Mercedes Fernández
Partner

Partner-in-Charge
Madrid

Contact

(T) +34.91.520.3926
(F) +34.91.520.3938

Education

  • University of Oviedo, Spain (Law Degree cum laude 1982)

Bar Admissions

  • Madrid

Mercedes Fernández's practice focuses on civil law procedure, encompassing arbitral and judicial proceedings. Her litigation experience is centered on disputes arising from construction contracts and large civil engineering projects, construction defects, energy projects, distribution, and merger and acquisition transactions. Mercedes is Partner-in-Charge of the Madrid Office and also oversees the International Litigation & Arbitration Practice in Madrid.

Mercedes has participated in judicial proceedings before the Spanish courts at all levels, including the Supreme Court. She also has acted as counsel in national and international arbitral proceedings, including ad hoc and institutional arbitrations. Her extensive experience in arbitration includes proceedings governed by ICC and UNCITRAL rules, as well as those dealing with investment issues administered by the World Bank (CIADI). She also works in the area of civil and commercial law, including construction, corporate matters, and acquisitions, and acts as an independent arbiter.

Recently Mercedes has represented the Spanish company Técnicas Medioambientales TECMED S.A. in an ICSID arbitration against the Mexican government concerning the investment in and operation of a waste management facility in Mexico, obtaining a favorable outcome. She also has successfully defended Vista Desarrollo in a judicial complaint filed by the construction company Huarte as a result of the purchase of shares of the company Essa. After obtaining a favorable result in the first and second instance, the Supreme Court confirmed the result making it definitive. Presently she is representing Spanish companies Urbaser (ACS Group) and CABB (Spanish water consortium) against the Argentine government in an ICSID arbitration in relation to a water concession.


Honors & Distinctions

  • Recommended as a leading lawyer by: Chambers Global (2009-2012) and Chambers Europe (2009-2011), The Legal 500 EMEA (2011-2012), and PLC Which lawyer? (2012)

    Member of the Spanish Arbitration Club

Languages

English and Spanish
Mercedes Fernández Fernandez