Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) has promoted Lidia Fernández and Javier Ruffin to partner in Spain. Fernández joins the regulatory department and Ruffin the corporate and M&A practice, both in Madrid. The appointments form part of a global round of seven new partners and bring the Madrid office’s partner count to 15.
María Pilar García Guijarro, managing partner of the Madrid office, said: “I congratulate Lidia and Javier on their well-deserved promotions. I am enormously proud to have accompanied their development over these years, which have made them the outstanding lawyers they are. Their advancement reflects WFW’s commitment to growing talent internally and demonstrates the expertise and excellence that define our lawyers and the firm.” She added: “Both combine exceptional technical knowledge with a clear commercial focus and a way of working fully aligned with the firm’s values. I have no doubt they will continue to play a central role in WFW’s success.”
Lidia Fernández described the promotion as “the result of eleven years of dedication, learning and growth at a firm where I have had the opportunity to develop both professionally and personally. None of this would have been possible without the support and trust of the team, to whom I am deeply grateful. I begin this new chapter with a strong sense of responsibility and considerable enthusiasm.”
Javier Ruffin said: “After years of significant challenges and transactions, becoming a WFW partner is a great honour and a recognition. I approach this new stage with real enthusiasm and the same focus on our clients. I am very grateful to the entire WFW team for the support and trust they have shown me.”
The new partners
Lidia Fernández was previously a senior associate in the regulatory department. She specialises in the energy sector and advises domestic and international clients on renewable energy projects and emerging technologies, including battery energy storage systems (BESS) and data centres.
Javier Ruffin has extensive experience in corporate and M&A law, with a strong focus on renewable energy and infrastructure. He advises funds, utilities, independent power producers (IPPs) and developers on acquisitions and joint ventures. In 2025, he was named Energy Lawyer of the Year under 40 by Iberian Lawyer.
