I may have added a little sarcasm or light hearted quips in my posts to leaven the bread as it were but I don't recall ever just putting a single line snide comment without explanation. Even Pablo showed that he appreciated the extra 'British' witticisms as it improved his English

BTW - unless I misunderstood at the Casa Grande meeting (were you there?) Pablo said that he started this class action on behalf of, and will be paid by, his friends and family. He has been posting on BE to publicise the action and build up the number of actionees each willing to pay 155Euros. So not really free advice - however good or bad. I also have not disrespected him nor belittled his professional qualifications - he himself told us that he had only recently qualified.
In any case your comment about relevant knowledge of complex Spanish Law is also irrelevant as I have never taken issue with the legal points - I have attempted to bring a broader perspective on the situation and to point out that there may well be unforeseen and possibly bad/expensive consequences of the class action and very little gain even it is won.
One doesn't need an armful of qualifications for that - just to be a reasonably balanced and thinking human being putting the long term benefit of CE and fairness to all ahead of personal gain. You can't argue with that! or can you?

English is not my first language, so I apologize for any inconvenience or wrong statement I may have made. When I said the word "stolen" I knew maybe it is not the correct word but I did not find a better one to describe what is happening in Costa Esuri. When you pay the IBI in exchange of a whole series of services required to provide by the Ayuntamiento by law, and you get nothing in return...My English is not good enough to find a better word for that.

Second of all, I do agree that someone may ask for references before hiring a lawyer. I have no problem to give that. I studied a degree in law and a degree in business administration and management at the University of Valladolid in Spain. After that, I moved to New York where I studied a Master of Laws in Banking, Corporate and Finance Law at the Fordham University School of Law. I worked in the U.S. for a short period of time and I moved back to Spain where I set up my law firm with my colleagues last April 2013. We have worked since then in some small cases and other more important ones working with individuals, companies, and foreign clients. We have worked in a few administrative cases (as this is) during this time. Should you require more specific references, you can ask me privately. If you ask me about my specific preparation for this case, I honestly believe that, after 2 months already working in this case, I have become a LEGAL expert and the best possible lawyer to sustain and win this action.

Regarding the words and critics of some people here, I am ok with that. I knew this could happen when I put myself in the "public light". I am playing with the cards on the table (probably I am the only one) not only here, but in the real life. I decided to show myself in the July 5th meeting, you all know who I am, where I have my office and even you have my personal cell phone number. Some people here are playing a bit dirty sometimes, but it is normal in a public forum where nobody knows who is the other. But until this moment I do not feel I have been subject to very irrespectful comments or public flaming. Or even if I was, I can deal with that.

it is not true that I want to make a name of myself with this action. I have my office very far away from Ayamonte. it is not true either that I have been paid by my family and friends. Until the July 5th meeting I did not receive any money, I just put money to go from Valladolid to Ayammonte and to pay for the rent of the Casa Grande.

I do not buy at all Mike arguments. Because of legal and practical reasons, supposing your arguments were made in good faith, they are wrong. But at the end of the day, it is a question of every individual to decide. You all know what is going on in Costa Esuri. I already explained it and you already knew before I told you. I gave you LEGAL arguments why the EUC and the maintenance fee is illegal. i keep others for me because they are very technical and difficult to explain and because I prefer not to disclose them in a public forum for legal strategy purposes. But with the arguments you already know, it is much more than enough to prevail in this lawsuit. If you think it is fine and you are happy with the current situation, you will not join the action. Otherwise, I am here at your disposal and able to start the action on your behalf, and represent your rights and economic interests.

I'm not sure that I ever described you as witty! A selection of your most recent comments, perhaps you can explain the jokes because I for one am baffled?

"Life's a beach, deal with it, don't try and make the little people pay for your lifestyle. It may be legal but it's just not fair!"

"IBI has been stolen? ( a very strong word for a lawyer to state on a public forum BTW"

"I know that it is a staple of legal argument to tie one up in legal knots over the minutiae to cover a weak case"

"sounds like a rabble-rousing slogan to me"

"basic research had not been done"

"This apocalypse scenario is just a crude smear using ridicule. I expected this from some but not from Pablo"

"is a little naive and misguided"

"I know that Pablo Vicente has given lots of words of assurance that this cannot happen, but why would the Ayuntamiento pay for maintenance of CE when it's not even managing to pay its own employees, including the police? So, no offence meant, but words are easy to say."


"could I gently point out that these are undoubtedly not all the facts but are a very eloquently presented version of the facts"

I'm not arguing with your points, some are decent. I'm just pointing out that in my opinion you haven't treated Pablo too well but I'm sure he is a big boy and won't really be bothered.

And I think we are getting free advice from him really at the moment. I have not paid him, have you?

Pablo, hello and thank you for doing so much work and investing so much time and energy into Esuri. I hope to have the chance to meet you next time you are in town.

ps your English is very good.

second mr trumper's comment.
thank you pablo for all your hard work and taking this initiative for the best interests and on behalf of everyone in costa esuri keep up the great work

Get over yourself Mr T, Pablo doesn't need your protection and certainly not with a random set of quotations taken out of context. Pablo himself has said that he does not feel flamed or disrespected - indeed if he could not tolerate a bit of robust debate then he would not be much use in court where the defence attorneys will give him a much rougher ride than I ever would
Besides, Pablo is a lot smarter than you give him credit for. You may not have noticed that he has never directly answered any of my questions except to say simply that I am wrong, thereby not giving me a peg to hang my argument on. He even provoked me into making a slightly intemperate post which immediately put me on the defensive and gained him the sympathy of the BHB (Brits love an underdog) - well played sir! (cricket analogy, grudging respect for a wily opponent)

Or perhaps, Mr T, you were making a personal attack on me? Let me assure you that I don't give the furry crack of a rat's behind for your opinion, [rude, but light-hearted, insult] since your previous performances.

Also - don't be so patronising. Of course Pablo writes (and speaks) good English, he spent time in America studying for a Masters Degree in Law at a top-flight US University. He probably has a better grasp of English (American) than many native speakers He has shown an interest in colloquial English which is why I have leavened my posts with bon mots and slang expressions - you could say that rather than disrespectful I have been educational (no charge) [satire not serious Mr T]

BTW Pablo, my comment about 'stolen', which is probably a very good word for what you believe, was not about language but was rather surprise at a lawyer arguably committing a libel on a public internet site (or maybe you can't libel an organisation, only a person? - although it could be argued that the Mayor is the personification of the organisation and therefore can be libelled? Interesting legal point. Still, I don't suppose the Mayor reads BE fora so you probably got away with it

Ah well! The role of the Devil's Advocate is so often misunderstood (Machiavelli)

PS: I have put you on my disregard list Mr T so if you are venting your apoplectic spleen I ain't reading it

Is Victor Hugo representing the residents now....had a hunch he might be!

You are not the only one who can read....respect!

Just three posts ago you were championing views from all sides "I thought this thread would allow views from all sides - not just snide comments." Now you are blocking people who don't agree with you. Where is the sense in that?

You didn't answer the question about the quotes above but did manage to create a new one. How on earth can you claim that they have been taken out of context!? #strange!! Perhaps you could explain rather than just writing a collection of contorted platitudes?

My intention was never to send this so much off topic. The subject is very important to Esuri and the discussion and Pablo's input is very useful. I have been very busy with life recently but certainly intend to have a good look at my position in the coming weeks and welcome anybody else's new thoughts on the matter.

Another thread descending into personal attacks

Give it a rest.

Stick to the subject which is a very important one.

The mods will soon be moving this to PdT or TIO

It's OK Fred, I have had my say as Devil's Advocate - nobody bothered to read and understand so I have resigned

thanks Fred,,,
by the way what does PdT or TIO mean,,,

best thing you have said,,,,,,

Resigned as Devil's Advocate, but still here as an interested member of CE/BE, MikeJ?

One thing is for sure, the topic of EUC is filled with speculation. It is indeed a "totum revolutum".

I read in wonder at the variety of people who do not pay (on principle, by lawyer's advice or by ignorance)/will not have to pay (as a result of a successful individual appeal or class action in court)/ or continue to pay (to make a nuisance disappear) that which is the EUC of CE. It just keeps rolling along...

Aside from neighbour/bar chat or any future CERA discussions, this forum is the only other means of obtaining information. Please enlighten me if there is another source of information (Not the EUC website/portacabin).

And what about the bank guarantees, eh? (Old/New Topic.)

Accepting that everyone is entitled to their own opinion(s), earlier this week we decided to support the Esuri Class Action.
We found the whole process and practicalities straightforward. Pablo's instructions were very clear and easy to follow.The offices were within short walking distance of each other and centrally located in Ayamonte. More importantly to us, the staff at the Notary, Land Registry Office and Procurator's were extremely helpful, generous with their time and tolerant of our limited Spanish.
Thanks to all who assisted us in any way.