The Legal 500

The seven-fee-earner team at CMS Cameron McKenna LLP has maintained a steady flow of work despite the challenging economic climate, and is recognised as one of the strongest in the market. It acted for Iberdrola Renovables on the development of three wind parks, and also acted for retail group Rockspring on property management issues. Head of department Gábor Czike was also involved in a major lease agreement for Budapest Bank.

Kõvári and Tercsák – Salans Ügyvédi Iroda has a well-regarded team that often works on cross-border issues, taking advantage of the firm’s large international network, and has advised international clients such as ING and Codic. Judit Kõvári is recommended.

The six-strong team at Réczicza White & Case LLP is noted for its ‘high level of service’. It acted for KHB Bank in a major rental transaction, and worked opposite Kõvári and Tercsák – Salans Ügyvédi Iroda on a mandate for Allianz Real Estate Germany concerning its €200m acquisition of a stake in a new shopping centre in Budapest. Head of the practice Szabolcs Posta and senior associate Mónika Frank are ‘very good’.

Andrékó Kinstellar’s team in 2009 advised BP plc on setting up its European Business Service Centre in Hungary, and has since continued to advise the client, and also acted for Tesco on its €63m sale and leaseback of two distribution centres in Hungary, as part of a wider portfolio transaction across the CEE region. Katalin Dévald leads a team of five lawyers.

Ákos Becher heads up the real estate team at Horváth & Partners DLA Piper, which works extensively with colleagues in the firm’s tax practice. New clients include a major natural resources company, and it also acts for Motorola and life sciences company Beckman Coulter.

The team at Kajtár Takács Hegymegi-Barakonyi Baker & McKenzie recently advised a major international property developer on several transactions in Hungary. It also continued to advise a real estate chain based in the UK on the sale and leasing of premises. Géza Kajtár heads the six-lawyer department.

Attila Ungár is the practice head at Lakatos, Köves and Partners. Recent work includes assisting Europa Capital and new client ING Real Estate on leasing matters, and Walker and Williams Investment Group on the major TóPark Project, and the firm also advises Unibail-Rodamco. Attila Unágr and Gábor Felsen are recommended.

At Siegler Law Office/Weil, Gotshal & Manges, senior associate Eva Kovacs has returned to the Budapest office after a stint in New York, to head up the six-lawyer practice. The department has worked on mandates all over Eastern Europe, and, led by managing partner David Dederick, recently advised Adriatic Marinas on the first phase of the €300m development of ‘Porto Montenegro’ in Tivat. The team also worked on an equity investment deal for a major US investment group, and assisted Global Trade Center on a number of matters.

The team at CHSH Dezsö provides a ‘high-quality legal service’, and works with a number of large real estate developers in Hungary. It worked on a €44m acquisition for Allianz, and also advised Strabag PFS on facility management options. Szabolcs Perlaki heads up the practice and is noted for his ‘extensive experience’.

Erös Üqyvédi Iroda / Squire Sanders & Dempsey (US) LLP has an active practice in the leisure sector, and has acted for hotel groups looking to develop historical buildings in Hungary as well as on leisure and sports development projects.

2010 saw the arrival of former Andrékó Kinstellar and Linklaters LLP lawyer Andras Csapo at Gide Loyrette Nouel. The team is advising new clients such as Codic, IVG Funds and Unibail Rodamco on issues ranging from zoning matters to civil proceedings.

Oppenheim works with a number of high-profile real estate developers. It was heavily involved in the development of Hungary’s M6 motorway, acting for Bilfinger Berger AG and its consortium partners in their bid to win three tenders for construction. It also advised Codic on a letting of office space, and counts the Hochtief Group as a prestigious ongoing client.

Réti, Antall & Madl Landwell’s experience includes representing vendors and purchasers in complex, high-value deals. The team is ‘excellent and always prepared’.

bnt Szabó Tom Burmeister Ügyvédi Iroda acts for some high-profile property developers, with recent clients including Hochtief Development. It also acts regularly for real estate giant HSH Real Estate. Name partner Rainer Tom runs the practice.

Forgó, Damjanovic & Partners Law Firm has been involved in the development of one of the largest casino projects in Europe, advising a large consortium of investors; practice head Gábor Damjanovic has been responsible for leading this matter, as well as working on a high-profile deal for major property development company Porto Investment.

Gobert, Fest & Partners Attorneys-at-Law / Taxand handles a wide range of real estate work, from investigation of title to setting up development structures. Name partner Arne Gobert is the key contact.

Nagy és Trócsányi advises multinational businesses and works closely with property developers. It counts several local authorities as clients, and has received instructions from retail giant C&A.

Noerr & Partners Law Office’s commercial and real estate departments work together to provide a wide range of services, and have been involved in some high-profile development matters. Zoltán Nádasdy heads up the department.

New associates Dávid Adamov and Tamás Balogh have bolstered the team at Schoenherr, which is experienced in cross-border work and has a good relationship with local developers.

The nine-fee-earner team at Szabo Kelemen & Partners Attorneys is highly rated for its industry knowledge and level of service. It recently worked on an acquisition for the Origo Film Group, led by Tamás Szabó, and was instructed for the first time by a major US green energy building company in relation to a site in Hungary. The team also has a longstanding relationship with ING Real Estate.

Szecskay Attorneys at Law advises local and international businesses on commercial real estate acquisitions.

The ‘superb’ team at VJT & Partners Law Firm has worked with Stena Realty on matters involving the listed status of certain office space, as well as advising on several disputes. Róbert Kotsis is noted for his ‘experience and comprehensive knowledge’.

The ten-lawyer team at bpv Jádi Németh Ügyvédi Iroda advised an international DIY store chain in relation to the opening of several new shops in Hungary, in a high-profile deal valued at HUF2.8bn and led by managing partner Andrea Jádi Németh. Head of department Ágnes Tigelmann is advising on a potential site disposal for a large Hungarian company.

Head of department Gábor Erdos at Faludi Wolf Theiss is currently working on a multimillion-euro acquisition for a major group. The team has also been assisting KCI Inc in securing office space in Hungary.

Lendvai és Társai Ügyvédi Iroda advises groups of investors on potential projects, and been involved with the development of a major industrial park. Eszter Papp0 heads up the team.

Partos & Noblet in co-operation with Hogan Lovells International LLP recently advised the Aviva group on several tenant issues, and regularly works on real estate disputes and construction matters. The SCD Group, a major property development group, is also a client.

The team at Lohn Law Firm advised a range of European property and investment funds on leasing issues and setting up in Hungary. It also advise architects on professional negligence disputes. Managing partner Balázs Lohn gives ‘clear and structured advice’.

Sándor Szegedi Szent-Ivány Komáromi Eversheds advises on property acquisitions and disposals.