Law Firm Acquires L&E Solución Legal and Empresarial

LEADING national law firm Irwin Mitchell has signalled its intention to step up its international expansion strategy with the announcement of the acquisition of a respected Spanish law firm, including the country’s leading expert in Data Protection Law.

The deal with Madrid-based L&E Solución Legal and Empresarial adds to Irwin Mitchell’s existing operation in Madrid and Malaga and is the latest stage in the firm’s drive to expand its presence in Spain and build a significant and recognised international presence.

This development will see L&E’s team of lawyers, including renowned litigation and data protection expert Javier González Espadas, join Irwin Mitchell from October 1 as part of plans to develop a market-leading offering to clients in Corporate and Banking Law.

The move is also expected to offer new opportunities for Irwin Mitchell’s existing and future business clients to access high quality, competitive legal advice in Spanish law, building on the UK firm’s current offering.

González Espadas, who is widely respected in his field and has written several leading books on the subject of Data Protection Law and Litigation, will become a Partner in Irwin Mitchell Abogados – the firm’s Spanish operation – and head up the firm’s Madrid offering.

His team – whose current client list includes national banks, major insurers and international brands – will also switch to Irwin Mitchell from next month, bringing with them their expertise in New Technologies, Litigation, Banking and Insurance Law.

Jose Maria de Lorenzo, Managing Partner of Irwin Mitchell Abogados, said: “This is an exciting move for us and one which will build on the strong reputation we have forged through our work to date in the Anglo-Spanish market.

“Both firms share a vision to create a respected and highly competitive law firm in the Madrid market specialising in Corporate, Insurance and Banking Law and our clear aim is for Irwin Mitchell Abogados to become a real leader in these specialities in the coming years.”

John Pickering, National Managing Partner for Irwin Mitchell, added: “This acquisition will create greater potential to grow and promote our UK-wide business, as well as providing a base for Irwin Mitchell Abogados to concentrate on expanding in the Spanish Corporate market in Madrid.

“It will also further strengthen our offering to our existing commercial clients, enabling us to seek new business opportunities internationally, not just in Spain but also in other Spanish-speaking markets.

“We look forward to working with our new team in Madrid and capitalising on the business opportunities which it presents.”

Javier González Espadas said “ I am delighted to be joining Irwin Mitchell, integrating our niche practice into a major Law firm will enable us to offer a much greater range of services to our clients”.