US law firm Littler Mendelson has joined forces with Spain’s Abdón Pedrajas as its European expansion continues.

The alliance with employment specialists Abdón Pedrajas is the US firm’s 10th in the region and third this year following tie-ups with Poland’s PCS in June and Austria’s Gerlach Rechtsanwalte in February.

In a joint statement, Littler’s co-managing directors Tom Bender and Jeremy Roth, said: “Since making our first foray into Europe less than five years ago, we have strategically grown our footprint and become a major presence across the continent.”

They added: “Particularly with the myriad of workplace issues brought on by Covid-19, our model of combining deep experience and expansive resources with teams well-versed in local laws and cultures has proven to be an effective approach to serving clients’ global employment needs.”

Abdón Pedrajas has 39 lawyers spread across offices in Madrid and Barcelona, focusing on labour and employment issues such as corporate restructuring, collective bargaining, pension plans, social security issues, and discrimination and equality. It also advises on workforce-related tax issues.

Antonio Pedrajas Quiles, managing partner of Abdón Pedrajas, said: “Littler has built a team of top-notch lawyers who bring extensive experience in their respective markets and combine to offer a powerful platform from which to counsel employers. Our experience working closely with the firm in recent years has made clear why Littler has such an excellent reputation. We... believe our firm’s cultures and client service models will fit well together.”

Littler says the partnership will also be a boost for its alliances with firms in other Spanish-speaking countries.

Peter Susser, Littler’s global practice leader and chair of its international employment law practice, said: “Not only will the addition of Spain further enhance our European capabilities, but given the strong ties between business interests and investments in Spain and Latin America, a presence in the country is equally important for our more than 160 attorneys and 15 offices across Latin America."

He added: “Navigating Spanish labour and employment laws, including strong protections for employees, poses unique challenges for companies and our clients will benefit significantly from Abdón Pedrajas’ deep experience and knowledge.”