THE FIRM
We are a leading law firm specialising in Shipping, Trade, Transport, Insurance and Reinsurance, Litigation, Arbitration and Dispute Resolution, and provide clients internationally with full-service legal solutions.
Our association with top full service law firm ONTIER (www.ontier.net) also allows us to offer specialist advice in the following practice areas: Corporate and Commercial, Banking and Finance, Insolvency, Energy, Intellectual Property, Information Technology, Telecommunications and Media, Public Procurement and Regulated Markets, Real Estate, Labour and Tax (corporate video).
With offices in Algeciras, Madrid, Seville, Las Palmas (Canary Islands), Oviedo (Northern Spain) and Sotogrande (Southern Spain), we can act for you anywhere in the country, including the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands and the Spanish offshore cities (Ceuta and Melilla). In addition, we have an extensive network of correspondent law firms around the world which enables us to assist our clients in any international matters.
We have a reputation for our approachability and for our high quality, competitive and rapid service.
Our partners have wide experience and are recognised as leading experts in the market, having previously worked for top Spanish and international business law firms.
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through our Emergency Response Service.
TEAM
Through our office network, we have over 100 lawyers highly qualified in their specific areas of expertise. Our lawyers provide a global service, with local knowledge on an international scale.
We can advise on all types of national and international transactions.
Our several offices in Spain and our large network of correspondents worldwide allow us to offer a comprehensive service nationally and globally.
Thanks to our involvement in diverse domestic and international business transactions, we have established a reputation in shipping, transport, insurance and in handling complex international litigation and arbitration cases before both the Spanish Courts and domestic and international arbitration tribunals.
Our lawyers offer creative, practical and flexible advice, totally adapted to every business activity. We are available around the clock night and day and are able to access all of Spain's key ports and cities at any time.
Our lawyers can communicate and deal with documents in Spanish, English and French, have experience of working in other jurisdictions (i.e. UK and US) and extensive knowledge of the shipping and insurance sectors.
MANAGING PARTNERS PROFILEs
CARLOS PEREZ
Carlos Perez undertakes all aspects of shipping law including shipping litigation, admiralty, ship finance and international trade. He acts for many international and domestic clients in relation to, inter alia, ship arrest, cargo claims, P&I and marine insurance claims, collision and salvage, ship sale and purchase, ship registration and shipbuilding contracts.
He has a Law degree from the University of Seville and a Masters in Shipping Law and Maritime Business from the University of Madrid (ICADE) and the Spanish Maritime Institute. He is also an Official Sworn Translator (English/Spanish) appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Regularly recommended by both Chambers and Legal 500 as a leading individual in Spain in the practice area of Shipping: "Carlos Perez is undoubtedly a leading expert in the area of maritime law and the go-to lawyer in Spain for shipping-related matters” (Legal 500 - 2020). “A great maritime lawyer with wide knowledge in all areas” (Legal 500 - 2019). "Carlos Perez of PEREZ ALBORS & Co. is well versed in handling contentious and non-contentious shipping mandates ranging from shipbuilding contracts and vessel sales to P&I and cargo claims. He also assists with collision and salvage, as well as ship arrests" (Chambers Europe - 2022).
2006 - Date - PEREZ ALBORS & CO, Managing Partner
2002 - 2006 - DLA Piper (Madrid), Partner
1996 - 2002 - Stephenson Harwood (Madrid), Partner
1992 - 1996 - Albors Galiano & Co (Madrid), Associate
1991 - 1992 - Clifford Chance (London), Assistant lawyer
1990 - 1991 - W.K. Webster & Co (London), Recoveries Department
1989 - 1990 - Placements with Heath Martens Horner, Richards Butler, Britannia P&I Club, Constant and Constant and The UK P&I Club (London)
- Defending the world's largest ship owner in legal proceedings brought by cargo owners and insurers in courts throughout Spain.
- Arresting and releasing vessels at various Spanish ports on behalf of ship owners, leading P&I Clubs and insurance companies.
- Advising leading hull underwriters on a major tanker grounding.
- Defending ship owners and their underwriters in court proceedings brought by the Spanish Maritime Authorities in respect of oil pollution and dock damage.
- Advising international and domestic ship owners on the salvage of their vessels in Spanish waters.
- Pursuing cargo claims on behalf of cargo underwriters against ship owners and their underwriters.
- Advising on charter party and bills of lading disputes.
- Acting on behalf of ship owners in relation to fines imposed by the Spanish Authorities in respect of stowaways.
- Advising a leading ship owner and its P&I Club on a major collision between a Dutch bulkcarrier and a Spanish trawler.
- Acting on behalf of shipyards in relation to shipbuilding and repair contract disputes.
- Advising on the enforcement of ship mortgages in Spain.
- Providing legal opinions on shipbuilding contracts.
- Advising on ship registration and export/deletion of vessels from the Spanish Registry.
- Advising Greek buyers and their financing bank in relation to the purchase of two tankers from Spanish owners.
- Advising a German bank on the financing of a ship owner for the purchase of two ships built in Spain.
- Recovering unpaid freight. bunkers and disbursement accounts on behalf of ship owners and ship agents.
Member of the Madrid Bar Association.
Member of the Spanish Maritime Law Association.
Member of the Latin American Maritime Law Association.
Member of the Board of the Algeciras Port Association (COMPORT).
Supporting Member of the London Maritime Arbitrators Association.
Spanish correspondent for the Legal Publication 'International Maritime Law'.
- «The Port Handling Contract», chapter of the book “Shipping Contracts”, published by the Spanish Maritime Law Association, Madrid, October 2018.
- "The Pilotage Contract", chapter of the book “Comments on the Spanish Shipping Act”, published by the Spanish Maritime Law Association, Madrid, April 2015.
- "Liability of ship agents and ship managers under the new Spanish Shipping Act", Publicación The Wire - ITIC Ltd, London, November 2014.
- "New Spanish Ports Act", Publicación The Wire - ITIC Ltd, February 2011.
- "Contenemar under siege as creditors chase debts", Lloyd’s List, October 2009.
- "Spanish hub shows first signs of box resurgence", Lloyd’s List, June 2009.
- "Algeciras move works well for Perez", Lloyd’s List, May 2008.
- "New IMO ship inspection law ratified", Lloyd’s List, February 2008.
- “Price is too high to risk ship-source pollution in Spain”, Lloyd’s List, June 2007.
- “Prodigal son returns to Sotogrande legal society”, Lloyd’s List, September 2006.
- "New Spanish Shipping Act", The Maritime Advocate, October 2005.
- "Liability of the sea carrier under the new Spanish Shipping Act", Transporte XXI, September 2005.
- "Spain takes a fresh look at its outdated shipping legislation", Lloyd's List, June 2005.
- "New Spanish Shipping Act", The Maritime Advocate, May 2005.
- "Spain prepares to delay stevedoring shake-up", Lloyd's List, February 2005.
- "Socialists may reform unpopular Ports Act", Lloyd's List, June 2004.
- "Spanish Courts accept foreign jurisdictions clauses", The Maritime Advocate, April 2004.
- "Ship Arrest in Spain", Seminar, London April 2002.
- "Spanish Tax Lease", International Maritime Law, Lawtext Publishing Limited, August 2000.
- "Stricter Rules on Stowaways", International Law Office, June 2000.
- "Legal Problems in Spain and Some Practical Solutions: Jurisdiction, Ship Arrest and Stowaways", Seminar, Copenhagen June 2000.
- "Spain's hidden costs", The Maritime Advocate, November 1999.
- "Spain: Beware of Stowaways", International Maritime Law Lawtext Publishing Limited, June 1999.
- "Spain: Port Liberalisation", International Maritime Law Lawtext Publishing Limited, October 1998.
- "Spain: New Rules for the Control of Marine Safety", International Maritime Law Lawtext Publishing Limited, June 1998.
- "Spain: New Rules for the Control of Marine Safety", International Maritime Law Lawtext Publishing Limited, April 1998.
- "Spain: New Rules on Cabotage Services", International Maritime Law Lawtext Publishing Limited, October 1997.
- "Spain: Harder Rules on Stowaways", International Maritime Law Lawtext Publishing Limited, June 1997.
- "Interruption of time-bar in cargo claims under Spanish law", P&I International, July 1997.
- "Liability of Pilots in Spain", P&I International, April 1997.
- "Cabotage Liberalisation in the Context of the European Union", International Shipping Conference, Seville, October 1996.
- "Conducting Maritime Arbitration in Spain", International Company and Commercial Law Review, Sweet & Maxwell Limited, October 1996.
- "Ship arrest under Spanish law", International Company and Commercial Law Review, Sweet & Maxwell Limited, May 1996.
maria antonia albors
Maria Antonia Albors has a Law degree from the University of Valencia and a Masters in Legal Practice from the University of Madrid. In addition, she has a Doctorate Course on International Contracts. She is fluent in English and French having previously worked in a London office of a leading international firm and having studied Baccalauréat with honours at the Lycée Français in Valencia (Spain).
2006 - Date - PEREZ ALBORS & CO, Partner
2004 - 2006 - Clifford Chance (Madrid), Senior Associate
1997 - 2003 - Albors Galiano & Co (Madrid), Senior Associate
1996 - 1997 - Bufete Pérez de la Barreda (Madrid), Associate
1993 - 1994 - Mapfre Industrial, S.A.S. (Madrid) , Assistant to the Legal Department Manager (Transport Group).
1991 - 1992 - Placements with Clifford Chance (London), Albors, de Benito & Galiano (Madrid), Adela Cano Court Agent Office (Madrid)
- Advising Lloyd’s reinsurers regarding the court proceedings commenced against the assured for loss and damage caused due to gas explosions in Spain.
- Drafting civil liability policies on behalf of leading domestic and international insurance companies.
- Advising top insurers on cover under general civil liability insurance policies.
- Advising leading insurers on cover under professional indemnity insurance policies.
- Advising top Spanish underwriters on cover under cargo insurance policies.
- Advising leading insurers on cover under hull and machinery insurance policies.
- Advising top insurers on cover under pleasure boats insurance policies.
- Advising leading insurers on cover under jewellery insurance policies.
- Acting on behalf of top insurers regarding administrative proceedings dealt with by the Spanish Insurance Authorities.
- Advising top insurers regarding cover under pleasure boats insurance policies.
- Defending a seed supplier regarding a multimillionaire claim for alleged contamination.
- Defending a Real Estate Developer in relation to a dispute arising out of the construction of a large shopping centre.
- Acting on behalf of leading insurance companies regarding court proceedings brought by their assureds under large risks insurance policies.
- Advising leading underwriters in relation to civil liability claims brought by third parties under D&O insurance policies.
- Acting for Spanish stevedoring companies regarding claims brought against foreign shipowners.
- Applying for precautionary measures to obtain security to enforce eventual Spanish judgments.
- Applying for precautionary measures to obtain security to enforce eventual foreign awards.
- Dealing with court proceedings for the recognition and enforcement of foreign court judgments and arbitration awards.
- Defending a leading security company in administrative proceedings commenced against them for alleged breach of administrative regulations.
- Acting on behalf of port operators regarding administrative proceedings commenced by several Harbour Masters.
- Dealing with ICC arbitration proceedings in London on behalf of a Spanish supplier regarding a dispute brought against a UK buyer/importer under a supply agreement.
- Acting on behalf of a developer of a Shopping Centre in Southern Spain regarding a dispute under a purchase contract.
- Dealing with ad hoc arbitration regarding a coomercial dispute for breach of contract.
- Dealing with ad hoc arbitration proceedings arising out a claim for unfair competition.
- Advising in relation to an ad hoc arbitration commenced following a claim for oil pollution.
- Defending the Spanish agents of US aircraft manufacturers regarding a dispute against their principals under the Agency Agreement.
- Acting on behalf of insurance brokers in relation to claims under professional liability insurance policies.
- Defending the US manufacturer of audio equipment in a dispute against the buyer for breach of contract.
- Advising a US manufacturer of medical equipment regarding a dispute against a Spanish hospital which bought the equipment.
- Acting on behalf of a top insurer regarding claims brought by their assureds under a lawyer professional liability claim.
Member of the Madrid Bar Association.
awards & rankings
"2023 Shipping Law Firm of the Year in Spain""
by GlobalLawExperts
The Legal 500
"With a client base centred on major shipowners, logistics companies, P&I clubs and insurers, PEREZ ALBORS & CO offers a multidisciplinary approach in insurance, dispute resolution and trade, a broad offering bolstered by its association with ONTIER. Among its key areas of work, the team is active in cargo claims, charterparty and bill of lading disputes, sale and purchase arrangements, and collisions. Madrid-based partner Carlos Perez, noted for providing ‘sensible and realistic advice’ leads the team alongside co-founder and commercial litigator Maria Albors, based in Sotogrande".
Testimonials
"The most important factor is their extremely practical approach, giving genuine advice without unnecessary legalese."
"They are always on top of the matter and the client. They are proactive in finding solutions. Their attention is exquisite, very personalised."
"Their client service, experience and proactivity are unmatched in this field, both by sector and geography."
Best Lawyers
Chambers and Partners
"2022 International Trade Law Firm of the Year in Spain"
by GlobalLawExperts
The Legal 500
"Major shipowners, insurers, P&I clubs and logistics companies seek PEREZ ALBORS & CO's advice on a diverse range of matters. These include cargo claims, ship arrests, bill of lading disputes, vessel sale and purchase, collision, salvage, shipbuilding disputes and P&I and marine insurance claims.
"Led by shipping law authority and founder Carlos Perez in Madrid and supported by experienced insurance litigator and founder Maria Albors in Sotogrande, the group’s portfolio includes key players in the market, including Maersk and The Standard P&I Club".
Best Lawyers
Chambers and Partners
"Carlos Perez of PEREZ ALBORS & Co. is well versed in handling contentious and non-contentious shipping mandates ranging from shipbuilding contracts and vessel sales to P&I and cargo claims. He also assists with collision and salvage, as well as ship arrests".
"Shipping law Firm of the Year in Spain - 2021"
by GlobalLawExperts
The Legal 500
"PEREZ ALBORS & CO specialises in shipping, trade, transport, insurance, reinsurance, litigation and arbitration. From multiple offices across Spain, the firm advises on domestic and international matters. Carlos Perez has experience in a range of shipping law matters including ship arrests, cargo claims, charterparty and bill of lading disputes, P&I and marine insurance claims, as well as shipbuilding disputes, collision and salvage matters. He co-leads the team with Maria Albors, who is an expert in commercial litigation and insurance".
Best Lawyers
"2020 Shipping Law Firm of the Year in Spain"
by CorporateINTL Global Awards
The Legal 500
Testimonials
"Very strong shipping team with a wealth of experience. Very approachable".
"Handy, available 24/7, 365 days a year, professional. It is not easy to find such good maritime lawyers in this area".
"Responsive and skillful. It is always easy to pick up the phone and get into contact with the firm in order to get time-sensitive advice or legal procedures commenced within tight deadlines"
"2019 Shipping Law Firm of the Year in Spain"
by CorporateINTL Global Awards
The Legal 500
"PEREZ ALBORS & CO specialises in transport, insurance and dispute resolution. The 'very strong shipping team' has experience advising ship owners, P&I clubs, logistics companies and insurers on a range of matters in the sector, with expertise in international cases. Firm founder and managing partner Carlos Perez leads the team; he handles ship arrests, cargo claims, charterparty and bill of lading disputes, P&I and marine insurance claims, the sale and purchase of vessels, shipbuilding disputes, ship registration, and collision and salvage claims".
Testimonials
"Carlos Perez is undoubtedly a leading expert in the area of maritime law and the go-to lawyer in Spain for shipping-related matters".
"Carlos Perez is a great maritime lawyer with wide knowledge in all areas”.
“The team handles matters cleanly and efficiently. It is always easy to work with the firm. If the answer is the legal procedure is not available, the firm is quick to say so and does not rack-up bills for clients on hopeless legal pursuits”.
The Legal 500
Chambers and Partners
"Carlos Pérez of PEREZ ALBORS & CO. is recommended as a practitioner who is "quick, helpful, efficient and easy to deal with. He has a wide-ranging shipping practice, which includes advising on collisions, cargo damage or loss, ship arrests and contractual matters".
"2017 Shipping Law Firm of the Year in Spain"
by GlobalLawExperts
The Legal 500
"PEREZ ALBORS & CO's practice is excellent in all aspects: its service to clients, flexibility and constant availability". "Carlos Pérez and María Antonia Albors are praised for the quality of their advice".
The Legal 500
"PEREZ ALBORS & CO stands out for its admiralty and maritime law experience, and receives ‘10/10 ratings’; its team of ‘straight shooters leave no stone unturned".
"2015 Best Shipping Insurance Law Firm in Spain"
by Wealth and Finance International Awards
The Legal 500
"PEREZ ALBORS & CO‘s team is ‘outstanding, knowledgeable in many areas, and very responsive’, with clients identifying Carlos Perez as ‘a star adviser, who is available regardless of the time of day or night’. The well-rounded practice acts for shipping, transport and insurance companies worldwide. Maria Albors is ‘a very safe pair of hands’, particularly in litigation”.
"2014 Shipping Law Firm of the Year in Spain"
by CorporateINTL Global Awards
The Legal 500
"PEREZ ALBORS & CO is "outstanding", "no matter who handles the case"; it has "the resources for large and complex matters" and is "always several steps ahead". The "very experienced" Carlos Perez "knows the shipping market inside out".
Chambers and Partners
"2013 Spanish Shipping Law Firm of the Year"
by Acquisition International Magazine Legal Awards
"2013 Shipping Law Firm of the Year in Spain"
by GlobalLawExperts
"2013 Spanish Shipping and Maritime Law Firm of the Year"
by Lawyers World Law Awards
The Legal 500
"PEREZ ALBORS & CO’s managing partner Carlos Perez has ‘very good knowledge of shipping law’ and ‘knows what P&I clubs and shipowners require in terms of clear advice and speed of response. The firm is also recommended by The Legal 500 in Insurance".
Chambers and Partners
"PEREZ ALBORS & CO. has wide-ranging experience in maritime law, including ship registration and collisions".
"2012 Shipping Litigation Law Firm of the Year in Spain"
by CorporateINTL Global Awards
Chambers and Partners
The Legal 500
"Perez Albors & Co.managing partner Carlos Perez and Maria Antonia Albors are ‘highly competent in shipping matters’. The firm acts for numerous P&I clubs and corporations".The Legal 500
"Perez Albors & Co. was set up in 2006 by renowned specialist Carlos Perez and has seen significant growth in recent years, building a solid reputation for shipping and insurance work".
