Hall Of Fame

Leading Individuals

Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Shipping and transport

ILAW LEXTAL's practice is led by the triumvirate of Vilius Mačiulaitis, Ingrida Steponavičienė and Arūnas Šidlauskas. The team advises local and multinational transportation and logistics clients on transactional matters and employment disputes.

Shipping and transport in Lithuania

Averus

Averus' 'excellent' practice is highly regarded for its expertise in shipping and aviation law. On the shipping side, the group acts for shipbuilders, repair companies, cargo firms, and state seaport authorities, and has a solid track record in handling complex disputes. In the aviation space, the team regularly represents asset managers, leasing companies, and Lithuanian airlines in a range of work, including transactional matters. Practice co-head Regina Derkintytė-Kaupienė is a maritime law expert, while practice co-head Laura Čereškaitė-Kinčiuvienė has extensive expertise in aviation law. Ignas Kerbelis and Greta Motiejuniene are singled out for their contributions.

Practice head(s):

Regina Derkintyte-Kaupiene; Laura Cereskaite-Kinciuviene


Other key lawyers:

Ignas Kerbelis; Greta Motiejuniene; Sigita Klimkiene


Testimonials

‘Very personal approach with huge amount of focus on each individual issue. You don’t feel like working with a typical legal team where every minute is billed, but you feel the concern and care for the solution to be found ASAP.’

‘The best thing comparing to other companies is human-to-human contact. There is a lot more creativity involved to find a perfect solution.’

‘Excellent service, truly care for your business.’

Key clients

Danes perlas, UAB


Baltijos pervežimai, UAB


Magnetic Parts Trading Limited


Heston Aviation


Aero Norway, AS


Jump Air, UAB


Carlyle Aviation Partners


Silberauto, AS


SIA Marine Underwriting Services


Towmar Baltic, UAB


Scania Finans Aktiebolag Lietuvos filialas


ITF Lithuania


Nurminen Maritime, UAB


Litana ir Ko, UAB


MAI Baltics, UADBB


Topada, UAB


Marine Legal Bureau OÜ


Rhenus svoris, UAB


Autonomas, UAB


SIDC PASSER GROUP, UAB


Compensa Vienna Insurance Group, ADB


TransRental UAB


First Logistics, UAB


Zenko International


JSC Europe stabilizers UAB


Diesel Service Group UAB


CF&S Lithuania UAB


Lindstrom, UAB


Manvesta, UAB


Klaipeda State Seaport Authority


Sventoji Seaport Authority


Arijus, UAB


Ateities logistika UAB


Work highlights


  • Assisted Heston Airlines with leasing two Airbus A321CEO aircrafts from Condor.
  • Advised Sventoji Seaport Authority on operations concerning its newly established port.
  • Advising Colibri Aero on a financing matter in Lithuania for the acquisition of two aircraft engines.

Ellex

Ellex fields a large team with established expertise in handling a broad range of transport sector matters. The group handles transactions, regulatory and compliance matters, company structuring and financings, and dispute resolution for clients in the aviation, shipping, rail and road sectors, and is highly regarded for its strength in advising on EU law and sanctions matters in the space. Practice head Dovilė Greblikienė has extensive experience in shipping law, and is active on LNG and oil and gas work. Ramunas Petravičius is a key name for infrastructure mandates, Giedrius Stasevicius is active in the aviation sector, and Vilija Vaitkute Pavan is well versed in handling transport and shipping disputes.

Practice head(s):

Dovilė Greblikienė


Other key lawyers:

Ramūnas Petravičius; Giedrius Stasevičius; Vilija Vaitkute Pavan


Testimonials

‘Good collaboration.’

‘Ellex has complex and extensive experience, knows the national regulation as well as marine legislation and regulation. The best legal partner to be chosen for vessel registration in the Lithuanian ship register.’

‘Quality work and speed in resolving issues.’

Key clients

Kamida Group


Vlantana


Sunwing Airlines Inc.


Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Lithuania


Klaipedos nafta, AB


CityBee


BMW


Bolt


Iveco


ediutaVolvo


Abeking & Rasmussen Schiffs – und Yachtwerft SE


Modus Group


Prime Leasing


UAB Integre Trans


SĮ „Susisiekimo paslaugos“


Achmea Schadeverzekeringen


Engine Lease Finance Corporation


AerCap Ireland Limited


DSV Lithuania UAB


Skinest


AB ORLEN Lietuva


Avion Express UAB


Klaipeda Seaport Authority


Baltic Sea Properties


Girteka Logistics, UAB


Work highlights


  • Advising Klaipėdos nafta on aspects of acquiring a floating storage regasification unit.
  • Representing the Republic of Lithuania in an ongoing case brought before the Court of Justice of the European Union against the provisions of the Mobility Package potentially violating the EU law.
  • Advised European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on a secured loan of up to EUR 38,23 million for financing the renewal of the entire Vilnius trolleybus fleet.

Sorainen

Viewed as ‘nothing short of exceptional’Sorainen's team has an excellent track record in handling matters for clients in the rail, road, aviation and shipping sectors. The group's workload includes aircraft leasing, transactional matters, entrances into the Lithuanian market and ship mortgages, as well has advising on regulatory and compliance issues. Construction and infrastructure matters are another key driver of work for the team. Daivis Švirinas co-heads the practice with Vaiva MašidlauskienėSvetlana Rudaja is another key practitioner.

Practice head(s):

Daivis Švirinas; Vaiva Mašidlauskienė


Other key lawyers:

Svetlana Rudaja


Testimonials

‘Sorainen is a strong law firm in the Baltic states with a particularly impressive presence in Lithuania. The firm provide top level legal assistance.’

‘I work with Vaiva Mašidlauskienė since she is an outspoken expert on shipping and transport matters, including ship mortgage law.’

‘This is a professional team, which provides solutions to our problems.’

‘Working with Sorainen means always know that everything will be done in time and with exceptional accuracy. They approach the task responsibly, assessing risks that we could not even think of, and also comprehensively analyze the situation, attracting the necessary specialists who are professionals in their field. Always adhere to the established deadlines and work ahead of the curve.’

‘It is worth to mention Vaiva Mašidlauskienė, whose outstanding work helps us a lot during our cooperation.’

‘Quick responses by lawyers to inquiries and detailed consultations are provided.’

‘I have been collaborating with Sorainen for many years, and our partnership has been nothing short of exceptional. Our relationship extends beyond professional engagements and reflects a strong bond built on trust and mutual respect.’

‘Vaiva Mašidlauskienė is a highly accomplished lawyer specialising in logistics, corporate matters and litigation. Her unique combination of expertise, dedication, and innovative thinking consistently distinguishes her.’

Key clients

Nova Post


Mogo LT


Vinted Go


Toyota Baltic AS


UAB “Finėjas”


DP World Commodities and Logistics FZE


Lietuvos geležinkeliai (Lithuanian railways)


AB LTG Infra


Willis Lease Finance Corporation


Ionity GmbH


Baltic Workboats


Towmar


DHL Lietuva


AB Kelių priežiūra


Wizz Air Hungary Ltd.


Uber B.V.


Nissan Nordic Europe Oy


GetJet Airlines


Auto 100 A/S


Work highlights


  • Acted as Lithuanian legal counsel to Vinted Go, specifically on regulatory and contractual matters, concerning Vinted Go’s acting as intermediary for shipment of parcels.

Cobalt

At Cobalt, the team is highly regarded for its expertise in transport law, and is recognised for its strength in handling cross-border transport disputes, often involving customs and delay, damage, or loss of cargo issues. The client base includes transport, logistics and insurance companies. Practice head Vaidas Mackonis brings over 15 years of experience advising on transport and regulatory matters. Managing associate Nerijus Jurkus, who assists with customs and tax issues, is a key name.

Practice head(s):

Vaidas Mackonis


Other key lawyers:

Nerijus Jurkus


Testimonials

‘The team were very professional and kind.’

‘Knowledge, readiness to help, communication skills.’

Key clients

Kuehne + Nagel, UAB


Alpi Baltika, UAB


Lithuanian National Road Carriers Association LINAVA


TOKIO MARINE KILN INSURANCE LIMITED


UAB “BTL Group“


Helvetia Assurances SA


UAB “BRETALITA”


UAB “Transfera”


AB Lietuvos geležinkeliai (Lithuanian railways)


Litlumber Group OU


Air Baltic Corporation A/S


FlixBus Polska sp. z o.o. / UAB FlixBus Lithuania


TollNet a.s.


UAB Serfas


Blue/Yellow


Work highlights


  • Acting for ALPI Baltika, UAB in a dispute regarding the theft of computer hardware during the carriage of goods by road.

Noewe

The shipping and transport team at Noewe acts for an established client base of domestic and international companies in the logistics, construction and transport sectors, advising on public procurement, customs, compliance and regulatory and contentious matters. The group is also adept at assisting clients with entering into the Lithuanian market. Robert Juodka heads up the practice; Tomas Venckus is singled out for his experience in advising on PPPs. Senior associates Jaroslav Pavlovskij and Greta Bagdanavičiūtė are also names to note.

Practice head(s):

Robert Juodka


Other key lawyers:

Tomas Venckus; Jaroslav Pavlovski; Greta Bagdanavičiūtė


Key clients

DB Schenker


MICHELIN


BRIDGESTONE Corp.


Ziya Nehir Lojistik Ticaret AS


Mirbud SA


ZUE SA


VOGLERS


ELKE Group (TOYOTA, LEXUS)


LUX EXPRESS OÜ


TILTS SIA /MO-24


World Baltic Trade, UAB


Work highlights


  • Provides ongoing advice to DB Schenker on transport law, disputes, management issues and matters of customs warehousing in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Belarus and Ukraine.
  • Representing Michelin and its Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian subsidiaries in a broad range of transport law matters.
  • Advising Bridgestone on regulatory matters concerning, among other areas, cross-border tyre haulage and customs law in Lithuania.

WALLESS

WALLESS has a strong track record in handling aviation financing, which is a key area of strength for practice co-head Gediminas Reciunas. Reciunas brings over 20 years of experience in advising on cross-border aircraft financing and leasing matters, however the department is equally adept at advising on a broad range of transport sector issues, including related competition and regulatory matters. Practice co-head Laura Ziferman and Marius Dobilas bring expertise in advising on public procurement and competition issues, often relating to major regional rail and road infrastructure projects. Enrika Tamasauskaite is a name to note for aviation finance.

Practice head(s):

Gediminas Reciunas; Laura Ziferman


Other key lawyers:

Enrika Tamasauskaite; Marius Dobilas


Key clients

AerCap


Avolon


DAT


Girteka


PK AirFinance


Elecnor


Lietuvos oro uostai (Lithuanian Airports)


CALC


Aviator


Orion Leasing


Work highlights


  • Advising Vilnius City Municipality on the reconstruction of Vilnius Railway Station complex, Central Station Square and Public Transport (Bus) Terminal owned by Lithuanian Railways and Vilnius City.
  • Advising a consortium of Elecnor and Instalaciones Inabensa on the implementation of a EUR360 million contract for electrification works of a railway section.

Šulija Partners Law Firm Vilnius

Šulija Partners Law Firm Vilnius focuses primarily on handling aviation sector mandates, with an established track record in advising on aircraft acquisitions, sales, and leases. Under the leadership of Gintautas Šulija, the team often acts on behalf of foreign multinationals, private investors, leasing companies and airlines. Senior associate Eduard Plešak brings expertise in assisting with international trade matters and disputes.

Practice head(s):

Gintautas Šulija


Other key lawyers:

Eduard Plešak


Testimonials

‘The most experienced and professional lawyers for any high-value commercial transactions with a special focus on aviation. The lawyers have assisted us on numerous aircraft leasing and financing transactions and have proved themselves to be very efficient and result-orientated lawyers. Billing is always clear and transparent, the law firm is open to agreeing a fixed rate for a particular assignment, which makes us foresee the legal costs in advance.’

Key clients

UAB “GetJet Airlines”


Investec Bank Plc


Toncrest Ltd


Northern Aviation Management Limited


Aeroassets Management Limited


Airhub Airlines Limited


Platant Limited


CastleLake


Macquarie AirFinance


Aviatic MRO


UAB “Plieniniai sparnai”


Elix Aviation (Abelo)


Airhub Aviation Ltd.


Airhub Aviation FZE


Work highlights


  • Advising Airhub Airlines Limited, an airline based in Malta, on the leasing and subleasing of an aircraft.
  • Advising Macquaire AirFinance and Castlelake L.P. on the restructuring of Avion Express.
  • Advising a Lithuanian leasing company on the purchase and further lease to a Kazakh airline of two CFM56-3 aircraft engines.

Eversheds Saladžius (a member of Eversheds Sutherland)

Eversheds Saladžius (a member of Eversheds Sutherland)'s practice acts for a solid client base of public and private clients in the transport sector. Practice co-head Sigitas Groblys fields expertise in handling cross-border transactions, acquisition finance, and real estate-related construction projects. Practice co-head Justinas Usonis brings experience in advising on road transport and employment matters. Associate Arnoldas Jokubaitis is a key name for contentious work.

Practice head(s):

Sigitas Groblys; Justinas Usonis


Other key lawyers:

Arnoldas Jokubaitis


Key clients

Turkish Airlines


Maersk


TNT/FedEx


Hoptransa


Work highlights


  • Acts as longstanding counsel to the Turkish Airlines branch in Lithuania on employment, data protection, commercial, real estate and contentious matters.
  • Advising international courier delivery service provider TNT/ Fedex on a range of matters pertaining to its activities in Lithuania.
  • Acts as longstanding counsel to Danish shipping agency Maersk on various corporate, employment and other legal matters.

LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas

LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas continues to assist stevedoring company KLASCOS with a broad range of legal matters, as well as acting as counsel to logistics companies, freight forwarders and shipping entities. Recent work for the team includes handling contractual matters relating to trading issues with Ukraine. Disputes expert Vaidas Radvila heads up the practice, and is ably supported by Gintaras Balciunas and Gintaras Stankevičius.

Practice head(s):

Vaidas Radvila


Other key lawyers:

Gintaras Balčiūnas; Gintaras Stankevičius


Testimonials

‘LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas provides services and consultations faster than we expect, its comments and advice are effective, professional, and helpful in all cases.’

‘The most experienced and professional lawyer in the firm in our opinion is Gintaras Balciunas, with whom we are working directly.’

Key clients

Klaipėdos laivų remontas UAB


Unifiedpost UAB


Indeco Investment and Development UAB


KLASCO AB


ECOIL UAB


Krovinių terminalas UAB


Lit-Invest UAB


Samus UAB


Ost express UAB


Work highlights


  • Provides ongoing advice to KLASCO on the negotiation of contracts for the loading and transportation of wind power plant components, which will be manufactured in the Klaipėda seaport area leased by KLASCO.
  • Provides ongoing advice to Klaipėdos laivų remontas UAB on its international and local operations, including national and international shipping matters, which often entails representing the client in negotiations and disputes.

Verum Law

The team at Verum Law focuses on logistics sector disputes, and the firm is well known for being a member of LINEKA, the Lithuanian Association of Forwarders and Logistics. Practice head Mindaugas Šimkūnas is highly regarded for his expertise in transport law. Albertas Buta handles regulatory, contractual and contentious transport matters.

Practice head(s):

Mindaugas Šimkūnas


Other key lawyers:

Albertas Buta


Testimonials

‘Very clear billing system, very good knowledge, active in logistics sector and associations. Professionals in transport and logistics, personal contact, always available, fast time of reaction.’

‘Highly professional, very good communication skills, very good knowledge of the transport and logistics market and laws.’

‘Their customer-focused business style and thoughtful approach to work often exceeds our expectations.’

Key clients

Nunner Logistics, UAB


DHL Logistics Lietuva, UAB


Rhenus logistics, UAB


Vinted, UAB


ACE logistics, UAB


Autolink, UAB


Litcargo, UAB


Treka, UAB


Elfanta, UAB


Transfera Logistics, OU


DLG, UAB


Work highlights


  • Successfully represented Vilniaus ekspedicija, UAB in the Supreme Court of Lithuania in a case concerning payment for cargo transportation.
  • Representing Lithuanian forwarding company Nunner Logistics, UAB in a dispute regarding the loss of cargo, valued at over EUR 600.000,00.