Freshfields uses bank float to grow in Barcelona

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has landed the lead role on the flotation of Spain's biggest savings bank La Caixa, prompting an associate hiring spree in the Barcelona office.

The firm is boosting its numbers in Barcelona from 12 to 15 lawyers by cherry-picking associates from rival firms.

Barcelona tax partner Miguel Lorán said: "I think that part of it's a need for associates in very specific areas. We're particularly looking for associates on the M&A and tax side."

So far Freshfields has hired Uría Menéndez tax lawyer Josep Camí and senior corporate associate Sigfrido Gross from Cuatrecasas. Lorán said he expects another associate to sign up within a few weeks.

At the start of the year the Barcelona office lost associates Paco Iso and Manuel Deo to Latham & Watkins.