Montenegro

IFLR1000 Reviews

Financial and corporate
JPM partner – Vukmirović Mišić Law Firm

Vukmirović Mišić Law Firm is a Montenegrin law firm. The firm is led by managing partner Lana Vukmirović Mišic and is based in Podgorica.

 

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has a focus on financial and corporate work.

 

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include Addiko Bank, OTP bank, Zain Property Development, SafBon Water Technology, Austrian Embassy, ZIF Close-End Fund, Butterfly Finance, Integrated EE Holdings (a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Financial Group), Siemens Energy, Embassy of Republic of Austria in Montenegro, Public Works Authority Montenegro, Fleka, PLC Moraca and Lindner.

 

Research period review: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

During the research period the firm was visible in project development, M&A, restructuring and insolvency and financial services regulatory practice areas.

In M&A the firm advised clients on several acquisitional transactions especially in the technology and telecommunications sector.

In project development the firm advised client on utilities project.

The firm also advised on corporate restructuring and insolvency work.

 

Deal highlights: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

4iG Nyrt acquisition of ONE-Albania Telecom Invest

4iG Nyrt acquisition of Albtelecom

Vektra Group insolvency

 

Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

 

Capital markets : Equity

"The firm has excellent knowledge of the system, very good team where everyone is equally able to help, and they are very proactive when thinking about the client's needs."

 

M&A

"Professional, quick and client-friendly law firm."

 

Milica Komar

"Very professional, polite and receptive."

 

Lana Vukmirović Mišić

"Very knowledgeable, proactive, thinking about clients' needs and coming up with atypical solutions."

"Client-friendly attitude, professional legal knowledge, has focus on the target, meets deadlines."

Radonjić Associates

Radonjić Associates is a Montenegrian full-service business law firm.

 

Focusses / specialisms

The firm provides legal advice on complex transactions in financial and corporate, and project development work.

 

Key clients

The firm’s key clients include Embraer, Toshiba Transmission and Distribution, AT&T, Mastercard, Nexans and Novatek.

 

Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

During the research period, the firm exhibited a notable emphasis on its substantial involvement in financial and corporate endeavors.


Within the corporate domain, the firm played a pivotal role in facilitating business establishment within Montenegro for various companies. Moreover, it offered comprehensive legal guidance and advisory services to clients spanning a wide spectrum of industries, notably encompassing construction and materials, logistics, and real estate.

 

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

M&A   

"They are punctual, knowledgeable and very pleasant in cooperation.

"Their staff are very responsive at every level on all issues. They are very knowledgeable on all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures. They have excellent contacts within government ministries and know how to navigate through bureaucratic processes to achieve the desired outcomes and results.

"Not only are they very knowledgeable and proactive in terms of tackling complex merger control matters and questions, but they also display a great sense for collaboration. Thanks to their efficiency and commitment, the work on the project was completed quickly and very successfully for the client.

"I have had the pleasure of working with Radonjic Associates in a number of transactions. Not only are they very knowledgeable and proactive in terms of tackling complex merger control matters and questions, but they also display a great sense for collaboration.

 

Private equity

"Professional, fast, excellent legal expertise, and in-depth knowledge of the commercial and legal developments in their jurisdiction.”

"They are a great group of professionals. Every single member of their team you encounter provides you with the full, consistent information you need. They are very reliable, supportive and always finding a way to protect and assist in their client`s needs.”

 

Project development

"Wonderful.”

"Well-orientated, proactive and really good in English, both written and spoken."

 

Stefana Franovic      

“Very knowledgeable and experienced. She is always available to assist and answer the question. Very consistent in her work and very well organised.”

           

Ana Ivanovic 

"I have been working with Ana for more than a year now and during this time we have had truly great communication. Ana proved to be a hard-working and trustful colleague I could always rely on. Her dedication and involvement were priceless to our law firm. Ana always finds the best possible solution for the issue at hand. In addition to her expertise and commitment to the clients and colleagues working on the same project, Ana is always very responsive, well-organised and highly motivated. Not to mention that she has great interpersonal skills.

 

Vladimir Radonjic     

"He is incredibly knowledgeable, responsive and helpful on all of our issues."

"He is both a pleasure to talk to, and also highly professional. I am always happy to have a project in Montenegro, as I know I will get both legal support and also the latest info on the market in general."

 

Itana Scekic   

"She is responsible, pleasant in cooperation and has experience."

 

Maja Velimirovic        

"Great."

BDK Advokati

Established in 2004, BDK Advokati is a full-service firm with offices in Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro. It opened its office in Podgorica in 2009.

 

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has a strong practice in financial and corporate and project development, achieving top tier status for Montenegro in both areas.

 

Key clients

The firm works closely with the Government of Montenegro/Ministry of Economy and the Montenegrin transmission system operator (CGES). It advises banks like Société Générale and ING Bank.

 

Research period review: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

The firm was particularly active in banking and M&A work during the research period where it advised clients mainly on asset acquisition, financing and refinancing transactions.

In banking the firm advised banks acting as lenders on financing and refinancing transactions.

The firm advised clients in gaming and mining industries on several asset acquisitions and joint ventures. It also assisted clients in establishment of businesses in Montenegro.

In project development the firm was active in advising construction company on regulatory compliance for project and oil and gas company on hydrocarbon project.

 

Deal highlights: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Nomad Foods €615 million acquisition of Fortenova group’s frozen food business group

Podgoricka bank €2 million financing

 

Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

 

Financial services regulatory

"They are timely and always ready to respond to our requests regardless of the working hours."

"They are very timely and devoted. Even in tight schedules, they perform excellently."

 

M&A

"Legally founded and business-driven pragmatic advice."

 

Project development : Mining

"Clear, objective advice and information related to legal/regulatory system in the host country."

 

Bisera Andrijašević

"Very good jurisdiction knowledge and timely, transparent communication."

 

Luka Popović

"Clear, analytical, professional."

"Smart and responsive."

"He is very competent. He is good at problem-solving and offering solutions."

"He is always accessible and very good at immediate advice and problem-solving."

CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz

CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz is the Montenegrin presence of international law firm CMS. The firm in Montenegro was established in 2012 and is led by Milica Popovic and is based in Podgorica.

CMS is an international law firm established in 1999. The firm has over 5,000 lawyers, including over 1,100 partners located in 70 offices in 45 countries.

 

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has a focus on financing and project development work.

 

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include EVN/WTE Group, Lustica Development, Fragomen, ZTE Corporation, MOL Maritime Europe, SinoGulf, Hortex, Betfair, Ocean Montenegro and Novartis.

Danilo Radulovic in cooperation Doklestic Repic & Gajin

Based in Podgorica, Danilo Radulovic in cooperation Doklestic Repic & Gajin is an association between a Montenegrin firm (the former in the name) and a Serbian firm (the latter) established in late 2019.

In addition to Doklestic Repic & Gajin’s headquarters in Belgrade and its Montenegro presence, the firm has an office in Bosnia and Herzegovina through another association with a local firm. It is also a founder member of Lex Adria, a legal network of independent firms from states that used to comprise Yugoslavia. 

 

Focusses / specialisms

The firm works across the financial and corporate practice area, but is particularly experienced and active in cross border M&A.

 

Key clients 

Some of the firm’s key clients are European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, HP, Telecom of Montenegro and Deutsche Telekom Group, NLB Bank, Komercijalna Banka, Saint-Gobain, Monte Credit MFI, G4S Secure Solutions, C Group, PH International, Fidelity Consulting and Carlsberg. 

 

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023) 

Banking and finance 

"My biggest impression about DRG is that, regardless of the complexity of the issue in question, everything goes very smoothly. I consider that this is because the DRG team is obviously focused on constant improvement of their knowledge." 

 

M&A 

"In our view they are simply outstanding and great to work with. Their legal knowledge and experience is difficult to match. Also, they are superbly proactive, client-centric and very pro-business oriented. Their advice is always practical and useful. 

We deem that they are on top of the market." 

Harrisons

Harrisons is a law firm established in 1999 by Mark Harrison. The firm operates in London, Belgrade and Podgorica.

 

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has a strong practice in financial and corporate work, achieving top tier status in this area for Montenegro. The firm is also very active in project development work.

 

Key clients 

Key clients of the firm include Fortenova GrupaAFD, EBRD, Corporación América Airports and Aer Rianta International 

 

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023) 

Bank lending: Lender side 

"Harrisons are a very reliable firm, made up of competent and business-oriented lawyers who are excellent at helping a foreign client navigate the local market." 

 

PPP/PFI 

"Excellent local and international knowledge base on the topic of our interest; promptness in responding to our queries and level of details provided." 

Karanović & Partners in cooperation with local lawyers

Karanović & Partners in cooperation with local lawyers is the Montenegrin presence of the international firm Karanovic & Partners. The firm in Montenegro is led by partner Milena Pejovic and is based in Podgorica. 

Established in 1995 and based in Belgrade, Karanovic & Partners, originally Karanović & Nikolić, is a large firm by local standards, employing more than 50 lawyers, 16 of whom are partners. It has an international network, working in association with firms in Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia.

 

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has a strong practice in financial and corporate work, achieving top tier status in this area for Montenegro.

 

Key clients 

Key clients of the firm include Iberdrola Ingeniería y Construccion, Safiro Beach Resort, Karisma Hotels & Resorts, Newpark Resources, Petrol Montenegro,Hellenic Petroleum, Oxford Computer Group, Chopin Vodka, CMI, CKB Banka and Stihl.  

 

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023) 

Private equity 

"Extremely professional advice. An in-depth analysis, the ability to clearly present the legal status of the case, the ability to efficiently plan a legal strategy in negotiations, procedural strategy, punctuality, a well-organised team. Karanovic and Partners lawyers give a sense of comfort in understanding Montenegro's legal regulations and are good partners for a business discussion and strategy planning." 

Law Office Vujacic

Law Office Vujacic is a corporate law firm founded in 1971 with an office in Podgorica. 

 

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm is focused on financial and corporate work.  

  

Key clients 

Among the clients of the firm are European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, KfW IPEX-Bank, AstroBank, Woodinvest Beruhazo, GE Capital Aviation Services and Brazilian Federal Government.  

Moravčević Vojnović and Partners in cooperation with Schoenherr

MoravčevićVojnović and Partners in cooperation with Schoenherris a Monetengrin presence of the firm Moravčević Vojnović and Partners. The firm is based in Podgorica. 

Schoenherr is an international law firm established in 1950 which is based in Central and Eastern Europe, operating in 14 countries.  

 

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm has a strong practice across financial and corporate and project development work, achieving top-tier status for both areas in Montenegro. 

 

Key clients 

Key clients of the firm include Société Générale, Deutsche Bank, ERSTE Foundation, Raiffeisen Bank International, Sucafina, MUFG Securities EMEA, Novi Volvox,Enemalta, Shanghai Electric Power, Capital City Podgorica, Salus Ljubljana and Fortum-EPCG. 

 

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023) 

Project development: Infrastructure 

"Fast response, reliable, in-depth industry knowledge, in-depth risk assessment, timely warnings for potential risks." 

PLK Advokati

PLK Advokatiis a corporate law firm established in 2021 with an office in Podgorica.  

 

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm is active in both financial and corporate, and in project development areas.  

  

Key clients 

Among the clients of the firm are AGEA International and Remkis 

 

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023) 

Financial services regulatory 

"PLK Advokati gave us great advice and were at our disposal for any questions we had. I would like to emphasise that we are particularly pleased with their professionalism and willingness to do business promptly in two languages, given that this is an international matter." 

 

Project development: Infrastructure 

"Local knowledge. Approachable. Accessible."