Macarena Olona, ex-Vox spokesperson, leaves the State Legal Service to join José Antonio Choclán’s law firm. The firm is known for defending figures in major corruption cases, including Víctor de Aldama.
Macarena Olona, former spokesperson for Vox in the Spanish Congress, has officially left her post in the State Legal Service to join the legal team led by José Antonio Choclán. The move places her at the center of one of Spain’s most closely watched corruption cases, as the firm currently represents Víctor de Aldama, the businessman implicated in the so-called Koldo case. Olona’s transition marks a significant shift from public service to private legal practice, aligning her with a firm renowned for its involvement in high-profile criminal defense.
Choclán, a magistrate on leave and founder of Choclán Abogados, is recognized as one of Spain’s most prominent criminal lawyers. His firm has previously represented high-profile clients such as footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and Corinna Larsen during the Villarejo investigation, which drew attention to the former king. Choclán’s reputation is built on his frequent appearances in major corruption trials at the Audiencia Nacional, where he once served as a judge in the Criminal Chamber. His client list includes former Madrid regional president Cristina Cifuentes, who was acquitted of master’s degree forgery, as well as Francisco Correa, the central figure in the Gürtel case, and former Valencia mayor Rita Barberá, who faced money laundering accusations in 2015.
Olona announced her new role on social media, describing Choclán as “one of the most prestigious lawyers in Spain” and stating that she would continue her legal fight “on both sides of the Atlantic.” Her departure from the State Legal Service was made public on August 21, when she described her 17 years of defending the State and law enforcement as her greatest professional privilege. At that time, she did not specify her next career step, only indicating she would maintain her professional direction.
Since leaving her government role, Olona’s social media posts have documented her travels in Venezuela, including visits to La Guaira, Los Roques, and El Salto Ángel. However, her announcement this week clarified her immediate future: she is now part of the Choclán Abogados team, which is currently defending Aldama in the Koldo case. This case has drawn national attention, with Aldama receiving a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence—less than the seven years sought by prosecutors—subject to conditions such as not reoffending for five years, submitting biannual activity reports, and completing a year of community service.
The Koldo case continues to unfold, with Aldama still under investigation by the Audiencia Nacional for alleged rigging of public works contracts. The legal strategy and outcomes in this case are being closely watched, as they may set precedents for future corruption prosecutions in Spain. The prominence of Choclán’s firm in such cases is not new; as highlighted in a recently reported investigation into legal hiring practices in Valencia, the scrutiny of legal professionals and their roles in high-profile cases remains a topic of public interest.
Spain’s legal landscape has seen a growing number of former public officials moving into private practice, especially in firms specializing in criminal defense and corruption cases. The Koldo case itself is part of a broader pattern of judicial scrutiny over public procurement and political connections. As the proceedings continue, the involvement of figures like Olona and Choclán underscores the intersection of politics, law, and public accountability in Spain’s justice system. The outcome of Aldama’s ongoing investigation could influence future legal strategies and the public’s perception of how corruption cases are handled at the highest levels.
