Expansion of the Spanish Employment Practice
Simmons & Simmons has strengthened its legal capabilities in Spain by adding three new lawyers to its employment team. This move brings the firm’s total headcount of specialized employment practitioners in the country to more than ten individuals. The additions follow a period of increased demand for legal advice regarding labor relations, corporate restructurings, and complex litigation.
Sara Moukayed joins the firm as a supervising associate, moving from her previous role at Freshfields. Paola Vegazo also arrives as a supervising associate, departing from Pérez-Llorca. Blanca de la Peña completes the expansion, joining as an associate after starting her legal career at Garrigues. All three will operate under the guidance of Eduardo Peñacoba, the managing partner of the firm in Spain and head of the employment practice, and Carmen Torres, who serves as a partner within the same group.
Focus on Legal Specialization and Industry Needs
Each new hire contributes specific experience to the firm's existing bench. Sara Moukayed brings over ten years of expertise in employment and social security law. Paola Vegazo adds depth to the firm’s advisory services for corporate clients regarding labor relations. Blanca de la Peña brings training from a prominent firm within the Spanish market. Their work will span daily employment counsel, collective bargaining, and employment litigation.
This growth aligns with the current needs of the firm’s client base. Simmons & Simmons maintains a focus on sectors including life sciences, financial services, energy, technology, and telecommunications. The firm reports that these sectors often require support for cross-border transactions and internal investigations. The new team members will handle both domestic and multinational matters, which often involve coordination across multiple jurisdictions.
Market Context and Industry Trajectory
Eduardo Peñacoba noted that the decision to hire was driven by the specific nature of the current market. He highlighted that the firm sees rising pressure in areas like restructuring and collective bargaining, which require dedicated teams to manage. The move reflects a broader trend among major law firms in Madrid and Barcelona to beef up their employment capabilities as regulatory and labor landscapes in Europe grow more rigid.
Looking ahead, the firm expects the international component of its work to remain a key priority. Many employment matters now involve workers spread across different countries, necessitating legal teams that understand both Spanish labor codes and foreign regulations. The addition of these three professionals positions Simmons & Simmons to maintain its market share in an environment where specialized, multijurisdictional advice is mandatory for large-scale corporate operations.