María Pilar García Guijarro Honored as EMEA Lawyer of the Year in Energy Sector

On July 2, 2025, María Pilar García Guijarro, a partner at Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) in Madrid, was honored with the prestigious title of ‘Lawyer of the Year – Energy, Natural Resources & Mining’ at the Women in Business Law Awards (WIBLA) EMEA 2025. The awards ceremony took place in London on June 26, where leading legal professionals from across the EMEA region gathered to celebrate the achievements of women in law.

García Guijarro, who also serves as the Energy Sector Head for Europe and Americas at WFW, has been recognized for her significant contributions to high-value energy transactions and her commitment to client service and team development. This accolade marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first WFW partner based in Europe to receive a WIBLA award in the energy, natural resources, and mining category, setting a benchmark for excellence in the field.

The WIBLA awards are determined through a rigorous research and client feedback process, ensuring that the winners are truly reflective of their expertise and impact in the legal landscape. WFW itself was also shortlisted for Best Firm in Spain, underscoring the firm's strong reputation in the legal sector.

Lindsey Keeble, WFW’s Managing Partner and WIBLA’s EMEA Shipping and Maritime Lawyer of the Year 2021, commented on García Guijarro’s recognition, stating, “I’m delighted by this well-deserved recognition of María Pilar’s deep sector expertise, strategic insights, and consistent dedication to both our clients and the firm.” Keeble highlighted García Guijarro's vital role in the ongoing growth of WFW’s energy practice, emphasizing the importance of her contributions.

In her acceptance remarks, García Guijarro expressed her gratitude, stating, “It is a real honor to receive this award, which reflects not only the quality of the work we do, but also the strength of the relationships we have built with our clients and colleagues across the industry. I’m especially grateful to my fantastic team at WFW; this recognition is as much theirs as mine.”

The recognition of García Guijarro is seen not only as a personal achievement but also as a reflection of the evolving landscape of the legal profession, which increasingly acknowledges the contributions of women in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as energy and natural resources. As the industry continues to evolve, such recognitions could inspire greater diversity and inclusion within the legal field.

In conclusion, García Guijarro’s award serves as a reminder of the critical role women play in the legal profession, particularly in sectors that are vital to the global economy. As firms like WFW continue to lead in client service and sector expertise, the recognition of their partners will likely pave the way for future advancements in the industry, promoting a more inclusive and equitable legal environment.

For further information about WFW and its practices in the energy sector, visit their official website or follow their updates on LinkedIn.