“We are thrilled that María will join our fast-growing team,” said Ignacio Gómez-Sancha, Office Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins in Spain. “The influence of the Spanish energy sector is very significant, not only to the domestic economy but across Europe and Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Maria brings a wealth of experience working on some of the most complex energy deals in the market. Her unique blend of transactional and regulatory experience will be of great value to our Spanish and global clients.”
Descalzo Benito specializes in complex M&A, joint ventures, IPOs, and financing transactions, including the acquisition and financing of renewable energy projects and the acquisition and sale of gas transportation and distribution assets. She also has extensive experience in a variety of energy sub-sectors, including wind, solar, LNG, and natural gas, and regularly counsels clients on complex contractual and regulatory matters, including proceedings and reviews before the Spanish Energy Commission.
“Maria José is a talented practitioner, with tremendous knowledge of the Spanish and Latin American energy markets,” said Simon Tysoe, Global Co-Chair of the firm’s Oil & Gas Industry Group. “Her capabilities support our European growth strategy, and she brings valuable insights from her time with the Spanish Energy Commission. Her arrival marks another significant step in the expansion of our transactional practices in Spain.”
“We are focused on further strengthening our leading energy practice in Europe and globally,” commented David Walker, Global Vice-Chair of Latham’s Corporate Department. “Spain is a major part of our strategy and represents a key gateway to Latin America, a market where we see great opportunity to continue to further expand our existing top-tier capability. Maria José has developed an outstanding reputation for her technical skills and industry acumen, and we are delighted to welcome her to the firm.”
She studied at Universidad Complutense de Madrid, where she received her law degree, and at Instituto de Bursatiles Madrid, where she received an LLM in Finance. Prior to Uría Menendez, Descalzo Benito spent five years at the Comisión Nacional de Energía.
