In an increasingly interconnected world, strategic alliances between law firms from different continents are transforming the legal landscape. The recent integration of Garrigues and Sánchez Devanny not only marks a milestone in collaboration between a Spanish and a Mexican firm, but also symbolizes a response to the demands of an evolving legal market. This merger stems not only from the need to expand geographic reach, but also from the conviction that a joint approach can offer added value to clients, facilitating broader access to comprehensive and specialized legal services.
Following the integration, Jaime Iglesias and Rafael Villamar, co-responsible partners of Garrigues' offices in Mexico, stated that from the beginning of the talks, "a shared vision" was fundamental for Garrigues and Sánchez Devanny to decide to join forces.
Both firms have found in their merger an opportunity to capitalize on their individual strengths, combining Garrigues' experience and tradition with Sánchez Devanny's agility and local knowledge. "We share a client-centric strategy" and a similar approach to practicing business law, prioritizing service excellence, ethical commitment, and an innovative mindset. "For clients, this agreement means continuing to receive the same quality of service, but with access to more practice areas and stronger teams."
Attraction to the culture of Sánchez Devanny
Although the merger was announced in July 2024 , it wasn't finalized until February 2025. During this time, the strong rapport between the two firms facilitated the discussions, while the intervening months were due to the signing of contractual agreements and regulatory approvals, processes that require time.
The appeal of Sánchez Devanny's model was remarkable. In the words of Jaime Iglesias and Rafael Villamar, what caught Garrigues' attention was "the strength and drive of a young, yet highly experienced, team." This combination, which has formed one of the largest law firms in Mexico, with nearly 140 professionals, along with a strong local presence in key cities such as Mexico City, Monterrey, and Querétaro, allowed them to envision a complementarity that would generate "significant synergies." By integrating a firm like Sánchez Devanny, Garrigues can offer better service and be more competitive, improving its positioning in the United States and Canada.
Garrigues' strategy: organic growth and integration of firms
Garrigues' leaders emphasized that their strategy is based more on identifying opportunities than on responding to market pressures. “In Latin America, having long ago ruled out the alliance model as unsuitable for us, we have primarily opted for organic growth and the integration of firms in markets where an opportunity has arisen that truly fits our strategy, with firms that share similar vision, values, and objectives, and the same approach to practicing business law.” This approach, they explain, is what led to the merger with Sánchez Devanny.
Mexico, the second most important market for Garrigues
“Mexico is a crucial hub in global trade relations. One only needs to consider the extraordinary flows of capital both to Mexico (from the US and Europe) and from Mexico to Europe or Latin America to understand its importance.”
In that context, its three offices are called upon to play a fundamental role in the provision of legal services within its “one-stop-shop” model, which “allows them to offer local, regional and international advice through teams organized by service lines to coordinate cross-border projects and operations.”
Currently, Garrigues Mexico is co-led by Jaime Iglesias and Rafael Villamar and coordinated by Javier Ybáñez, the partner responsible for Garrigues in Latin America, and is fully integrated into the Garrigues corporate structure. The partners of Garrigues Mexico are partners of the Garrigues holding company.
Garrigues' presence in Mexico dates back to 2014 and after the integration with Sánchez Devanny, the country became the second most important market for Garrigues, after Spain, which strengthens its position in Latin America, where, in addition to Mexico, it is present in Chile, Colombia and Peru.
“With the possibility of accessing a significant flow of capital between the US and Europe, the operation allows the firm to consolidate its leadership in the region.”
A firm that invests in young talent
A key aspect of this merger is the future of Sánchez Devanny's young talent. Garrigues has committed to offering career development and professional growth plans, providing young lawyers with unique training opportunities and access to an international network. This integration will allow them to take advantage of being part of a global firm.
In this regard, the Spanish firm stated that “Sánchez Devanny’s professionals will be able to immediately take advantage of the opportunities offered by a firm like Garrigues in terms of training, access to certain types of cases and clients, being part of an international network, technological tools and innovation.”
As the cultural and leadership differences between the firms are addressed, the leaders assert that there are more similarities than differences. “Where differences exist, there is a greater desire for convergence,” which facilitates overcoming the small challenges that arise along the way.
An integration that reinforces Garrigues ' " one-stop-shop" model
“ It is undeniable that we have gained strength, and this is perceived by all our clients (local, regional, and international) as well as other law firms, ” commented representatives from Garrigues. The merger has strengthened their position with local and international clients, enabling a “ cross-cutting service ” and generating new opportunities in other countries. Therefore, the partners expressed optimism regarding the future, despite market uncertainties.
The trend is towards the integration of firms, “ these moves revitalize the sector ”
Regarding the perception of the Mexican legal market, Garrigues stated that “ there will always be room for independent local firms and boutiques, but, without a doubt, the trend towards the integration of firms is important. Our model is that of an international firm with a presence and roots in the communities ” .
Garrigues Mexico offers local advice, of course, but it differentiates itself from its competitors by having deeply rooted teams with extensive expertise throughout the region. This is a significant competitive advantage, especially when dealing with clients or transactions involving multiple jurisdictions.
Finally, addressing young lawyers who feel uncertain about these strategic changes, the Garrigues partners explained that these moves revitalize the sector . This integration, they assured, not only benefits clients but also opens new opportunities for them. With this merger, the aim is to leave a better firm for future generations, seeking to consolidate Garrigues Mexico as a benchmark in the market and contribute to Garrigues' leadership throughout Latin America.
