Area of Practice
Sonia Cortés is a partner at Abdon Pedrajas (), a niche firm dedicated to labour and employment law. She is an experienced employment lawyer with particular expertise in advising on and dealing with senior executive and board-room disputes, recruitment practices, terms and conditions of employment, discrimination and harassment, termination of contracts and dismissals, the enforcement of post-termination obligations, transfer of undertakings on acquisition and disposal of businesses, restructuring projects and redundancies.
She has close to 20 years of experience in managing large projects which are often of an international nature and encompassing complex and highly sensitive business issues. She regularly provides strategic advice on restructuring situations.
Sonia advises employment issues with a business-oriented approach and is noted for finding solutions to complex issues. She often advises multinational companies and with particular knowledge and experience in the metal, chemical and retail trade business.
With a history of acting for manufacturers, retailers as well as companies in the IT, chemical and metal sectors, she is accomplished at providing commercial and pragmatic advice.
Sonia Cortés is recognized for her work in the field of Spanish Employment and Labour Law by leading international legal guides, including Chambers Europe, Expert Guides, Who’s Who Legal and Best Lawyers in Employment.
“Sonia Cortés has significant experience in restructurings and collective dismissals. Clients say: "She is a very hard-working and dedicated lawyer, always extremely well prepared, with a good sense of negotiation and prudent guidance." (Chambers Europe 2018)
“Sonia Cortés advises on restructurings, redundancy plans and transfers of undertakings. Interviewees say that she is “responsive, clear and easy to work with.” She is a key contact for the firm’s international client base and has additional experience in executive terminations.” (Chambers Europe 2017)
Sonia Cortés gives ‘clear, practical advice and is quick to reply’. (Legal 500 2017)
“Sonia Cortés is known for workforce restructuring and is recommended for her language abilities, contacts and international work.” Sources praise her friendly nature and availability, saying that “she gives really good explanations.” (Chambers Europe 2016)
“Notable practitioners. Sonia Cortés assists international clients with various issues and receives particular praise for her work on the company side of terminations of senior executives' contracts. Sources say that she "provides clear and pragmatic advice, and is calm and pleasant to deal with." (Chambers Europe 2015)
“Sonia Cortés has a wealth of experience in the market. Peers highlight her international outlook and technical proficiency as key strengths”. (Chambers Europe 2014
“Outstanding partner, Sonia Cortes, is widely admired for her extremely thorough and creative solutions to complex issues”. (Chambers Europe 2011)
Professional Experience
Sonia Cortés has been a partner at Abdon Pedrajas since 2012. She was previously a partner at the law firm Cuatrecasas Gonçalves Pereira (2006-2012) and a member of the firm’s International Strategy Committee. She was also a partner of the law firm Mullerat & Roca (1990-2006), where she also advised international companies on employment law and in commercial and corporate law.
Academic and business activities
Sonia Cortés has been a lecturer on employment law at the Masters programme of the University of Law and Business Administration (ESADE). She is a regular platform speaker at international employment law forums. She is the co-author of several articles and publications on Spanish employment law, including : "Comentarios al Estatuto de los Trabajadores", Prof. Salvador del Rey (Ed. Lex Nova, 2008-2014, co-autora); "El Estatuto del Trabajador Autónomo", Prof. Salvador del Rey (Ed. La Ley, 2009, co-autora); European Employment Law Cases, Eleven International Publishing, Capítulo de España de "Guide to International Employment and Labor Law" (Littler Mendelson, 2009 y 2010) y del libro "Restrictive Covenants and Trade Secrets in Employment Law. An International Survey", Lazar-Siniscalco (Volume I, ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law, 2011), así como de diversas publicaciones, incluyendo "Employer's right to monitor employees' emails", "The International Employment Lawyer (ABA International Employment Law Committee, 2008)"; "Implicaciones del nombramiento de directivos al consejo" (Abogacía & Empresa, 2005); "The Spanish Supreme Court widens the interpretation of Transfer of Undertakings", "Employment and Industrial Relations Law Review" (International Bar Association Legal Practice Division, 2005)".
Sonia was President of the Labour and Employment Commission of the International Association of Lawyers (“Union International des Avocats” –UIA-), when it was awarded the prize as Commission of the Year, 2016. She is a member of several international employment law associations and committees, including the European Employment Lawyers’ Association (EELA), the International Bar Association (IBA) and the American Bar Association (ABA). She is an honorary member of the International Young Lawyers’ Association (AIJA).
Training
Graduated in Law by the Barcelona University, 1988
Master in Business Administration, International Business School of Madrid, 1997
Certificate of European Community Law, College of Europe, Bruges, Belgium, Sept. 1988
Certificate in English Law, With Honours, City of London Polytechnic University, July 1987
Languages
English, French and Spanish