The first quarter of 2021 was shaped by post-pandemic recovery, NextGenerationEU funds announcement, and labor reform debates. In this report, BMC analyses the key developments that impacted the Legal landscape during this period and their implications for our clients.
Executive Summary
Q1 2021 confirmed trends we had been tracking in the legal space. The regulatory environment continued to evolve at a demanding pace, with new developments requiring agile adaptation from organisations. The indicators we monitor closely reflect a dynamic landscape, with clear opportunities for those who act ahead of the curve.
Activity in our Legal department saw increased demand for advisory services, particularly regarding the management of the new regulatory framework. Companies with international structures showed greater need for cross-jurisdictional coordination.
Regulatory Updates
The key regulatory developments of this quarter were:
- NextGenerationEU: first PRTR fund calls published in Spain
- Furlough scheme (ERTE) extended through September 2021 amid recovery
- Labor reform draft bill under public consultation
These provisions have direct implications for the legal strategies of our clients. We recommend reviewing internal procedures to ensure compliance within the established deadlines.
Key Indicators
Data we have analysed for Q1 2021 shows:
- Employment disputes (%): 3.2%
- New legislation approved: 3
- AEPD sanctions (avg €K): 150
- Compliance adoption (%): 62%
These indicators reflect market evolution and help contextualise strategic decisions for the coming quarter. The combined analysis of these factors points to a consolidation trend with pockets of high activity in specific segments.
Outlook
Looking ahead to the next quarter, we expect activity in the legal area to remain at elevated levels, driven by the close of pending transactions and new regulatory requirements. Organisations that have already begun their adaptation processes will be in a stronger competitive position.
Our employment law services and data protection services are available to support your organisation in managing these challenges. If you would like to analyse the specific impact of these developments on your business, do not hesitate to contact our team.
