Event Report

On 4 March 2025, Legal 500, in association with DLA Piper, proudly unveiled the inaugural GC Powerlist: Spain 2025, following the split from its predecessor, the GC Powerlist: Iberia. This highly anticipated launch event took place at the Hyatt Regency Hesperia in Madrid, bringing together over 150 distinguished guests, including Spain’s most prominent and accomplished in-house lawyers, to celebrate this remarkable and well-deserved recognition.

The evening commenced with a warm welcome from Francisco Castro, Research Editor at the Legal 500, expressing enthusiasm for the publication’s launch and underscored its significance in recognising and honouring outstanding in-house lawyers across Spain. He also highlighted the dual importance of acknowledging the brilliant work of corporate legal professionals while fostering a strong in-house legal community – encouraging the exchange of ideas and best practices through events like this.

Following his remarks, the stage was handed over to Francisco Cerezo, DLA Piper’s Chair for its US-Latin America practice, who extended heartfelt congratulations to the individuals featured in the GC Powerlist: Spain 2025. In his speech, he emphasised the invaluable role of in-house lawyers in providing strategic support to businesses and driving legal excellence within their organisations.

The final address of the evening was delivered by Mariana García Fernández de Mesa, General Counsel for Iberia at Accor, who shared her perspective on the significance of being included in the GC Powerlist. She reflected on the impact the publication has had on the recognition and development of Spain’s in-house counsel community. Drawing from her own experiences, she spoke candidly about the key challenges faced by in-house lawyers in the country, while also highlighting the opportunities ahead. Her words resonated with the audience, reinforcing a shared sense of accomplishment and community.

The launch event for the GC Powerlist: Spain 2025 was a true celebration of Spain’s most distinguished in-house legal professionals. It not only showcased the immense talent within the corporate legal sector but also reinforced the Legal 500 and DLA Piper’s commitment to supporting and promoting the exceptional contributions of in-house lawyers across the country.

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