Cobalt represents a number of multinational clients and has been particularly active in advising companies on employment issues relating to entry into the Lithuanian market, setting up subsidiaries and the employment aspects of M&A transactions. Specialist counsel Dalia Foigt-Norvaišienė leads the team and is highly skilled in advising on transactions as well as day-to-day employment activities. Žilvinas Kvietkus, who has a particular interest in the life sciences and pharmaceuticals sectors, is another name of note, as is senior associate Jovita Valatkaitė, who specialises in employment and migration law.
Employment in Lithuania
Cobalt
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Good response times and knowledgeable on Lithuanian employment law.’
‘Response, reliability of the information, and ease of access.’
‘Friendly, responsive, and pragmatic.’
Key clients
Western Union
Wolt Enterprises Oy
Guidehouse
Wecash
Mambu
Stada Arzneimittel
KONE
Ryanair
Bloomberg
Bayer
CITCO
Yazaki
Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania
Arxan Technologies, Inc
Softeq
Onninen
LIDL Stiftung
Global Blue
Evolution Gaming
ALD automotive
TNT
AT&T
Oracle
Fortum
Kevin EU
Work highlights
- Providing AT&T with continued advice regarding complex employment law issues, such as transfer of business and of the employees, confidentiality, non–compete undertakings etc.
- Advised Evolution Gaming regarding establishing its activities in Lithuania as well setting up the employment and remuneration structures.
- Advised Stada Arzneimittel on employment-related matters in its acquisition of Walmark.
Ellex
Ellex has a particularly strong client base in the biopharmaceuticals space, counting Pfizer, Abbvie and Sanofi as key clients. The team’s workload has consisted of advising on the employment aspects of transactions, mass redundancies, as well as general advisory matters. Ramunas Petravicius leads the team and alongside the aforementioned areas is also known to handle disputes. Petravičius is supported by Rimantas Stanevičius who has a similarly broad skillst across contentious and non-contentious employment issues.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team at Ellex is the most experienced and professional team in Lithuania.’
‘Ramunas Petravicius deserves a mention as a top-level professional.’
‘I chose the firm because of its fast response time, friendly service and valuable legal input whenever we ask questions. They provide detailed feedback which in 9 out of 10 times covers all further questions you could have. They are very proactive in that.’
‘The service has a high standard, and the lawyers respond quickly.’
Key clients
Partners Group
Uber Technologies, Inc.
Biogen Inc.
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
AbbVie Inc.
Sanofi
Pfizer Inc.
Curve
NCC Group
Veho Oy Ab
Work highlights
- Advised Partners Group on the employment aspects of its acqusition of Fortum.
- Advised Biogen on the employment elements of establishing operations in Lithuania.
- Advised AbbVie with the local implementation of the worldwide Allergan Plc acquisition transaction and post-close integration activities in Lithuania.
ILAW LEXTAL
Originally an employment specialist boutique, ILAW LEXTAL has recently merged with LEXTAL Vilnius which expanded the expertise of the team beyond employment to corporate, tax and data protection law. Key members of the team include managing partner Tomas Bagdanskis, who is highly skilled in dismissals and redundancies, Vilius Mačiulaitis who also focuses on dismissals as well as compensation-related cases, and Mantas Mikalopas who advises employees and trade unions on employment disputes.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Adopt a business-oriented approach and listen to client’s needs.’
‘iLAW company is market leader regarding the labour law. The team is fast, quick with answers and solutions, and is really customer-oriented.’
Key clients
Ryanair
Decathlon Lithuania
Delfi
AQ Wiring Systems
TIA Technology
Bank of Lithuania
Paulig Coffee Lietuva
Rimi
DS-1
Baltic Agro
Work highlights
- Advised Viešojo transporto vieninga darbuotojų profesinė sąjunga on collective bargaining agreements with a trade union.
- Advised Manpower Lit in relation to an alleged discrimination claim against temporary staff.
- Advised Afrikos tyrimai ir konsultacijo on visa and residence permits.
Sorainen
Sorainen excels in both contentious and non-contentious employment matters, and the recent caseloads include assisting with restructuring, mass dismissals and stock option plans. Joint practice head Algirdas Pekšys handles employment and corporate matters and as such is well placed to advise on the employment aspects of corporate transactions. Counsel Agnietė Venckienė also leads the team and similarly advises on corporate transactions, sensitive HR issues and setting up operations in Lithuania.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They give very detailed analysts of every situation.’
‘This combination of partners and associates have provided clear, concise and timely legal advice for Lithuania and some surrounding countries in which my company has employees. They are responsive, knowledgeable and easy to work with!’
Key clients
DexCom
HCL Technologies
Nasdaq Alumeco
Bitė Lietuva
McKesson
Metsotec
Unity Technologies
Shift4 Payments
Merck Serono
Wizz Air
Work highlights
- Advised Dexcon on opening a global business service centre in Vilnius.
- Advised Shift4 Payments Lithuania on implementing a US-based stock option plan for Lithuanian employees.
- Advised Topo grupė UAB on employment matters including drafting of all internal rules and documentation and agreements with the employees.
Deloitte Legal, Professional Partnership of Advocates
Immigration law is a particular forte of Deloitte Legal, Professional Partnership of Advocates, which the team counts Google and other multinational companies as key clients. This has involved advising on issues such as business relocations, Blue Card applicants and Intra-Corporate Transferee permit holders. Senior managing associate Gintarė Stonienė leads the team and advises on the aforementioned areas.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Phenomenal customer service, desire to cooperate, professionalism.’
Key clients
Global Wind Service
Alcon
Evolution
Lithuanian Airports (VĮ Lietuvos oro uostai)
Continental Automotive
Unilever
Oracle
Moller Auto
Roche Lietuva UAB
IDOM SA
Charlot
Lithuanian Agriculture Advisory Services
Invest Lithuania
TECE
Happymagenta
Delta Light
Feka Construction
Work highlights
- Represented State Enterprise Lithuanian Airports in several labour disputes at court against the former employees.
- Advised Google on employment and immigration matters, including assistance in determination of employees’ relocation model in Lithuania.
- Supported CHARLOT LT to deal with employment law and state aid challenges rising due to pandemic of COVID-19.
ECOVIS ProventusLaw
ECOVIS ProventusLaw is highly skilled in immigration, disputes, internal policies, staff transfer, tax and dismissals. The group has particular strengths in the fintech and broader technology sectors, and is part of ECOVIS International, a consulting group operating in over 80 countries. Corporate and commercial generalist Loreta Andziulytė and senior associate Brigida Bacienė, who specialises in employment jointly lead the team.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Lina Bulovienė
Testimonials
‘I think that Ecovis has a dedicated employment team, which always takes care of the clients’ needs and tries to find the best solution. It doesn’t matter on which side they have to be – on the employee or the employer, Ecovis will ensure that the solution will be found. I also know that they are providing training in employment areas such as personal data processing of employees, non-compete agreements, employer’s actions during COVID-19, etc. Therefore, it could be seen that the team has comprehensive knowledge, and they are willing to share such knowledge with the clients and interested parties.’
‘Loreta Andziulyte always does an extraordinary job. In addition, she provides proper and honest guidance through the case, helping out wherever and whenever needed. In addition, Loreta provides quick and relevant advice regarding employment issues.’
‘Brigida Bacienė is very pragmatic, responsive, provides business-minded advice, and explains complex situations in an easily understandable way.’
‘Lina Bulovienė has excellent communication skills, sumptuous and welcoming behaviour, and immediate response to my company’s needs.’
Key clients
MAAS Aviation, UAB
Sezzle Lithuania, UAB
Lithuanian Association of Insurance Brokers
Transekspedicija, UAB
Chipita Poland Sp. z o.o.
DeVere E-Money, UAB
International Payment Union, UAB
BTC CORPORATION HOLDINGS PTY LTD
KAL ATM Software GmbH
Mokesčių srautas, UAB (Countline)
Majestic Financial, UAB
Transekspedicija, UAB
Okeo Payments, UAB
Binance, UAB
SCP Group, UAB
Phoenix payments, UAB
Valcoin, UAB
Work highlights
- Assisted MAAS Aviation with establishing a proper employment framework in Lithuania.
- Advised Sezzle Lithuania with taxation, employment and share option issues.
- Advised the Lithuanian Association of Insurance Brokers on specific employment issues that apply exclusively to brokerage firms.
Eversheds Saladžius (a member of Eversheds Sutherland)
Eversheds Saladžius (a member of Eversheds Sutherland) is regularly instructed on redundancies, HR policies, tax, immigration and data protection matters. Senior associate Neringa Bubnaityte is highly skilled in labour law and trade union issues and Justinas Usonis is experienced in restructuring and employee terminations.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
G4S
Postimees Grupp AS
Miss Group
Linava
Road transport sector companies
Work highlights
- Advised G4S in relation to a company reorganisation project and provided full scope related legal services, including complex legal assistance with business transfer matters.
- Acted for Postimees Grupp AS on the employment aspects of the establishment of a joint venture between UAB 15min, UAB BNS, controlled by Estonian company Postimees Grupp, and UAB Media bites.
- Advised LINAVA on practical guidelines for implementation of EU Mobility Package 1 in Lithuanian road transport sector.
GLIMSTEDT Bernotas & Partners
GLIMSTEDT Bernotas & Partners advises both employers and trade unions, with expertise in major restructurings, industrial relations, and dismissals. Corporate partner Aušra Maliauskaitė-Embrektė, who places a huge emphasis on employment matters, leads the team.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘It is great that our requests are taken care of in the prompt and professional way.’
‘Everyone from Glimstedt that I’ve worked with do their job good.’
Key clients
Continental Automotive Lithuania
State Forest Service under the Ministry of Environment
Grigeo Group
Asseco Group
Genius Sports
Aradas
Agroup
Velux
Vitral
VRK Holding
Paroc
Owens Corning
Schneider Electric
Embassy of Sweden in Lithuania
Precia Molen
Sitra Group
Alna Software/Reiz Tech
Milviteka
Work highlights
- Represented Trade Union of Medicine Sector of Panevėžys City in the class action employment case of 130 health care professionals against Republican Hospital of Panevėžys.
- Advised Asseco Group on the transfer of the group of employees in an intra-group restructuring.
- Assisted Grigeo Group in preparing the company’s management remuneration policy required for listed companies under the European Parliament and the Council Directive 2017/828 and the recent changes of Law on Companies of Republic of Lithuania.
PRIMUS Law Firm
PRIMUS Law Firm focuses on the employment aspects of major transactions and restructurings, as well as assisting with the day-to-day operations of employers. The team’s client base involves a number of multinational clients, particularly those based in Central Europe. Hospitality, IT and financial services are sector areas of note. Giedrė Dailidėnaitė and managing partner Robert Juodka oversee the team.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘The team is always available and very reliable in risk management, strategic planning.’
‘Primus always provides answers, not just sharing legal opinion.’
‘Prompt replies. Business awarness.’
Key clients
GrECo International Holding AG (Austria)
MICHELIN POLSKA S.A.
Novotel, IBIS Hotels
Menard
Elements Global Services
MARKETING INVESTMENT GROUP
BLUE BRIDGE GROUP
Finesta Baltic OÜ
Arrival (UK)
Work highlights
- Advised Marketing Investment Group in handling employment-related matters during COVID restrictions period.
- Acted for Greco International on the process of reorganisation and transformation of organisational structure as well as introduction of remuneration system.
- Advised NOVOTEL and IBIS hotel operators on various employee-related matters during pandemic restrictions.
TGS Baltic
TGS Baltic’s diverse workload ranges from assisting employers with major restructurings and litigation to assisting them with day-to-day HR and employment matters. Practice head Ieva Povilaitienė is well versed in employment matters and through her academic work has even been partially involved in the implementation of the new labour code of Lithuania. She is supported by associate and employment specialist Indrė Mažeikaitė.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Indrė Mažeikaitė
Testimonials
‘Our company faced various issues with employment law due to COVID-19 but fortunately TGS Baltic helped a lot to deal and solve our concerns. We valued TGS Baltic for its ability to answer all of our needs and find the most favorable solutions to our business and always provide answers in a timely manner. TGS Baltic’s employment team always do such a good and rapid job, they’re organised, strategic, sharp and they’ve always thought about every angle. TGS Baltic is exceptional because they always take the time to understand our business and strategy, also, provide best solutions in every situation when other law firms do not see any proper solution in difficult situations.’
‘Ieva Povilaitiene is extremely impressive and has an exceptional legal mind. She’s very easy to work with, has an immediate grasp of the situation, and provides pragmatic and balanced advice. Associate Indrė Mažeikaitė understands every given situation and view it from a practical point of view and provide practical legal solutions to our business needs. What really marks employment team out is their deep understanding of the employment law – they are the crème de la crème.’
Key clients
Coherent Solutions
Philip Morris
Modus Group
National Blood Center
Santos Dumont
Mambu
Klaipėdos Smeltė
Utenos trikotažas
SBA Modular
Wix.com
SBA Group
Work highlights
- Advised Philip Morris on the pan-Baltic implementation of the guidelines for remote work, improved and updated employment contracts, confidentiality agreements, and list of commercial secrets.
- Drafted policy of forming and changing work timetables for all SBA Group companies.
- Advised Mambu on implementing different on-call duty regimes and adapt it according to employees’ and the client’s different needs and expectations, as the client performs its’ business functions 24/7 regime.
Averus
Averus assists with contentious and non-contentious employment matters, with a particular focus on the transport, manufacturing and IT sectors. Jurgita Venckute leads the team and has been representing clients in disputes involving work accidents and disciplinary issues, as well as advising on immigration, remuneration, HR and other day-to-day matters.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Averus team is very flexible and innovative.’
‘They introduce the newest tendencies in the market and are offering solutions that are best for the business together minimizing the risks.’’
Key clients
J&C Aero
Lindstrom
Ergo
Scania
Ernst&Young
VET-1
Littler Mendelson
Antalis
ISM University of Management and Economics
NAOS
Work highlights
- Advised Ergo in an employment dispute with a former employee pertaining to the disciplinary termination.
- Represented Orion in a dispute with a former employee regarding a work accident.
- Advised Antalis on employment termination situations, disciplinary and performance matters, salary issues and protection of confidential information in employment relations.
LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas
Contentious matters are the key focus for LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas’s employment team. The group’s recent caseload has consisted of issues concerning payment, unfair dismissals, as well as unfair competition cases surrounding employees moving to competitors. Gintaras Balčiūnas and Marius Grajauskas oversee the team.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘A flexible team that performs assigned tasks perfectly, adapts to changing circumstances. Pleasant communication. The price corresponds to the quality.’
‘It is very easy and pleasant to work with Gintaras Balčiūnas. He is very competent, gives good advice and counseling.’
Key clients
KOGUS, UAB
Roche Lietuva, UAB
Transachema, Ltd
Work highlights
- Represented KOGUS, UAB in court against former CEO in an unlawful dismissal case.
- Represented UAB Roche Lietuva in an unfair competition dispute relating to the hiring of an employee from the competitor.
Triniti Jurex Law Firm
Triniti Jurex Law Firm has very broad employment expertise, and the team has been particularly active in assisting employers with major relocations, particularly across other European jurisdictions. Practice head Jurgita Judickienė and Karolina Laurynaite are both experienced in disputes.
Practice head(s):
Jurgita Judickienė; Karolina Laurynaitė
Testimonials
‘TRINITI JUREX team is very cooperative and able to listen to client‘s needs. The biggest team‘s value is an ability to provide professional solutions from the best experts in their fields. I can confidently state that TRINITI JUREX team can be trusted in a way to find the most effective solution in terms of quality, time and cost.’
‘I had an opportunity to work with Karolina Laurynaitė. She has a unique and practical experience in employment law and helped me to find the solutions in difficult situations.’
‘The strength of this company is a professional team focused on the client. Excellent and fast communication, help at any time, sets this company apart from other competitors and leads to long-term cooperation.’
‘Triniti Jurex employment team expert Karolina Laurynaitė handled non-compete negotiations with the company’s top employees. Such type of project required not only excellent legal knowledge as well business savvy mindset while balancing the company and star employees’ interests.’
Key clients
BOD lenses
European Humanities UniversityEuropean Humanities University
Specific-Group HondingSpecific-Group
WARGAMING
The Bank of Lithuania
Neste LietuvaNeste Oyj
Mills & Reeve LLP
Melon Fashion Group JSC
Helis play (Eneba)
TRINITI JUREX Lithuania Employment
Linas Agro GroupAB Linas Agro Group
Rimi LietuvaRimi Lietuva is part of Rimi Baltic Group
Vilniaus baldai
Light ConversionWorld
Littelfuse LT
Work highlights
- Advisd Wargaming on its relocation from Belarus to Lithuanis.
- Advised BOD lenses on strategic HR decisions.
- Advised European Humanities University on its remuneration system.