Marta Robles, Litigation director based in our Madrid office, reflects on a remarkable year, welcoming her second daughter and accepting a prestigious award.
I joined the firm in September 2023, returning from my first maternity leave alongside Javier Izquierdo, now head of Litigation at the Madrid office. Starting as a senior associate, I was promoted to legal director in 2025, a milestone that reflects both my own personal growth and the brilliant opportunities the firm offers its people.
Working in the Madrid office is a joy. My colleagues are exceptional, both professionally and personally, and the office continues to grow as a leader in the Spanish legal sector. The culture here is one of collaboration, empathy and ambition. I feel lucky to be part of it.
A Year of Recognition and Growth
I was recently awarded Best Lawyer of the Year in the commercial litigation category at the Iberian Lawyer’s 40 under 40 awards. It’s an honour that wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my long-time colleague Javier, as well as the incredible team here at the firm. Recognition like this is a powerful motivator to keep striving for excellence.
I’m excited to continue developing within the legal sector, particularly in civil litigation. The firm’s international reach and access to resources make it a dynamic place to grow. I’m committed to honing my expertise while staying grounded in the qualities that I think make a great lawyer – empathy, integrity and resilience.
Civil litigation is wonderfully varied, and I’ve had the chance to work on a wide range of cases. That said, matters involving the recognition and enforcement of foreign awards, especially when sovereign states are involved, are particularly fascinating. We have established a benchmark in this area, and I’m proud to contribute to that reputation.
Our learning and development programmes, like Achieve and Aspire, have been instrumental in shaping my career so far. They offer valuable insights, not just for professional advancement, but also for becoming a well-rounded lawyer. I especially appreciate how these programmes encourage us to grow as people, not just practitioners.
What stands out most about our firm is its emphasis on relationships. We foster a culture where empathy and assertiveness go hand in hand, and where personal connections are valued. This mindset has helped me build meaningful relationships with colleagues and mentors.
Balancing Career and Family
On a personal note, having recently returned from maternity leave with my second child, my life outside of work is centred around my family, including my two daughters and our two beloved cats. My husband is a fantastic teammate, and together we have built a foundation that allows me to thrive both at home and in my career.
The firm has supported me wholeheartedly as I grow my family. Our culture and the kindness of its people give me the confidence to be the best mom I can be, without compromising my professional goals. I feel truly fortunate to be part of a workplace that understands and supports the whole person.
