Garrigues looking for another Romanian partner

“We are looking on the market for an attorney who can become partner. It is likely that he will coordinate one of the areas of specialization,” said Fuster for Business Standard. He added that the firm is also considering expanding its business to cities such as Constanta, Cluj-Napoca or Timisoara. Garrigues’ clients locally include La Caixa, FCC, and Riofisa.

The law firm is focusing on infrastructure and energy.

Garrigues came onto the Romanian market about one year ago, integrating the local Mares&Asociatii firm. Antonio Garrigues, President of the Spanish entity, declared recently for Business Standard that the solution to the crisis for law firms lies in the flexibility of their fees and services. The local office has a team of 13 attorneys, with infrastructure, energy and corporate services making up about half of its business.

The local business law market is dominated by Romanian firms.

Mihai Mares said that the merger was followed by a rise in activity volume, even for its portfolio of existing clients, which now includes many new clients. The firm’s target for 2009 is turnover worth €2 million and a team of up to 20 lawyers. It collaborates with law firms in London and the US who do not have offices in Romania.

Garrigues activities are mainly in Spain. Other international players present in Romania are Clifford Chance, Allen&Overy, Salans and White&Case.