and consistent performance in complex, high-stakes disputes.
TEAM OF THE YEAR BANKING & FINANCE – PROJECTS
Clifford Chance
The team provides expert advice on the financing and refinancing of energy and infrastructure projects, with a strong bench of multidisciplinary lawyers who contribute substantial value to every transaction.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR BANKING & FINANCE – PROJECTS
Alfonso García-Freire – White & Case
The lawyer advises major financial institutions, private equity sponsors, and corporate borrowers on high-value project finance transactions across multiple jurisdictions.
TEAM OF THE YEAR BANKING & FINANCE – TRANSACTIONS
Abreu Advogados
The lawyers are highly acclaimed for their expertise in high-value financing transactions, regularly advising banks, financial institutions, and corporates on both domestic and cross-border finance mandates. They are known for delivering seamless, precise guidance across complex international and local deals.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR BANKING & FINANCE – TRANSACTIONS
Ignacio Fernández Echevarría – Dentons
The professional brings solid expertise in structuring financing transactions, supporting top-tier banks and corporates in Spain. His practice stands out for leading high-value deals and complex syndicated loans.
TEAM OF THE YEAR BANKING & FINANCE – LITIGATION
DIKEI Abogados
Recognized for its expertise in financial disputes, the team is valued for representing leading institutions in complex and high-stakes litigation. The lawyers demonstrate deep sector knowledge and tactical acumen, frequently acting in sensitive and high-impact cases.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR BANKING & FINANCE – LITIGATION
Álvaro Alarcón Dávalos – Deloitte Legal
Recognized for his sharp litigation skills, the lawyer has represented major financial institutions in major litigation matters. His practice covers contentious regulatory issues and enforcement actions.
TEAM OF THE YEAR CAPITAL MARKETS
A&O Shearman
With deep expertise in debt capital markets and strong capabilities in equity capital markets, the team is well-equipped to advise on a wide spectrum of capital markets transactions. They regularly act on complex issuances, including green, social, and hybrid bonds, as well as blockchain-based bonds.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR CAPITAL MARKETS
Manuel Cordeiro Ferreira – Pérez-Llorca
The professional brings a wealth of experience in capital markets transactions, including both equity and debt offerings. He advises both domestic and international financial institutions on a range of strategically significant matters.
TEAM OF THE YEAR ENERGY
Gómez-Acebo & Pombo
Well-established in the Iberian market, the lawyers are valued for advising on energy groundbreaking projects, frequently engaged in regulatory and transactional matters.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR ENERGY
Javier Ruffín – Watson Farley & Williams
Despite the young age, the lawyer has broad experience in regulatory and transactional matters and became a key advisor for energy companies. His work in renewables and infrastructure projects highlights his leading role in the sector.
TEAM OF THE YEAR ENERGY – CROSS-BORDER
Squire Patton Boggs
The team is well-known for its cross-border expertise, guiding multinational clients through complex transactions and regulatory challenges with a coordinated global approach.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR ENERGY – CROSS-BORDER
Claudia Moro – Ambar Partners
Specialized in international energy transactions, she has been instrumental in structuring cross-border investments. Her expertise ensures smooth navigation of regulatory and commercial challenges in multiple jurisdictions.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR EU & COMPETITION
Rúben Ferreira Ribeiro – SRS Legal
An accomplished expert in EU and competition law, he has successfully represented clients before European and Portuguese authorities. His ability to handle complex antitrust and merger control matters is widely acknowledged.
TEAM OF THE YEAR INSOLVENCY & RESTRUCTURING
PRA – Raposo, Sá Miranda & Associados
The team is renowned for its strong organisational capabilities and proactive approach, advising major clients in the construction, banking, agriculture, and media sectors, with a particular emphasis on special revitalisation proceedings.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR INSOLVENCY & RESTRUCTURING
Manuel García-Pozuelo – Eversheds Sutherland Spain
With a proven record in insolvency proceedings, the professional advises financially distressed companies through filings, bankruptcy processes, and administrator liability claims. His strategic guidance has been key in complex corporate restructuring cases.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR INSURANCE
Margarida Ferraz de Oliveira – PLMJ
With nearly a decade of professional experience, this emerging lawyer specializes in insurance law, adeptly handling regulatory matters and providing expert advice on the underwriting and evaluation of insurance portfolios.
TEAM OF THE YEAR IP & TMT
Bird & Bird
Leveraging strong business acumen and a client-focused approach, the team remains highly attuned to clients’ needs. With deep expertise, they have built a vibrant and expanding IP portfolio management practice, providing comprehensive support for the global prosecution of patents, trademarks, and designs.
TEAM OF THE YEAR INSURANCE
SPS-Barrilero
Celebrated for its depth in the insurance sector, the team offers pragmatic solutions in regulatory, claims, and dispute matters. Lawyers are valued for combining technical knowledge with client-focused advice.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR IP & TMT
Gonçalo Cerejeira Namora – Cerejeira Namora, Marinho Falcão
A leading practitioner in intellectual property and technology, the lawyer advises on licensing, data protection, and digital innovation. His role highlights leadership in digital innovation and consistent capacity for client development.
TEAM OF THE YEAR LABOUR
Augusta Abogados
The team actively advises clients on reorganisation processes, drawing on extensive experience in both collective bargaining with social partners and judicial bankruptcy proceedings.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR LABOUR
Blanca Liñán Hernandez – CECA MAGÁN ABOGADOS
Renowned for her deep knowledge of labour and employment law, she has guided major companies in collective bargaining and high-stakes disputes. Her practice extends across restructuring and compliance matters.
TEAM OF THE YEAR LIFE SCIENCES & PHARMA
Osborne Clarke
Well-regarded in the life sciences sector, the team stands out for guiding clients through complex patent and licensing strategies. With strong cross-disciplinary expertise and forward-thinking solutions, it has earned recognition as a trusted partner for innovative companies.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR LIFE SCIENCES & PHARMA
Pedro Fontes – VdA – Vieira de Almeida
The lawyer brings deep expertise in life sciences regulation and is highly skilled in navigating complex regulatory frameworks. He advises clients on both strategic and operational matters across the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
TEAM OF THE YEAR COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
Sérvulo & Associados
With over half of its professionals under 40, the team blends youth and experience to deliver strong results in litigation. Renowned for its strength in insolvency and debt recovery, it remains a trusted partner for financial institutions and public entities in complex disputes.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
Marta Robles – Squire Patton Boggs
The professional has extensive experience in court and arbitration, having taken part in some of Spain’s most prominent civil and commercial disputes. She is widely acknowledged for her technical strength and for shaping strategy in complex litigation.
TEAM OF THE YEAR CORPORATE LITIGATION
Antas Da Cunha Ecija & Associados
The team offers specialised expertise in corporate litigation, representing clients in complex disputes before both administrative and judicial authorities. Its professionals are known for their strategic insight and effective advocacy.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR CORPORATE LITIGATION
Patricia Martínez Díez – CECA MAGÁN ABOGADOS
Specializing in corporate disputes, the lawyer represents boards and shareholders in sensitive conflicts. Her expertise in directors’ liability and governance matters is widely recognized in the Spanish market.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR FINANCIAL LITIGATION
Cristiano Dias – PLMJ
With nearly a decade of experience, this experienced lawyer focuses on financial litigation, particularly cases involving financial instruments issued or distributed through intermediaries.
TEAM OF THE YEAR M&A
Linklaters
The team is highly reliable, combining strong technical expertise with sharp negotiating skills and a flexible, solution-oriented approach. The lawyers boast a proven track record in large-scale public M&A transactions.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR M&A
Pedro López-Dóriga – Cuatrecasas
The lawyer advises on national and cross-border M&A transactions, as well as joint ventures, investments, and divestments. He also provides ongoing counsel to national and multinational companies on a wide range of corporate and contractual matters.
TEAM OF THE YEAR M&A MID-MARKET
Andersen in Spain
The team is commended for its strong mid-market capabilities, advising clients on a wide range of domestic transactions with practical insight and strategic guidance. Lawyers are valued for combining commercial awareness with technical precision, ensuring smooth execution of complex deals.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR M&A MID-MARKET
Victoria Vilar Benedito – ZADAL
A highly skilled lawyer with solid expertise in mid-market M&A, she has advised on strategic acquisitions and corporate transactions. Her role has been pivotal in consolidating deals across multiple sectors.
TEAM OF THE YEAR PRIVATE EQUITY
Addleshaw Goddard
The team has consolidated its leading position in the private equity sector, guiding funds with precision across transactions and fund formation. With a high proportion of lawyers under 40, the team brings fresh perspective and agility to one of the most dynamic areas of the market.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR PRIVATE EQUITY
Jorge Martín Sainz – Gómez-Acebo & Pombo
With a solid track record in private equity, the young professional advises funds and investors in structuring acquisitions and exits. His practice combines sector knowledge with innovative transaction design.
TEAM OF THE YEAR PUBLIC LAW
CMS Portugal
The team is highly active in administrative law. With expertise spanning public procurement, construction, energy, and environmental regulation, it is acclaimed for handling high stakes matters of national significance.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR PUBLIC LAW
Vasco Freitas da Costa – Sérvulo & Associados
Being active in administrative and regulatory matters, the lawyer presents public and private entities in high-profile cases. His expertise covers public procurement, concessions, and administrative litigation.
TEAM OF THE YEAR REAL ESTATE
Ambar Partners
Recognized for its outstanding capability in managing complex projects, the team blends legal creativity with strong industry insight. Its client-focused approach has secured a reputation as a reliable and innovative advisor in the real estate sector.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR REAL ESTATE
Natalia Tova – EY Abogados
With in-depth knowledge of the Spanish market, the lawyer has played a central role in high-value real estate transactions. Her practice spans diverse assets and structures, contributing to deals worth several hundred million euros.
TEAM OF THE YEAR STARTUP
EJASO
Known for its support of startups and emerging companies, the team provides guidance on financing, structuring, and regulatory matters. The lawyers help clients navigate challenges with strategic insight and clarity.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR STARTUP
Carlos Gerpe – FILS
The lawyer has extensive experience advising on corporate, regulatory, and transactional matters, representing venture capital firms, regulated entities, family offices, and startups across various sectors.
TEAM OF THE YEAR TAX – ADVISORY
KPMG Abogados
With nearly eighty percent of its lawyers under 40, the team reflects a commitment to dynamic thinking and emerging talent. Known for its expertise in navigating EU tax regulations, it is praised for providing strategic and practical solutions to multinational clients.
PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR TAX – ADVISORY
Mariana Coentro Ribeiro – CMS Portugal
A tax professional with significant experience in advisory matters, she provides strategic guidance on corporate and individual taxation. Her practice covers planning, structuring, and compliance.
TEAM OF THE YEAR TAX – INTERNATIONAL TAXATION
Ashurst
The team advises real estate investors and banks on tax-efficient acquisitions of Spanish assets and loan portfolios. Supported by a strong international tax litigation practice, they represent foreign and Spanish corporates in audits, appeals, and high court cases.
PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR TAX – INTERNATIONAL TAXATION
Pilar Vacas – RocaJunyent
At a notably young age she became partner, bringing ambition and strong leadership to the tax practice. Her expertise across international structures and global taxation makes her a trusted advisor for corporates and private clients alike.
TEAM OF THE YEAR TAX – CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS
B LAW & TAX
Acknowledged for its strength in tax aspects of corporate deals, the team ensures seamless execution of M&A and reorganizations. Lawyers balance technical precision with commercial awareness, delivering practical and effective solutions.
PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR TAX – CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS
Daniel Echegoyen Escanero – BROSETA
Focused on the tax dimension of corporate deals, the professional has guided clients through M&A and restructuring processes. His work ensures optimized structures and compliance in demanding transactional contexts.
TEAM OF THE YEAR TAX – RESTRUCTURING
Selier Abogados
Respected for managing complex restructuring processes, the team delivers tailored tax solutions with technical rigor and sensitivity to high-value matters.
PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR TAX – RESTRUCTURING
David Vallés Viosca – ROMÁ BOHORQUES TAX & LEGAL
Being expert in tax aspects of restructuring, this professional advises companies in financial and operational transformations. His guidance has been essential in insolvency and turnaround projects.
TEAM OF THE YEAR WHITE COLLAR CRIME
MFA Legal
Composed predominantly of lawyers under 40, the team brings a modern and proactive perspective to white-collar crime defense. Valued for its deep specialization and strategic guidance across all stages of proceedings, it remains a trusted name in this field.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR WHITE COLLAR CRIME
Beatriz Uriarte Arreba – Ospina Abogados
A highly regarded lawyer in white collar crime, she is recognized for her expertise in gender-based violence and sexual offences. Her practice combines technical precision with extensive experience in sensitive criminal cases.
TEAM OF THE YEAR CRIMINAL CORPORATE INVESTIGATIONS
Ospina Abogados
Awarded for its strength in corporate investigations, the lawyers are praised for combining discretion and robust expertise in guiding companies through sensitive compliance challenges.
BEST PRACTICE SPORT LITIGATION
Miguel Cunha Machado – DOWER LAW FIRM
During the last 12 months, the professional has advised prominent clients in the sports sector, leading strategic matters within the Iberian market. He is highly regarded by his peers as a trusted source of insight and guidance.
BEST PRACTICE AVIATION DEFENCE
Cristina de Santiago Álvarez – ACT LEGAL-SPAIN
The lawyer is recognised for her outstanding leadership in complex defence tenders, where her strategic foresight, technical precision and deep sector knowledge ensured fully compliant, competitive offers. Her work has strengthened her client’s position in one of the most demanding aviation defence markets.
