Leeds lawyers expand internationally with Spanish purchase

A Leeds law firm is building its international foothold for itself with the purchase of an established Spanish law firm.

In buying Madrid-based L&E Solución Legal and Empresarial, Irwin Mitchell is proving that expansion through the buying up of companies does not have to remain a domestic enterprise.

The new acquisition adds to the company's existing operations in Madrid and Malaga and will see L&E's team of lawyers - including renowned litigation and data protection expert Javier González Espadas - join Irwin Mitchell from October 1.

Mr González Espadas will become a partner in Irwin Mitchell Abogados – the firm's Spanish operation – and head up the Madrid offering. He is an eminent scholar in the field of data protection law, with several books to his credit and an esteemed history of litigation.

Irwin Mitchell Abogados managing partner, Jose Maria de Lorenzo, said: "This is an exciting move for us and one which will build on the strong reputation we have forged through our work to date in the Anglo-Spanish market."

John Pickering, national managing partner for Irwin Mitchell, added: "This acquisition will create greater potential to grow and promote our UK-wide business, as well as providing a base for Irwin Mitchell Abogados to concentrate on expanding in the Spanish Corporate market in Madrid."