Noted for its 'extensive experience in the sector', the real estate team at Clifford Chance is adept at handling a wide range of matters, including asset and share deals, joint ventures, development projects, and portfolio transactions. The practice has amassed an impressive client roster comprising international funds, insurance companies, financial institutions and real estate developers. Leading the practice is Carlos Portocarrero, who is predominantly instructed by institutional investors, funds, and financial institutions seeking assistance with transactions within the real estate sector. The group also benefits from the expertise of counsel María Pradillo, real estate transactional specialist Andrés Berral, and Andrés Tirado, who focuses on urban planning issues and the disposal and acquisition of real estate assets.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The real estate team has extensive experience in the sector. They have a high level of specialisation with a very personalised approach to the client. They are also very proactive and propose different alternatives and solutions to the problems clients face.’

  • ‘What makes them stand out is their availability and quality response time. They know the client's needs perfectly, which makes the client fully trust their advice. Whenever clients need them, they are available to help and give comprehensive advice.’

  • ‘Clifford Chance has a good real estate law team in Spain which stands out for being well balanced between partners and other lawyers. In addition, the team integrates well with other practice areas whose collaboration is often necessary in each project. Finally, together with their extensive experience in the sector, as well as in the Spanish legal market in general, they combine a proactive approach to understand the business and, therefore, the needs of their clients.’

  • ‘Andrés Berral stands out for his great capacity for work and for always meeting the delivery schedules for the legal documents he is assigned. Itziar Kraus also stands out for her ability to understand the client's needs and to be able to prepare the strategy and legal documentation required for each project.’

  • ‘The firm's knowledge of business and its balanced approach between rigour and pragmatism is different. Its conciliatory attitude in negotiations and ability to communicate its legal opinion without straining the negotiations makes it the best firm in the sector and makes clients feel completely at ease when they entrust them with something, knowing that their service will be perfectly adjusted to what we expect.’

  • ‘The lawyers at this firm are available, rigorous in their work, communicate excellently, and have a conciliatory attitude. The diversity of the lawyers while maintaining these common denominators is very good.’

  • ‘Clifford Chance has a team that knows the real estate sector very well and is always up to date with the latest developments in this area. Both the partner and his entire team are made up of friendly, pleasant, and easy-going people. It is also a business-oriented firm which is something very important for companies in the real estate sector.’

  • ‘Carlos Portocarrero, María Pradillo, and Itziar Kraus stand out for their total availability for the client, their deep knowledge of the sector, their extensive experience and professional background, and their practical approach when negotiating and advising the client.’

Key clients

  • Room Mate
  • Angelo Gordon TPG
  • Westmont Hospitality
  • BentallGreenOak
  • Unibail Rodamco Westfield
  • Banco Santander
  • Cerberus
  • Carrefour
  • Prologis
  • AXA
  • Kennedy Wilson
  • Emin Capital
  • Schroders
  • Orion
  • Airbus
  • Corebridge
  • Grupo MCA
  • Real Madrid FC
  • Pierre et Vacances
  • Clikalia
  • Swiss Life

Work highlights

  • Advised Room Mate, owned by TPG Angelo Gordon, on the acquisition of the "Staying Valencia" group.
  • Advised Carrefour on the acquisition of a portfolio of 38 supermarkets and convenience stores located in Spain from El Corte Inglés
  • Advised Banco Santander and one of its investment vehicles on the acquisition of a 38.2% stake in the share capital of a subsidiary of the Meliá Group.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Andrés Berral
Clifford Chance
María Pradillo
Clifford Chance

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Carlos Portocarrero

Other key lawyers

María Pradillo, Andrés Berral, Andrés Tirado, Itziar Kraus