Meet Carlos Abril: “There’s no finer place than Marbella’’

Lawyer Carlos Abril was born and bred in Marbella

Keeping it in the family – that could well be the motto of Abril Cumpián Solicitors. Consisting of three generations of lawyers, this Marbella-based firm has been serving the needs of the Coast for over a decade.

Carlos Abril is one of their leading figures, and as a committed family man and true son of the Costa del Sol, he knows more than most the pressures – and pleasures – that life on the Coast brings…

How did you come to live on the Costa del Sol?

Well I was born and bred in Marbella, so I have lived here all my life save for the time I studied law just up the road in Málaga!

What do you love most about life on the Costa del Sol?

For me, I just love how Marbella is this internationally famous resort that is known and loved around the world, yet I see it as this little spot in southern Spain that is comfortable with everyone and everything. The brilliant climate – which is truly excellent all year round – means that the resort attracts a lot of people from around the globe, which makes Marbella extremely cosmopolitan, too.

When are you happiest?

I would have to say that as soon as the Spring warmth washes away the few rainy days in April, then my spirits are lifted. In the sunshine, there is no finer place on earth than Marbella, so I’m happy most of the time.

What motivates you?

Doing my job well is a key motivator. It is important that my clients trust me and are happy with the service I provide because, otherwise, they would be unlikely to refer me to their friends, which would be bad for business. Referrals are the lifeblood of lawyers here in Marbella, which means that you are kept on your toes by the people that matter the most – those who you are representing. And it’s very rewarding to hear that you’ve done a good job, which feeds into being able to provide a good life for my family.

Tell us a little bit about Abril Cumpián Solicitors.

It was established by my eldest brother in 1999, and is based right in the heart of Marbella. In fact, the office is just 100 metres from my Mother’s house! We are a family practice – the only non-family member in the office is our PA – and we specialise in all types of property transactions. We act for both buyers and vendors during the transaction process, providing expert and transparent advice for all concerned.

What is a typical day in your world?
I’m up at 8am and in the office by 9.30am. The mornings are spent dealing with client business, which will mean lots of face-to-face meetings where I impart advice and listen to new cases. I will often go for lunch at my Mum’s and maybe see my kids for a while in the early part of the afternoon, before it’s back into the office to deal with paperwork and prepare for the next day.

What is your favourite spot on the Costa del Sol?

This might not surprise you, but I’m going to say Marbella itself. Especially the Old Town, which is wonderful in Summer: you can stroll from tapas bar to café, then down to the beach and along the paseo, all within an easy radius and under glorious sunshine. Although when it’s Winter I generally prefer to be skiing in the Sierra Nevada!

What words of wisdom can you offer to people considering moving to Spain?

I think the key thing to remember – and this isn’t really advice but rather a reminder – is that the UK is so convenient for the Costa del Sol, and vice-versa. Flights to Málaga are inexpensive and take two hours, and then getting from the airport into the heart of the Costa del Sol takes just 30 minutes. And I think people should not lose sight of just how important this is – it means you can head home at short notice and for little expense, and it means that friends and family can always visit. And most of all, it has meant that English – the language and the culture – has been able to flourish here, which means that although Spain is a foreign country and Marbella is wonderfully traditional in places, it isn’t so much of a cultural leap for Brits to make.

Carlos Abril is a lawyer for Abril Cumpían Solicitors, a VIVA Recommended Partner. You can contact Carlos on 0034 952 764 536, or visit  www.abrilsolicitors.com