The below table includes both legal advisers and law firms.
Commercial, corporate and M&A in Monaco
A.L.F.A. (Associated Legal & Fiscal Advisors)
Legal advisers
A popular choice for international law firm referrals, A.L.F.A. (Associated Legal & Fiscal Advisors) houses a diverse corporate and commercial practice, which is particularly prominent in banking and finance matters. Other sweet spots include insurance and real estate. Mireille Chauvet is widely recognised as a market leader for banking. Jean-Pierre Campana is also a key contact.
Work highlights
- Acted for the seller of a Monaco subsidiary in coordination with a foreign law firm.
- Advised an international bank on the local aspects of a $23.5m syndicated term-loan facility agreement.
CMS Pasquier Ciulla Marquet Pastor & Svara
Law firm
CMS Pasquier Ciulla Marquet Pastor Svara & Gazo’s comprehensive offering draws on the firm’s standalone practices in banking and finance, business and investments, real estate and construction and employment. The group’s broad industry focus makes it a favourite with local start-ups through to major global banks, while its international network provides significant cross-border capacity. Olivier Marquet and Stephan Pastor are noted for banking and investment matters. Sophie Marquet leads the real estate and employment groups.
Testimonials
‘CMS is well known in Monaco for their professionalism and knowledge in broad areas.’
‘Their strength resides in their capacity to state/describe the issue and then propose solutions with pragmatism and professionalism.’
‘The individuals I work with at CMS are very conscientious and attentive. They are also very committed to deadlines and are able to react quickly.’
Key clients
HSBC
DL Corporate & Regulatory
Legal advisers
DL Corporate & Regulatory
’s broad corporate and commercial practice is dominant in M&A, banking and sports law. The group, which has close referral relationships with major global law firms, also sets itself apart through its strong record in multi-jurisdictional transactions. Managing partner Remi Delforge
is widely acknowledged as a leader for banking M&A. Associate Vincent de Bonnafos is noted for his growing regulatory practice.
Key clients
Baker McKenzie
Linklaters
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Clifford Chance
Allen & Overy
Automobile Club de Monaco
Watson Farley & Williams
DLA Piper
Work highlights
- Advised Automobile Club de Monaco on the organisation of Monaco motorsport events for the 2019 season of Formula 1, Formula E and WRC Rally.
Donald Manasse Law Offices
Legal advisers
Donald Manasse Law Offices is a compact firm, which provides ‘very sophisticated advice’. The group is best known for its expertise in banking and finance, where it acts for several global financial institutions. It is also well versed in asset recovery, IP and dispute resolution. Founding partner Donald Manasse is highly regarded for financial services matters.
Testimonials
‘Very sophisticated advice; unusually so for a small firm.’
‘Donald Manasse is a leader in his field and supremely experienced in Monaco litigation. He has worked with us on a complicated case and has been a great assistance in navigating the waters of the Monaco courts, as well as liaising with local banks in relation to the unlocking of accounts.’
‘Donald is clear and straightforward in his advice. You know where you stand and can take decisions accordingly. He understands the underlying business needs and translates advice in to actionable outcomes.’
Key clients
BNP Paribas UK
BorgWarner
Credit Suisse
National Bank Trust Russian Federation
Work highlights
- Represented a property owner’s association in France seeking to prevent the sale of a landmark chateau.
HFW
Legal advisers
In a significant coup, HFW launched in Monaco in 2019, with the hire of a three-partner team from Ince led by office managing partner Ian Cranston. A strong player in cross-border matters, the shipping-focused group also includes yacht specialist Andrew Charlier and up-and-coming partner Marco Crusafio.
Law Offices of Jean-Charles S. Gardetto
Law firm
Distinguished by its international focus, Law Offices of Jean-Charles S. Gardetto acts for a multitude of multinational corporations and banks, with its recent highlights spanning work for clients based in France, Switzerland, Qatar and Russia. Managing partner Jean-Charles Gardetto has a strong record in commercial litigation and foreign investment matters.
Testimonials
‘The firm stands out for its ability to understand and deal with complex legal issues.’
‘It responds quickly and competently to requests.’
‘Jean-Charles Gardetto is one of the rare Monaco lawyers able to deal with M&A and financing issues.’
‘Gardetto has been involved in Monaco politics for some time and is very well connected.’
‘As Gardetto is US-educated and visits the US on a regular basis, his approach to the practice of law in Monaco has changed the very traditional way that Monaco lawyers deal with their clients.’
BERGONZI LAW FIRM
Law firm
Handling an array of regulatory, transactional and contentious matters, Etude Régis Bergonzi is particularly well versed in banking regulation. Régis Bergonzi oversees a group which counts clients from the financial services and luxury goods industries among its key clients.
Tempest Legal Services
Legal advisers
At Tempest Legal Services, clients operating within the regulated industries provide the bulk of instructions. The team consistently advises banks, asset managers, insurance companies and brokers on a mix of transactional and regulatory matters. Managing partner Nathalie Tanzi specialises in cross-border issues relating to the selling of financial products.
ZABALDANO AVOCATS
Law firm
The multi-disciplinary group at ZABALDANO Avocat Defenseur focuses on civil and criminal litigation. Managing partner Arnaud Zabaldano heads a diverse team that includes senior associate Cécile Peltier-Gauci, who heads the real estate and construction practice, and senior associate Nicolas Robert, who leads the corporate, commercial and M&A team.
Practice head(s):
Arnaud Cheynut; Sophie Couturier; Cecile Peltier Gauci; Nicolas Robert; Valerie Mufraggi; Arnaud Zabaldano; Valerie Zoccola
Testimonials
‘The practice is efficient, intelligent and has a high level of expertise.’
‘The firm distinguishes itself by being independent and commercially minded in their working method to fulfil objectives and expectations.’
‘Arnaud Zabaldano is creative, knowledgeable and energetic, but above all very committed to his clients.’