Dispute Resolution

Our Dispute Resolution Department provides expert pre-contentious legal advice in the negotiation for the avoidance and/or resolution of conflicts, assisting in the eventual adoption of settlement agreements.

We act in all sorts of civil, corporate and commercial proceedings relating to corporate law, bankruptcy and contractual matters, as well as in proceedings arising from the relations with the Public Administration.

We also have wide experience in all types of complex national and international arbitration proceedings, and in an array of sectors (M&A, corporate and commercial, energy, finance, etc.).

We act as counsels and arbitrators in arbitration proceedings, both “ad hoc” as well as those administered by both Spanish arbitral institutions such as the Civil and Commercial Court of Arbitration (CIMA), the Tribunal Arbitral de Barcelona (TAB), the Madrid Arbitration Court (CAM) and the Spanish Arbitration Court (CEA); and international, such as the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) and the Madrid International Arbitration Centre (MIAC).

 


“Araoz & Rueda’s team digs deep into the procedures, getting to the bottom of all matters and analysing them from all possible legal perspectives”

– Chambers Europe Guide 2023 –

“Araoz & Rueda excels in corporate litigation, including post-acquisition and shareholder disputes, as well as arbitration”

– The EMEA Legal 500 2023 –


 

Specific services

  • Pre-contentious legal advice:
  • - Negotiation for the avoidance and/or resolution of conflicts.
  • - Adoption of settlement agreements.
  • Civil, corporate and contentious-administrative proceedings.
  • National and international arbitration.

Contact



Recommendations

Chambers Europe Guide 2024

Araoz & Rueda is a well-respected boutique that often assists clients with commercial litigation or administrative proceedings, acting for both plaintiffs and defendants. The law firm advises on the termination of contracts and real estate disputes, in addition to bankruptcy-related litigation. It has further activity in disputes in the renewable energy sector.

“The lawyers at Araoz & Rueda have deep knowledge of the Court of Arbitration rules.”

“The firm works efficiently within complex contexts where data and information are difficult to trace.”

Eduardo León focuses his practice on litigation and arbitration proceedings arising in the financial, telecommunications and renewable energy sectors.

“Eduardo is a strong worker with problem-solving skills.”

Ángel Freire enters the rankings as a result of strong market support. He assists with commercial litigation as well as handles arbitration proceedings.

“Ángel Freire gives you a lot of confidence with his advice.”

The EMEA Legal 500 2024

Araoz & Rueda specialises in handling cases related to post-acquisition disputes and conflicts among shareholders, and the practice is particularly well-known for its energy sector expertise, most notably expropriation proceedings related to the development of new infrastructure and mining projects. The team, which handles both litigation and arbitration matters, is led by Eduardo de León , a key contact for administrative law issues; recently promoted partner Ángel Freire; and Alejandro Fernández de Araoz, an expert in corporate and commercial litigation as well as insolvency matters.

Testimonials

‘Cohesive, solid team, totally oriented to the client’s needs with exceptional service and ability to anticipate problems.’

‘Commitment and flexibility.’

‘Team prepared and updated on the latest news.’

‘This is a team in which there is a lot of talent. The professionals who work there are highly knowledgeable in their specialty. Their advice is prudent, reasoned, intelligent. They stand out especially for their personalised, tailored and immediate treatment on each occasion.’

‘Tailor-made treatment combined with enormous knowledge They also stand out especially for their interpersonal skills.’

Chambers Europe Guide 2023

Araoz & Rueda is a well-respected boutique that often assists clients with commercial litigation or administrative proceedings, acting for both plaintiffs and defendants. The law firm advises on the termination of contracts and real estate disputes, in addition to bankruptcy-related litigation. It has further activity in disputes in the renewable energy sector.

“Araoz & Rueda’s team digs deep into the procedures, getting to the bottom of all matters and analysing them from all possible legal perspectives.”
“The firm has extensive knowledge of the litigation practice.”

Chambers Europe Guide 2023

Eduardo León focuses his practice on litigation and arbitration proceedings arising from the financial, telecommunications and renewable energy sectors.
“Eduardo León seeks the best for the client at all times.”
“Eduardo provides comprehensive advice to the client, with a great capacity for analysis and finding solutions.”
“He has magnificent attention and understanding of the client’s needs.”

The EMEA Legal 500 2023

Araoz & Rueda excels in corporate litigation, including post-acquisition and shareholder disputes, as well as arbitration. In this context, the team has recently acted for a range of new and longstanding clients, both domestic and international, in the healthcare, energy and real estate sectors. Practice head Eduardo de León combines expertise in litigation and administrative law; he often works alongside key senior associate Ángel Freire and associate Arturo Brugger. Alejandro Fernández de Araoz contributes his wide knowledge in commercial and corporate law.

Chambers Global Guide 2022

Araoz & Rueda is a well-respected boutique that often assists clients with commercial litigation or administrative proceedings, acting for both plaintiffs and defendants. The law firm advises on the termination of contracts, mis-selling claims and real estate disputes, in addition to bankruptcy-related litigation. It has further activity in disputes in the renewable energy sector. Strengths: One client lauds the team’s strong negotiation skills, saying: “Its strengths are clearly the speed at which Araoz y Rueda understand the client and the way in which it proposes what actions to take.” “I would highlight their knowledge in the matter, their transparency and their proximity to the client,” says another source. Work highlights: Represented Vivendi in appeal proceedings relating to suspension and nullity of corporate resolution following the intended merger of Mediaset SpA and Mediaset España. Notable practitioners: Eduardo León focuses his practice on litigation and arbitration proceedings arising from the financial, telecommunications and renewable energy sectors. Sources highlight that “Eduardo León knows perfectly well how to identify the appropriate strategy to be executed with full success.”

The EMEA Legal 500 2022

Araoz & Rueda has considerable experience handling post-acquisition and shareholder disputes, and its energy-sector expertise is also of note. Eduardo de León leads the team and is active in domestic litigation and arbitration, and is also well versed in administrative law and proceedings. Ángel Freire specialises in domestic and international arbitration and is a name to note at the senior associate level.

Chambers Global Guide 2021

Well-respected boutique that often assists clients with commercial litigation or administrative proceedings, acting for both plaintiffs and defendants. Advises on the termination of contracts, mis-selling claims and real estate disputes, in addition to bankruptcy-related litigation. Has further activity in disputes in the renewable energy sector. Sources report: “I would highlight the personalised treatment and customer care down to the smallest detail. They stand out for the excellence in the provision of the service.” Sources praise the firm for its handling of energy disputes, stating: “I enjoy working with them and they know how to close a good deal.”

The EMEA Legal 500 2021

The highly regarded practice at Araoz & Rueda handles a range of corporate and commercial litigation, as well as international arbitration. The firm is frequently involved in assignments related to post-acquisition disputes and shareholder or joint venture conflicts. Other areas of expertise for the firm are disputes in the energy and mining sectors, and it has particular experience in expropriation proceedings linked to the development of new infrastructure. Eduardo de León leads the team and advises clients in domestic arbitration, notably in matters involving administrative law and related proceedings. Also noted is Alejandro Fernández de Araoz, who has ‘exceptional strategic vision, extremely effective pleadings and excellent knowledge’. Testimonials: “Multidisciplinary approach (corporate and litigation). Exceptional strategizing and delivery of strategy both in corporate matters and in litigation” Alejandro Fernández de Araoz: totally dedicated, fully hands-on. Exceptional strategic vision” “Extremely effective pleadings. Excellent knowledge of local legal and business scene” “Angel Freire. Excellent legal knowledge and brief writing. Always available, exceptional value added” “Araoz & Rueda is very efficient. They showed themselves very professional and were able to successfully negotiate a settlement. It is good to have such a reliable advisor” “Araoz & Rueda is a strong team in international practice” “We have worked with Eduardo de León who has given valuable advice on enforcement matters in Spain. He has successfully enforced substantial cost decisions from Swedish court judgments in matters relating to arbitration for a state client of ours. We and the ultimate client are very pleased with the outcome and Mr. de León’s assistance”

Chambers Global Guide 2020

Long-standing Madrid firm that often assists clients with commercial litigation or administrative proceedings, acting for both plaintiffs and defendants. Advises on the termination of contracts, mis-selling claims and real estate disputes, in addition to bankruptcy-related litigation. Has further activity in disputes in the renewable energy sector. The team draws praise for being “very fast in understanding the complexities of the claim and in drafting a very robust defence.” Alejandro Fernández de Araoz has experience in commercial disputes and insolvency litigation. Interviewees dub him “a tough litigator.”

The EMEA Legal 500 2020

Traditionally known as an M&A boutique, Araoz & Rueda has particular experience in the energy sector, as well as in post-acquisition disputes and shareholder or joint venture conflicts. In addition, the firm acts in a range of corporate and commercial litigation, as well as international arbitration. Eduardo de León advises in disputes before the Spanish courts and in domestic arbitrations, specializing in matters involving administrative law. Testimonials: “Deep knowledge of energy law in Spain, especially renewable energy” “Best price and quality in the energy sector” “Reputed law firm recognized by public administrations, utilities, developers and banks” “High success ratio in the disputes managed by this law firm” “Eduardo de León is a key person for dispute resolution”

The EMEA Legal 500 2018

Araoz & Rueda’s team, which provides ‘value for money and a creative, responsive’ service, handles high-value disputes. It is defending a renewable energy company against voluntary insolvency proceedings brought by a bank. Eduardo de León leads on litigation.

Chambers Global Guide 2017

Established Madrid firm assisting clients with administrative proceedings, including claims linked to environmental and planning matter. Also active in commercial cases involving M&A and telecommunications law. As well as litigation, the department includes practitioners who have an extensive track record in key international arbitration courts. Strengths (quotes from clients): “The team approaches every matter as if were the only one they had”. “The lawyers know perfectly how to focus each situation and what the best solution for each case is”. Sources really appreciated Alejandro Fernández de Araoz’s “strategic vision, absolute loyalty to the client and maximum involvement in the matters”. He is highlighted for his particular expertise in commercial and transactional matters.

The EMEA Legal 500 2017

Araoz & Rueda has recently been involved in several telecoms, transport and energy-related disputes, as well as an ICSID claim against the Argentine Republic. Eduardo de León is the key litigation contact, while Clifford Hendel handles the arbitration side.

Chambers Global Guide 2016

Strengths (quotes from clients) “One advantage is that you work very closely with the partners; in most big firms it is not so easy to work with the partner but in the case of Araoz & Rueda, you can work directly with the senior lawyer”. Alejandro Fernández de Araoz of Araoz & Rueda has a tremendously broad practice that encompasses contentious and non-contentious commercial issues. Clients describe him as a “tough negotiator,” adding: “He is very intelligent and knows how my business works very well.”

Chambers Europe Guide 2016

Spain, Dispute Resolution: Most in demand arbitrator. Band 2. Key individuals have extensive track records as counsel and arbitrators in the most important international arbitration courts. Clifford Hendel of Araoz & Rueda receives particular praise for his US law experience and for his regular appointment as arbitrator in ICC, CAS, LCIA and CAM arbitrations. Strengths (quotes from clients) “One advantage is that you work very closely with the partners; in most big firms it is not so easy to work with the partner but in the case of Araoz & Rueda, you can work directly with the senior lawyer”. Alejandro Fernández de Araoz of Araoz & Rueda has a tremendously broad practice that encompasses contentious and non-contentious commercial issues. Clients describe him as a “tough negotiator,” adding: “He is very intelligent and knows how my business works very well.”

The EMEA Legal 500 2016

Mid-size local firm Araoz & Rueda’s dispute resolution practice is led by Eduardo de León. It recently acted for a French company in the technology sector in a claim against the Spanish Air Force in relation to an administrative contract. BNP Suisse, ENI, Unitronics Comunicaciones and Molypharma are also notable clients.

The EMEA Legal 500 2016

Mid-size local firm Araoz & Rueda’s dispute resolution practice is led by Eduardo de León. It recently acted for a French company in the technology sector in a claim against the Spanish Air Force in relation to an administrative contract. BNP Suisse, ENI, Unitronics Comunicaciones and Molypharma are also notable clients.

The EMEA Legal 500 2015

Araoz & Rueda represented ENI en judicial and arbitral proceedings against Unión Fenosa Gas over corporate governance issues. Eduardo de León heads the team.

The EMEA Legal 500 2015

Araoz & Rueda’s Alejandro Fernández de Araoz and Clifford Hendel represented ENI en judicial and arbitral proceedings against Unión Fenosa Gas over corporate governance issues. Eduardo de León heads the team.

The EMEA Legal 500 2015

Araoz & Rueda’s Alejandro Fernández de Araoz and Clifford Hendel represented ENI en judicial and arbitral proceedings against Unión Fenosa Gas over corporate governance issues. Eduardo de León heads the team.

The EMEA Legal 500 2015

Araoz & Rueda’s Alejandro Fernández de Araoz and Clifford Hendel represented ENI in judicial and arbitral proceedings against Unión Fenosa Gas over corporate governance issues. Eduardo de León heads the team.

Chambers Global Guide 2015

Alejandro Fernández de Araoz of Araoz & Rueda has a wide-ranging practice encompassing capital markets, M&A, litigation and arbitration. He is regarded by sources as an accomplished practitioner in this field.

Chambers Global Guide 2015

Spain, Dispute Resolution: Most in demand arbitrator. Band 2 Clifford Hendel of Araoz & Rueda has extensive international arbitration experience, particularly involving France. France, Dispute Resolution: Foreign expert based in Spain. Madrid-based Clifford Hendel of Araoz & Rueda is qualified to practice in the UK, France, Spain and the USA. He is a seasoned dispute resolution lawyer, with significant experience in both domestic and international arbitration as well as litigation. Spain, Dispute Resolution. Band 4 Alejandro Fernández de Araoz of Araoz & Rueda has a wide-ranging practice encompassing capital markets, M&A, litigation and arbitration. He is regarded by sources as an accomplished practitioner in this field.

Chambers Global Guide 2014

Sources identify Clifford Hendel as a key arbitrator. He works on domestic and international ad hoc and institutional disputes. He is qualified in France and regularly handles France-related matters. Clients say Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is “an expert in litigation; he has a lot of experience and much prestige in this area”.

Chambers Global Guide 2014

Clients say Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is “an expert in litigation; he has a lot of experience and much prestige in this area”.

The EMEA Legal 500 2014

At Araoz & Rueda Clifford Hendel is well known for his international arbitration capabilities.

The EMEA Legal 500 2014

At Araoz & Rueda Alejandro Fernández de Araoz and Eduardo de León are recommended for litigation, and Clifford Hendel is well known for his international arbitration capabilities.

The EMEA Legal 500 2014

Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is a highly recommended lawyer for litigation.

The EMEA Legal 500 2014

At Araoz & Rueda Alejandro Fernández de Araoz and Eduardo de León are recommended for litigation, and Clifford Hendel is well known for his international arbitration capabilities.

Chambers Global Guide 2013

Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is “an all-rounder who brings useful corporate knowledge to his litigation work.”

Chambers Global Guide 2013

Sources praise Clifford Hendel’s strong international background. He is admitted to the Bar in Madrid, Paris, New York and England and Wales, and has acted as arbitrator in all the major international institutions, including the ICC, the LCIA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Alejandro Fernández de Araoz as “an all-rounder who brings useful corporate knowledge to his work.” He recently advised a leading financial institution on banking litigation against BBVA and Cartera Meridional regarding the scope and application of an on-demand guarantee.

The EMEA Legal 500 2013

Araoz & Rueda is ‘doing very well at the moment’. Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is recommended.

The EMEA Legal 500 2013

Araoz & Rueda is ‘doing very well at the moment’. The team includes arbitrator Clifford Hendel.

The EMEA Legal 500 2013

Araoz & Rueda is ‘doing very well at the moment’.The group includes Alejandro Fernández de Araoz and arbitrator Clifford Hendel.

The EMEA Legal 500 2012

Arbitrator Clifford Hendel is very strong technically.

The EMEA Legal 500 2012

“Araoz & Rueda’s performance is outstanding and is definitely worth the money”. Key contact Íñigo Rodríguez-Sastre is “a very sound litigator” who “provides top-notch advice” and has a “well-deserved reputation for his skills in court”. Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is also “an excellent lawyer”. Arbitrator Clifford Hendel is “very strong technically”.

The EMEA Legal 500 2012

Araoz & Rueda’s “performance is outstanding and is definitely worth the money”. Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is an excellent litigator.

Chambers Global Guide 2012

Alejandro Fernández de Araoz maintains a diverse practice which covers public law, capital markets, M&A and dispute resolution. Clients say “not only is he very able but he also enjoys his job. He understands matters in depth and is discreet and incisive”.

Chambers Global Guide 2012

According to clients “Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is very able and also enjoys his job. He understands matters in depth and is discreet and incisive”. Litigation, insolvency and arbitration specialist Íñigo Rodríguez-Sastre is “an excellent negotiator who is creative and realistic”, say clients. Clifford Hendel figura en las listas de “Most in demand arbitrators”, “Foreign experts” y “Experts based abroad”. He is renowed as an outstanding arbitrator with international credentials.

Chambers Europe Guide 2011

Clifford Hendel has been included for third year in the list of “Most in demand arbitrators”. Clifford Hendel is an all-rounder with “tremendous international law knowledge”. Alejandro Fernández de Araoz andÍñigo Rodríguez-Sastre are also recommended.

The EMEA Legal 500 2010

“Client-oriented Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is not only a natural team leader but also a skillful and capable litigator – the value he adds is truly remarkable.”

The EMEA Legal 500 2010

Clients say that the firm’s “commitment and in-depth study of cases make them one of the most recommendable in Spain”. Dispute practice is headed by Clifford Hendel and the “client-oriented” Alejandro Fernández de Araoz, who is “not only a natural team leader but also a skillful and capable litigator – the value he adds is truly remarkable”.

Chambers Global Guide 2010

This mid-sized firm has a strong dispute resolution practice. Alejandro Fernández de Araoz combines his litigation skills with his great cross-practice knowledge, and is lauded by clients for his “talent at resolving complex problems and in-depth knowledge of a number of areas of law”. Clifford Hendel is well known for his domestic and international arbitration practice, and he usually acts as both counsel and arbitrator at a number of domestic and international courts.

Chambers Global Guide 2010

Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is lauded by clients for his “talent at resolving complex problems, and in-depth knowledge of a number of areas of law.”

Chambers Europe Guide 2009

Peers recommend Alejandro Fernández de Araoz. Clients hail “his through preparation and impeccable manner when speaking in court”.

Chambers Europe Guide 2009

Alejandro Fernández de Araoz at Araoz & Rueda. Clients hail “his through preparation and impeccable manner when speaking in court.” Clifford Hendel figura en la lista de “Most in demand arbitrators”. Clifford Hendel: he is North American and thus a frequent choice as arbitrator in hearing featuring a Spanish party and requiring a non-Spaniard referee.

The EMEA Legal 500 2009

Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is one of corporate best-known litigators at Araoz & Rueda, collecting high praise for his strong experience in both international and domestic disputes.

The EMEA Legal 500 2009

Clifford Hendel and Alejandro Fernández de Araoz are corporate Araoz & Rueda’s best-known litigators, collecting high praise for their strong experience in both international and domestic disputes.

The EMEA Legal 500 2009

“Clifford Hendel is one of Araoz & Rueda’s best-known litigators, collecting praise for his strong experience in both international and domestic disputes.”

The EMEA Legal 500 2008

At Araoz & Rueda Alejandro Fernández de Araoz has built impressive expertise as a corporate litigator.

Chambers Global Guide 2008

“Fernández de Araoz is a determined lawyer who never gives up”; “he gets deeply involved in every matter and is always willing to answer questions”; “a distinguished international Spanish arbitrator”.

Chambers Europe Guide 2008

Araoz & Rueda successfully represents clients in court. “Fernández de Araoz is a determined lawyer who never gives up”, remarked clients; “he gets deeply involved in every matter and is always willing to answer questions.” “A distinguished international Spanish arbitrator”.

The EMEA Legal 500 2008

At Araoz & Rueda, Alejandro Fernández de Araoz has built impressive expertise as a corporate litigator.

The EMEA Legal 500 2007

Araoz & Rueda has been expanding its dispute resolution practice in recent years winning a very good reputation. Alejandro Fernández de Araoz and Clifford Hendelboasts extensive expertise in both international and domestic disputes.

The EMEA Legal 500 2006

Clifford Hendel and Alejandro Fernández de Araoz are the firm’s best-known litigators.

Publications

El principio de in dubio pro iurisdictione y los convenios arbitrales confusos: análisis jurisprudencial

Publication: El Derecho
Authors: Arturo Brugger
Mayo 2024

Sobre el abuso de la minoría en materia de impugnación de acuerdos sociales

Publication: Araoz & Rueda
Authors: Arturo Brugger
February 2023

“The past, present and possible future of the Spanish renewable energy arbitration saga”

Publication: International Law Practicum (a publication of the International Section of the New York State Bar Association - NYSBA)
Authors:
September 2018

In the media

Una solución ante el caos contractual empresarial

Eduardo de León
Junio 2020

Contacto

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