Herbert Smith Freehills LLP strategically focuses on global disputes, handling arbitration and litigation matters across Latin America, the US, the Middle East, and the Asia Pacific regions, with a particular emphasis on the energy, infrastructure, construction, financial services, industrial, and real estate sectors. Its client roster features major Spanish and international corporations and sovereign states, who also turn to the team for its capabilities in alternative conflict resolution and mediation. Presiding over the practice is Eduardo Soler Tappa, who frequently appears before Spanish courts at all levels and international venues, including ICSID, UNCITRAL, and ICC Paris. Other key members include: dual-qualified Paulino Fajardo (Spain and England), who focuses on infrastructure, energy, aviation, and corporate disputes; Javier De Carvajal, who specialises in civil, company, and criminal law matters; and Jaime de San Román, who focuses on banking litigation and insolvency issues. Also recommended are Alejandra Galdos, a key point of contact for claims involving construction and engineering companies, Risteard de Paor, who has experience in defending clients from the construction, energy, environment, and transport sectors, and Miguel García-Casas, a name to note for both civil and criminal matters,

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Herbert Smith was excellent in representing our company in a recent dispute. They had a strong team and deep knowledge of international arbitration which was immensely helpful in achieving a successful claim at trial. They were also very helpful when it came to bringing in specialist lawyers from other practice areas such as international sanctions’
‘My main contact was with Risteard de Paor, who was fantastic throughout a complex arbitration involving over 6 parties in different jurisdictions and navigating a wide number of topics. Risteard is a great communicator. I would highly recommend. ’
‘All its members have extensive knowledge, they keep us promptly informed of the status of all files and always resolve conflicts in a positive and brilliant manner. ’
‘There is great cohesion in the team and they act fully coordinated even when they are in offices in different countries. In this aspect HSF has a great advantage.’
‘Technical knowledge combined with a great ability to know and understand the client's needs. Partner Eduardo Soler Tappa stands out.’
‘This is a team with enormous capacity and technical knowledge, with attention to detail, but decisive and close in dealing. They have a clear business vocation. They are agile, but without losing quality.’
‘Javier de Carvajal Melgar stands out especially as he is a person of absolute trust. In addition to his technical skills, his human quality stands out.’
‘Technical preparation and experience in the room. Javier de Carvajal stands out, a great litigator.'

Key clients

Prodesa Medioambiente / HDI Global, Spanish branch
Generali España de Seguros y Reaseguros
ACS
Banco Santander
Barclays Bank
Abengoa Agua
Oaktree Capital Management
Engie España
Amcor Group
Profine Iberia
Avatel Telecom
GoLong
Cobra Instalaciones y Servicios

Work highlights

Advised HDI (professional liability insurers of Prodesa Medioambiente) on the arbitration proceedings brought before the Chamber of Arbitration in Milan, in relation to alleged defective design, LD's and loss of profits in the design, erection and commissioning of a pellets production plant together with a co-generation unit in the Southern of Italy.
Advised Cobra Instalaciones y Servicios on ICC arbitration proceedings and expert determination proceedings related to a cutting-edge renewable energy project in the US.
Acted for Barclays, as syndicated lender of the Celsa Group, in litigation proceedings commenced by the latter with the aim of achieving a novation in the terms of a series of contracts connected with the debt restructuring undertaken by the group in 2017 under the grounds of an alleged right to rebalance its contractual obligations as a result of the incidence of the Covid-19 crisis in the economy.