Spanish law firm Araoz & Rueda has bulked up its litigation and insolvency practices with the hire of ex-Clifford Chance (CC) litigation partner Inigo Rodriguez-Sastre.

Rodriguez-Sastre joins Araoz in Madrid from CC's local office to head up the litigation and insolvency practices.

Prior to joining the Spanish firm, Rodriguez-Sastre spent 10 years in CC's litigation department – four as an associate and six as partner. He previously worked as an associate at Baker & McKenzie for six years in the corporate and litigation departments.

Araoz founding partner Pedro Rueda said: "This [hire] gives a new impulse to our litigation and insolvency areas, in which – like most law firms – we have experienced a great increase of more than 60% compared to the previous year. Inigo is a lawyer of recognised reputation who is respected by clients and colleagues and whose personal and professional values fit perfectly with our firm. His incorporation is a safe bet."

Last year local leader Uria Menendez boosted its Madrid base with the hire of CC's former Spanish senior partner, Jaime de San Roman.

De San Roman, who also headed CC's Spanish banking and finance practice, had been senior partner for two years at the time of his departure, and also previously served as Spain co-managing partner between 2001 and 2007.

The magic circle firm opted not to replace De San Roman as senior partner, with local managing partner Ignacio Ojanguren now heading the practice on his own.

Araoz & Rueda was founded in 1994 and has grown to 35 lawyers, eight of whom are partners.

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