Lawyer Pardo Geijo, the Best Criminal Lawyer in 2024, Also Dominates in Valencia

Raúl Pardo Geijo: Mejor abogado penalista en España

Raúl Pardo Geijo, a criminal defense lawyer who regularly practices in Valencia, has just been named the best criminal lawyer in Spain and has also entered the circle of the 25 most influential figures in the legal field in the country.

Major Spanish companies such as Telefónica, Caixabank, Pascual, and Crédito y Caución have sponsored the ranking of the 25 personalities whose influence has left a lasting mark on the legal sector. The list was carefully compiled by the country’s most prominent legal professionals, selecting 25 individuals from a pool of 500 candidates. Through their dedication, experience, and commitment, these figures have significantly contributed to the evolution of the legal system in Spain. Among them—alongside Supreme Court and Constitutional Court judges and prosecutors—there is only one criminal defense lawyer: Raúl Pardo-Geijo Ruiz. Also included are well-known figures such as Judge Castro and Magistrates Marchena and González Rivas.

His track record speaks for itself, and many of his successful cases have taken place in Valencia, a province where he works on a regular basis. This year, Best Lawyers and 15 other prestigious institutions have awarded him, once again recognizing him as the best criminal lawyer in Spain. While a few months ago the most relevant legal organizations had already identified the top lawyers of the year in Spain—naming Pardo-Geijo as the winner—another group of distinguished institutions has now confirmed this recognition.

This includes the London-based legal organization “Client Choice,” which in 2024 awarded him Best Criminal Lawyer (“White Collar Crime”) due, among other reasons, to his successes in 2023 and 2024. Equally significant is the American legal publisher Best Lawyers—the oldest in the legal field—which named him “Lawyer of the Year 2024,” placing him at the highest level in Criminal Defense. Acquittals achieved in major cases, including proceedings related to the Gürtel case in Valencia, have also been taken into account.

This is not the first time he has received such recognition. These are reputable institutions whose awards are not paid for, meaning inclusion is only possible by meeting strict criteria. Independent juries in each country and field—composed of judges, court clerks, prosecutors, state attorneys, independent lawyers, and other legal experts—determine the best lawyer based on the number of successful outcomes achieved during the reference year. Their evaluation relies not only on judicial data but also on written and oral performance before the courts. Observers attend hearings and trials involving nominated lawyers and gather relevant documentation, such as legal filings and court proceedings, enabling the jury to make a well-founded assessment. Following these studies, it is evident that his successful handling of numerous judicial proceedings in Valencia—at least 10% of his work—has significantly contributed to his recognition as the best criminal lawyer.

Over the past three months, additional institutions have also expressed their recognition. These include “Leaders in Law,” “The Lawyers Network,” “Lawyer International Legal,” “Global Excellence Awards,” “Advisory Excellence,” “Global 100,” “Corporate INTL,” “Law Awards,” “M&A Today,” “Corporate Live Awards,” “Law Eagles of America,” and, most recently, “Lawyers of Distinction.” At the national level, he was awarded the Carlos III Prize for professional excellence in criminal law.

As early as 2020, the General Council of the Legal Profession in Spain interviewed him due to the numerous awards he received during the 2019/2020 period. Since then, he has given very few—if any—interviews to the media, as he is not inclined to participate in forums, debates, or panel discussions.

Regarding the Valencian Community, institutions have taken into account several of his judicial successes within the region when recognizing him as the best criminal lawyer. Among these are the acquittal of seven Civil Guard officers involved in three large-scale drug trafficking operations (Alicante); the acquittal of several defendants accused of homicide and unlawful detention (Valencia, Alicante, and Castellón); major drug trafficking and money laundering operations in which, due to procedural issues (nullities) or lack of evidence, his clients were acquitted (in Valencia); as well as dismissals or exonerations in cases involving fraud, asset concealment, or misappropriation. In addition, numerous cases involving sexual abuse or assault have concluded with favorable outcomes.

His most recent high-profile case has been the trial held in Ceuta before the Provincial Court, which for a month and a half examined the largest corruption scheme in the city, allegedly involving the allocation of more than 500 housing units in exchange for money: the well-known “Emvicesa” or “Ghost” case. The trial, published by the Court itself, can be viewed online, showing the arguments of both the prosecution and defense lawyers. Among them, Pardo Geijo has consistently defended the innocence of his clients, including employees of the public housing company and private business owners. The proceedings illustrate the legal dispute between the prosecution and the defense of the public entity’s workers (Emvicesa).