Clifford J Hendel joined Araoz & Rueda as a partner in 1997. Before joining Araoz & Rueda in 1997, he was a corporate associate and later “Of Counsel” in White & Case’s New York and Paris offices (1985-1991) and (1992-1996), respectively, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, project finance and related finance transactions. He was also a visiting associate in Gómez-Acebo & Pombo’s Madrid offices (1991-1992).

Having practiced for over 20 years in an international context, the larger portion of this time being based in Europe, Mr. Hendel has extensive experience in international financial transactions. He also has extensive experience advising on international mergers and acquisitions and joint-ventures.

An expert in international arbitration, he has acted as sole arbitrator, Chair or Co-arbitrator in numerous arbitral proceedings under the auspices of institutions such as The International Chamber of Commerce - ICC), The London Court of International Arbitration, The American Arbitration Association, The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and The Corte de Arbitraje de la Cámara de Comercio de Madrid (Court of Arbitration of the Chamber of Commerce of Madrid). He also acts regularly as counsel in arbitrations, both in the international context (ICC, LCIA, Hong Kong Centre for International Arbitration) and under the rules of Spanish arbitral institutions, such as the Corte Civil y Mercantil de Arbitraje - C.I.M.A. - and the Corte de Arbitraje de la Cámara de Comercio de Madrid and under the UNCITRAL Rules.

Admitted to practice in New York (Attorney, 1985), England and Wales (Solicitor, 1995), Paris (Avocat, 1996) and Madrid (Abogado, 2000), he was born and educated in the United States. A dual US-French citizen, he is listed with both the US and French National Commitees of the ICC. 

"Recommended Individual" in Dispute Resolution in The Europe, Middle East & Africa Legal 500 2010 edition.

In Chambers Global Guide 2010 edition he is rated as “Most in demand arbitrator": Clifford Hendel is well known for his international arbitration practice, and usually acts as both counsel and arbitrator at a number of domestic and international courts.

In The Europe, Middle East & Africa Legal 500 2009 edition he is cited as a Recommended Individual in Dispute Resolution: “Clifford Hendel is one of Araoz & Rueda’s best-known litigators, collecting praise for his strong experience in both international and domestic disputes.” 

In PLC Which Lawyer 2009 he is cited as a Highly Recommended Individual in Dispute Resolution: arbitration. 

In Chambers Global Guide 2009 edition he is rated as “Most in demand arbitrator": Notable arbitrator Clifford Hendel is North American and thus a frequent choice as arbitrator in hearings featuring a Spanish party and requiring a non-Spaniard referee. 

He has also been recommended as a specialist in arbitration in the Spain Special Focus of the specialized publication, Global Arbitration Review (October 2008). 

In the Europe, Middle East & Africa Legal 500 2010 edition he is cited as a Recommended Individual in Banking & Finance: "Clifford Hendel demonstrates a high level commitment and clear understanding of their clients´ needs." 

In Chambers Global Guide 2010 edition he is cited as a Recommended Individual in Banking & Finance: Clifford Hendel is recommended as a key individual. Sources say: "Exceptional technical knowledge coupled with a pragmatic focus on problems, as well as superb commercial relationships and client care".

In The Europe, Middle East & Africa Legal 500 2009 edition he is cited as a Recommended Individual in Banking & Finance: “Clifford Hendel is one of the most resourceful lawyers in the market”. 

In Chambers Europe Guide 2009 edition he is cited as a Recommended Individual in Banking & Finance: "Clifford Hendel stays on top of all twists and turns of a transaction and is always able to deliver". 

He has been cited as a Recommended Individual in Chambers Global Guide 2008 edition (Banking & Finance), IFLR 1000 2006, 2007 and 2008 editions (Banking & Finance), The Europe, Middle East & Africa Legal 500 2006, 2007 and 2008 editions (Corporate/M&A and Dispute Resolution), European Legal Experts Guide 2007, 2008 and 2009 editions (Corporate and Commercial) and PLC Which Lawyer 2007 and 2008 editions.