Pinsent Masons hires new partner Belen Lavandera to strengthen its Spanish employment practice

Her appointment will further strengthen the firm’s Spanish employment practice; a strategic growth priority for Pinsent Masons given the transformation of employer-workforce relations, increasing regulatory complexity and the growing importance of employment advice in corporate transactions.

Throughout her career, Belén has been involved in some of the most significant recent corporate transactions in the Spanish market. She brings extensive expertise in advising large companies, including international private equity funds, on complex, high value employment law issues. Her experience encompasses corporate restructurings, employer-workforce negotiations, the hiring and exits of senior executives and directors, employment litigation, and multi-jurisdictional M&A transactions with employment law aspects.

Her practice is particularly focussed on advising boards of directors and remuneration committees regarding the design and implementation of incentive plans and remuneration policies. Also, on highly complex restructuring processes, some of which have had significant implications for Spain’s regulatory framework.

Francisco Aldavero, head of Pinsent Masons’ Madrid office, commented: “Belén’s arrival represents an important step for the continued growth of our employment practice in Spain. Her experience in complex restructurings, private equity matters, and cases involving senior executives fits perfectly with our practice strategy and client demand.”

Manfred Schmid, Global Head of Employment & Incentives at Pinsent Masons, said, “Belén is a strong addition to our global team. Spanish labour legislation has introduced increasingly stringent compliance requirements in recent years; Belén is perfectly placed to advise large corporations and private equity houses on areas like the EU Pay Transparency Directive and employment-related litigation stemming from new legislation. Her hire also supports our ambition to be a market-leading practice when it comes to advising on high-value cross-border matters.”

Belén added: “Pinsent Masons has a unique offering, combining a global reach and deep sector expertise. I am delighted to join a growing team, with a vision closely aligned with current client needs and a truly collaborative approach.”

This appointment follows other recent strategic hires by Pinsent Masons in Spain, including the appointment of litigation and arbitration partner Fernando Tallón. Belén’s hire further consolidates Pinsent Masons’ position as a leading firm in the Spanish market when it comes to advising on complex, high-stakes employment matters.