Legal Defence and Litigation
Criminal Defence and Litigation
Criminal proceedings require swift intervention and a clear legal strategy. I provide immediate legal assistance at the police or guardia Civil station following an arrest, and act before criminal courts guiding clients through all stages of criminal proceedings, from investigation to trial and appeal.
I have extensive experience handling property crimes, economic and financial offences, fraud, offences involving bodily injury, and family-related allegations. Each case is approached with evidence-based strategy, meticulous preparation, and a focus on achieving the best possible outcome.
- Immediate legal assistance to detainees at Police or Guardia Civil stations, and before the courts, devising and implementing the legal strategy most appropriate to each individual case.
- Full legal conduct of criminal proceedings, keeping the client informed of all developments and providing ongoing legal advice at every stage.
- Representation during the investigation stage, drafting of indictments or defence allegations, and courtroom advocacy during the oral trial.
- Legal advice in complex or particularly sensitive criminal matters.
- Legal representation of victims of alleged criminal offences, acting as a private prosecutor and pursuing civil claims for compensation and damages.
- Filing and defence of appeals against judicial decisions issued by any criminal court, at all levels of the criminal jurisdiction.
- Assistance with the lifting of restrictions on international freedom of movement, including travel bans, exit restrictions or other measures affecting cross-border mobility.
Civil Litigation
Civil and commercial disputes may involve property, contracts, or ongoing business relationships. I assist international clients in civil litigation matters before the Spanish civil courts, providing strategic advice, careful preparation, and legal representation.
My experience covers contractual conflicts, inheritance or family disputes, property and real estate litigation, debt recovery, and liability claims. I combine technical legal knowledge with a practical approach, helping clients achieve enforceable and proportionate solutions.
My services include:
- Assessment on legal risks and dispute strategy.
- Advice on negotiation and alternative dispute resolution, which in many cases must be attempted before taking a matter to court.
- Drafting and filing claims before civil courts.
- Representation in hearings and throughout the litigation process.
- Filing and defending appeals against judicial decisions issued by any civil court or tribunal.
- Full legal guidance in English for international clients with interests in Spain.
Employment Litigation
Employment disputes require a targeted and informed legal approach. I represent executives, employers, and employees in employment litigation matters, acting before Spanish labour courts in cases involving dismissals, compensation disputes, executive agreements, and employment rights.
Each case is handled with attention to detail and a focus on practical outcomes, ensuring that professional and financial interests are protected throughout the process.
My services include:
- Employment advice and risk assessment to help you understand your rights and obligations.
- Preparation and submission of preliminary claims (conciliation requests).
- Support and representation in conciliation meetings, aiming to achieve the best possible agreement.
- Comprehensive legal defence in employment proceedings, including evidence preparation, judicial conciliation, and representation at hearings if needed.
- Advice on complex employment disputes and workplace conflicts.
- Representation in the enforcement of employment-related court decisions.
- Filing and defence of appeals against decisions from any employment tribunal or court, at all levels of jurisdiction.
- Clear communication in English for international clients.
Administrative and Public Law Litigation
Decisions by public authorities can have a significant impact on citizens’ assets and professional or business activities. I provide legal assistance in administrative and court proceedings against the Public Administration, representing clients affected by decisions of public authorities that impact their rights or interests.
I have experience in challenging administrative sanctions, obtaining licenses, authorisations and concessions, handling claims for administrative liability, and defending appeals against administrative acts. To protect my clients’ rights and ensure that every opportunity for defence is fully utilised, I pay particular attention to meeting deadlines and formal requirements in all administrative and judicial procedures.
My services include:
- Advice and strategic planning in administrative proceedings.
- Review and preparation of documentation submitted to public authorities, ensuring legal accuracy and compliance with procedural deadlines.
- Defence against sanctions, official requests and actions by public authorities, whether through administrative appeals (first-level and higher-level appeals) or by taking full legal conduct of contentious-administrative proceedings before the competent jurisdiction.
- Assistance during inspections, official proceedings and hearings before public authorities.
- Guidance in complex administrative proceedings, providing legal support at every stage of the process.
- Communication in English and tailored legal support for international clients.
FAQ’s - Litigation and Legal Defence
What is legal defence in court?
Legal defence in court involves a lawyer acting professionally to protect the rights and interests of individuals in criminal, civil, employment, or administrative proceedings before the courts.
Who can act before the courts in Spain?
To represent someone legally in Spanish courts, it is necessary to have a qualified lawyer; in certain cases, the involvement of a court agent (procurador) is also required.
Can foreigners initiate or defend legal proceedings in Spain?
Yes. Foreign citizens can file claims or defend themselves in Spanish courts, provided they meet legal requirements and have qualified Spanish legal representation.
What types of legal proceedings exist in Spain?
Legal proceedings are primarily classified as criminal, civil, employment, and administrative-contentious, each with specific rules, deadlines, and strategies.
How long does a legal proceeding usually take?
The duration depends on the complexity of the case, the court’s workload, and the possibility of appeals. Strategic planning can help manage timelines and costs efficiently.
Is it mandatory to attend court in person?
Not always. In many cases, representation through a lawyer and, where required, a procurador is sufficient. The client only needs to attend if legally required or strategically advisable.
What is the lawyer’s role during a legal proceeding?
The lawyer advises the client on their rights and obligations, prepares the necessary documentation, represents their interests in court, and makes strategic decisions to ensure the best defence at every stage.
When is it advisable to seek a settlement before going to court?
In many civil and employment cases, attempting a prior settlement is recommended or even mandatory. Assessing risks, costs, and legal deadlines is essential for choosing the best strategy.
What should I do if I am arrested in Spain?
It is crucial to request immediate legal assistance. A lawyer can advise you on your rights and represent you from the first moment before the police and throughout the criminal procedure.
What role does evidence play in a legal proceeding?
Evidence is essential to support each party’s arguments. It may include documents, witness testimony, expert reports, or recordings, and its proper presentation and assessment can be decisive for the outcome.
Can a criminal case be resolved without going to trial?
Yes. Some criminal cases can be concluded through plea agreements between the defence and the prosecution, avoiding a full trial. The decision to reach an agreement rests with the client, who is guided by their lawyer’s advice.
What does civil legal defence include?
It covers contractual disputes, claims for payment, real estate and property litigation, civil liability, and inheritance or family law proceedings, all with court representation.
What types of employment disputes exist?
Employment disputes include unfair dismissals, wage claims, executive contract disputes, substantial changes to employment conditions, and other matters under the jurisdiction of employment tribunals.
What are the deadlines for filing employment claims?
Deadlines in employment law are strict. For example, in cases of dismissal claims, the deadline is 20 days. So, acting promptly is essential to avoid losing rights before the courts.
What does administrative defence involve?
It involves legal assistance from a lawyer to challenge acts by public authorities that are detrimental to the citizen, first before the administration itself through internal or hierarchical appeals, and then before the court.
Are there strict deadlines in administrative proceedings?
Yes. Administrative proceedings are subject to strict legal deadlines; failure to comply can result in dismissal of the appeal or loss of rights.
What appeals are available against court decisions?
It is possible to file appeals before any civil, employment, criminal, or administrative court, both at first instance and on appeal, to protect rights and correct possible errors in judicial decisions.
What is conciliation and how does it work?
Conciliation is a pre-trial mechanism in many civil and employment cases where the parties attempt to reach an agreement with the help of a mediator or official body before going to court.
What measures exist to protect the rights of detainees?
Detainees have the right to immediate legal assistance, to be informed of their rights, and to have the maximum detention period respected. If these rights are not upheld, the lawyer can request a habeas corpus to ensure the client is promptly brought before a judge.
How can I monitor the progress of my legal case?
In Spain, legal proceedings can be monitored through official Ministry of Justice channels, electronic notifications, and communication with your lawyer. This allows you to track deadlines, decisions, and next steps transparently.
SCHEDULE YOUR LEGAL CONSULTATION
Request a legal consultation at my Málaga office or via video call.
Don’t let your legal concerns go unaddressed—schedule a consultation to discuss your needs. I am here to provide the support you need and help you find the best solution (consultation fee applies).
