Stephenson Harwood returns to Madrid with new office opening

Stephenson Harwood has opened an office in Madrid with a starting lineup of eight partners, returning to the market 23 years after closing its previous office there.

In 2002, the firm exited the city after DLA Piper poached its five-partner team.

The new Madrid offering is set to become full-service, but will focus initially on private capital and funds, and energy transition and infrastructure. The office is the firm's fourth in Europe, with other locations in London, Paris, Athens, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

A restructuring and insolvency specialist, the office’s managing partner Juan Oñate previously worked at top Spanish firm Pérez-Llorca. He brings tax partner José Ramón with him.

News of Stephenson Harwood’s new office opening came in late January this year when it announced its acquisition of Spanish boutique J Almoguera Abogados.

The new bench also includes three partners from the firm - Jesús Almoguera, Carlos Gonzalez, and Eduardo Vazquez.

The remaining partners, who have a mix of disputes-oriented practices with some non-contentious capabilities, arrive from other Spanish and global firms and institutions.

Restructuring and corporate lawyer Carmen Alonso joins from Latham & Watkins, project finance specialist Antonio Cáneva arrives from WFW and Elena Oñoro leaves her position as a tax inspector from the Ministry of Justice to join the group.

What they said 

“We’re incredibly excited to be launching our office in Spain, where we’ve brought together a group of high-quality lawyers with strong reputations in the market,” said firm CEO Eifion Morris.

“Just as importantly, they’re the type of people you want to work alongside - commercial, straightforward, and very hands-on.”

“Spain is attracting international investment, especially in areas such as technology and energy transition, and is an important market for many of our clients. 

“Opening in Madrid felt like a natural next step. For Spanish clients, we offer an international platform combined with an agile, partner-led model that clients in Spain are increasingly turning to.”