Allen & Overy Spain closes its Barcelona office

Allen & Overy closes its Barcelona office, as a part of the firm´s strategy, dissociating the move from the current situation

As Iberian Lawyer could confirm, the firm will cease to have a physical office in May, once the rental contract for the building at Carrer del Mestre Nicalau, 19 has expired. The firm explains that the move responds to the strategic decision to “develop and promote” clients in Catalonia from the capital. They count on clients as Banco Sabadell, Caixabank, Cellnex and Abertis, among others. Since 2018, this office already operated as satellite with lawyers commuting between Madrid and Barcelona.

The Magic Circle firm seems to be returning to its origins. Allen & Overy entered Barcelona seven years ago with Antoni Valverde Roy, former Freshfields partner, after 23 years operating from the Spanish capital. Valverde was with the firm as a Corporate and M&A partner for four years (2014-2018) and is currently senior M&A counsel at a London marketing and advertising firm.