Gómez-Acebo & Pombo maintains its prominent position in the market, standing out for its expertise in sustainable development, waste management and climate change. Commended for its ‘experience, knowledge and commitment to the environment’, the firm is adept in commercial, litigious and regulatory matters, acting on behalf of a variety of clients. Leadership is shared between Pedro Poveda, an expert in waste and water matters, and Santiago Garrido, whose practice focuses on regulatory mandates and renewable energy. Eduardo Orteu is sought out by national and international clients, including private companies and public entities, for his experience in ESG, taxonomy and waste issues, while Helena Villena Romera is especially active in environmental matters in the natural resources, mining and life sciences sectors.

The environment and sustainable development team at Uría Menéndez is equipped to advise on transactional, regulatory and litigation matters, attracting instructions from domestic and international clients from key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, waste management, manufacturing, mining and energy. Based in Barcelona, Juan Antonio Loste Madoz advises public administrations and governments on environmental policy and infrastructure-related matters, whileJaime Calvo Retuerto is a seasoned practitioner in contentious-administrative proceedings surrounding emissions, pollution and contamination. Jesús Sedano is a key contact in the Madrid office for public and private sector clients looking for assistance with public and regulatory law.

Noted for its ‘deep and rigorous knowledge of environmental matters’, Ceca Magán Abogados offers its domestic and international client base wide-ranging expertise, which covers climate change and sustainability legislation. A popular destination for industrial associations and federations, the group is skilled at handling regulatory issues in the context of infrastructure and energy projects, as well as ESG mandates. María José Rovira, the main point of contact for major energy and industrial players, is singled out for her focus on administrative law and regulated sectors.

Led by Jaime Almenar, the environmental team at Clifford Chance provides legal support to a variety of clients, including life sciences, energy and mining companies, in wide range of matters, namely compliance, legislative issues, litigation transactions and large-scale projects. In recent years, due to the growing interest from foreign investors in the Spanish renewables sector, the firm’s combined environmental, corporate and finance offering has secured it an increasing number of instructions from international clients seeking assistance with acquisitions of wind, solar and hydroelectric power plants. José Luis Zamarro is a key figure in the energy and renewables sector.

With strong credentials in all manner of administrative, civil and criminal proceedings relating to natural resources, pollution, waste disposal, heritage and land use, the environmental law group at Cuatrecasas is retained by impressive client roster of large Spanish and multinational companies, especially key names within the energy and chemical sector. In addition to its capabilities in contentious matters, the firm is also well versed in the environmental implications of corporate transactions and projects. Focused on regulatory and energy-related mandates, Luis Pérez De Ayala steers the group from Madrid. The team is also home to Yolanda Guerra in Barcelona, who possesses deep knowledge of climate change and contentious matters, and Joaquín Lozano in Seville, who often advises on urban planning and regulatory issues.

A go-to choice for regional governments, national public and private entities, and foreign multinationals, the team of ‘highly-skilled professionals’ at ECIJA is often engaged in mandates concerning waste management, ecological transition and the circular economy. The group possesses strong credentials in both contentious and non-contentious environmental matters, including compliance and legislative issues. Víctor Moralo is highly experienced in collaborating with stakeholders with regard to project development and bro-bono work, whilst Juan Carlos Cardoso is known by real estate developers and financial institutions for his expertise in urban planning and litigation.

Recommended for its 'deep legal knowledge with creative and strategic solutions to problems’, the ‘highly specialised and committed team’ at Garrigues is well placed to advise on contentious and non-contentious environmental law matters, including sustainability and climate change issues. The team is particularly adept at handling the environmental aspects of big-ticket M&A and projects in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Alfredo Fernández Rancaño oversees the administrative law, planning, zoning and environmental law practice. With a keen focus on the renewable energy sector, Victoria Esteban del Palacio regularly advises on climate change and environmental responsibility. Javier Fernández Rivaya and David Sanz Pérez are sought after for their expert handling of contentious-administrative matters.

Led by Ernesto García-Trevijano, GTA Villamagna Abogados assists clients with the full spread of environmental issues. Its broad service offering covers urban planning, compliance, environmental investigations and claims, as well as infrastructure, resources and waste management projects. The team is engaged by local authorities and, due to its in-depth knowledge of the biomass, solar and thermoelectric industries, key clients from across the energy sector. Marta Plaza is a key contact for public authorities and private companies alike.

Showcasing particular strength in high-stakes projects and transactions within the infrastructure, mining, and energy sectors, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP advises on the entire spectrum of environmental matters. Major companies, funds and public entities also turn to the team for assistance with environmental permits, licensing issues and litigation. Iria Calviño leads the group’s ESG initiative, advising on decarbonisation and climate change issues. Former State Attorney General at the Secretariat of State for Energy José Ramón Mourenza is another name to note for decarbonisation, climate change regulation and environmental impact assessments. Esther Lumbreras adeptly handles a spread of environmental matters, from M&A transactions, to litigation proceedings.

Called upon by a multitude of clients, including banking, energy and consumer goods players, the ‘multidisciplinary team’ at Pérez-Llorca is proficient in all manner of issues surrounding environmental law and climate change, including environmental assessments, transactions, compliance and litigation. Alberto Ibort, 'a leader in the market with extensive commercial and technical knowledge', steers the practice and is noted by clients for his dual expertise in climate change and land planning matters. José Del Saz-Orozco is a reference for regulatory matters concerning waste, contamination and costal protection. Clara Carazo has extensive experience in protected areas and renewable energy projects.

Drawing on the expertise of practitioners focused on tax, corporate, commercial and public law, Andersen provides advice on the full range of environmental matters, including permits, energy projects, water and waste management issues. Department leader Arancha Bengoechea Bartolomé  is retained by both public and private entities in contentious-administrative environmental matters. Carlos Mínguez is sought out by key names from the energy and mining sector in environmental matters, administrative proceedings and public law issues.

Clients praise the environmental team at Watson Farley & Williams LLP for its ‘detailed technical-legal and commercial knowledge' and its 'practical approach to advice’. The team is well versed in matters concerning environmental permitting, waste management, contamination claims, administrative proceedings, compliance and carbon offsetting issues. With significant experience in regulated sectors and public law matters, David Diez is routinely sought out his strong track record in high-value corporate transactions in the energy space. Luis González García regularly assists with matters relating to waste, industrial emissions and contamination.

A popular choice for both public authorities and private companies seeking assistance with climate change and sustainability issues, EY Abogados is singled out for its proficiency in environmental permitting, large-scale projects and administrative litigation. Recommended for her 'deep knowledge' of environmental law, Ana López Muiña regularly advises on renewable energy projects, waste management matters and environmental assessments.

Known for its extensive ‘experience, knowledge and professionalism’ and ‘high degree of empathy’, the team at PwC Tax & Legal Services attracts instructions from a wide spread of clients looking for assistance with environmental permits, compliance with new regulations, waste management and circular economy issues. With a strong background in the public sector, practice head Ismael Aznar possesses in-depth knowledge of climate change, biodiversity, waste and circular economy matters.

The environmental team at Ramón y Cajal Abogados offers clients expertise in land use and urban planning issues, as well as assistance with contentious-administrative matters and judicial proceedings. Key names to note include Joaquín García Bernaldo de Quirós, who is highly experienced in environmental litigation and urban planning matters, and criminal law specialist Enrique Molina, who is often engaged by both domestic and international players. Federico Lara acts for companies, public entities and individuals in administrative proceedings involving environmental law.