Spanish law, handled in English

Your lawyer
in Spain.
In your language.

A property purchase, a criminal matter, a divorce, a residency question. Whatever brought you here, I am the lawyer in your corner. Not a faceless firm. With you at every step, from first call to final resolution.

Manuel Mateo Torrecilla González in a Spanish courtroom
Ilustre Colegio de Abogados de MálagaColegiado nº 10185 · Manuel Mateo Torrecilla González
200+International clients represented
16Areas of Spanish law
5Offices, Málaga to Madrid
EN·ESEvery case handled in English
Watch · 60 seconds

The shortest way to know
if I am your lawyer.

No legal jargon, no sales pitch. One minute, straight from a Spanish courtroom, so you can decide whether you want me in your corner.

Manuel in a Spanish courtroom, video preview

How a Spanish courtroom works · 1.5 min · English

Areas of practice

One lawyer.
All of Spanish law.

Manuel working through a case file at a café in Málaga
Málaga, between hearings. The work starts with understanding people, not paperwork.
Why clients stay

Not your usual
law firm.

"Protecting someone's interests is not just about knowing the law. It is about understanding people, pressure, and communication. That is the part I care about most."

01 You always know where you stand

Plain-English updates at every step. No silence, no jargon, no chasing your own lawyer for news.

02 One lawyer, start to finish

You deal with Manuel, not a rotating cast of associates. The person you meet is the person in court.

03 A clear fee before any commitment

A transparent written proposal up front: what it costs, what happens, and what you can expect.

How it works

From first contact
to resolution.

One lawyer, the whole way through. No handoffs, no jargon, no surprises.

01

First contact

Reach us by phone, email or the form below. Tell us your situation in plain English. We reply within one business day.

02

Assessment & proposal

A clear read on where you stand, your options explained, and a fixed fee proposal before you commit to anything.

03

We take it on

Manuel handles it all: documents, deadlines, negotiations and court. You get regular updates, never left chasing them.

04

Resolution

The outcome, what it means, and anything you should do next. Explained in writing, in English.

Manuel Mateo in formal court attire
In court
Manuel Mateo working seaside in Málaga
Off the clock
About the lawyer

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.

He appears 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.

Colegio de Abogados de Málaga · nº 10185 16 practice areas · EN & ES
In their words

What clients say
when it's over.

"

Much more than only English speaking.

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 compassionate, hard working, and really able to get things moving.

Eva Kristina LambertEva Kristina LambertCivil law
"

Of over 20 lawyers I contacted, the fastest to respond.

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.

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.

Jake AtkinJake AtkinAdministrative & immigration
"

Doing everything possible, and some things that seemed impossible.

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 being August, Manuel went above and beyond to ensure a successful resolution.

AKAnn K.Criminal defence
"

He is second to none.

After interviewing many Spanish lawyers and being unsatisfied, I was lucky to find Manuel Mateo.

His extensive knowledge of the law, his deep understanding of my situation living in a foreign country, and his tough negotiation skills led to a very favourable outcome.

PBPrabin BensamFamily & immigration
"

Everything was done remotely.

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.

SNS. NugentCriminal law · handled remotely
"

Simple, clear communication.

Professional and straightforward, he always kept me informed of proceedings. Manuel speaks fluent English, which helped me a lot.

I couldn't recommend him highly enough.

CMChris MothLitigation
Where to find us

Five offices.
Or wherever you are.

Based on the Costa del Sol, working nationwide. In person at any office, or fully remote by video and phone, anywhere in the world.

Main📍
Málaga

Calle Esperanto, 4
29007 Málaga

📍
Marbella

Avda. Ricardo Soriano, 72, Portal B, 1ª Planta · 29601 Marbella

📍
Torremolinos

Avda. Manuel Fraga Iribarne, 15 · 29620 Torremolinos

📍
Algeciras

Avda. del Estrecho s/n, Pol. Ind. La Menacha · 11205 Algeciras

📍
Madrid

Avenida Brasil, 29, 1ª Planta
28020 Madrid

From the blog

Legal insight,
in plain English.

Straight answers to the questions international clients in Spain actually ask. 187 articles across property, immigration, family, criminal, inheritance and more.

How long does an eviction take in Spain?
Real Estate

How long does an eviction take in Spain?

4 min read
NIE vs NIF in Spain
Immigration & Residency

NIE vs NIF in Spain

5 min read
Legal Guide: Divorce in Spain
Family Law

Legal Guide: Divorce in Spain

3 min read
Cancelling police records in Spain
Criminal Defence

How to cancel your police records in Spain

4 min read
Common questions

Before you get in touch.

Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Spain? +

Technically no, but practically it is essential. A Spanish property transaction involves legal due diligence (checking for debts, mortgages, urban planning restrictions, community charges), drafting and reviewing the arras contract, and representing you at the notary. Without an independent lawyer reviewing the transaction on your behalf, you take on all these risks personally.

Can you handle my case if I am not in Spain? +

Yes. With a notarised power of attorney, we can represent you at every stage without you travelling. Many of our international clients have their matters, from property purchases to court cases, handled entirely remotely, with updates by email and video call.

What is an NIE number and how do I get one? +

An NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a tax identification number required for virtually all legal and financial transactions in Spain, including property purchases, opening bank accounts and paying taxes. We can apply for it on your behalf with a power of attorney, or guide you through the process at a Spanish consulate or police station.

What residency options exist for British nationals after Brexit? +

British nationals who were resident in Spain before 31 December 2020 are protected under the Withdrawal Agreement and can apply for the TIE. Those arriving after that date must apply under standard third-country national rules, typically requiring proof of sufficient income or employment. We advise on the most appropriate route for your circumstances.

What does it cost? +

Every matter is different, so we do not publish a one-size-fits-all price list. What we do promise: you receive a clear, written fee proposal after the first assessment, before any commitment, and no surprises after that.

Get in touch

Tell us about
your situation.

In plain English, no legal jargon needed. Every enquiry is confidential, and we respond within one business day.

Phone+34 640 84 49 59
Emailmm@mtcspain.com
OfficesMálaga · Marbella · Torremolinos · Algeciras · Madrid

Send a message

We reply within one business day.