The visit - led by Leeds Legal’s chairman, Alan M. Baker - was designed to look into potential business opportunities for the region’s lawyers in the Spanish capital.
Accompanying Mr Baker on the two day exploratory visit were Leeds Legal directors Rosemary Edwards and Deborah Green, plus Colin Russell, regional sector specialist with UK Trade and Investment - the government organisation supporting domestic companies doing business internationally and overseas firms wanting to invest in the UK.
The delegation met with various international business organisations, including the British Embassy, the British Chamber of Commerce in Spain and ICEX, the Institute of Foreign Trade.
In addition, meetings were held with senior partners from six Spanish and international law firms, including Gomez-Acebo & Pombo AbogadosDLA Piper, Fernando Scornik Gerstein and Kennedys Law.The delegates also met with representatives of the Madrid Bar Association and international accountants Grant Thornton.
Mr Baker, commented: “We had a great programme of meetings scheduled, and we received positive feedback from everyone we met. Martyn Warr, at the British Embassy, was particularly supportive, along with the British Chamber of Commerce for Spain.
“Many of the Spanish law firms we met were interested by the concept of Leeds Legal and were enthusiastic about our activity. We believe there are some great opportunities for Leeds lawyers in Madrid, and if the initial feedback is anything to go by, we would be very welcome to return.”
Six weeks ago, Leeds Legal directors visited Dublin on a similar scoping visit. They now have to decide which of the European business hotspots will be their next focus for a full delegation visit later this year.
Leeds Legal is a unique organisation, dedicated to raising the profile of the world-class expertise of the city’s legal services sector, and the high levels of service, no nonsense and value for money advice they provide. It continues to be one of the most successful city agencies to utilise European and international trade missions.
