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.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Highest legal technique.’

  • ‘Jose Ramon Mourenza and Iria Calviño are professionals with a high technical-legal level and a perfect customer attitude.’

  • ‘The HSF environmental team has extraordinary knowledge of the renewable sector.'

  • 'Iria Calviño has participated in the most relevant matters in the sector in recent years and has a very solid team that anticipates events by providing 360° advice.’

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Key clients

  • Berkeley Minera España
  • Cobre Las Cruces
  • Bioelectrica de Garray
  • Engie España
  • Quercus Real Assets
  • Finerge Sevilla
  • Energy Infrastructure Partners / Credit Agricole Assurances

Work highlights

  • Advised Cobre Las Cruces on the development of the largest open-pit mine in the EU and connected hydrometallurgical processing plant.
  • Advised Engie España and Crédit Agricole Assurances on the environment aspects related to the acquisition of up to 100% of the share capital of the Spanish company Eolia Renovables from Alberta Investment Management Corporation and the remaining minority shareholders in Eolia, through a competitive auction process.
  • Advised Quercus Real Assets Limited on the environmental analysis regarding the obligations included within the environmental authorisations of three renewable projects.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Iria Calviño

Other key lawyers

Miguel Riaño, José Ramón Mourenza, Esther Lumbreras