As public opposition to tax avoidance schemes hardens, companies´ tax structures are coming under increasing scrutiny and could potentially lead to a public relations disaster that could damage their reputation
Changes to the corporate tax regime and an increase in inspections by the tax authorities will lead to an increase in work for law firms
Following a European Court of Justice ruling, Spanish parliament changes tax regime so non-residents also receive inheritance and gift tax breaks
Portuguese tax lawyers have had a busy start to 2015 due to the government introducing a raft of reforms that led to significant demand from clients for legal advice, according to Clotilde Celorico Palma from Eduardo
The introduction of a mass of new tax laws in Portugal means clients are increasingly calling on the assistance of legal advisers to avoid trouble with the tax authorities
General counsel are under intense pressure to do as much work as possible in-house to save money, if law firms want to win instructions they must become increasingly focused
Cases relating to sale of bank shares as well as clauses in loan agreements on the rise in Spain, while BES fallout and swap agreement-related disputes increasing in Portugal
The total value of M&A deals in Spain and Portugal doubled in 2014 – a further increase is expected this year, though imminent elections are causing uncertainty
Perception of corruption among lawyers greatest in Portugal, where majority say it is a problem, but also a belief that it is a ´cultural issue´ in Spain
Clients in Spain are showing an increasing tendency to sue law firms, according to a reinsurer, with many now expecting firms to advise on the ´merits´ of deals