Linklaters has bolstered its Spanish public law and regulated sectors practice with the hire of Jose Gimenez from CMS Albinana & Suarez de Lezo.

Gimenez will join Linklaters' Madrid arm as a partner next week (26 October) and will head up the firm's public law and regulated sectors practice.

He has a focus on advising clients in the energy, construction, infrastructure and telecommunications sectors.

Gimenez is a state advocate and held senior status in the state's legal services for ten years.

Madrid management committee member Sebastian Albella said: "Jose is one of the leading public law experts in Spain and we are delighted to welcome him to the firm. His appointment will enhance our ability to provide top-tier public law advice to corporates in regulated sectors and on transactions."

Madrid corporate chief Alejandro Ortiz said: "Jose's appointment is a significant step in the development of our Madrid office and public law capability, given his wide recognition in the market and at a time when regulated sectors such as energy, infrastructure and telecommunications are proving particularly active in M&A and private equity."

Linklaters recently boosted its headcount in Madrid with the hire of litigation partner Francisco Malaga from Cuatrecasas last month.

Malaga's hire followed the recruitment of Dutch partner Daniella Strik, who joined the firm's Amsterdam practice earlier this month (13 October) from NautaDutilh where she was a partner for four years. She will launch a Dutch litigation practice for Linklaters early next year.