Chambers Europe 2023 Leading Individual

Ernesto García-Trevijano

Public Law

Ernesto García-Trevijano has a well-established reputation as one of the top public law lawyers in Spain. He is well known among market commentators as a former state lawyer with considerable experience in public law litigation.

Planning

Ernesto García-Trevijano rises a tier due to strong market support. He is one of the most high-profile public lawyers in Spain, and his experience extends into the planning law field. He advises compensation boards and real estate developers on varied contentious and non-contentious planning law matters.

Environment

Ernesto García-Trevijano assists clients with a variety of mandates spanning environmental concessions, waste management and mining projects. His strong practice further benefits from additional knowledge of public law as well as planning matters.

Energy & Natural Resources

Ernesto García-Trevijano typically advises on the regulatory aspects of energy transactional mandates, litigation proceedings and the renewal of concession agreements.

Chambers Europe 2023 Leading Individual

Marta Plaza

Planning

Marta Plaza González rises in the rankings due to strong market support. She leads many of the firm’s most important planning law mandates, including those that enable the construction of residential or leisure sector projects.

Public Law

Marta Plaza González is experienced in handling planning law matters. She also assists with public tender bids for affordable housing projects and handles contentious claims relating to the early termination of concessions.

Chambers Europe 2023 Leading Firm

Energy & Natural Resources

What the team is known for GTA Villamagna houses a dedicated practice group with experience in the construction and operation of power plants, the regulatory framework for renewable energy sources, and public procurement contracts. The firm is singled out for its thriving regulatory practice, particularly in relation to the development of energy projects in the renewables sector, as well as its ability to provide broad technical advice. The group represents a diverse portfolio of clients, including investment funds with interests in the Spanish market and energy companies looking to develop their activities. The team hosts additional capacity to assist with contentious matters before the Spanish courts.

Environment

What the team is known for GTA VILLAMAGNA has commendable experience in complex environmental audits and authorisations related to industrial and renewable energy projects. The law firm offers further support in litigation proceedings. Its client portfolio includes mining corporations, manufacturers and urban development companies.

Planning

What the team is known for GTA VILLAMAGNA’s team climbs a tier as a result of strong market support. The team is recognised as a strong choice to handle sophisticated planning law matters on behalf of varied clients. The firm acts for Spanish real estate developers and compensation boards on the drafting of new planning instruments. The team advises on contentious-administrative appeals against actions taken by city councils to block new developments. The lawyers also assist with the due diligence of potential acquisition targets in order to identify any potential planning law risks.

Public Law

What the team is known for GTA VILLAMAGNA is a strong domestic firm with a strong reputation for its capacity to handle significant public law matters. In addition to their proven skill in contentious and non-contentious mandates relating to the award or termination of public works contracts, the firm’s key partners have experience in planning, environment and energy sector regulatory matters. The law firm’s client portfolio includes insolvent toll road operators, construction companies and transport concessionaires.

The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) Leading Firm 2023

Public Law

The ‘exceptional‘ public law practice at GTA Villamagna Abogados stands out for its ‘great knowledge and experience in the area‘, with the team a popular choice for clients seeking advice on the construction and operation of public infrastructure, including highways and ports, and the management of public services. The team, led by Ernesto García-Trevijano, who ‘perfectly combines knowledge and experience‘, Marta Plaza and Jesús Estrada, also features senior associate Javier García, active in public procurement work.

Dispute Resolution

GTA Villamagna Abogados has recently been active in arbitration, handling cases concerning contract breaches and corporate matters, and is also well versed in judicial litigation concerning tort, IP, and distribution and franchise agreements, among other areas. The highly regarded Ernesto García-Trevijano leads the team, which is noted for its ‘disposition, ease of understanding and negotiating capacity‘. Other key practitioners include ‘excellent professional‘ Marta Plaza, who specialises in public, civil and commercial disputes, and Jesús Estrada, a ‘highly skilled lawyer‘ who regularly acts in high-stakes disputes.

Proyects and Energy

The ‘committed‘ energy team at GTA Villamagna Abogados specialises in the construction and operation of power plants and investments in the renewable sector, with additional ‘knowledge of administrative and regulatory law‘. Founding partner Ernesto García-Trevijano heads the team, with experience in thermo-solar, biomass, eolic and photovoltaic production plants, with Marta Plaza and Jesús Estrada also noted as key contacts.

Real Estate and Construction

GTA Villamagna Abogados is home to an experienced team, which has been engaged in urban planning mandates, as well as disputes pertaining to domestic town planning. Ernesto García-Trevijano co-leads the team with Marta Plaza, who advises public authorities and private companies on planning matters, including equitable distribution of land, and the preparing and processing of planning instruments and

The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) Next Generation Partner 2022

Projects and Energy

Jesús Estrada

The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) Leading Individual 2022

Environment

Ernesto García-Trevijano

Public Law

Ernesto García-Trevijano

The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) Leading Firm 2022

Environment

Noted for its ‘great theoretical and practical knowledge‘, GTA Villamagna Abogados stands out for its work in real estate, hotels, agriculture and mining-related environmental matters. The firm is well versed in environmental permits and environmental impact assessments, and often advises on the environmental law aspects of sales and acquisitions of energy and industrial projects. Ernesto García-Trevijano leads the department and maintains a diverse practice, covering environment, urban planning, construction and public procurement; Marta Plaza and Jesús Estrada are also noted.

Leading Individual & Practice Head: Ernesto García-Trevijano

Other Key Lawyers: Marta Plaza; Jesús Estrada; Javier García

Public Law

‘Everything in the firm is of the highest level’, says a client about GTA Villamagna Abogados, whose solid public law department is jointly headed by Ernesto García-Trevijano, ‘one of the country’s leading specialists’, and Marta Plaza, who advises on public procurement, urban law and planning. The team, which also includes senior associate Javier García, is best known for its litigation skills, and for advising clients on the construction and operation of public infrastructure, especially highways and ports.

Leading Individual: Ernesto García-Trevijano

Practice Head(s): Ernesto García-Trevijano; Marta Plaza

Other Key Lawyer: Javier García

Tax

Offering ‘fast, effective and high-level advice’, the tax team at GTA Villamagna Abogados excels in tax litigation, wealth management and tax matters involving financial institutions.

Dispute Resolution

The ‘excellent team of professionals‘ at GTA Villamagna Abogados ‘knows how to extract what is important from the facts‘. The team is particularly active in litigation, with an emphasis on matters arising out of real estate, construction and infrastructure projects, but is also equipped to represent clients in arbitration proceedings. Corporate disputes are another area of strength for the team, which is led by the highly regarded Ernesto García-Trevijano. Marta Plaza and Jesús Estrada handle a range of public, civil and corporate disputes.

Practice Head: Ernesto García-Trevijano

Other Key Lawyers: Marta Plaza; Jesús Estrada; Mercedes Bértolo; Javier García

Projects and Energy

Praised for their ‘approachability and easygoing nature’, partners Ernesto García-Trevijano and Jesús Estrada steer GTA Villamagna Abogados’ energy practice, which is well known for its track record handling the construction and operation of power plants. Also of note is the department’s expertise in regulation in the renewable energy market. Senior associates Javier García and María Ariza are other key members of the team.

Next Generation Partner: Jesús Estrada

Practice Head: Ernesto García-Trevijano

Other Key Lawyers: Javier García; María Ariza; Jesús Estrada

Real Estate and Construction

The experienced real estate group at Madrid-based firm GTA Villamagna Abogados takes a multidisciplinary approach, utilising public law and planning knowledge to advise national and international real estate developers, construction companies, private equity firms, corporates and public authorities across such sectors as infrastructure, consulting, hospitality and legal services. Planning expert Ernesto García-Trevijano heads the team, which is supported by public law specialist Marta Plaza.

Practice head: Ernesto García-Trevijano

Other Key Lawyers: Marta Plaza

Chambers Europe 2022 Leading Individual

Planning

Clients highlight Marta Plaza González ‘s «ability to provide agile responses» to complex planning law questions. Sources further describe her as «completely accessible and service-minded.» She leads or co-leads many of the firm’s most important planning law mandates, including those that enable the construction of residential or leisure sector projects.

Public Law

Much of Marta Plaza González ‘s best feedback this year relates to her handling of planning law matters. She also assists with public tender bids for affordable housing projects and handles contentious claims relating to the early termination of concessions. Sources say she has a «good knowledge of public law and a good feel for what we can do to resolve a legal problem.»

Chambers Europe 2022 Leading Individual

Energy & Natural Resources

Head of the firm’s energy practice, Ernesto García-Trevijano typically advises on the regulatory aspects of energy transactional mandates, litigation proceedings and the renewal of concession agreements. Interviewees commend the «great practical and business sense» he provides, with other interviewees observing his «great capacity for collaboration.»

Environment

Ernesto García-Trevijano assists clients with a variety of mandates, spanning environmental concessions, waste management and mining projects. His strong practice further benefits from additional knowledge of public law as well as planning matters.

Planning

Ernesto García-Trevijano is one of the most high-profile public lawyers in Spain, and his experience extends into the planning law field. He advises compensation boards and real estate developers on varied contentious and non-contentious planning law matters. Clients report that «his responses give us complete comfort in order to take difficult decisions.»

Public Law

Ernesto García-Trevijano has a well-established reputation as one of the top public law lawyers in Spain. «He has a huge amount of technical knowledge and is very clear in his explanations,» says one client. «If we go to him with a doubt or a problem, we always finish the meeting with a constructive approach for solving it,» states a second interviewee. Ernesto García-Trevijano is well known among market commentators as a former state lawyer with considerable experience in public law litigation.

Chambers Europe 2022 Leading Firm

Energy & Natural Resources

What the team is known for – A dedicated practice group with experience in the construction and operation of power plants, the regulatory framework for renewable energy sources, and public procurement contracts. The firm is singled out for its thriving regulatory practice, particularly in relation to the development of energy projects in the renewables sector. The group represents a diverse portfolio of clients, including investment funds with interests in the Spanish market and energy companies looking to develop their activities. The team hosts additional capacity to assist with contentious matters before the Spanish courts.

Environment

What the team is known for – Commendable experience in complex environmental audits and authorisations related to industrial and renewable energy projects. The law firm offers further support in litigation proceedings. Its client portfolio includes mining corporations, manufacturers and renewable energy companies.

Planning

What the team is known for – Recognised as a strong choice to handle sophisticated planning law matters on behalf of varied clients. The firm acts for Spanish real estate developers and compensation boards on the drafting of new planning instruments. It advises on contentious-administrative appeals against actions taken by city councils to block new developments. It also assists with the due diligence of potential acquisition targets in order to identify any potential planning law risks.

Public Law

What the team is known for – Important domestic firm with a strong reputation for its capacity to handle significant public law matters. In addition to their proven skill in contentious and non-contentious mandates relating to the award or termination of public works contracts, the firm’s key partners are recognised for their specific experience in planning, environment and energy sector regulatory matters. Its client portfolio includes insolvent toll road operators, construction companies and transport concessionaires.

Tax

What the team is known for – Recognised as a strong choice for family offices, corporates and private individuals facing disputes with the Spanish tax authorities. The law firm advises on the restructuring of real estate companies, often with a view to creating a tax-efficient succession plan for executives. The team coordinates with the Spanish offices of major international firms to advise on tax issues arising in finance transactions.

2021 edition of The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa Enviroment (Leading Firm)

Enviroment

GTA Villamagna Abogados is a key name in the Spanish market when it comes to the environmental law implications of high-value disposals and acquisitions of industrial and energy projects. A highlight in 2020 was practice head Ernesto García-Trevijano and his team’s advice to Elnosa on adapting the process of its chlorine production to the European Community rules. The wide-ranging practice is also strong on regulatory advice to local authorities, as well as environmental litigation. Public law expert Marta Plaza is a key member of the team, and Javier García represents clients in administrative and court procedures regarding environmental issues.

Public Law

The ‘whole team works perfectly aligned to give the best possible service’ at GTA Villamagna Abogados. The firm advises on the construction and operation of public infrastructure, primarily highways and ports, as well as on the management of public services. The department also handles litigation matters in the area. Ernesto García-Trevijano ‘brilliantly and accurately analyses the problems’. He co-leads the practice with Marta Plaza, who demonstrates ‘total dedication’ and has particular expertise in public procurement.

Dispute Resolution

Providing ‘good and effective coordination’, GTA Villamagna Abogados has ‘deep legal knowledge’ in multi-jurisdictional litigation and arbitration. Particular specialisms for the firm include corporate litigation, contractual liability, tortious liability, defects in construction projects, protection of IP rights and litigation arising from the energy sector. Key names in the team are Ernesto García-Trevijano, who has experience in public law and dispute resolution; and Marta Plaza, who advises on a range of public, civil and commercial disputes.

Projects and Energy

GTA Villamagna Abogados’ energy department covers M&A, contracts, regulation and administrative matters related to infrastructure and renewable energy projects. Ernesto García-Trevijano has a strong public law practice, with experience across thermosolar, biomass, wind and photovoltaic energy production. The firm also showed its investment in this practice through the promotion of Jesús Estrada to partner in 2020.

Real Estate and Construction

GTA Villamagna Abogados combines expertise in planning and public law to advise on urban and town planning issues, as well as disputes arising from public administration liability on expropriation. Planning and public law expert Ernesto García-Trevijano leads the team.

2021 edition of The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa Enviroment (Leading Individual)

Environment

Ernesto García-Trevijano

Public Law

Ernesto García-Trevijano

Marta Plaza

2021 edition of The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa Enviroment (Next Generation Partner)

Projects and Energy

Jesús Estrada

Chambers Europe 2021 Leading Individual

Energy & Natural Resources

Clients hail Ernesto García-Trevijano‘s customer-oriented approach, further enthusing: «He knows how to use his intuition to apply his theoretical arguments.» He typically advises on the regulatory aspects of energy transactional mandates, litigation proceedings and the renewal of concession agreements.

Environment

Ernesto García-Trevijano assists clients with a variety of mandates, spanning environmental concessions, waste management and mining projects.

Planning

Ernesto García-Trevijano has a broad public law practice that extends into planning law issues. He is often identified as a strong choice to handle contentious-administrative proceedings.

Public Law

Ernesto García-Trevijano maintains a top position in the market, offering a wealth of experience in all types of public law mandates. He attracts ample client praise, with one source reporting that «he is a very intelligent person who quickly understands problems of any nature and analyses the associated factors quickly and efficiently.»

Chambers Europe 2021 Leading Individual

Planning

Marta Plaza González is a central figure in the planning team. She assists with the analysis of existing planning regulations and their impact on prospective real estate projects. She also advises on licence applications and handles litigation proceedings.

Public Law

One client finds Marta Plaza González to be a «committed and skilled professional,» adding that «she understands her clients and their wishes and is capable of offering different interesting solutions to the issues that might appear in the practice.» She acts for private company and government agency clients on judicial proceedings, competition law violations and contentious-administrative appeals.

Chambers Europe 2021 Leading Firm

Energy & Natural Resources

What the team is known for – Dedicated practice group with experience in the construction and operation of power plants, regulatory framework of renewable energy sources and public procurement contracts. Singled out for its thriving regulatory practice, particularly in relation to the development of energy projects in the renewables sector. Represents a hoard of different clients, including investment funds with interests in the Spanish market and energy companies looking to develop their activities. Additional ability to assist with contentious matters before the Spanish courts.

Environment

What the team is known for – Local practice with commendable experience in complex environmental audits and authorisations related to industrial and renewable energy projects. Client portfolio includes mining corporations, manufacturers and renewable energy companies. Offers further support relating to litigious proceedings.

Planning

What the team is known for – Recognised among market commentators as an important planning law team. Acts for Spanish real estate developers, including compensation boards, on applications to change planning instruments and on the defence of proceedings filed by third parties. Advises on the complainant side of challenges to new general or partial plans. Handles contentious-administrative procedures that test the legality of expropriations.

Public Law

What the team is known for – Independent domestic firm with a specialised team advising on a wide array of issues such as contracts, concessions, contentious-administrative proceedings and transport as well as railway infrastructure and planning-related matters. Client portfolio consists of construction, waste management and healthcare companies.

Tax

What the team is known for – Recognised as a strong choice for family offices, corporates and private individuals facing disputes with the Spanish tax authorities. Advises on the restructuring of real estate companies, often with a view to creating a tax-efficient succession plan for executives. Coordinates with the Spanish offices of major international firms to advise on tax issues arising in finance transactions.

2020 edition of The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa Enviroment (Leading Firm)

Enviroment

GTA Villamagna Abogados handles litigation, environmental permits and audits, environmental impact assessments and transactional agreements. The team has particular experience advising on industrial and energy projects, with a focus on biomass, solar and thermoelectric energy. Practice head Ernesto García-Trevijano advised Cementos Portland Valderrivas on the environmental regulatory aspects of an urban development plan in Seville involving the use of waste as fuel. The team also includes public law, public procurement and infrastructure specialist Marta Plaza. The group is currently advising Valoriza Servicios Medioambientales and Boremer on the construction and operation of a thermal sludge drying unit in Madrid.

Public Law

Public law boutique GTA Villamagna Abogados specialises in cross-border matters related to regulation. As well as experience in a range of litigation, the firm provides sector-specific knowledge, with notable expertise in energy, infrastructure and construction. Ernesto García-Trevijano has particular strength in the energy sector and co-leads the practice with public law specialist Marta Plaza, who is known for public procurement work.

Dispute Resolution

GTA Villamagna Abogados provides public law expertise combined with specialisms in construction and corporate matters. Industry and energy expert Ernesto García-Trevijano co-leads the practice with Marta Plaza, who advises on public, civil and commercial disputes, including corporate litigation, contractual liability, competition actions, and protection of industrial and IP rights.

Projects and Energy

GTA Villamagna Abogados has experience in the construction and operation of power plants, as well as advising on regulation in the renewable energy market. The firm also has expertise in direct power purchase agreements (PPAs) and litigation in energy and natural resources matters. Ernesto García-Trevijano focuses on issues relating to thermosolar, biomass and photovoltaic energy production plants in Spain. He co-leads the team with Marta Plaza, who advises public authorities and private companies in energy and natural resources matters.

Real Estate and Construction

Specialising in planning matters, GTA Villamagna Abogados has particular expertise in disputes, urban development and issues related to public law. Ernesto García-Trevijano leads the practice and has experience in construction and real estate planning matters. Notable in his team is Marta Plaza, who advises public authorities and private companies on planning.

Legal 500. Leading Firm

Enviroment

Ernesto García-Trevijano

Public Law

Ernesto García-Trevijano
Marta Plaza

Chambers Europe 2020 Leading Firm

Enviroment

What the team is known for Local practice with commendable experience in complex environmental audits and authorisations related to industrial and renewable energy projects. Client portfolio includes mining corporations, manufacturers and renewable energy companies. Offers further support relating to litigious proceedings.

Planning

What the team is known for Assists clients with planning permits and licences for real estate transactions, possessing particular strength in town planning disputes including litigation before the Spanish Supreme Court. Handles contentious-administrative procedures that test the legality of expropriations or challenge demolition orders or town master plans, as well as supporting clients in liability claims against city councils. Instructed by real estate investors and developers, construction companies and compensation boards.

Chambers Europe 2020 Leading Firm

Energy

What the team is known for Dedicated practice group with experience in the construction and operation of power plants, regulatory framework of renewable energy sources and public procurement contracts. Singled out for its thriving regulatory practice, particularly in relation to the development of energy projects in the renewables sector. Represents a hoard of different clients, including investment funds with interests in the Spanish market and energy companies looking to develop their activities. Additional ability to assist with contentious matters before the Spanish courts.

Public Law

What the team is known for Independent domestic firm with a specialised team advising on a wide array of issues such as contracts, concessions, contentious-administrative proceedings, transport and railway infrastructure, planning and energy-related matters. Client portfolio comprises motor infrastructure, waste management and healthcare companies.

Tax

What the team is known for Recognised as a strong choice for family offices, corporates and private individuals facing disputes with the Spanish tax authorities. Advises on the restructuring of real estate companies, often with a view to creating a tax-efficient succession plan for executives. Co-ordinates with the Spanish offices of major international firms to advise on tax issues arising in finance transactions.

Chambers Europe 2020 Leading Individual

Enviroment

Department head Ernesto García-Trevijano advises on a variety of mandates, spanning environmental concessions, waste management and mining projects. One source enthuses: «He is a wonderful and highly respected lawyer.»

Planning

Clients single out department head Ernesto García-Trevijano for his negotiation skills, elaborating: «He is very patient, and knows how to listen.» He has notable experience in contentious-administrative proceedings.
Interviewees hail Marta Plaza González as «incredibly clever,» with one client enthusing: «She is firm and assertive, with a mind that is well designed for signing contracts.» She is well-versed in planning issues arising from energy and residential real estate projects.

Public Law

Ernesto García-Trevijano has significant expertise in contentious and regulatory mandates spanning a variety of industries, including infrastructure, tobacco, transport and energy. He receives plaudits from one interviewee for his «absolutely outstanding knowledge of Spanish public law.»

Chambers Europe 2020 Leading Individual

Energy

Ernesto García-Trevijano handles regulatory aspects of energy transactions, litigious mandates and the renewal of concession agreements. One impressed interviewee notes: «He offers strength in his knowledge of the law, dedication to the issues and global vision of the problems presented to him.»

Public Law

Interviewees describe Marta Plaza González as «decisive and technically very good.» She advises on contentious-administrative proceedings, as well as assisting with public procurement issues.

2019 edition of The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa Enviroment (Leading Firm)

Enviroment

GTA Villamagna Abogados has particular experience in the environmental implications of high-value disposals and acquisitions pertaining to industrial and energy projects, as well as advising on complex audits in the sector.
Practice head Ernesto García–Trevijano works across the field and his team is assisting Elnosa with adapting its production process to meet European community rules relating to the chlorine industry. In another recent highlight, the firm is acting for Técnica y Naturaleza in administrative proceedings arising from the granting of an environmental impact assessment and authorisation of perimeter fencing for a hunting property in Toledo.

Public Law

At GTA Villamagna Abogados, Ernesto García–Trevijano and Marta Plaza are key names. On behalf of Grupo Rayet, the group performed a plot analysis and advised on obtaining environmental permits and planning authorisations for the largest artificial beach in Europe.

Dispute Resolution

Public law and dispute resolution specialist Ernesto García-Trevijano leads the team at GTA Villamagna Abogados, which is active in a range of litigation matters. The firm has particular expertise in corporate, contractual and competition-related litigation. The practice is representing Smart Hospital Cantabria in judicial proceedings against the Cantabrian Health Service, relating to the interpretation of the contract of collaboration between the public sector and the private sector. In another highlight, the department is acting for Cementos Portland Valderribas in a matter related to the modification of the general urban development plan of Alcaláde Guadaíra, in Seville.

Projects and Energy

GTA Villamagna Abogados is active in investment in the renewable energy sector, particularly in the areas of biomass, solar and thermoelectric. The firm also advises local authorities on regulating natural resources. Public law specialist Ernesto García-Trevijano leads the practice and is experienced in regulatory matters. His team advised Ithaka Partners on the acquisition of four photovoltaic plants, and represented Cofivacasa in an appeal against the decision of the Ministry of Industry and Energy, which has issued a declaration of nullity against nine mine concessions in the province of Huelva. Other key clients include Ferrovial Medio Ambiente Energía, Técnica y Naturaleza and Ence Energía y Celulosa.

Real Estate and Construction

GTA Villamagna Abogados advises on planning matters for clients including Oaktree Capital Management. Group head Ernesto García-Trevijano and Marta Plaza are the key names.

Legal 500. Leading Individual

Enviroment

Ernesto García-Trevijano

Public Law

Ernesto García-Trevijano

Chambers Europe 2018 Leading Firm

Planning

What the team is known for Represents clients in town planning disputes, including litigation before the Spanish Supreme Court. Handles contentious-administrative procedures that test the legality of expropriations or challenge town master plans. Assists real estate investors and developers with the due diligence of assets and the analysis of existing licences and permits. Works in close connection with the firm’s public law department in order to determine the planning implications of legislative changes.

Tax

What the team is known for  Strong choice for Spanish family offices, private companies and individuals looking for advice on disputes with tax authorities. Assists with corporate restructurings and with the tax planning of M&A or real estate transactions. Team members frequently advise on contentious VAT matters. Assists major clients in the banking and insurance sectors.

Recognised in other areas:

• Energy & Natural Resources
• Environment
• Public Law

Chambers Europe 2018 Leading Individual

Public Law

Peers report that Ernesto García-Trevijano of GTA VILLAMAGNA is «a wonderful public lawyer» and note his particular skill in public infrastructure and environmental law mandates. He regularly assists private entities with the drafting of tender documents and with the negotiation of PPP contracts. His additional experience acting for public bodies was showcased in advice to the Gijón port authority on its disputed concession contract with the operator of a regasification plant in the port of Gijón. Clients say that «he brings clarity and confidence, which allows us to have a focused and fluent collaboration.«

Chambers Europe 2018 Leading Individual

Energy & Natural Resources

GTA VILLAMAGNA’s Ernesto García-Trevijano is described by sources as «an amazing lawyer» with a «high technical capacity.» He offers particular expertise in the areas of biomass and solar power and also advises on deals involving solar power plants. He regularly acts on behalf of US and UK-based investment funds on M&A transactions in the energy market.

Environment

According to sources, Ernesto García-Trevijano of GTA VILLAMAGNA is «very experienced, accessible and looks for a range of solutions; he’s a brilliant lawyer who is great to work with.» Another client adds: «He makes us feel at ease when we have complex matters to deal with.» His practice includes environmental compliance, permits and assistance with judicial proceedings.

Planning

Ernesto García-Trevijano‘s broad practice in public law allows him to assist investors and developers with complex contentious and non-contentious planning issues. He advised Millennium Procam on its claim for damages against the city of Lorca following a failed project to develop a plot of land. «He’s a super high-quality lawyer,» notes one client, who adds: «He and his team work hard, can co-ordinate with any other firm and have a seamless way of communicating with us.» «He knows the company well and tailors his responses to our needs,» says another interviewee.

Marta Plaza González rises in the rankings this year after receiving significant praise from clients for her handling of urban management and planning matters. «She’s very practical and goes through the issues systematically,» says one impressed interviewee. Another source describes her as a «brilliant lawyer who takes a hugely proactive approach to matters.» She assisted Quabit Inmobiliaria with claims relating to a planning development in Castilla-La Mancha.

2018 edition of The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa Environment

Environment

Projects and energy

Public Law

Tax

LEGAL 500. Leading Individual

Public Law

Ernesto García-Trevijano

Chambers Europe 2017 Leading Firm

Planning

What the team is known for Represents clients in town planning disputes, including litigation before the Spanish Supreme Court. Assists real estate investors and developers with the due diligence of transactions and the analysis of existing licences and permits. Also handles expropriations, licence applications and rezoning mandates for clients in the hotel and leisure sectors.

Tax

What the team is known for Strong choice for Spanish family offices, private companies and individuals looking for advice on disputes with tax authorities. Also assists with the structuring of M&A transactions and on corporate restructuring, often within the context of wealth management. Team members frequently advise on VAT matters.

Recognised in other areas:

• Energy & Natural Resources
• Environment
• Public Law

Chambers Global 2017 Leading Individual

Energy & Natural Resources

Clients highlight Ernesto García-Trevijano‘s «empathy and ability to get to the bottom of issues quickly with limited information.» He leads the energy team at GTA VILLAMAGNA and specialises in matters regarding concentrating solar power, biomass and photovoltaic energy plants.

Chambers Europe 2017 Leading Individual

Public Law

Ernesto García-Trevijano leads the team at GTA VILLAMAGNA. Sources single him out for his technical knowledge, accessibility and client attention, noting: «He gets to the nub of the problems straight away.» He primarily represents private companies in their dealings with the authorities, with noteworthy activity of late on high-value disputes over concessions. He is particularly prominent in the construction and infrastructure spaces.

2017 edition of The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa Environment

Environment

GTA Villamagna Abogados has a team that ‘projects trust’ and ‘always answers your calls’. The team is particularly noted for advising the construction and energy sector, where it acts for big name clients such as FCC, Holcim and Ferrovial. ‘Always at the disposal of the client’, team head Ernesto Garcia-Trevijano ‘knows what he is talking about’.

Projects and energy

GTA Villamagna Abogados has a fine track record acting for clients in the energy sector.

Public Law

The ‘knowledgeable and experienced’ Ernesto García-Trevijano leads the team at GTA Villamagna Abogados.

Chambers Europe 2017 Leading Individual

Energy & Natural Resources

Clients highlight Ernesto García-Trevijano‘s «empathy and ability to get to the bottom of issues quickly with limited information.» He leads the energy team at GTA VILLAMAGNA and specialises in matters regarding concentrating solar power, biomass and photovoltaic energy plants.

Environment

Ernesto García-Trevijano of GTA VILLAMAGNA is an environmental specialist who is well known for his track record in environmental litigation and permitting. He is valued by clients, who report: «He gives a personalised service, answers quickly and has a very practical view of how to solve matters. He goes straight to the point and knows how to distinguish the essential aspects of issues.»

Planning

Ernesto García-Trevijano advises on complex planning matters as part of his broader public law practice. Interviewees stress that «he is extremely clever.» «He can shed light on the most difficult questions,» says one impressed client, who adds: «He is able to give you ideas that can help you to make progress.»
According to interviewees, Marta Plaza González «listens to what the client wants» and «makes the client feel at ease.» She advises on expropriations and on the implementation of planning and urban management instruments across different autonomous communities.

LEGAL 500. Leading Individual

Public Law

The ‘knowledgeable and experienced’ Ernesto García-Trevijano leads the team at GTA Villamagna Abogados.

Chambers Europe 2016 Leading Firm

Planning

What the team is known for Madrid team that has an increasing reputation in the field, assisting with contentious matters, planning instruments, permits, licences and issues deriving from transactional work. Clients include public entities, as well as significant names from sectors such as energy and real estate. Strong experience of major urban developments and administrative proceedings.

Tax

What the team is known for In-demand firm offering specialist Spanish tax advice to both domestic and international clients, noted for the experience provided by its key partners. Particularly active in significant tax litigation matters and on assisting with tax audits. Frequently advises on VAT matters and personal taxes.

Wealth Management

What the team is known for Compact department advising family businesses and individuals on tax auditing, structure creation and succession planning. Possesses additional expertise in litigation, as well as in investment vehicles and products. Also assists clients with private banking and the restructuring of businesses and wealth.

Chambers Europe 2016 Leading Individual

Public Law

Interviewees heap praise on top-ranked Ernesto García-Trevijano of GTA VILLAMAGNA for his strategic approach, and comment: «He’s an excellent lawyer and offers solid knowledge, complete dedication and, above all, a clear outline of all your options.» His standout instructions of last year include the defence of CESPA in judicial proceedings concerning the cancellation of a public contract for waste management. García-Trevijano also handles urban planning and regulatory issues in a range of sectors, including energy and water.

Chambers Global 2016 Leading Individual

Public Law

Interviewees heap praise on top-ranked Ernesto García-Trevijano of GTA VILLAMAGNA for his strategic approach, and comment: «He’s an excellent lawyer and offers solid knowledge, complete dedication and, above all, a clear outline of all your options.» His standout instructions of last year include the defence of CESPA in judicial proceedings concerning the cancellation of a public contract for waste management. García-Trevijano also handles urban planning and regulatory issues in a range of sectors, including energy and water.

Chambers Europe 2016 Leading Individual

Energy & Natural Resources

Lauded by clients as a «good lawyer and a good businessman,» Ernesto García-Trevijano of GTA VILLAMAGNA has considerable, recent experience on regulatory and transactional mandates in the renewables sector, including advising Técina y Naturaleza on the EUR34 million acquisition of shares in companies holding photovoltaic plants in Tenerife.

Environment

Sources note that Ernesto García-Trevijano, founding partner of GTA VILLAMAGNA, is «a brilliant professional with a lot of experience.» A prominent figure in environmental litigation, he regularly advises on matters related to water, waste, permits, polluted soil and dangerous substances. Sources say that «he finds good solutions to problems.»

Planning

Head of department and founding partner Ernesto García-Trevijano is recommended for his practical nature and speed in resolving matters. His practice encompasses contentious and non-contentious town planning, environmental and administrative matters. One interviewee notes: «The most characteristic and interesting thing about him is his common sense and the simplicity of his explanations.»
Marta Plaza González plays a key role in some of the department’s most significant contentious and non-contentious planning mandates. Sources commend her work ethic and comment that «she’s a great adviser and she’s very quick.»

La publicación TTR ha calificado la operación de compraventa de Grup Maritim TCB, en la que GTA VILLAMAGNA ha asesorado, como la transacción más relevante del trimestre (1Q 2016).

TTR ha seleccionado como transacción más relevante del primer trimestre de 2016 en España la compraventa de Grup Maritim TCB, compañía dedicada a la prestación de servicios de gestión de las terminales de contenedores y servicios logísticos en diversos puertos en España y otras cinco jurisdicciones. La operación está valorada en 1000 millones de dólares y GTA Villamagna ha actuado como asesor legal del vendedor.

2016 edition of The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa Environment

Environment

The team at GTA Villamagna Abogados, which was founded in 2012, has been busy assisting clients on environmental matters under the leadership of Ernesto García-Trevijano. Clients include Inabensa, Holcim and Electroquímica del Noroeste.

Public law

Specialist firm GTA Villamagna Abogados is noted for its creativity and imaginative approach to public law instructions.

LEGAL 500. Leading Firm

Environment

Public law boutique GTA Villamagna Abogados excels at environment matters under the leadership of Ernesto García-Trevijano, who has ‘deep knowledge of environmental regulations’ and gives ‘valuable, business-oriented advice’.

• Projects & Energy (Recommended firm)
• Restructuring & Insolvency (Recommended firm)

LEGAL 500. Leading Individual

Environment

Ernesto García-Trevijano, who has ‘deep knowledge of environmental regulations’ and gives ‘valuable, business-oriented advice’.

Chambers Europe 2015 Leading Firm

Planning

Recently established team with a strong, growing reputation on the Spanish market. Advises both public authorities and private companies across all aspects of planning law, including administrative proceedings, obtaining licenses and drafting planning agreements.
«A very positive rating for a very practical team. I would highlight its knowledge, speed of response and proactivity in searching for solutions».
«A precise and experienced team providing excellent client service.»

Tax

Benefits from the considerable reputation of key partners to attract important tax litigation matters. Especially active appealing Spanish tax audits for domestic clients and assisting international clients with preparation of tax audit strategies.
«Every time we contact the lawyers they respond in good time. This is my first time working in this industry and the firm is very supportive.»
«I am impressed by the lawyers’ precise explanations of possible alternatives when giving solutions to situations that require quick decision-making.»

Wealth Management

Strong track record in litigation, defending clients in tax audit cases before the Spanish tax agency. Noted for its advice to high-profile clients on wealth restructuring in the wake of the Spanish tax amnesty.
«The technical knowledge is remarkable – the whole team is highly specialised.»

Chambers Europe 2015 Leading Individual

Energy & Natural Resources

Public law expert Ernesto García-Trevijano and founding partner of Madrid firm GTA VILLAMAGNA has accumulated an extensive portfolio of renewable energy work, with experience in the construction and operation of thermosolar, wind energy and biomass plants. Clients particularly like that he «is directly involved in the processes and gives innovative solutions.»

Environment

Ernesto García-Trevijano of Madrid firm GTA VILLAMAGNA is well known among peers as a public law lawyer with tremendous experience in environmental litigation. Sources draw attention to «the speed with which he can give answers and the simplicity with which he explains himself.» He regularly assists industry clients with disputes over waste management.

Planning

Firm founder Ernesto García-Trevijano heads the planning department and specialises in public procurement, construction, town planning and environmental law. Clients say he is «extremely clever, adept in litigation, quick to understand problems and very ethical.
Recently promoted partner Marta Plaza González is highlighted by sources for her efficiency, intelligence, responsiveness and attention to detail. Her areas of expertise include distribution of land, public infrastructure and planning agreements.

Public Law

Ernesto García-Trevijano of GTA VILLAMAGNA remains «an indisputable figure in the field,» according to one source. Clients also comment favourably on his commercial focus.

Best Lawyers 2015

GTA Villamagna Abogados has been selected for inclusion in the Seventh Edition of Best Lawyers in Spain in the practice areas of: Administrative Law, Environmental Law and Public Finance Law.