JPM & Partners is a Montenegrin law firm. The firm is led by managing director Nemanja Stepanović and is based in Podgorica.
Highlights
During the research cycle the firm was present in various practice areas such as capital markets, restructuring and insolvency, M&A and financial service regulatory.
A notable highlight of the firm’s recent work includes advising on the insolvency and litigation proceedings of Vektra Group companies valued an estimated $116 million.
In project development, the firm assisted the Railway Infrastructure of Montenegro on all legal matters connected with the reconstruction of eight tunnels.
Key clients
Addiko Bank, TF Capital, Ckb Bank and OTP Bank Nyrt, Lustica Development, Luka Bar, HE Dabar, Shandong Foreign Economic & Technical Cooperation Co, Railway Infrastructure of Montenegro
Testimonials
“The law firm is permanently working for us on active and passive legal cases, all questions regarding banking law and CBCG regulations, labor law and domestic and international contracts” – Banking and finance
“JPM & Partners established a company for us, helping in obtaining bank accounts, helping in Business Visa application, Ministry of Foreign Investment, Construction and Consultancy Firms besides the accounting services” – Banking and finance
“JPM Law Firm Montenegro recently assisted us in preparing and structuring the application documentation for a payment institution license under the PSD2 regulation in Montenegro. They expertly orchestrated the legal aspects of the license application process and provided comprehensive consultancy for all segments of our application. Their thorough and knowledgeable approach was instrumental in guiding us through this complex regulatory environment.” – Financial services regulatory
Amra Ademović
“Knowledge, experience, availability, communication, ethical standards.”
Lana Mišić
“She knows her work in a professional way, she is an expert person in her workspace and knows how accurate to do the work with higher results with very short time.”
Lana Vukmirović Mišić
“Lana Vukmirović Mišić excels in her deep understanding of the subject matter and her attention to detail. She is highly dedicated, providing clear and comprehensive guidance throughout the process. Lana's ability to explain complex regulatory requirements in an accessible manner and her strategic approach to structuring our license application were particularly impressive. Her professionalism and commitment significantly contributed to the success of our project.”
“Knowledge, experience, availability, communication, ethical standards”
“Problem-solving at a high level”
“Problem solver. Listens to client needs and instantly provides solutions. Always online.” Gives clear tasks to team and support them.”
Radonjić Associates is a full-service law firm established in 1987. The firm is led by Vladminir Radonjiic and the firm assists both local and foreign investors on a range of corporate and commercial matters.
The firm has a wide spectrum of expertise in banking and finance, capital markets and M&A.
Highlights
In financial and corporate, the firm has been active in advising clients on market entry into Montenegro, project financing, debt financing, litigation issues and M&A transactions. A notable transaction includes advising AOT Energy/Arrow Resources in the process of obtaining a gas and power license in Montenegro.
Key clients
Alter Modus, Louis Vuitton, AIK Bank Serbia, AOT Energy, Bouygues Batiment International
Testimonials
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."
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 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.
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 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 Grupa, AFD, 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 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 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.
MoravčevićVojnović and Partners in cooperation with Schoenherr is 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 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."