Freshfields appoints new international litigation and arbitration partner

Freshfields, global law firm, has announced the appointment of José Luis Prieto as international litigation and arbitration partner. This promotion is part of the firm’s announcement of 30 new partners worldwide.

José Luis joined Freshfields over fifteen years ago from Gómez-Acebo & Pombo. His time at the firm has taken him to offices in London, Paris and Madrid. José Luis specialises in commercial disputes, having directed his career to advising and defending companies, both before the courts and arbitration tribunals, in areas such as contractual liability (for example, in financial disputes or disputes relating to mergers and acquisitions), tort (including consumer claims) and matters with a regulatory element. He has worked for major multinational companies in sectors such as finance, health sciences, technology, energy and natural resources, real estate and construction, and consumer goods.

His recent experience includes, for example, defending a multinational financial institution in an ICC arbitration arising from a takeover transaction or defending a multinational pharmaceutical company in a transnational product liability dispute.

He regularly acts as an arbitrator and, since 2008, he has been an associate professor of civil law at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. José Luis studied law at the University of Salamanca (Spain) and K.U. Leuven (Belgium) and holds a Master’s degree from Nottingham Trent University (UK).

Rafael Murillo, head of the litigation and arbitration practice in Spain said: “Our practice continues to grow, year on year, to meet the demands of our clients and the market, focusing on areas requiring a high level of specialisation where we advise a mix of domestic and international clients on the most complex, sophisticated and high-profile matters. José Luis’ appointment contributes to the consolidation of our client offering and is a recognition of his professional commitment and his excellent technical and commercial skills”.

Álvaro Iza, managing partner of Freshfields in Spain, said: “Throughout his career at Freshfields, José Luis has gained extensive experience in complex litigation and arbitration. This appointment recognises his talent and contribution to the practice and the firm both in Spain and internationally”.

Freshfields has announced the appointment of 30 new partners worldwide.