Miriam González Durántez
Of Counsel, London, Washington, D.C.
Miriam González Durántez advises clients on international trade and regulation, with a particular focus on European Union law and more recently issues arising globally from the possible departure of the UK from the EU (Brexit). Her practice also includes international sanctions, export control, and cross-border investigations. Miriam will work in Cohen & Gresser’s London and Washington, D.C. offices.
Miriam has been recognized by The Legal 500 UK for her work related to international trade law policy, Brexit, and investigations. The European Women in Business Law Awards 2017 named Miriam “Best in International Trade,” and she was recognized as one of the Financial Times & HERoes “Top 100 Female Champions” in 2018. Miriam was also listed in Euromoney’s Expert Guides in the Women in Business Law and International Trade categories.
Miriam is a frequent writer for British and Spanish publications including The Financial Times, the Times, The Independent, and El Confidential. She is a Member of the European Council on Foreign Relations and former Honorary President of Canning House.
Prior to joining C&G, Miriam served as co-chair of the International Trade and Government Regulation practice at Dechert in London. Previously, she spent seven years at the European Commission as a Senior Member of the Cabinet for EU External Relations Commissioners Chris Patten and Benita Ferrero-Waldner and as an EU negotiator to the World Trade Organization.
Miriam graduated with a degree in Law from the University of Valladolid in Spain and received a master’s degree in European Policy from the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium. She is the founder of Inspiring Girls International, a global organization which connects girls with female role models. Miriam is fluent in English, French, and Spanish.
Miriam González Durántez advises clients on international trade and regulation, with a particular focus on European Union law and more recently issues arising globally…
Education
University of Oxford, St. Antony’s College (Senior Associate Member, 2006); College of Europe, Brügge, Belgium (M.A., 1993); University of Valladolid, Spain (Law, 1991)
Bar Admissions
England & Wales (Solicitor); Spain;
Special Legal Consultant in the District of Columbia, license pending
Activities and Affiliations
Member, European Council on Foreign Relations
Independent Member of the Supervisory Board and Vice Chair of the Board, UBS Europe SE
Member of the International Advisory Board, Instituto de Empresa
Member of the Board, ESADE Centre for Economic Policy and Political Economy
Member of the International Advisory Board, Duesto World Affairs and Strategic Issues
Member of the Editorial Board, Política Exterior
Chair, Founder, and Leader, Inspiring Girls International
Instructor, "New Generation International Trade Policy and Trade Agreements", Stanford University
- Corporate Investigations and White-Collar Criminal Defense: Advice to Individuals
- Corporate Investigations and White-Collar Criminal Defense: Advice to Corporates
- General Commercial Disputes
- Securities Litigation: Defense
Miriam González is quoted in Law360 regarding the latest Brexit developments, noting that "sympathy appears to be growing in the EU for a longer postponement."
Miriam González's move to Cohen & Gresser is featured in the following articles:
- “Cohen & Gresser Takes on Another High-Profile Lawyer,” Global Investigations Review
- “Ex-Dechert Trade, EU Law Pro Joins Cohen & Gresser,” Law360.com
- “Ex-Dechert Int’l Trade Co-Chair Lands at Cohen & Gresser,” The American Lawyer
- “Miriam González Durántez on Leaving London for Future-Facing California,” The Evening Standard
- “Dechert’s Miriam González Finds a New Home After Exiting Firm," The Lawyer
- “Clegg’s Wife Connects With Cohen & Gresser,” The Times
- “González Brings Star Quality to Transatlantic Firm,” The Times
- “Miriam González se incorpora al despacho Cohen & Gresser,” Expansión
In an article for The Times, Miriam González Durántez argues that Brexit trade talks between the UK and the EU risk resulting in a lose-lose game. She notes that, while most trade negotiations typically benefit both sides, both parties in this case will unavoidably end up with worse market and regulatory access than they currently have.
Miriam González Durántez writes about the upcoming Spanish election in an article for the Financial Times.
Miriam González Durántez and John W Gibson discuss the deal and no-deal implications for finance and sanctions following a “Brexit” in The Law Society Gazette.
John W Gibson and Miriam González Durántez discuss the parallels between the early enforcement of the Bribery Act 2010 and the UK Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation's first monetary penalty.
Miriam González Durántez and Jeffrey M Bronheim discuss current Brexit developments in their latest C&G Client Alert.
Miriam González Durántez examines UK trade deals following a "Brexit" in her latest C&G Client Alert.
- An overview of the G7 summit and top priorities moving forward
- Tax and spending priorities, including:
- U.S. fiscal policy and the budget process
- The global minimum tax
- International investment
- International trade policy, including:
- Priorities of the European Union
- The impact of Brexit on global trade policy
- The U.S. trade agenda
- Steps that companies can take right now to craft and strengthen their legislative/policy strategy.
Miriam González Durántez hosted a roundtable discussion titled "Brexit 2.0" at Cohen & Gresser's London office.