Fully understood.
Fully represented.
Whatever brought you here — a property purchase, a criminal matter, a divorce, a residency question — we are with you at every step, in English, from first call to final resolution.
Torremolinos · Algeciras · Málaga
The difference you'll notice from the first call
100% in English
Every call, email, document and court update — in plain English. No relying on your Spanish or waiting for translations. You always know exactly where your case stands.
One lawyer, all areas
You get a single point of contact across 16 practice areas. Your property purchase, your residency, your divorce, your company — one lawyer who knows your full picture.
Present in court
We don't just advise — we appear. From Marbella to Madrid, we represent you before Spanish courts wearing the gown, handling the arguments, protecting your interests in person.
Cross-border expertise
British, American, Irish, Scandinavian and Gibraltar clients. We understand the legal frameworks on both sides and advise on the interaction between Spanish law and your home jurisdiction.
Always reachable
Clients consistently praise our responsiveness. We reply to emails and calls — because legal emergencies don't follow office hours and your situation can't wait until Monday.
Registered & insured
Member of the Ilustre Colegio de Abogados de Málaga. Professional indemnity insurance as required by law. Your legal matter is in the hands of a fully regulated Spanish professional.
Full-spectrum legal coverage
Representing individuals and companies across all major areas of Spanish law — from the courtroom to the boardroom.
How a Spanish
courtroom works
A short introduction to how a Spanish courtroom is laid out and how proceedings unfold — explained in plain English by Manuel Mateo Torrecilla González.
Manuel Mateo
Torrecilla González
Multidisciplinary Spanish lawyer (abogado) specialising in legal support for international clients — individuals and companies — across all areas of Spanish law, conducted entirely in English.
I appear regularly before courts across Andalusia and the rest of Spain — from the Juzgados in Marbella, Algeciras, Torremolinos and Málaga to the Audiencia Provincial and the Tribunal Supremo in Madrid.
Extensive experience advising British, American, Irish, Scandinavian and other international clients on cross-border matters, including specialised work in the Algeciras–Gibraltar corridor.
Legal guides & insights
Algeciras &
the Gibraltar corridor
The Algeciras Bay area — connecting Spain and Gibraltar — generates a unique category of cross-border legal matters that most firms on the Costa del Sol are not equipped to handle.
We advise Gibraltar residents, UK nationals, shipping companies and cross-Strait businesses on matters that sit at the intersection of Spanish and UK law.
Results that speak
for themselves
MTC Spain vs. the alternatives
International clients in Spain typically have three options. Here is how they compare.
From first contact
to resolution
A clear, structured process — so you always know where you stand and what happens next.
Reach us by phone, email or the contact form. Tell us about your situation in plain English — no legal jargon needed. We respond within one business day.
We analyse your case in detail — by video call, phone or in person at one of our offices. We give you a frank assessment of the situation, your options, and the realistic outcomes.
Once you decide to proceed, we agree a clear strategy, fixed timelines and a transparent fee structure. We handle all Spanish-language correspondence, documentation and filings on your behalf.
We represent you — in court, before notaries, at government offices or in negotiations — keeping you informed at every step until your matter is fully resolved.
What you can always expect
Everything you share with us is protected by professional secrecy. Full compliance with Spanish Bar Association deontological rules.
We respond to all enquiries within one business day. Urgent matters are prioritised. You will always know when to expect a reply.
You receive a written fee proposal before we begin. No hidden charges, no billing surprises. Fixed fees wherever possible.
No jargon. Every document, every court development, every legal concept — explained in clear, accessible English from start to finish.
You deal directly with the lawyer handling your case — not a paralegal or case manager. Consistent, personal representation throughout.
With offices in Marbella, Málaga, Torremolinos, Algeciras and Madrid, and a trusted network across all Spanish provinces, we go where your case goes.
What clients say
about working with us
Reviews
"Thanks a lot to Manuel for his outstanding dedication, professionalism, expertise and unwavering commitment — he helped to redress an injustice and clear my professional reputation. Despite it was August, Manuel went above and beyond, doing everything possible — and some things that seemed impossible — to ensure a successful resolution. His proactive approach made all the difference."
"After interviewing many Spanish lawyers and being unsatisfied, I was lucky to find Manuel Mateo online. His attention to detail struck me instantly. Manuel's extensive knowledge of the law, his deep understanding of my individual situation living in a foreign country, and his tough negotiation skills led to a very favourable outcome. He was proactive, anticipated challenges and kept me informed of every step. The results turned out to be much better than my expectations. He is second to none."
"As a non-native Spanish speaker, navigating the legal system in Spain can be challenging. I turned to this firm after our previous lawyer was unable to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct — something that had taken months with no result. This firm resolved the issue within days. Communication was excellent throughout, with regular updates and even direct contact with the embassy. Out of over 20 English-speaking lawyers I contacted in Spain, this was the fastest to respond — and one of the few who actually replied."
"We are very grateful to have connected to this solicitor. After several failed attempts to find an English-speaking solicitor who actually spoke English, we were delighted to be introduced to Manuel. He turned out to be much more than only English speaking — compassionate, hard working, and really able to get things moving. We highly recommend him for the help on all fronts he has given us."
"Having been through a difficult time in Spain and not speaking any Spanish I contacted Manuel in regards to my situation and to see what my options were. We have been working together for over two years now and I cannot stress how appreciative I am for his hard work and dedication to my cause. Manuel has went above and beyond for my case and I cannot thank him enough for his efforts and commitment."
"I am a very satisfied client of Manuel. I couldn't recommend him highly enough. Professional and straight forward, he always kept me informed of proceedings. Simple clear communication — Manuel speaks fluent English which helped me a lot. I stumbled on some good reviews and decided to contact him. I am very happy I did."
"I was very unsure how best to deal with a minor court case in Spain as I am based in the Republic of Ireland and speak tourist Spanish. Manuel immediately reassured me that they would take care of everything. And they did. Everything was done remotely which meant I did not even have to travel. I would recommend English Speaking Lawyers to anyone who needs assistance in English with the Spanish legal system."
"I have availed of Manuel Mateo's services on several legal matters all of which had favourable outcomes. He has a refreshing proactive approach, excellent mediating skills and a firm command of the English language. I can highly recommend Manuel Mateo to resolve any legal problems you may have."
"In finding these lawyers we have been so fortunate — they performed exceptionally well to a difficult legal situation we encountered. The service from the start has been excellent and has helped us put our minds at rest. We have been totally confident with the advice we have been given. I would recommend them to anyone."
"We cannot praise them enough for the really excellent professional service and the help they have given us over the last year. We would thoroughly recommend them for all legal requirements."
Common questions
from our clients
Real matters.
Real outcomes.
Names and identifying details omitted to protect client confidentiality.
Hidden debt discovered before completion
A British couple purchasing a resale apartment on the Costa del Sol instructed us weeks before the notarial deed. Due diligence revealed an undisclosed community debt of €38,000 attached to the property — not mentioned by the seller or the estate agent. We renegotiated the purchase price and obtained a written indemnity before completion. The clients proceeded on revised terms fully informed and protected.
False accusation resolved without criminal record
An Irish national resident in Spain was accused of assault by a neighbour following a property dispute. The accusation was filed as a denuncia and proceeded to a juicio de delitos leves. We challenged the evidence, demonstrated the inconsistency of the complainant's account and presented corroborating witnesses. The judge dismissed all charges. No criminal record was recorded and our client retained their residency status unaffected.
Post-Brexit residency secured for family of four
A British family of four — parents and two adult children — had missed the original Brexit Withdrawal Agreement deadline and faced uncertainty about their right to remain in Spain. We assessed each family member's individual situation, identified the applicable legal routes, prepared and filed the documentation, and attended the appointments on their behalf. All four TIE cards were issued within three months.
Cross-border custody dispute resolved through mediation
Following separation, a foreign national parent faced an attempt by the other parent to relocate their child to a different country without consent. We obtained an urgent precautionary measure from the Spanish court preventing the relocation while proceedings were ongoing. We subsequently negotiated a structured custody and visitation agreement that preserved our client's relationship with the child and was ratified by the court without the need for a contested trial.
Common questions from international clients
If your question isn't here, call us on +34 640 84 49 59 or send a message — we respond the same day.
From first contact to resolution
A clear, structured process so you always know where you stand and what happens next.
First contact
Reach us by phone or email. Tell us about your situation in plain English — no legal jargon needed. We respond within one business day.
A brief description of your situation · Any documents you already have · Your contact details
Consultation & assessment
We analyse your case in detail — by video call, phone or in person at one of our offices. We give you a frank assessment of the situation, your options, and the realistic outcomes.
Clear assessment of your position · Your options explained · Transparent fee proposal before any commitment
Strategy & engagement
Once you decide to proceed, we agree a clear strategy, fixed timelines and a transparent fee structure. We handle all Spanish-language correspondence, documentation and filings on your behalf.
All Spanish-language documents · Court filings and deadlines · Notary coordination · Government agencies
Representation & resolution
We represent you — in court, before notaries, at government offices or in negotiations — keeping you informed at every step until your matter is fully resolved.
Regular updates in English · Copies of all key documents · Direct access to your lawyer · No surprises
What you can always expect
Confidentiality
Everything you share is protected by professional secrecy. Full compliance with Spanish Bar Association rules.
Responsiveness
We respond to all enquiries within one business day. Urgent matters are prioritised. You will always know when to expect a reply.
Fee transparency
You receive a written fee proposal before we begin. No hidden charges. Fixed fees wherever possible.
Plain English
No jargon. Every document, every court development, every legal concept explained in clear, accessible English from start to finish.
Personal attention
You deal directly with the lawyer handling your case — not a paralegal or case manager. Consistent, personal representation throughout.
Spain-wide coverage
Five offices in Marbella, Málaga, Torremolinos, Algeciras and Madrid. We go where your case goes.
MTC Spain vs. the alternatives
International clients in Spain typically have three options. Here is how they compare.
Real matters. Real outcomes.
Names and identifying details omitted to protect client confidentiality.
Hidden debt discovered before completion
A British couple purchasing a resale apartment on the Costa del Sol instructed us weeks before the notarial deed. Due diligence revealed an undisclosed community debt of €38,000 attached to the property — not mentioned by the seller or the estate agent. We renegotiated the purchase price and obtained a written indemnity before completion. The clients proceeded on revised terms, fully informed and protected.
False accusation resolved without criminal record
An Irish national resident in Spain was accused of assault by a neighbour following a property dispute. The accusation proceeded to a juicio de delitos leves. We challenged the evidence, demonstrated the inconsistency of the complainant's account and presented corroborating witnesses. The judge dismissed all charges. No criminal record was recorded and our client retained their residency status unaffected.
Post-Brexit residency secured for family of four
A British family of four had missed the original Brexit Withdrawal Agreement deadline and faced uncertainty about their right to remain in Spain. We assessed each family member's individual situation, identified the applicable legal routes, prepared and filed the documentation, and attended the appointments on their behalf. All four TIE cards were issued within three months.
Cross-border custody dispute resolved through mediation
Following separation, a foreign national parent faced an attempt by the other parent to relocate their child to a different country without consent. We obtained an urgent precautionary measure preventing the relocation while proceedings were ongoing, then negotiated a structured custody agreement preserving our client's relationship with the child. Ratified by the court without a contested trial.
Five offices across Spain
We handle cases across Andalusia and Spain from five locations — available in person or remotely by video call.
Avda. Ricardo Soriano, 72
Portal B, 1ª Planta
29601 Marbella
Avenida Brasil, 29
1ª Planta
28020 Madrid
Avda. Manuel Fraga Iribarne, 15
Edificio Fuente Lucena
29620 Torremolinos
Avda. del Estrecho s/n
Pol. Industrial La Menacha
11205 Algeciras
Calle Esperanto, 4
Centro de Negocios
29007 Málaga
Let's talk about your situation.
First consultation in English — straightforward, efficient, no obligation. We respond the same day.