The legal profession is not just about mastering legal technique; it is, above all, a tool for transformation and social awareness. This was the fundamental premise of Daniel Vosseler 's presentation on the podcast ' Familex '. Vosseler is the managing partner of Vosseler Abogados and president of the Business Coordinating Body of Self-Employed Professionals (CEPA).
Directed and presented by Jesús M. Sánchez García, former dean of the Illustrious College of Lawyers of Barcelona (ICAB), the podcast 'Familex' facilitated a conversation that ranged from Daniel Vosseler's personal origins in Law to his firm conviction to provide small businesses and the self-employed with the legal protection that has historically been denied them.
The origin of a vocation
Unlike other firms, Daniel Vosseler explained on 'Familex' that he has no family background in the judiciary or practicing law. He did grow up closely connected to the insurance sector due to his parents' career at the legendary company La Suiza. However, his decision to become a lawyer at the young age of 14 stemmed from a personal and painful experience: his parents' complex and contentious divorce.
That legal battle, which deeply affected Daniel and his brother, ignited a firm resolve in him: to prevent other children from enduring a similar legal ordeal . After initially specializing in matrimonial and family law, the very nature of the family insurance sector led him to redirect his focus towards civil liability law and professional negligence— the pillars upon which Vosseler Abogados is built today.
The firm's objective remains the same as that which inspired its beginnings: to balance the scales against economic superstructures and to fight injustices wherever they are found.
The creation of CEPA
One of the key points of the meeting was the current situation of the self-employed in Spain. Under the presidency of Daniel Vosseler, CEPA (Business Coordinator of Self-Employed Professionals) has been created. It is designed to become the leading national employers' association for a group that comprises millions of workers—a group that finds itself in a situation of extreme vulnerability.
Unlike in Catalonia, where employers' associations like Pimec —brilliantly led by Antoni Cañete —perform commendable work, CEPA was created with a cross-cutting character for the entire country. Its mission is to exercise energetic and assertive representation to counteract the regulatory and economic " pincer movement " traditionally exerted by the IBEX 35 and union activity.
Three urgent reforms for the self-employed
Jesús M. Sánchez and Daniel Vosseler, speaking on the 'Familex' podcast, both highlighted the contractual asymmetry and lack of protection faced by small business owners under an outdated legal framework . To address this situation, Vosseler proposes three immediate legislative reforms:
- Work flexibility and the fight against absenteeismIt is urgent to implement new rules of the game that allow real flexibility for SMEs, especially to promote hiring in vulnerable groups (young people and those over 55) and combat the high rates of absenteeism that small structures cannot withstand.
- Deep tax reformThe current tax rates applied to SMEs and the self-employed (between corporate tax and personal income tax) are confiscatory. An adapted tax system with a rate of around 30% is needed to incentivize business viability and growth.
- Separation of assets and access to creditIt is essential to protect the personal and family assets of the self-employed. In the event of business failure, debts should not jeopardize the primary residence where their children live. Liability should be limited to assets exclusively used for professional purposes.
Commitment and collective social awareness
Beyond the strictly legal and political spheres, the conversation revealed Daniel Vosseler's most humane and compassionate side. His life has been marked by unwavering commitment , as demonstrated by his decision to maintain his candidacy for mayor of Barcelona while facing a grueling medical battle against leukemia . For Daniel Vosseler, that decision was not reckless, but rather a matter of responsibility and consistency toward the team of people who believed in his project.
In an increasingly individualistic world, Vosseler advocates for a return to humanism and collective social awareness . This philosophy of empathy and "leveling the playing field" against corporate giants and insurers defines the daily practice at Vosseler Abogados.
For a justice system with resources and a country with a future
The discussion concluded with a shared reflection on the state of the justice system in Spain. Despite having an excellent judiciary and civil service, the judicial system suffers from chronic backlog due to an alarming lack of resources.
To sustain quality public services—such as healthcare and the justice system—it is essential to nurture, protect, and strengthen the country's economic engine: the self-employed and SMEs. Without a strong productive sector, there is no middle class and no viable future.
At Vosseler Abogados, we deeply thank Jesús M. Sánchez for the opportunity to share these reflections at Familex and reaffirm, now more than ever, our daily commitment to defending the rights of citizens and businesses with the utmost professionalism and human compassion . Because, as Daniel's father taught us, and as we proudly repeat in this office: life is wonderful.
