The Legal 500

LAWIN offers first-class transaction, finance and general real estate expertise in Liina Linsi and Ermo Kosk. The firm is ‘client focused’ and acts for some of the largest development and construction companies in the Baltics, such as Merko Group and Papiniidu Projeckt, and is currently advising the city government of Tallinn on a schools’ PPP renovation project valued at €270m.

A strong and varied portfolio at Attorneys at Law Borenius includes acting for renewable energy operator Nelja Energia on the development and construction of several projects throughout the Baltics, and representing Tallinn TV Tower Foundation and broadcaster Levira on the renovation of historic Tallinn TV Tower. The ‘professional’ team is led by experienced partners Aivar Taro and Margus Mugu.

Raidla Lejins & Norcous is advising a key client on multi billion-dollar projects in Estonia and abroad, typical of the level of instructions received by this leading practice. The firm provides a complete service from complex transactions to environmental and construction disputes, the majority of matters led by group head Jaanus Ikla and Jüri Raidla. Active clients include Estonian Cell and Nordecon International.

Sorainen has a ‘very quick acting, top professional team’ steered by leading practitioner Kaido Loor. He is supported by an experienced group of senior associates such as Finnish-speaking Paul Künnap and Leho Pihvka who has ‘good service attitude’. Clients are typically international developers and investors; the firm acted for Vicus in the complex planning and construction of a shopping centre across municipality borders, and advises SEB on pan-Baltic management services outsourcing.

Tark Grunte Sutkiene has an ‘excellent and highly professional’ track record, largely due to the expertise of Risto Vahimets and his talented team of associates, of which Minni-Triin Park, Imbi Jurgen and Marit Savi are ‘top class in all aspects’. The firm advises on transactions, development and financing, such as acting for Unicredit Bank in the restructuring of finance for a shopping centre, and providing daily advice to developer ELL Kinnisvara.

VARUL is involved in some of the most high-profile projects in Estonia, such as acting for the Estonian Ministry of Defence in the construction of the Statue of Liberty of the War of Independence, and representing Skanska on the construction of the Solaris shopping and leisure centre. Mikk Lõhmus heads the practice.

Aivar Pilv Law Office is focused in this field where ‘its knowledge is very high’. The firm is acting for Czech company Sans Souci in the War of Independence monument construction and installation. Of note is the firm’s expertise in construction and general real estate disputes, led by Ilmar-Erik Aavakivi, where clients include Tallinn City government and developer Fantico, representing it in the Supreme Court in a case against central government.

A number of quality mandates at Concordia Attorneys at Law included advice to Irish investment company Keltic Global Group on the development of the Baltics’ largest industrial park, initial investment amounting to €20m; and acting for Estconde City Plaza on the renegotiation of rental agreements; deals led by Mihkel Tasaand Ott Saame respectively. The firm is also involved in high-level constructions disputes.

Real estate is a key area of practice at Law Office Eversheds Ots & Co, where Randu Riiberg has a strong track record in transactions, and senior associate Tambet Toomela is cultivating a construction law reputation. The firm is acting for Est Wind Power on the development of a wind farm in Estonia.

Glikman & Partnerid offers a comprehensive service that ‘understands business and industry needs’ and includes finance, construction, sale and purchase and leasing matters. The practice is steered by Mariana Hagström who represented Baltic Property Trust on the sale of shopping centre Torupilli Selver.

The quality client base at Law Firm Glimstedt includes a number of significant players in the real estate and construction sectors, with an emphasis on litigation. The firm is acting for Merko in public procurement disputes. However, the team will need to rebuild at senior level following the departure of real estate head, Paavo Paas in 2010.

Lextal Law Firm advises on all areas of real estate work, with Marge Männiko and Urmas Ustav at the helm. Recent instructions include a €4.9m acquisition of 1500 hectares of forest land.

MAQS Law Firm has a capable team in Siim Roode, head of the practice, Kaimo Räppo and Karolina Ullman. The firm is acting for LR Real Estate Asset Management in a significant transaction, while prolific land owner Södra Metsad is a client.

A strong team at Pohla & Hallmägi includes real estate practitioner Jüri Ploom, who regularly advises Scandinavian, Finnish and UK clients on commercial and residential developments, such as new skyscrapers planned for Tallinn. Meanwhile, Andres Hallmägi and Toivo Viilup are in demand for their construction expertise, particularly in disputes.

Tamme Otsmann Ruus Vabamets is more active on the contentious side, its litigators acting for leading Estonian construction company Teede REV-2 in a number of disputes. The firm also acted for the Estonian Road Administration in a claim brought by construction company Merko Ehitus concerning a €65m public tender.

Aare Raigi Advokaadibüroo continues to act for Estonian-based international fund, Baltic Property Fund, as well as developers and public bodies. Real estate clients benefit from the broad finance expertise of Aare-Heino Raig.

Litigator Paavo Koch at Arvisto & Koch is currently advising on a number of construction disputes, particularly in relation to public procurement. The firm is also handling a high-value restructuring for a domestic real estate developer.

Law Office Tehver & Partners has niche expertise in construction-related matters, particularly public procurement. Jaanus Tehver is acting for a top-ten Estonian construction company in several public procurements for public works, including Tallinn’s €15m Cultural Cauldron project.