Lawyers and Law Firms Shine in the 5th Edition of the European Legal Awards

The 5th Edition of the European Legal Awards took place on November 26th at the iconic Gundel Palace in Budapest, a meeting point for lawyers, jurists, and legal professionals from across Europe, who gathered to celebrate a night dedicated to recognising legal excellence.

The event, organised by El Suplemento and the Professional and Business Excellence Institute, brought together representatives from across the continent in a unique setting. The Gundel Palace, a landmark of Hungarian gastronomy located between the Botanical Garden and the Budapest Zoo, provided the ideal backdrop for an event that not only celebrated individual talent but also highlighted the growing importance of the legal sector in Europe. The contribution of Spanish legal professionals was particularly noteworthy, reflecting the quality and international prestige of Spanish jurists in various legal specialisations.

The Event

The evening began in the gardens of the Gundel Palace, where attendees were welcomed with an inaugural cocktail. As the first guests arrived, the collaborative spirit that defines the European legal sector was already evident, with conversations between colleagues leading to new alliances and international projects. Such events facilitate networking among legal experts from different countries, fostering a constant exchange of ideas and knowledge.

The organisation welcomed attendees upon their arrival, guiding them to the photocall, where the essence and elegance of this autumnal night were captured. Both awardees and guests enjoyed a relaxed cocktail, during which numerous conversations among professionals resulted in collaboration proposals, as well as the exchange of reflections, thoughts, and even calm and pleasant discussions.

Subsequently, attendees moved to the Queen Elisabeth of Hungary Ballroom, a majestic Rococo-style space that hosted the awards ceremony. The elegant atmosphere of the ballroom reflected the significance of these awards, which not only honour individual dedication but also underscore the essential role of the legal sector in the integration and evolution of the European regulatory framework.

The ceremony began with a musical performance, followed by the opening speech by Antonio Queijeiro, director of the awards, who highlighted the contribution of legal professionals to building a more integrated and cohesive Europe. In his speech, he emphasised the jurists' commitment to excellence, underscoring the impact of their work both locally and internationally.

The Awardees

In this edition, 16 trophies were awarded to distinguished legal professionals from across Europe. Among the awardees, eight Spanish law firms and lawyers were recognised for their outstanding work, showcasing the prominence of the Spanish legal sector at the European level. The awardees included Ross LGL in International Law, María Isabel Miranda Santiago in the Second Chance Law, Ventura Extranjería Abogados in Immigration Law, Impuestalia in Tax Consultancy, AMG Lawyers in Criminal Law, Vilches Abogados in Inheritance Law, Ruiloba Abogados in Commercial Law, and Sky Law Bufete de Abogados in Real Estate Law.

The presence of these professionals from countries such as Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Cyprus highlights the diversity and international nature of the legal profession in Europe, and the high quality of Spanish legal services on the global stage. The awardees, in their speeches, thanked their teams and collaborators, emphasising the importance of family and professional support in their achievements.

After each awardee's speech, they were guided to the press area, where the organisation had set up a team to capture the first impressions of the honourees in brief interviews. These interviews once again highlighted the thankfulness, with many taking the opportunity to emphasise their achievements and future projects.

The Importance of the Legal Sector in Europe

The notable participation of Spanish jurists and law firms in the European Legal Awards underscores Spain's growing influence in the European legal landscape. In an increasingly interconnected continent, Spanish legal professionals stand out not only for their technical excellence and professional ethics but also for their ability to adapt to global legal challenges. These awards serve as a platform to showcase the leadership and innovation of Spanish jurists, who play a key role in the evolution of European law.

The event culminated in a gala dinner, where attendees enjoyed exquisite Hungarian and European cuisine, reinforcing the idea that the legal sector is essential not only for economic and social development but also for strengthening international cooperation. At the close of the evening, Pablo Suñer, manager of the Professional and Business Excellence Institute, delivered the closing speech, congratulating the awardees and encouraging them to continue sharing their success with their teams and communities.

This event not only celebrated the best legal professionals but also reaffirmed the importance of the Spanish legal sector as a fundamental actor in shaping an integrated and efficient European legal space, contributing to the consolidation of a unified and dynamic legal market.