Litigación y Arbitraje

Araoz & Rueda has considerable experience handling post-acquisition and shareholder disputes, and its energy-sector expertise is also of note. Eduardo de León leads the team and is active in domestic litigation and arbitration, and is also well versed in administrative law and proceedings. Ángel Freire specialises in domestic and international arbitration and is a name to note at the senior associate level.

Araoz & Rueda is a well-respected boutique that often assists clients with commercial litigation or administrative proceedings, acting for both plaintiffs and defendants. The law firm advises on the termination of contracts, mis-selling claims and real estate disputes, in addition to bankruptcy-related litigation. It has further activity in disputes in the renewable energy sector. Strengths: One client lauds the team's strong negotiation skills, saying: "Its strengths are clearly the speed at which Araoz y Rueda understand the client and the way in which it proposes what actions to take." "I would highlight their knowledge in the matter, their transparency and their proximity to the client," says another source. Work highlights: Represented Vivendi in appeal proceedings relating to suspension and nullity of corporate resolution following the intended merger of Mediaset SpA and Mediaset España. Notable practitioners: Eduardo León focuses his practice on litigation and arbitration proceedings arising from the financial, telecommunications and renewable energy sectors. Sources highlight that "Eduardo León knows perfectly well how to identify the appropriate strategy to be executed with full success."

The highly regarded practice at Araoz & Rueda handles a range of corporate and commercial litigation, as well as international arbitration. The firm is frequently involved in assignments related to post-acquisition disputes and shareholder or joint venture conflicts. Other areas of expertise for the firm are disputes in the energy and mining sectors, and it has particular experience in expropriation proceedings linked to the development of new infrastructure. Eduardo de León leads the team and advises clients in domestic arbitration, notably in matters involving administrative law and related proceedings. Also noted is Alejandro Fernández de Araoz, who has 'exceptional strategic vision, extremely effective pleadings and excellent knowledge'. Testimonials: “Multidisciplinary approach (corporate and litigation). Exceptional strategizing and delivery of strategy both in corporate matters and in litigation” Alejandro Fernández de Araoz: totally dedicated, fully hands-on. Exceptional strategic vision” “Extremely effective pleadings. Excellent knowledge of local legal and business scene” “Angel Freire. Excellent legal knowledge and brief writing. Always available, exceptional value added” “Araoz & Rueda is very efficient. They showed themselves very professional and were able to successfully negotiate a settlement. It is good to have such a reliable advisor” “Araoz & Rueda is a strong team in international practice” “We have worked with Eduardo de León who has given valuable advice on enforcement matters in Spain. He has successfully enforced substantial cost decisions from Swedish court judgments in matters relating to arbitration for a state client of ours. We and the ultimate client are very pleased with the outcome and Mr. de León’s assistance”

Well-respected boutique that often assists clients with commercial litigation or administrative proceedings, acting for both plaintiffs and defendants. Advises on the termination of contracts, mis-selling claims and real estate disputes, in addition to bankruptcy-related litigation. Has further activity in disputes in the renewable energy sector. Sources report: "I would highlight the personalised treatment and customer care down to the smallest detail. They stand out for the excellence in the provision of the service." Sources praise the firm for its handling of energy disputes, stating: "I enjoy working with them and they know how to close a good deal."

Traditionally known as an M&A boutique, Araoz & Rueda has particular experience in the energy sector, as well as in post-acquisition disputes and shareholder or joint venture conflicts. In addition, the firm acts in a range of corporate and commercial litigation, as well as international arbitration. Eduardo de León advises in disputes before the Spanish courts and in domestic arbitrations, specializing in matters involving administrative law. Testimonials: “Deep knowledge of energy law in Spain, especially renewable energy” “Best price and quality in the energy sector” “Reputed law firm recognized by public administrations, utilities, developers and banks” “High success ratio in the disputes managed by this law firm” “Eduardo de León is a key person for dispute resolution”

Long-standing Madrid firm that often assists clients with commercial litigation or administrative proceedings, acting for both plaintiffs and defendants. Advises on the termination of contracts, mis-selling claims and real estate disputes, in addition to bankruptcy-related litigation. Has further activity in disputes in the renewable energy sector. The team draws praise for being "very fast in understanding the complexities of the claim and in drafting a very robust defence." Alejandro Fernández de Araoz has experience in commercial disputes and insolvency litigation. Interviewees dub him "a tough litigator."

Sources describe the department as "knowledgeable and oriented to problem solving," adding: "The lawyers are very proactive and call us before we pick up the phone to call them. In our case they meet the deadlines all the time and are very helpful in negotiations." "They are very good lawyers in court and all members of the team are available and at the client's disposal when needed," says another interviewee. Alejandro Fernández de Araoz focuses his practice on contentious issues arising from commercial matters and insolvency situations. Interviewees say that "he understands the problem, works around it and looks for the best way to solve it. He is not discouraged by adversity and takes all measures to achieve resolution."

The ‘hands-on team’ at Araoz & Rueda specializes in international commercial arbitration. The practice is best known for handling disputes arising from energy projects, with particular experience in expropriation proceedings linked to the development of new infrastructures, as well as matters involving mining operations. Eduardo de León and Alejandro Fernández de Araoz lead the team, which has ‘a level of knowledge and expertise that is excellent’. Also notable is senior associate Ángel Sánchez-Freire, who is ‘a rising star in arbitration’.

Long-standing Madrid firm that often assists clients with commercial litigation or administrative proceedings. Advises on the termination of distribution contracts and the recovery of receivables. Broad sector experience includes work in consumable goods, finance, energy and healthcare. Benefits from practitioners who possess an extensive track record in international arbitrations. Sources highlight the team's flexibility, saying: "They really understand your problem quickly and give alternative solutions." Interviewees further note the firm's capacity to work on cross-border mandates: "They are responsive, have good English and it is easy to communicate with them." Interviewees note Alejandro Fernández de Araoz's ability to handle both advisory and contentious mandates, describing him as "an all-terrain lawyer, a very intelligent and very good counsel," who "negotiates commercial agreements very well." He has further experience in arbitrations arising from disputed SPA or other commercial contracts.

Araoz & Rueda’s team, which provides ‘value for money and a creative, responsive’ service, handles high-value disputes. It is defending a renewable energy company against voluntary insolvency proceedings brought by a bank. Eduardo de León leads on litigation.

Established Madrid firm assisting clients with administrative proceedings, including claims linked to environmental and planning matter. Also active in commercial cases involving M&A and telecommunications law. As well as litigation, the department includes practitioners who have an extensive track record in key international arbitration courts. Strengths (quotes from clients): “The team approaches every matter as if were the only one they had”. “The lawyers know perfectly how to focus each situation and what the best solution for each case is”. Sources really appreciated Alejandro Fernández de Araoz’s “strategic vision, absolute loyalty to the client and maximum involvement in the matters”. He is highlighted for his particular expertise in commercial and transactional matters.

Araoz & Rueda has recently been involved in several telecoms, transport and energy-related disputes, as well as an ICSID claim against the Argentine Republic. Eduardo de León is the key litigation contact, while Clifford Hendel handles the arbitration side.

Mid-size local firm Araoz & Rueda’s dispute resolution practice is led by Eduardo de León. It recently acted for a French company in the technology sector in a claim against the Spanish Air Force in relation to an administrative contract. BNP Suisse, ENI, Unitronics Comunicaciones and Molypharma are also notable clients.

Spain, Dispute Resolution: Most in demand arbitrator. Band 2. Key individuals have extensive track records as counsel and arbitrators in the most important international arbitration courts. Clifford Hendel of Araoz & Rueda receives particular praise for his US law experience and for his regular appointment as arbitrator in ICC, CAS, LCIA and CAM arbitrations. Strengths (quotes from clients) “One advantage is that you work very closely with the partners; in most big firms it is not so easy to work with the partner but in the case of Araoz & Rueda, you can work directly with the senior lawyer”. Alejandro Fernández de Araoz of Araoz & Rueda has a tremendously broad practice that encompasses contentious and non-contentious commercial issues. Clients describe him as a "tough negotiator," adding: "He is very intelligent and knows how my business works very well."

Spain, Dispute Resolution: Most in demand arbitrator. Band 2 Clifford Hendel of Araoz & Rueda has extensive international arbitration experience, particularly involving France. France, Dispute Resolution: Foreign expert based in Spain. Madrid-based Clifford Hendel of Araoz & Rueda is qualified to practice in the UK, France, Spain and the USA. He is a seasoned dispute resolution lawyer, with significant experience in both domestic and international arbitration as well as litigation. Spain, Dispute Resolution. Band 4 Alejandro Fernández de Araoz of Araoz & Rueda has a wide-ranging practice encompassing capital markets, M&A, litigation and arbitration. He is regarded by sources as an accomplished practitioner in this field.

Araoz & Rueda's Alejandro Fernández de Araoz and Clifford Hendel represented ENI en judicial and arbitral proceedings against Unión Fenosa Gas over corporate governance issues. Eduardo de León heads the team.

At Araoz & Rueda Alejandro Fernández de Araoz and Eduardo de León are recommended for litigation, and Clifford Hendel is well known for his international arbitration capabilities.

Sources identify Clifford Hendel as a key arbitrator. He works on domestic and international ad hoc and institutional disputes. He is qualified in France and regularly handles France-related matters. Clients say Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is "an expert in litigation; he has a lot of experience and much prestige in this area".

Araoz & Rueda is ‘doing very well at the moment’.The group includes Alejandro Fernández de Araoz and arbitrator Clifford Hendel.

Sources praise Clifford Hendel's strong international background. He is admitted to the Bar in Madrid, Paris, New York and England and Wales, and has acted as arbitrator in all the major international institutions, including the ICC, the LCIA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Alejandro Fernández de Araoz as “an all-rounder who brings useful corporate knowledge to his work.” He recently advised a leading financial institution on banking litigation against BBVA and Cartera Meridional regarding the scope and application of an on-demand guarantee.

According to clients "Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is very able and also enjoys his job. He understands matters in depth and is discreet and incisive". Litigation, insolvency and arbitration specialist Íñigo Rodríguez-Sastre is "an excellent negotiator who is creative and realistic", say clients. Clifford Hendel figura en las listas de "Most in demand arbitrators", "Foreign experts" y "Experts based abroad". He is renowed as an outstanding arbitrator with international credentials.

"Araoz & Rueda's performance is outstanding and is definitely worth the money". Key contact Íñigo Rodríguez-Sastre is "a very sound litigator" who "provides top-notch advice" and has a "well-deserved reputation for his skills in court". Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is also "an excellent lawyer". Arbitrator Clifford Hendel is "very strong technically".

Clifford Hendel has been included for third year in the list of "Most in demand arbitrators". Clifford Hendel is an all-rounder with "tremendous international law knowledge". Alejandro Fernández de Araoz andÍñigo Rodríguez-Sastre are also recommended.

This mid-sized firm has a strong dispute resolution practice. Alejandro Fernández de Araoz combines his litigation skills with his great cross-practice knowledge, and is lauded by clients for his "talent at resolving complex problems and in-depth knowledge of a number of areas of law". Clifford Hendel is well known for his domestic and international arbitration practice, and he usually acts as both counsel and arbitrator at a number of domestic and international courts.

Clients say that the firm's "commitment and in-depth study of cases make them one of the most recommendable in Spain". Dispute practice is headed by Clifford Hendel and the "client-oriented" Alejandro Fernández de Araoz, who is "not only a natural team leader but also a skillful and capable litigator - the value he adds is truly remarkable".

Clifford Hendel and Alejandro Fernández de Araoz are corporate Araoz & Rueda’s best-known litigators, collecting high praise for their strong experience in both international and domestic disputes.

Alejandro Fernández de Araoz at Araoz & Rueda. Clients hail “his through preparation and impeccable manner when speaking in court.” Clifford Hendel figura en la lista de “Most in demand arbitrators”. Clifford Hendel: he is North American and thus a frequent choice as arbitrator in hearing featuring a Spanish party and requiring a non-Spaniard referee.

At Araoz & Rueda, Alejandro Fernández de Araoz has built impressive expertise as a corporate litigator.

Araoz & Rueda successfully represents clients in court. “Fernández de Araoz is a determined lawyer who never gives up”, remarked clients; “he gets deeply involved in every matter and is always willing to answer questions.” “A distinguished international Spanish arbitrator”.

Araoz & Rueda has been expanding its dispute resolution practice in recent years winning a very good reputation. Alejandro Fernández de Araoz and Clifford Hendelboasts extensive expertise in both international and domestic disputes.

Clifford Hendel and Alejandro Fernández de Araoz are the firm’s best-known litigators.