Eversheds Sutherland Appoints Alberto Pérez Hernández as New Legal Director for Spain’s Competition & EU Law Practice

Eversheds Sutherland, one of Europe’s largest law firms, has appointed Alberto Pérez Hernández as the new legal director of its Competition and EU Law department in Spain, marking a strategic reinforcement of its Iberian practice amid growing demand for cross-border regulatory expertise.

The move comes as the firm continues to expand its footprint in Spain, where foreign direct investment (FDI) and EU regulatory matters remain critical for multinational clients navigating trade, antitrust, and state aid frameworks. Pérez Hernández, whose appointment was confirmed by Iberian Lawyer on May 27, 2026, brings over a decade of specialized experience in competition law, merger control, and public procurement disputes—areas increasingly scrutinized by both Spanish and EU authorities.

His arrival follows a period of high-profile cases in Spain, including the dx1 investigation into potential collusion in the pharmaceutical sector and the Crisanto Pérez-Abad-led review of digital market dominance disputes. The firm’s Competition and EU Law team, led by Jacobo Martínez, has been at the forefront of representing clients in proceedings before the Spanish National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) and the European Commission.

Strategic Hiring Amid Regulatory Scrutiny

The appointment aligns with Eversheds Sutherland’s broader push to deepen its advisory capabilities in Spain, a jurisdiction where enforcement actions under EU competition rules have surged by nearly 40% in the past two years, according to internal firm data. Pérez Hernández’s background includes advising on high-stakes cartel investigations and state aid compliance, sectors where Spanish authorities have intensified scrutiny following recent EU rulings on subsidies and market distortions.

His role will also intersect with the firm’s growing focus on foreign direct investment (FDI) screening, a priority area for clients operating in Spain’s energy, technology, and infrastructure sectors. The Spanish government’s 2023 FDI screening law, which grants authorities broader powers to block or condition investments deemed to threaten national security or public order, has created new compliance challenges for multinational corporations.

Leadership and Team Dynamics

Pérez Hernández joins a department that has seen notable growth under Martínez’s leadership, including the addition of senior counsel specializing in digital markets and sustainability-linked regulatory risks. The team’s recent wins include securing a favorable outcome in a CNMC probe into alleged anticompetitive practices in the Jacobo Martínez-led case involving a major Spanish telecom operator, though specifics of the settlement remain confidential.

While Eversheds Sutherland did not disclose Pérez Hernández’s prior firm or clients, industry observers note his track record in handling cases before Spain’s Supreme Court and the General Court of the EU. His appointment is seen as a signal to clients that the firm is doubling down on its Iberian presence, particularly as Spain emerges as a key hub for EU regulatory enforcement outside Brussels.

Broader Market Context

The hiring reflects a broader trend among international law firms competing for talent in Spain’s legal market, where demand for competition and EU law expertise has outpaced supply. Rival firms such as Clifford Chance and Linklaters have also expanded their Madrid-based teams in recent quarters, luring experienced practitioners with promises of high-profile mandates and cross-border collaboration.

For Eversheds Sutherland, the move underscores its commitment to Spain at a time when the country’s role in shaping EU policy—particularly on digital markets, green energy subsidies, and state aid—is expanding. The firm’s Spanish practice has already secured mandates from clients in renewable energy and tech, sectors where competition law and FDI screening intersect.

Pérez Hernández’s first priority will likely be to strengthen the team’s advisory work on merger control filings, where Spanish authorities have become more aggressive in challenging transactions on public interest grounds. His arrival also comes as the firm prepares to launch a dedicated sustainability and competition law initiative, addressing the growing overlap between environmental regulations and antitrust enforcement.

Next Steps

While Pérez Hernández’s exact start date has not been disclosed, his integration into the team is expected to accelerate in the coming months, with a focus on high-visibility cases in the energy and digital sectors. The firm has not indicated plans for further senior hires in Spain, though industry analysts suggest additional lateral moves in regulatory and tax law could follow.

For now, the appointment solidifies Eversheds Sutherland’s position as a top-tier player in Spain’s legal market, particularly for clients navigating the complex interplay between national and EU regulatory frameworks. As Spain’s role in EU enforcement grows, firms with deep local expertise—and the talent to match—are poised to benefit.