Hall Of Fame

Dispute resolution in Malta

Camilleri Preziosi

Camilleri Preziosi is ‘by far the best in the field of dispute resolution‘, in the words of one client. The practice continues to handle a high volume of domestic and international commercial arbitration work, particularly for entities in the construction, shipping, banking and insurance sectors. Practice head Marisa Vella stands out for her ‘strong presence in the court room‘, and has an excellent track record in advising on banking, commercial, corporate and shareholder disputes, as well as assisting with appeals against decisions issued by compliance, financial and regulatory authorities. Litigator Kristina Rapa Manche is well versed in advising on constitutional and public law cases and competition law disputes. Senior associate Francesca Galea Cavallazzi is active in corporate and financial services litigation.

Practice head(s):

Marisa Vella


Other key lawyers:

Kristina Rapa Manche; Francesca Galea Cavallazzi


Testimonials

‘The team is multi disciplinary and can therefore provide a holistic service to their clients. The team keeps itself updated with changes in legislation, and offers a hands on approach.’

‘Marisa Vella has extensive knowledge and a very structured approach in advising clients. This allows a clear discourse, and enables the client to be well informed on options available in response to a particular situation.’

‘Kristina Rapa Manche has a very practical and down to earth approach, making it very easy for clients without a legal background to grasp legal concepts more easily. Her knowledge and expertise has been an important factor in our working relationship.’

‘Both Marisa and Kristina, as well as other members of the team, give their clients an important sense of security, that they are in ‘good hands’ and that their interests will be safeguarded, particularly through their thorough approach to any situation.’

‘I have used many top end local law firms, however Camilleri Preziosi are by far the best in the field of dispute resolution. The main qualities that I look for are: a. technical competence b. objectivity and straight talking with client c. timely execution of task at hand with the right level of attention to detail. ’

‘Marisa Vella – Knowledge, Strategic thinking, negotiation skills and strong presence in the court room.’

‘In litigation the individuals I have worked with are formidable in their research of cases, and their capacity to deal with the hardest legal issues. Added to which their advocacy skills in the courtroom are effective.’

‘Camilleri Preziosi have a pool of deep qualified and experienced lawyers which most of the time makes it a great one stop shop for us. Firm is always ready to assist at short notice and the level of detail they go into in looking at our specific requirements is impressive. ’

Key clients

Phoenix Payments Limited


Bartolo Brothers Holdings Limited


Air Malta p.l.c


National Lottery p.l.c.


Credit Suisse


Malta Financial Services Authority


San Pawl tat-Targa Investments Limited


Bank of Valletta p.l.c


Perit David Pace


The General Soft Drinks Company Limited


Lombard Bank Malta p.l.c.


Malta International Airport p.l.c.


Amicorp Fund Services Malta Limited


FIMBank p.l.c.


Credence Advisory Services Limited


Truevo Payments Limited


Alf Mizzi & Sons Limited


Falzon Fuel Services Limited


Commissioner for Standards in Public Life


Debono Group of Companies


St Aloysius College


The Edible Oil Refining Company Limited


The Liquidator of Price Club Operators Limited


Fortel Services Limited


Supermarkets (1960) Limited


Vivaro Limited


Mizzi Organisation


Auto Sales Limited


Indian Empress Limited


Corinthia Group of Companies


Aktiebolaget Trav och Galopp (ATG)


Trident Trust Malta


Dragonara Gaming Limited


Aircraft Handling Alliance Limited


Alter Domus Trustee Services Malta


Griffiths and Associates


Bitmac


Work highlights


  • Represented Phoenix Payments Limited and Lombard Bank in constitutional proceedings concerning the law granting power to the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit to investigate and impose fines, which was ruled to be unconstitutional.
  • Acted for Malita Investments p.l.c. in successfully defending an injunction pursuant to a dispute which arose between Malita Investments p.l.c and one of its contractors, FES Projects Ltd.
  • Acting for Lombard Bank Malta in ongoing constitutional proceedings, claiming that anti-money laundering legislation, which was applied when the bank was investigated by the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit, breached its fundamental right to a fair hearing.

Fenech & Fenech Advocates

At Fenech & Fenech Advocates, Ann Fenech is a highly regarded practitioner with established expertise in advising on maritime litigation, and Paul Gonzi is sought after for handling contentious TMT and IP work.  Edward DeBono brings over 30 years of experience in dispute resolution, and is widely recognised for his excellent track record in real estate litigation. Daniel Buttigieg's practice takes in contentious real estate matters, and has been active in constitutional law cases. Carl Grech was promoted to the partnership in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

Edward DeBono; Daniel Buttigieg; Carl Grech; Paul Gonzi; Ann Fenech


Testimonials

This is the firm that gives you personal attention, where you are not just a number. I have been their client for many years and would not dream of changing them. The lawyers I have contact with are ready to listen to you and to give you all the personal attention required.’

‘The dispute resolution team at F&F are clearly experts in their field of practice. They were able to come up with legal arguments based on in-depth research and prior experience, which place us on a strong footing vis-a-vis opposing parties in disputes on complex, unprecedented legal questions. They are highly professional, efficient and easy to work with.’

‘I work with Anne Fenech – apart from being very professional and knowledgeable in the maritime sector, she is always available for meetings and advice being in Malta or away.’

Key clients

Mr Green Limited/ 888/William Hill


Kemimport Limited


Interfinance Limited


Malta Freeport Terminals Limited


Grimaldi Group and Sullivan Maritime Limited


Atlas Insurance PCC and Enemalta Plc


Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A


Aloisia de Trafford


Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation


Ixaris Group


Videoslots


EPIC (previously Vodafone Malta Limited)


Evolution Gaming


Tain Gaming


EVOS Malta Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising the Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation and Repubblika on a class action initiated by over 500 Maltese citizens, in relation to a breach of personal data held on the electoral register.
  • Acting for Mr Green Limited in complex cross-border litigation concerning a judicial challenge to the recognition and enforcement of Austrian judgments in Malta.
  • Acting for Interfinance Limited in proceedings concerning alleged breaches of lease agreements for solar farms by the lessors of the farms.

Ganado Advocates

Ganado Advocates is a strong choice for construction disputes, maritime and admiralty claims, company law cases and intellectual property litigation. Practice head Antoine Cremona is an ‘outstanding counsel’, with established strength in handling litigation and international arbitration pertaining to shareholder disputes and construction contracts. Louis Cassar Pullicino is a highly regarded practitioner, with an excellent track record in advising on admiralty and shipping claims. Paul Micallef Grimaud and Matthew Brincat are key names for IP, TMT and employment law disputes. The ‘exceptional’ senior associate Clement Mifsud-Bonnici is active in contentious regulatory, state aid, competition and public procurement law work.

Practice head(s):

Antoine Cremona


Other key lawyers:

Paul Micallef Grimaud; Matthew Brincat; Clement Mifsud-Bonnici; Louis Cassar Pullicino


Testimonials

‘This is a very strong team covering both corporate / advisory work and dispute resolution in litigation and arbitration (both commercial and investment). A very experienced team.’

‘Antoine Cremona – outstanding counsel, excellent communications skill and engagement; very good strategist.’

‘Antoine Cremona is experienced, a good tactician who provides cost-effective advice and support.’

‘Clement Mifsud Bonnici has proven to be an exceptional and inspiring individual to work with. It is not merely a lawyer-client relationship. Clement has been there when needed, during the most urgent, and sometimes untimely circumstances that our industry has to deal with. The wealth of knowledge, coupled with unlimited patience of Clement whereby he guided us through very complex litigation is second to none.’

‘Stand out people are Clement Mifsud Bonnici and Antoine Cremona. They are both excellent. Well rehearsed in litigation matters and are well respected by the Judiciary. Both have very different styles but work well together to ensure the client is comfortable.’

‘They have managed to handle and tackle an emergency arbitration in a very short period of time which means that they have familiarized themselves with the client’s brief very expeditiously. They have a good base of knowledge in international arbitrations.’

‘Antoine Cremona, Clement Mifsud Bonnici and Louis Cassar Pullicino are very approachable, highly technical and have the sufficient experience to undertake the provision of legal services.’

‘The firm is a one stop shop with overarching legal expertise servicing both preparation of complex legal documentation, both for EU and national requirements, and litigation. ’

Mamo TCV Advocates

Dispute resolution is a cornerstone area of expertise at Mamo TCV Advocates. The practice is home to a team of 'dedicated and experienced litigators', with an excellent track record in advising on high-value corporate and financial disputes and cross-border litigation. Joseph Camilleri, Frank Testa and Stephen Muscat are the key practitioners to note; Testa and Camilleri are well versed in handling real estate and construction arbitration, and Muscat brings expertise in advising on contractual and commercial litigation.

Practice head(s):

Joseph Camilleri; Frank Testa; Stephen Muscat


Testimonials

‘They ensure you don’t feel like just a number and are quick to identify the best way to assist you, even if they’re in the midst of a hearing. A team of dedicated and experienced litigators who know the courts, judges, opponents and can guide clients to the best outcomes. ’

‘Frank Testa is innovative and experienced in equal measure.’

‘Partners and team members have diverse roles and specialisations making the firm extremely practical to do business with, and user-friendly. Fees are transparent and excellent value for money when compared to competitors.’

‘I work closest with Joseph Camilleri – he is always available, very adept at explaining complex legal terms and implications in a thorough yet understandable manner, making him very much respected and appreciated by my team members. Joe is always humble, respectful and well-mannered in even the most trying of situations, inspiring trust and respect also in court.’

Key clients

Futura Funds SICAV


Optimum Funds SICAV


Simonds Farsons Cisk


GO p.l.c.


Liquigas Malta Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for Raiffeisen Bank International SG in multi-jurisdictional litigation and recovery proceedings concerning a revolving credit line of €62,500,000.

GTG Advocates

GTG Advocates has a strong offering in contentious technology matters, including online gaming and betting, fintech, and blockchain issues, and is also recognised for handling IP, data protection and telecoms litigation. Senior partner Robert Tufigno's broad practice includes corporate, commercial, employment and civil litigation; he jointly heads the practice with managing partner Ian Gauci, who is a key contact for TMT and fintech cases, and head of IP Terence Cassar. Maria Attard left the firm in August 2023.

Practice head(s):

Robert Tufigno; Ian Gauci; Terence Cassar


Testimonials

‘GTG are always readily available at short notice, and are able to align the legal requirements of the company with the commercial interests of the company. They are very pleasant people to work with, and continue to provide support services for any matter that may arise, as minor or major as the case may be.’

‘GTG are extremely knowledgeable in the applicable legal fields, and maintain strong relationships with third-parties, in multiple jurisdictions. They readily make any introductions as may be required where the matter at hand is cross-border in nature.’

‘Terence Cassar provides an excellent, well tailored service.’

Key clients

BMIT Plc


GO Plc


RS2 Software Plc


Hacksaw Gaming


Authority for Transport in Malta


Reach Investments


University of Malta Academic Staff Association (UMASA)


Montaldo Insurance Agency Limited


MDM Costruzione Generali srl


Edwards Lowell Company Limited


Work highlights


  • Represented Reach Investments in an appeal before the Administrative Review Tribunal, relating to a decision issued by the Malta Gaming Authority.

Refalo Advocates

At Refalo Advocates, Ian Refalo is a highly regarded commercial litigator, with 50 years of experience in the field, and Mark Refalo has extensive expertise in administrative and commercial litigation. He has an excellent track record in representing corporate and private clients in contentious work and arbitration, often involving regulatory and public procurement issues; the team is well known for advising on the enforcement and applicability of European legislation in Malta. John Refalo's ‘combination of strong technical skills and great business acumen makes him the perfect fit for strategic cross-border disputes'.

Practice head(s):

Ian Refalo; Mark Refalo; John Refalo


Testimonials

‘The attitude is highly professional.’

‘Mark Refalo leaves a solid impression.’

‘The Refalo law firm understands international clients and provides high quality service. They are always available and provide a personalized service. They have an acute understanding of private international law. ’

Key clients

Futura Funds Sicav plc


Libyan State


Cottoxil Limited


Envestio SI OU/Kuestzal OU


Prince Majed Bin Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud


Citadel Insurance plc


Ergon Projects Limited – Fincantieri Infrastrutture Sociali SpA


BNP Paribas


B. Tagliaferro & Sons Limited


Easy Claims / consumers in Austria


SBK-ART


Work highlights


  • Defended BNP Paribas against a damages claim worth €1 billion.
  • Represented Futura Funds SICAV plc in a dispute with the Vatican’s treasury department relating to an investment transaction for the acquisition of the building of the former Hungarian Stock Exchange.

8pointlaw

At 8pointlaw, John Bonello is the key practitioner to note. He is highly regarded for his expertise in handling commercial disputes, and is well versed in advising on contentious matters involving real estate, family, succession and inheritance law.

Practice head(s):

John Bonello


Key clients

INDIS Malta Ltd.


Enemalta plc


Housing Authority


D.D.E. Attard Limited


Cammast Properties Limited


Jufina Juno Finanz AG


Bonavia Brothers Limited


Mirachem (Marketing) Limited


Work highlights


  • Represented Jufina JUNO Finanz in a dispute over enforcement proceedings of Austrian judgments awarded against Maltese-registered gaming companies, on the grounds that the judgments breach Maltese public policy.
  • Acting for a client in ongoing constitutional proceedings following a wrongful imprisonment.
  • Acted for INDIS Malta Ltd. in a lawsuit against a major player in the aviation industry, involving a €3M claim.

Deguara Farrugia Advocates

Under the leadership of Jonathan Thompson, the dispute resolution team at Deguara Farrugia Advocates handles a broad range of contentious work. The practice is sought after by clients in the gaming, financial services, real estate and shipping sectors, and the group brings expertise in advising on employment and administrative law disputes.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Thompson


Testimonials

‘Swift responses and excellent advice to resolve matters.’

Key clients

Jebmed Srl


Ministry for Planning and Public Works


Grenke Renting Ltd


IZI Group plc


DIZZ Group of Companies


The Convenience Shop Ltd


FES FINANCE P.L.C


OZO Group of Companies


Guido de Marco & Associates

The dispute resolution practice at Guido de Marco & Associates is home to Giannella De Marco, who has an excellent reputation in the Maltese legal market as a leading white-collar crime defence counsel. Senior partner Mario De Marco is also highly regarded for his expertise in civil and commercial litigation, including advising on corporate and shareholder disputes.

Practice head(s):

Giannella de Marco; Mario de Marco


Testimonials

‘Lawyers at Guido de Marco & Associates are often promptly available to provide the right legal advice based on our very specific requirements in the sphere of media.’


Key clients

IFCHOR S.A.


Replace Consulting LTD


G4S Group


Horwath Malta


Kambi Malta Limited


Orthopaedic Centre Malta Ltd


Independent Schools Association (ISA)


AMSM – Alf. Mizzi & Sons Marketing Group


Titan Airways


KayEm Consulting Limited


Novartis Pharma Services Inc.


VJ Salomone


SiGMA Group (organisers of World iGaming Summits)


SMS Group


Orange Travel Group


Aspen Healthcare


Progress Press Company Limited


St Michael School Company Limited


Let’s Deel (APMAL Limited)


Infinity Group UK


Italian Embassy


OB Operations Limited (Ocean Basket Franchise)


Technologies and Beyond Limited (Media Troopers)


Castille Hotel


Cerviola Hotels Limited


MCS Building Solutions


Rado Systems


Ewropa Business Centre Limited/Capital Business Centre Limited (TH Group)


Vivaldi Hotel (Operations) Limited


Valletta Gateway Terminals Limited


Work highlights


  • Successfully represented Capolavori and its shareholders in a lawsuit against a Maltese company involving a damages claim.