A Swede and two Spanish brothers joined forces and created Franke & de la Fuente. After nearly two years the law firm has grown in reputation and is now recommended as the best
law firm in Marbella.
We sat down to have a chat with them about their journey, their experience of the property market in Marbella and their take on the future.
So, what were your ambitions and the inspiration when you started the law firm?
Peter: The inspiration behind Franke & de la Fuente was our own experience. Me as a Swedish lawyer with experience from brokerage on the coast and my partners’ long
experience in real estate transactions in Marbella. We were devoted to the idea of really making a difference, of running a firm with a strong focus on client service and
real care for clients. Buying a property in a foreign country is a very big thing for most buyers. A new country, a different language and a legal procedure that is completely different from the one at home. Buyers have a great need to understand how the process works, to feel confident at every step and to be able to plan their first stay in their new home with good foresight.
Miguel Ángel: We like to say that we are in the communication business. Our work doesn’t create any visible added value if we don’t communicate well with our clients. The process for a foreign buyer can seem complicated. We need to see their perspective and adapt to their needs, which means clear procedures, clear and simple information, regular updates and, last but not least, being available when the client needs us.
How can you ensure that standards are maintained in all cases?
Julián: We started by analysing the whole client journey, from start to finish. We talked to existing clients, brokers and other players in the market to really understand the need. What’s important? Then we developed procedures for the perfect customer journey. Our ambition is to ensure that the client feels confidently guided through the whole process. No resistance, no stress, no uncertainty.
Peter: Procedures and manuals are good and necessary to run a professional law firm specialising in real estate transactions. We meet a new client almost every day and the processes have to be razor sharp. But they do no real good if we don’t actually care. Our firm is fundamentally based on caring, we care about our clients, it is important to us that their purchase process is completed without problems and complications. This is the basic motivation.
Is there a consensus in the firm? Does everyone have the same vision?
Miguel Ángel: We would never be where we are now without our team. Never. We all play on the same team, and everyone is equally important and equally involved. Together we have managed to create a very positive working environment, a dynamic place where we are constantly discussing improvements and new ways of working.
Are there technological aids in a lawyer’s everyday life?
Julián: It’s interesting that you bring that up. Law firms are traditionally perceived as technologically archaic, conservative, and somewhat lacking in innovation. There’s a lot of work to be done here and that’s definitely something that characterises us. We want to constantly evolve and there are many modern tools that can facilitate the process for both the lawyer and the client. We already work with a software that enables us to work office-free and mobile which brings us closer to our clients. More technology-based solutions are in the pipeline.
How do you deal with language barriers?
We are an international law firm with a team of 18 people in total. We speak Spanish, English, French, German, Swedish, Romanian and Farsi. Being able to speak to clients in their own language is important, but clear procedures and smart communication are also tools we use to help our clients to understand the process.
What do you think about the future of Costa del Sol?
Julián: The region is currently undergoing a major expansion in terms of infrastructure and residential construction. Increased globalisation and the ability to work from home has increased permanent migration to the entire province of Malaga. A not too wild assessment is that in the future the region will be one of Europe’s ”hot-spots” for expats.
Finally, do you have any”secret tips”for our readers?
Miguel Ángel: There’s a well-hidden secret in La Campana, Marbella’s best lunch restaurant. But it must remain a secret or I’ll lose my regular table!