Further expansion for Penningtons Manches Cooper’s Madrid office with the appointment of two senior shipping lawyers

Posted: 23/03/2022

Senior shipping lawyers Gonzalo Alvar and Javier Herreros have joined Penningtons Manches Cooper’s Madrid office in a move that will further cement the firm’s growing strength in international trade, maritime and shipping law.

The highly regarded pair, who join from Qvadrigas Abogados, will be key additions to the firm’s 50-strong team of specialist shipping lawyers who provide expert legal advice across the key trading hubs of London, Paris, Madrid, Piraeus and Singapore.

Gonzalo joins Penningtons Manches Cooper as a partner. A Chambers-ranked lawyer for many years, he specialises in shipbuilding, ship repair and financial management. His professional expertise has focused on legal assistance to the Spanish shipbuilding and repair sectors, and ranges widely from advising on financing, contracts and restructuring, to the sale and purchase of vessels and arrest of ships in Spain.

During his career to date, Gonzalo has received instructions and referrals from companies across Europe, including the UK, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia and Switzerland. A member of numerous professional associations, he is an active lecturer and author of a wide range of shipbuilding and ship financing articles.

Javier joins the firm as a senior associate, bringing his expertise in advising financial institutions, shipyards and shipowners. His extensive experience includes advising shipyards and shipowners on shipbuilding, ship repair, and ship sale and purchase transactions, as well as negotiations with subcontractors and suppliers, drafting and analysis of contracts and ship financing instruments, and the delivery and registration of ships.

His expertise crosses into the area of asset and project finance transactions within the energy sector, assisting in the development, financing and acquisition of renewable energy projects.

They will work closely with recent hire José Millán Martín, a partner in the Madrid office specialising in corporate and banking and finance matters, with the remit to expand the firm’s relationship with global banks, ship owners and shipbuilders.  

Commenting on their appointment, Darryl Kennard, partner in the marine, trade and energy team, said: “Our international shipping team is delighted to welcome these two very accomplished and highly regarded lawyers. Gonzalo and Javier will be excellent additions to our existing business, enhance our offering, and provide us with significant opportunities to further expand the reach of our Madrid office in the global shipping sector.”

Juan Alegre, partner and head of the Madrid office, said:

“We’re looking forward to working with Gonzalo and Javier to develop our maritime activity. They are well regarded in their fields and the Spanish market, and we are confident they will be an excellent fit for both our team and client base.”

A Spanish translation of this press release can be found here. 

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