DEPARTMENT PROFILE

Uría Menéndez

Public Law

4 ranked lawyers

Band 1

Spain

Europe 2022 View ranking table

chambers review

department information

Ranked Lawyers

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What the team is known for

Uría Menéndez is often selected by sophisticated clients in the healthcare, financial services and construction sectors to handle complex public or administrative law mandates. The firm advises private healthcare service providers on their entry into public-private partnerships for the construction and operation of hospitals in cities around Spain. It has experience in the design of public tenders for contracting authorities, and it assists infrastructure concessionaires with modifications to public works contracts. It advises key aviation or rail transport sector clients on their interactions with sector regulators. The firm defends the interests of acquiring parties in appeals filed against CNMV decisions to authorise public M&A transactions. Uría also benefits from a top-tier planning law practice.

Strengths

"They always work at a very high technical level and offer complete dedication and an excellent service," says one client.

"They offer personalised solutions, which are adapted to our business and to the risks we face," reports a second interviewee.

Work highlights

Advised Quirónsalud and its various hospital concessionaires on issues arising in relation to public-private partnerships for the operation of public hospitals in Spain.

Notable practitioners

Interviewees say that Daniel Ripley "understands the client's needs perfectly and very quickly." He is one of the most important public law specialists in Barcelona, with a client list that includes local public authorities, public sector companies and private entities.

Jesús Remón Peñalver heads the disputes team at Uría Menéndez and has experience in a range of commercial and public law disputes.

Market commentators note José Miguel Fatás ' strong litigation practice, which extends into appeals of decisions taken by Spanish life sciences or planning authorities. "From a technical point of view, for me he is one of the top lawyers; I can trust absolutely in his advice and in the way he manages the issues," says one client, adding: "He sees the bigger picture."

Mariano Magide stands out for his advice to healthcare service providers on their participation in public tenders and on ongoing issues relating to the construction and operation of hospitals. He also acts for key clients in the transport and residential housing sectors. "He is an expert in administrative law, has very sensible interpretations of the law and knows well the issues that apply to my organisation," says one source. "He understands the client's strategic problems and contributes effectively to complex and innovative claims," notes a second interviewee, going on to say: "He adds value and offers useful support in relationships with local regulatory authorities."

Department Information

This content is provided by Uría Menéndez.

Overview

In a globalised economy with an increasingly complex regulatory framework and legal systems that often diverge, we leverage our considerable resources and in-depth knowledge to advise both private companies and public sector entities.

Our specialist team assists contractors and concessionaires of infrastructures and services in their relations with public bodies, advising companies in heavily regulated and industrial sectors, foreign companies making bids in Spain and Portugal, and Ibero-American companies when they are carrying out infrastructure and public services projects abroad.

Our academic standing, our close relationships with the main players and professional and industry associations, and our capacity to foster dialogue with public bodies and regulators mean that we are best placed to propose novel solutions for public projects and public-private partnerships:

- All phases of public contracting: bidding, performance, termination and settlement.
- Dispute resolution: special and administrative appeals.
- Restricted sectors: water, energy, transport and postal services.
- Regulated sectors: finance, energy, defence, health, transport and telecommunications.
- Infrastructure and public services.
- Natural resources and environmental protection systems.
- Litigation in domestic courts and the CJEU courts. Proceedings before courts of audit and other supervisory bodies.
- State aid and subsidies.
- Liability of public authorities.
- Draft legislation.