Linklaters has secured a significant boost to its Spanish offering with the hire of Cuatrecasas partner Francisco Malaga to head up the firm's litigation practice in Madrid.

Malaga will be the firm's first litigation partner in the region, although the magic circle firm already has five associates in the practice. He will take the partner count in the 70-lawyer office to 12.

Malaga, who was a partner with Cuatrecasas, previously served as an alternate judge at the Audiencia Provincial court of Barcelona.

Sebastian Albella, a member of Linklaters' Madrid management committee, said: "We have been looking for someone just like Francisco to lead our Spanish litigation.  Our goal has always been to be able to offer to clients the highest quality integrated Spanish practice. We're delighted to welcome him to the team."

Linklaters' Madrid arm saw a number of partner departures earlier this year, with four leaving to join Herbert Smith.

Herbert Smith launched in Madrid in May with three Linklaters partners – corporate partner Alvaro Sainz, energy and infrastructure partner Miguel Riano and administration law partner Ignacio Paz.

Subsequently Spanish tax head Nicholas Martin joined the City firm with a team of two associates.

However, Linklaters this year made up two lawyers to partner in the office, with Ben Crosse (banking) and Jesus Varela (real estate) joining the partnership.

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