Established in 1995 and based in Belgrade, Karanović  & 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.

The firm has a focus on all matters in financial and corporate and project development work.

Highlights

In financial and corporate, the firm was notably active across the board on M&A, capital markets, projects and banking and finance transactions. A notable recent highlight includes advising on the Green for Growth Fund, a fund initiated by European Investment Bank and Germany KfW Development Bank, with the provision of a EUR 50 million loan to UniCredit Bank Serbia to finance renewable energy projects. Notably this fund is part of Serbia’s strategic initiative to meet its targets under the National Energy and Climate Plan.

In projects, the team advised Bechtel International, a US civil engineering group, together with company Enka on the construction of the €800 million Morava Corridor motorway. The road intends on connecting Trans-European transport Corridors X and XI that will spread throughout the Balkans.

Key clients

OTP, IFC, FIAT-Stellantis, GGF, CEE BIG, Pannonia Green / ClonBio, Bechtel International, Windvision, Interenergo, Akuo Energy Central Europe

Testimonials

“Very international, good market knowledge, excellent lawyers.” - Banking

“They work abroad and domestically with various financial documents, among all, with documents facilitating creditors to recover their claims, therefore they are welcome to transfer their knowledge to Serbian banking legal community.” - Banking and finance

“Very professional, able to provide practical, to the point input; very good partner in the region.” - Banking and finance

“I am incredibly pleased to have found a firm that continuously handles a variety of legal matters in an excellent manner, with all lawyers from different departments and jurisdictions working together on a deal as one team. In particular, the fact that Karanovic & Partners operates across the Balkan markets is immensely helpful and they are always my choice when I need reliable legal advice.

The knowledge and capabilities of their team members are truly remarkable. Overall, they have a broad range of specialties and backgrounds, so they can handle any situation no matter how complex it is.”

“What I like about Karanovic & Partners’ service is that it is constantly on an exceptional level. Whenever they provide legal support to us in all relevant matters, their approach is all-encompassing, making them extremely reliable and fully committed. I am confident that they will always pay detailed attention to transactions and their context, going the extra mile to alert us and advise against possible risks and negative outcomes. This proved to be crucial, since all the projects we have done together turned out to be successful so far. It is safe to say that Karanovic & Partners always has our best interest in mind and commits completely to maximizing those interests and benefits.

"The team of lawyers we have worked with has abundant and wide-ranging experience and is quick to respond to our questions and requests. One of their key strengths is the extensive industry-specific knowledge, which makes them more than well positioned to cater to various business needs not only in Serbia but in the SEE region, also."

"The fact that we use their services regularly, especially in complex matters, demonstrates our complete and unquestionable confidence in their advice.”  - Banking and finance

“Very professional with a proper setup to respond to all requests of a big non-resident bank.” - Banking and finance

“High level of knowledge and experience, timely responses, easy going communication, experts teams per each industry.” - Financial service regulatory

“Responsive, commercial, practical advice, good understanding of the local law and market practice. Keeps us up to date on local developments.” - Investment funds

“Very responsive, good quality and precise legal advice, knowledge about market standards, practical and business-oriented approach.” - M&A

“Always knowledgeable of the real estate market and proposing balanced agreements that protects both the interest of their clients, but also promotes a swift and fast deal.” - M&A

Milorad Gajic

“Prompt, open and transparent communication, great knowledge, good network.”

Maja Jovancevic

“Responsive, commercial, practical advice, good understanding of the local law and market practice. Keeps us up to date on local developments.”

“Maja Jovančević Šetka is someone I personally and the Bank have worked with for many years. Throughout this time, she has never failed our expectations. What is highly recommendable about her is her focus and commitment, her wide-ranging skill set and resourcefulness, as well as her practical approach and seamless communication. She is a solution-oriented lawyer, who will certainly exceed performance expectations.

She not only superbly handles any regulatory issues that come up in Serbia but is also able to provide advice on jurisdictions in the region. She understands our needs well and is very proactive in strategic thinking with the aim of mitigating any possible risk. The result is that she foresees our needs and concerns and is always a step ahead, increasing the Banks benefits. She is very dedicated to all matters we work on together and navigates complex issues seamlessly.”

“She is serious, reliable, demonstrates wide range of knowledge and professionalism, respects agreed.”

“Maja Jovančević Šetka serves as our main point of contact, showcasing her remarkable ability to collaborate effectively and apply practical expertise in navigating complex issues, practices, and boundaries effortlessly. Her extensive understanding and knowledge of banking and financing law go above and beyond, while her dedicated approach to finding solutions is exceptional in minimizing any potential risks. Maja's extraordinary work truly sets her apart in the legal field.

I would also like to mention and praise from her team the associate Dimitrije Ilić and, for corporate matters, Partner Miloš Jakovljević - both are recommended.”

“Excellent across the board - professional, knowledgeable, communicative, responsive, solution-oriented."

“Knowing banking as business, anticipated needs and trends, able to get and to transfer knowledge, understands banking things better than others.”

Petar Mitrovic

“Very reliable partner; friendly, respectful, listens well and provides creative solutions.”