Global law firm Squire Patton Boggs has appointed José María Viñals to lead its new international trade practice in Madrid.

Viñals joins from Lupicinio Abogados, where he was partner and head of international operations as well as manager of the Madrid office. His previous experience includes stints at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Eversheds, and Spanish firm Pérez-Llorca, where he advised Spanish and global companies on international trade matters, including compliance and sanctions. His practice includes representing clients in the energy and infrastructure sectors, particularly those operating in Latin America and the Middle East. Other areas of specialism include mergers and acquisitions, project and asset finance.

Commenting on his appointment, Viñals says: “It is a privilege to join such a prestigious global firm and to have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across the world in furthering the interests of Spanish clients as they do business internationally, as well as bringing my experience to bear in support of the firm’s multinational client base.”

Rafael Alonso, managing partner of Squire Patton Boggs’ Madrid office, adds: “It is a pleasure to welcome José María to the firm. His experience will be invaluable in Spain and, as a member of our global team, he will also play a key role in the further development of our practice across Europe, the Middle East and US.”