The Legal 500

Law Firm Bernotas & Dominas Glimstedt is increasingly praised across the market. Banking and finance work occupies a significant proportion of the firm’s total billable time as it acts for a number of international finance houses and banks. Partner Gediminas Dominas is singled out by competitors for his expertise.

Lideika, Petrauskas, Valiunas ir Partneriai LAWIN retains its position in our top-tier due to its appearance in the country’s headline deals and a well-resourced team. Widely respected associate partner Gediminas Reciunas became head of the specialist finance and tax practice in 2008, which advised Société Générale on entering the Lithuanian market. The European Investment Bank is an active client, while others appreciate the firm’s ‘professional expertise and responsiveness to our needs.’

Benefitting from its links with UK-based international network Pinsent Mason Luther, Jurevicius, Bartkus & Partners advises a growing international client base, such as a major German bank. Domestically, it has advised a leading Lithuanian bank on a €175m Eurobond issue, a deal led by name partner Gintaras Balciunas. ‘We can express only a very positive opinion about their legal services,’ says a client.

Perhaps a little smaller than competitors in this tier, Raidla Lejins & Norcous nevertheless boasts quality finance lawyers in managing partner Irmantas Norkus and senior associates Ruslanas Bronikovas and Eva Suduiko, formerly of SEB Bank and the Vilnius Stock Exchange respectively. ‘The level of senior partner attention is unsurpassed,’ and Bronikovas ‘always delivers what is asked of him’ say clients. Work includes advising HSBC Trinkaus & Burkhardt on acquisition finance for KMR Group of Germany.

Sorainen promoted team head Tomas Kontautas to partner in 2008 and provides a ‘high-quality service, particularly in respect of professionalism and business knowledge,’ say clients. Among international banks on the client list, the firm acted for Royal Bank of Canada and Allied Irish Bank, advising the latter on regulatory and compliance issue relating to its Lithuanian mortgage finance business.

Growing in stature and profile is Sutkiene, Pilkauskas & Partners, where head of banking and finance Vilius Bernatonis is singled out for his expertise. Clients say the firm ‘has shown a highly commercial attitude’. It assisted Finland’s Pohjola Bank Group on establishing subsidiaries across the Baltics. ABN AMRO and JPMorgan are also clients.

Managing partner Jonas Saladžius at Law Firm Eversheds Saladžius, a member of Eversheds International Limited is widely admired, largely for M&A but also for finance. Clients highlight the ‘professionalism’ and ‘responsiveness’ of the firm and include domestic and international funds, investors and banks, such as Ukio Bankas.

Foigt & partners / Regija Borenius has two lawyers focused in this area, including partner Tomas Rymeikis, and is ‘up to international standards’. The firm advised DEPFA Bank on public sector financing and Graanul Invest UAB on issues including the refunding of loans and preparation for IPO.

Recently formed Varul Vilgerts Smaliukas has a sizeable team of eight, including three partners, advising on senior transactions in banking and finance. Managing partner Robert Juodka ‘has an eye for detail and has commercial understanding’ and led advice to a syndicate including JPMorgan Europe and Nordea Bank Finland on a €337m loan involving ten jurisdictions.

Law Firm Foresta advises its corporate client base on finance matters, such as debt finance and refinance, and it does on occasions act for domestic banks. Tomas Saulenas is the key partner.

Nordia Baublys & Partners advises on financial matters and has significant expertise in disputes work. Managing partner Kestutis Svirinas is experienced in securities and general finance.

The expanding Sarka, Sabaliauskas, Jankauskas provides ‘logical and well-thought-out advice’ and is raising its profile. The firm acts for a large proportion of international clients, such as a leading Israeli private equity and investment house on financing the €450m sale of TDC, the Lithuanian mobile communications company. Name partners Arunas Sarka and Linas Sabaliauskas are ‘outstanding’, says one client.

Zabiela, Zabielaite & Partners has been established in the Lithuanian market for some years and offers a broad range of experience in finance matters, ranking international banks amongst its clientele.