Lovells has launched a contentious insurance practice in Spain after recruiting a new partner from Ernst & Young Legal, the City firm announced today (19 February).

Joaquin Ruiz Echauri joins Lovells' Madrid office, where he will head up the new insurance/reinsurance practice within the dispute resolution department.

Echauri will become the City giant's second dispute resolution partner based in Madrid, alongside Jose Luis Huerta.

Commenting on the hire, Lovells managing partner David Harris said: "Joaquin has proven expertise and a recognised reputation in the Spanish insurance market and will be a real asset for our Madrid team. His arrival at the firm is an excellent opportunity for us to expand [our] insurance and reinsurance practice and establish our presence in a growing market."

Joaquin Ruiz Echauri said: "[Lovells'] international network and the Madrid office in particular are an excellent platform from which to build a successful insurance practice."

The appointment comes after the top 10 City firm earlier this month declined to radically alter its lockstep after a year-long review. Lovells is also expected to vote on its conversion to a limited liability partnership (LLP) by the end of next month, despite ongoing uncertainty over the tax status of its partners in France.