Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance hires leading Spanish banking lawyer, José Guardo

Clifford Chance has announced today that José Guardo, widely recognised as one of the most respected lawyers specialising in the Spanish financial and banking sector, is joining its team. José Guardo, with more than 18 years of experience, is a former partner at Garrigues where for the last 8 years he was in charge of the Project Finance team and practice area.

José Guardo will be joining the firm in Madrid on 5 September as partner in the Banking and Finance practice, led by Alberto Manzanares. José Guardo is the only Spanish partner who has been awarded the 'star individual' distinction in the Project Finance category by the prestigious reference guide, Chambers & Partners.  José Guardo joins a team of 6 partners and 40 associates, already considered the leader in the financial sector in Spain.

Alberto Manzanares states, "With a presence in the Spanish market spanning more than 30 years, our Banking and Finance practice is today an indisputable leader in the sector.  The addition of José Guardo, further reinforces this position, ensuring our place as the first point of reference for financial institutions. José Guardo brings both technical excellence and a pragmatic approach to combating the on-going challenges faced by the sector. He is widely respected by financial institutions in our country and, by joining forces, we will be able to provide our clients with access to the best team possible for handling the most innovative and demanding mandates on both a national and international scale".

Ignacio Ojanguren adds, "We aim at all times to offer the best team possible to our clients – this is integral to our intention to continue leading the legal market in Spain.  Hiring a partner of the calibre of José Guardo, as part of such a specialised and active team, not only further strengthens our existing capability but also signals our intention to make investments to support our financial services clients in securing the best outcomes from the challenges they currently face."

José Guardo says, "Clifford Chance has an unquestionable reputation as the worldwide leader in the financial markets.  We are currently participating in the most significant transformation affecting the global financial system.  After my experience in what I consider to be the most prestigious Spanish law firm, joining an international firm of this level represents a great opportunity to support its clients, both in Spain and internationally."