Regional law firm BDK Advokati also has offices in Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It fields specialists in finance, corporate, M&A, and regularly advises the Montenegrin government on energy projects. Luka Popović is particularly focused on the hospitality and gaming sectors; senior associate Bisera Andrijašević is a competition law expert; and associate Jelena Brajković is experienced in litigation, employment law and IP. Providing key support from Belgrade, senior partner Dragoljub Cibulić is a specialist in greenfield real estate, energy and infrastructure projects, and managing partner Tijana Kojović is a transactions, regulatory and dispute resolution expert.
Leading firms in Montenegro
BDK Advokati
Practice head(s):
Luka Popović; Dragoljub Cibulić
Other key lawyers:
Bisera Andrijašević; Jelena Brajković; Tijana Kojović
Key clients
Government of Montenegro
Société Générale
QTerminals
ING Bank N.V., Belgian Branch
Montenegrin transmission system operator (CGES)
NDC Asia Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the Government of Montenegro on a power purchase agreement with the developers of a solar power plant.
- Advised the Government of Montenegro on its negotiations with Germany’s WPD, which concerned the development of a 100MW wind power plant project.
- Advised NDC Asia on the proposed acquisition of a holding company, which related to immovable assets in Montenegro, including hotels and a casino.
Harrisons Solicitors
Harrisons Solicitors stands out for being the only English law firm in Montenegro. The team is particularly noted for its experience in banking, real estate and major tourism projects. Head of the Podgorica office, senior associate Milan Keker practices primarily in banking and finance, corporate law and M&A, restructuring and insolvency, real estate, and energy (particularly renewables). In Serbia, honorary legal adviser to the British Ambassador to Montenegro, Mark Harrison, specialises in high-profile transactions in the region, particularly those involving governments; and consultant Goran Martinovic is experienced in high-profile tourism sector-related foreign investments.
Practice head(s):
Mark Harrison; Milan Keker
Other key lawyers:
Goran Martinovic
Key clients
Adriatic Marinas (Porto Montenegro)
Lustica Development (Orascom)
EU Delegation Montenegro
Fortenova Grupa d.d.
IFC
Credit Suisse
EBRD
Heta Asset Finance
CGES
Volvo
Corporacion America Airports (CAAP)
Navblue SAS (Airbus)
DEG
ARI – Aer Rianta International (Ireland)
OTP Bank
Dahlem
Styria Media International
Vantage Drilling International (USA)
British Embassy Montenegro
Work highlights
- Acted as Montenegrin legal counsel to Corporacion America Airports on the pre-qualification phase of the tender for a 30-year concession contract to run international airports in Podgorica and Tivat.
- Advised Fortenova Grupa on a restructuring matter.
- Advised Credit Suisse on a €250m facility agreement between the Republic of Montenegro (borrower) the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (guarantor), and Credit Suisse (London Branch), Crnogorska komercijalna banka AD Podgorica and Société Générale (lenders).
Moravcevic Vojnovic and Partners in cooperation with Schoenherr
The Podgorica office of 'go-to' international law firm Moravcevic Vojnovic and Partners in cooperation with Schoenherr is highly rated for its experience in advising national and international clients on significant Montenegro-related projects, disputes, corporate, M&A and finance transactions. It is active in energy, real estate and IP matters. Locally based attorney Ana Vukčević is a well-regarded member of the firm's real estate, dispute resolution, energy and regulatory practice groups, and is supported by associates Luka Veljović and Petar Vučinić. Slaven Moravčević leads the firm from Belgrade.
Practice head(s):
Slaven Moravčević
Other key lawyers:
Ana Vukčević; Luka Veljović; Petar Vučinić; Miloš Laković; Nikola Babić; Jelena Bezarević Pajić; Ivana Panić; Jovan Barović
Testimonials
‘A go-to firm – a great practice in every respect.‘
‘A highly responsive, extremely approachable and responsible team that pays attention to every detail in terms of both content and form – everything they do makes them unique in the market.‘
‘Definitely stands out among competitors thanks to the firm’s expertise and ability to handle multiple projects flawlessly at the same time.‘
‘This practice has the ideal balance of the experience of older members and the enthusiasm of the younger ones. In this way they represent a great combination and a guarantee that each problem will be analysed professionally; it also means that each issue will receive all the necessary attention and time.‘
‘Definitely stands out from the competition in the Montenegrin market because of the many national and international projects they are involved in. It is a first-class corporate law firm with a remarkable team of experts. Their strengths include high-quality legal skills, professionalism, dedication, and problem-solving abilities. When it comes to responsiveness and availability for a client, they are unique in the market; they also represent great value for money.‘
‘Attorney at law Ana Vukčević stands out as a diligent, truly competent and dedicated young lawyer. Her knowledge of the energy sector is impressive, which results in effortless and pleasant co-operation. I am always glad when I work with a professional like Ana.‘
‘Ana Vukčević adapts to changing circumstances and finds effective solutions to problems in the shortest possible time.‘
‘Associate Luka Veljović is very attentive to detail and professional. He is also very hardworking and a good team player, which I admire a lot. Luka is additionally always responsive to all of our issues and very practical. He is a great asset to the legal team.‘
Key clients
State of Montenegro
Enemalta plc
Shanghai Electric Power
ICBC Austria Bank GmbH
Mozura Wind Park doo Podgorica
Elektroprivreda Crne Gore AD Nikšić (EPCG)
Fortum Finland
KKR
United Group
Banca IMI, S.p.A. – London Branch
Citigroup Global Markets Limited
Erste Group Bank AG
Société Générale
Spic Ronghe International (Montenegro) Limited d.o.o. Podgorica
Enel Global Trading
Deutsche Bank AG
Société Générale
Ludwig Pfeiffer Hoch & Tiefbau GmbH & Co KG
BNP Paribas – Sucafina
UniCredit Bank Serbia JSC
Daimler AG
Generali CEE Holding B.V.
EB Erste Bank Internationale Beteiligungen GmbH
Serbia Broadband – Srpske Kablovske Mreze d.o.o. Belgrade (SBB)
United Link d.o.o. Belgrade
Volkswagen Financial Services AG
Novi Volvox
Direct Media
Atena Bohor
CROWE MNE
Work highlights
- Defended the State of Montenegro against an UNCITRAL arbitration, which was commenced by Russian billionaire Oleg Vladimirovich Deripaska and related to an aluminium plant.
- Advised Fortum Finland and EPCG on the development of a 200MW solar power plant, which, reportedly, is projected to become the largest solar power plant in Europe.
- Advised the joint lead managers on the State of Montenegro’s issuance of a €500m bond.
CMS
International law firm CMS is particularly well-known in the Montenegrin market for its enviable expertise in banking and finance. The team also fields specialists in real estate and construction, as well as the hotels and leisure sectors. Belgrade and Podgorica managing partner Radivoje Petrikić has longstanding experience in major commercial and M&A transactions, along with development projects throughout the CEE region; and experienced partner Milica Popović heads the banking and finance teams in both Belgrade and Podgorica.
Practice head(s):
Radivoje Petrikić; Milica Popović
Other key lawyers:
Tamara Samardžija
Key clients
European Investment Bank
EVN
WTE
OTP Bank Group
Luštica Development AD
DDM Group
Ocean Montenegro d.o.o. Bar
Schlumberger
Iberdrola Ingenieria y Construccion S.A.U.
MoneyGram
ZTE Corporation
Capital Plaza
Citibank
Lukoil
Fragomen Global LLP
Work highlights
- Advises EIB on sovereign lending and guarantees in Montenegro.
- Acts for the local companies of one of the largest energy suppliers in Europe on disputes surrounding high-value investment projects in Montenegro, particularly wastewater treatment plants and desalinisation plants.
- Acting for OTP Bank Group on the financing of a large real estate project, which concerns Montenegro’s Luštica Bay.
Joksovic, Stojanovic & Partners
'With vast experience in commercial and company law', Joksovic, Stojanovic & Partners advises both foreign investors and public sector clients on Montenegro-related matters. The team specialises in real estate and corporate law, along with dispute resolution and tourism-related work. The Montenegrin desk is led by 'outstanding legal expert' and senior partner Petar Stojanovic, who is highly rated for M&A, foreign direct investment and privatisation. Promoted to partner in 2020, Goran Vučić regularly advises on large-scale transactions.
Practice head(s):
Petar Stojanovic
Other key lawyers:
Goran Vucic; Tamara Milinković
Testimonials
‘Joksovic, Stojanovic & Partners is a law firm that is unique for its presentation of legal matters as realistically as possible, without any embellishment. Such an approach develops a relationship of mutual trust and confidence, which benefits both the lawyer and the client.‘
‘JSP has vast experience in business, commercial and company law, which enables it to provide proper and timely legal advice to all its clients, especially in relation to big investment projects in Montenegro.‘
‘We engage JSP for high-level, complex issues. We are always provided with legal advice that is to the point and offers viable solutions.’
‘The firm’s experienced lawyers understand the issues in question and provide timely advice.‘
‘Petar Stojanovic combines in-depth knowledge of many key areas of law with a pragmatic, goal-driven approach.‘
‘Petar Stojanovic is an outstanding legal expert.‘
Key clients
Government of Montenegro
Qatari Diar
Mercury Group
Nelt Co. Alkemy SPA
Teknox – Caterpillar
To To Montenegro (Member of Meridian Gaming Group)
Renault Nissan
Montecco
Work highlights
- Advised Qatari Diar’s Montenegrin subsidiary on the development of a major real estate and tourism project in Montenegro.
- Advised the Government of Montenegro on the implementation of a contract for the construction of the Bar-Boljare highway, which is (reportedly) the largest infrastructure project in Montenegro.
- Advised on a prospective investment involving the development of a tourist complex.
Karanovic & Partners in cooperation with local lawyers
'Always available for its clients', Karanovic & Partners in cooperation with local lawyers 'delivers quality advice' to both domestic and international clients in relation to corporate and commercial services, real estate matters, and banking and finance and infrastructure finance transactions. The team is also particularly noted for its experience in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Recently promoted to partner, Montenegrin practice leader Milena Pejović has over 16 years' experience in corporate and commercial matters.
Practice head(s):
Milena Pejović
Testimonials
‘The team is always on time and provides valuable feedback on the local laws.‘
‘The team is always available for its clients and delivers quality advice, even to tight deadlines.‘
‘They are willing to go the extra mile for clients, think outside of the box, and bring practical solutions to the table.‘
‘They have very deep knowledge, understand the questions and are able to give efficient answer that are comprehensible.‘
‘Milena Pejović has very high levels of knowledge.‘
‘Milena Pejović is an excellent attorney at law. She has a practical approach to legal matters and is always trying to find creative solutions; she also has deep knowledge of both local legislation and the practices of the competent authorities.‘
Key clients
Ernst & Young Montenegro
Finance in Motion
Sterling & Wilson
Akuo Energy
V.A.S. Invest
Enabling Qapital
Energean Montenegro
Iberdrola Ingeniería y Construccion
Podgorička banka, member of OTP Group
Inditex Group
Work highlights
- Advised Akuo Energy on the development of a wind farm.
- Advised Energean on a bidding round for the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons in Montenegro (offshore).
- Advised Sterling and Wilson on the development of a 250MW solar power plant.
NKO Partners
'Providing good value for money', NKO Partners is 'very knowledgeable in local law and very timely in its responses'. The practice fields experts in corporate law and high-profile transactions, including M&A, restructuring, MBOs, takeover bids, joint ventures and privatisation matters. Podgorica office manager Djordje Ivanovic is particularly active in construction, telecoms and banking industry work, and together with energy, telecoms and pharmaceutical sector expert, Djuro Otasevic, co-heads the firm's corporate and commercial department.
Practice head(s):
Djuro Otasevic; Djordje Ivanovic
Testimonials
‘We use this law firm for all of our corporate and regulatory needs. It is very knowledgeable in local law and very timely in its responses despite the time zone difference.‘
‘They provide both good value for money and good legal advice. They also speak English very well, which helps their international clients who do not speak the local language.‘
Key clients
INA
Actavis Pharmaceuticals
Japan Tobacco International
Galenika A.D.
Cogent Communications
Prysmian Powerlink
European Molecular Biology Laboratory
Deloitte Montenegro
Solibay Capital Partners
Tendam Group
Work highlights
- Advised the Montenegrin arm of a large Croatian oil and gas company, on various corporate, commercial, real estate, competition and regulatory issues.
- Advised Actavis Pharmaceuticals on its operations in Montenegro, including negotiating agreements, competition law and regulatory issues, among others.
- Advised Japan Tobacco International on various legal issues, which concern its operations in Montenegro, including the implications of newly enacted regulations.
Bojovic Draškovic Popovic & Partners
The Montenegrin desk team at Bojovic Draškovic Popovic & Partners is highly rated for its range of expertise. Areas include corporate, commercial and M&A. Practice head Vuk Drašković, is primarily focused on finance, employment law, regulatory matters and M&A. Drašković is also experienced in the natural resources, food and beverage, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and public sectors.
Practice head(s):
Vuk Drašković
Other key lawyers:
Uroš Popović; Mario Kijanović; Miloš Andrejević
Testimonials
‘The firm has incredible legal professionals and reliable partners. We have worked with them on several cross-border projects involving Serbia and Montenegro and they are our lawyers of first choice.‘
‘They have great legal knowledge and an international mindset, while also understanding the local specifics – the whole team is great! They are responsive trusted advisers you can always count on!‘
‘A highly reliable partner to collaborate with or instruct in relation to M&A projects that involve international elements. The team is highly intelligent and experienced, and their command of the English language is akin to native speakers.‘
‘The team is very responsive and stands out in the Montenegro market for its expertise.‘
‘I would particularly point out the expertise of Vuk Drašković.‘
Key clients
EOS Matrix Montenegro
AC Nielsen Montenegro
Dentons
Signify
The Walt Disney Company
Labena
Mace Montenegro
Samsung
Tenth Planet
Philips
Work highlights
- Advised The Walt Disney Company on its broadcasting licence, as well as the approval for the provision of on-demand audio-visual media services.
- Advised Dentons Poland/Tata Communications on a connected car project, which involved an eSIM-based solution for Jaguar Land Rover vehicles.
- Provides general corporate support to AC Nielsen Montenegro.
Doklestic Repic & Gajin
Full-scale commercial law firm Doklestic Repic & Gajin opened its local office in Podgorica in late 2019. Clients benefit from substantial cross-departmental support from the firm’s corporate, commercial and M&A, competition, and real estate teams. Corporate and commercial head, Marko Repic is also a dispute resolution leader, and attorney at law Danilo Radulovic heads the Montenegro office.
Practice head(s):
Slobodan Doklestic; Marko Repic; Danilo Radulovic
Other key lawyers:
Ljubinka Pljevaljcic
Testimonials
‘This is a very unique law firm, which comprises legal experts with great backgrounds. They are well organised, co-ordinated and work well as a team.‘
‘The law firm comprises young people, who know all about modern business and are the best choice for our company.‘
‘DRG has hardworking legal experts that provide us with a full legal service. The legal team is highly motivated and always available to help in short periods of time, which marks the difference between them and others.‘
‘This team is great. The lawyers are professional and always available for any kind of issue we have. Their responses are also very quick and helpful; we have had a great experience working with them.‘
‘The team is very professional and responsive. They cover all relevant fields of business law and always provide proficient advice alongside efforts to develop hands-on solutions to any given issue.‘
‘This practice is unique due to its professional and responsible relationship with clients; at any time during the week, including weekends, we can contact them, and they are available for us. Their experience and knowledge is there for all to see.‘
‘Attorney at law Danilo Radulovic is a very educated, professional and responsible person, and we are very satisfied with him. He is also a very openminded person, honest and reliable – working with him, our interests are fully protected.‘
‘Danilo Radulovic’s background in banking means a lot to us. He is a very precise lawyer, who grasps every single detail, and with his experience and knowledge, we always get the best solutions and recommendations. He is like a member of our team and his dedication distinguishes him from competitors.’
Key clients
Saint Gobain
Farmalogist
MOL Group
Neeyamo Inc.
Philip Morris International
Ingenico Group
VFI International
G4S
Hewlett Packard
Tarkett
Nelt & Co.
Magna Pharmacia
NBL Bank
Telecoms company
VDL Bus & Coach
Monte Credit MFI
Work highlights
- Advised Farmalogist Holding on the acquisition of two target companies in Montenegro and North Macedonia.
- Advises Philip Morris (in Montenegro) on various corporate and commercial legal issues.
- Advised a telecoms company on a complex internal restructuring.
Prelevic Law Firm
Established in 1991, Prelevic Law Firm has longstanding experience in corporate and commercial law, banking and finance, real estate and energy, along with labour law, IP, and data privacy and protection issues. Managing partner Dragan Prelevic is experienced in real estate transactions, corporate relations, finance and securities, while Aleksandar Vojinovic is a litigation specialist.
Practice head(s):
Dragan Prelevic
Other key lawyers:
Aleksandar Vojinovic; Wolfram Zeihe
Law Office Vujacic
Law Office Vujacic's key practice areas cover banking and finance, competition law, real estate, energy and natural resources, IP, employment law, and administrative and public law. Sasa Vujacic has broad expertise in corporate and commercial matters, banking and finance, privatisation, M&A and foreign investments. The 'very dedicated' Jelena Vujisic is a litigation specialist.
Practice head(s):
Sasa Vujacic
Other key lawyers:
Jelena Vujisic
Testimonials
‘We can contact them at any time and they have very good organisational skills, as well as strong English language capabilities.‘
‘Jelena Vujisic is very dedicated and provides us with accurate information.‘
Key clients
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
KfW Bank
Telemach doo
Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft Montenegro doo
Daily press doo
Televizija Vijesti doo
Petrol Group
Novomatic
Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company
Generali osiguranje
Acibadem Sağlik Hizmetleri Ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi, Turkey
Risan bay
Spic Ronghe International Financial Leasing Co. Limited (Hong Kong)
Spic Ronghe International (Montenegro) Limited (doo Podgorica)
GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS)
MB Leasing GmbH Austria
Knauf
QSI International School of Montenegro
Porsche SCG doo Beograd
Intergeo Umwelttechnologie und Abfallwirtschaft Gmbh
Western Union
Work highlights
- Advised EBRD and KfW IPEX-Bank on the project financing of a wind power plant in Montenegro.
- Advised Capital Investment (Abu Dhabi) on a real estate project, which involved the Atlas Capital Center (a large mall in Montenegro).
- Successfully acted for Petrol Group in litigation.
Vukmirovic Mišic Law Firm
Montenegro-based Vukmirović Mišić Law Firm is a full-service law firm that consistently advises on corporate and commercial law, as well as real estate projects in Montenegro. It is also experienced in banking and capital markets work, and regularly advises IT companies on start-up projects. 'Outstanding' Lana Vukmirovic Misic is the experienced managing partner.
Practice head(s):
Lana Vukmirovic Misic
Testimonials
‘Great for responsiveness, expertise and ability to translate complex legal topics into understandable words. I also highly appreciate their availability in urgent matters, as well as their professional attitude in all regards.‘
‘VML has an excellent team, the core of which has worked together for a long time, which gives it an advantage over its competitors.‘
‘The thing I like best about the firm, and I cannot stress this enough, is that it is never on auto-pilot: even if a client’s need is a familiar one, the team will approach it on an individual basis and try to find the best possible way to tackle it. You don’t see that in other firms.‘
‘This law firm is made up of a very competent, precise, professional team of experts.‘
‘Their approach to the client is what makes them unique in relation to other firms, because the client’s problem is analysed as if it is the law firm’s own problem.‘
‘They work very thoroughly and cautiously and respect deadlines. When they present the results of their work, the risks are always clear and concise and they make suggestions on how to solve them.‘
‘Experts in commercial law, with knowledge of the tax and financial laws and standards too.‘
‘Lana Vukmirovic Misic’s expertise is outstanding. She always has a clear answer to complex matters and her communication skills are fantastic.‘
Key clients
Addiko Bank AD
ZAIN Property Development
Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism-Directorate for Public Works
Lindner LLC
Budva Heights
Kotor Port Investments
HTP Trend Korali AD
SafBon Water Technology
Fleka
Austrian Embassy
Work highlights
- Advised Zain Property Development on land acquisition and construction contract negotiations.
- Advised SafBon Water Technology on the pre-qualification process surrounding the extension of a sewer network, among others.
- Advised Addiko Bank AD Podgorica on various legal issues, including banking, regulatory, corporate, employment and data protection issues.