Aquesta tesi proposa un recorregut per la Girona del segle XVII a través dels seus plets, negociacions polítiques i controvèrsies en general. Ens acompanyen en el trajecte els dirigents del municipi, naturalment, i també membres de confraries gremials, canonges de la Seu, oficials de la monarquia, religiosos d'ordes de la reforma catòlica, hortolans de la ruralia gironina, etc. Al davant del grup, com a guies, descobrim els advocats del govern local. A través de les seves habilitats jurídiques i argumentals, vetllaran per la integritat o, millor encara, la potenciació del patrimoni jurídic i els interessos de la ciutat. D'entre aquests advocats destaca Joan Pere Fontanella, un jurista cabdal per al dret i per a la història de Catalunya. Per la durada i pels resultats del seu vincle professional amb el municipi gironí, el podem qualificar sens dubte com un advocat de luxe. I els luxes es paguen.

This thesis proposes an overview of 16th century Girona through its lawsuits, political negotiations and disputes in general. Throughout the journey we are guided by the councillors of the municipality, members of guilds, canons of the Cathedral, officials of the monarchy, religious orders of Catholic reform, countryside peasants, etc.. Leading the group we discover the lawyers of the local government. Through their legal and argumentative skills, they will ensure the integrity, or better still, the strengthening of the legal heritage and the interests of the city. Among these attorneys Joan Pere Fontanella stands out, being a relevant and crucial jurist for the history of Catalonia. For the duration and the results of his professional relationship with the town of Girona, we can certainly qualify him as a first-class lawyer. And first-class lawyers are costly.