Bird & Bird appoints Energy & Utilities expert José de Santiago Forn as partner in Madrid

José has over 18 years of experience in the legal industry with a particular focus on the energy and infrastructure sector. He advises on the development, structuring, financing, operation and management phases across a variety of energy and infrastructure projects. In addition, his practice focuses on domestic and international mergers and acquisitions, restructuring and reorganisation of groups of companies and joint ventures. José joins the firm from GOLD Abogados, a boutique firm specialising in the energy as well as the tech and comms sectors. Prior to joining GOLD Abogados, he spent most of his professional career at several international law firms including Linklaters, Herbert Smith Freehills and Garrigues.

José’s hire is a key part of Bird & Bird’s strategy to strengthen its Energy & Utilities team in Spain. With his technical skills placing him amongst the best energy practitioners in the region, at Bird & Bird, José will lead Bird & Bird’s Energy & Utilities team alongside partners Coral Yáñez and Santiago Lardiés.

Michael Rudd, head of Bird & Bird’s international Energy & Utilities sector group, comments: “I am delighted to have José join the Energy & Utilities team at Bird & Bird. His wealth of experience, particularly on the transactional side, will make him the perfect addition to our existing international team.”

Coral Yáñez, head of Bird & Bird in Spain, comments: “We are very excited to welcome José to the existing Energy & Utilities team in Madrid. With the energy market currently booming in Spain, José’s hire will allow us to continue servicing clients in this space, as well as make the most of the opportunities presented by the market. Welcome to the team Jose!”

José adds: “I am thrilled to be joining Bird & Bird’s talented team of Energy & Utilities practitioners. The firm’s existing client base and reputation will enable me to truly focus on developing my practice in the energy sector and I am thrilled to be working alongside the team to provide unmatched advice to clients across the Bird & Bird network.”