Acting for sponsors, government authorities, contractors, lenders, buyers and sellers, BDK Advokati routinely advises on the region’s most significant financing and M&A projects. Clients also benefit from the firm’s membership of the South East Europe Legal Group. Managing the firm’s Montenegrin operations, Luka Popović has hospitality and gaming sector expertise; competition specialist Bisera Andrijašević was recently promoted to counsel; and Jelena Brajković is an experienced associate. Based in Belgrade, Dragoljub Cibulić
is a greenfield real estate, energy and infrastructure project expert, and Tijana Kojović is a transaction, antitrust and disputes specialist.
Leading firms in Montenegro
BDK Advokati
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Testimonials
‘The team is highly co-operative and resolves issues.‘
‘During the pandemic, in addition to email and online meetings they were able to hold physical meetings at their office with all the necessary health measures.‘
‘Professionalism, availability and problem-solving skills.‘
‘Luka Popović is always practical and reacts quickly.‘
‘Luka Popović is openminded, business oriented, and has a pragmatic approach to work.‘
Key clients
Government of Montenegro
NDC Asia
Nomad Foods
Ecomed Eastern Europe
BL Harbert International
Société Générale
ING Bank (Belgian Branch)
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Binance
The European Federation of Energy Traders
Fusion Capital
UniCredit (Czech Republic and Slovakia)
Net Holding
Eni
Work highlights
- Advised Nomad Foods on the acquisition of Fortenova Group’s Frozen Food Business Group.
- Assisted Ecomed with structuring a joint venture deal with local company Hemosan, so as to provide complex waste management services for the operator of an offshore oil exploration project in Montenegro.
- Provided regulatory advice to Binance in relation to Montenegrin regulatory requirements.
Harrisons Solicitors
The only English law firm in Montenegro, Harrisons Solicitors has a strong track record in major tourism and real estate projects in Montenegro, as well as major banking and finance deals. Heading up the Podgorica office, senior associate Milan Keker focuses on significant banking and finance, M&A, restructuring and insolvency, real estate, corporate and renewable energy matters. Working across the firm's Belgrade and Podgorica offices, Mark Harrison specialises in high-profile transactions in the region, particularly those involving governments; and consultant Goran Martinovic advises on foreign investments in Montenegro's tourism sector.
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Testimonials
‘A full-service, top-notch international team in the Balkans.‘
‘Very strong professional team with in-depth knowledge of the Montenegrin legislation and judicial system, as well as being capable of meeting the demands of international investors in Montenegro.‘
‘Their team work works very well together.‘
‘An in-depth understanding of the legal requirements, particularly commercial matters (contracting requirements and legislative stipulations) and human resource issues (labour law).‘
‘Mark Harrison is a senior international lawyer with top government and diplomatic contacts.‘
‘Consultant Goran Martinovic is the best black letter lawyer in the Balkans.‘
‘Senior associate Milan Keker is a charismatic dealmaker with a very strong professional attitude and knowledge of the Montenegrin legal system.‘
‘Milan Keker is well equipped to help big international investors in Montenegro.‘
Key clients
EBRD
IFC
Export Development Canada
Agence Française de Développement
Corporacion America Airports
Fortenova Grupa
ARI – Aer Rianta International
DEG
OTP Bank
Credit Suisse
Styria Media
British Embassy Montenegro
British Council
Royal Group (UAE)
EU Delegation to Montenegro
West of England Insurance Services
Volvo
Dahlem
Hydrophil
Vantage Drilling
Adriatic Pearl
Melia Hotels
Harper Downie
Work highlights
- Assisted (as Montenegrin legal adviser) Fortenova Grupa with the disposal of its subsidiary in Montenegro.
- Advised Styria Media International on the sale of its shareholding in Daily Press doo Podgorica, one of the largest Montenegrin daily newspaper publishers.
- Assisted (as Montenegrin legal adviser) Aer Rianta International on its five-year duty free concession to run stores at the airports of Montenegro’s Tivat and Podgorica.
Schoenherr North Macedonia
Moravcevic Vojnovic and Partners in cooperation with Schoenherr's key areas include corporate and M&A deals, banking and finance, financial services regulatory work, project development and dispute resolution. It also assists with multi-jurisdictional IP issues, as well as acting in merger control proceedings before the Montenegrin Competition Authority. The principal Podgorica practitioners to note are attorney at law Ana Vukčević, a key member of the energy, corporate, M&A, dispute resolution, and healthcare and life sciences practice groups; and associates Luka Veljović and Petar Vučinić. Belgrade-based Slaven Moravčević leads the practice.
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Testimonials
‘A team of experienced and skilled lawyers providing high-quality legal advice.‘
‘The team is clearly skilled in handling challenging, high-end, legal matters that have high levels of complexity.‘
‘Lawyers with a sharp and yet easy-going mindset, getting right to the point when analysing complicated legal issues.‘
‘The best law firm in the region – that is why we have a long-lasting collaboration.‘
‘Their know-how, practical knowledge and dedication to the client make them one of a kind.‘
‘Capable of smoothly handling various daily issues at any time, because of the great structure of the team and availability 24/7.‘
‘Attorney at law Ana Vukčević is one of a kind. I admire how knowledgeable, skilled, detail oriented, and approachable she is.‘
‘Ana Vukčević is a fast thinker and very intuitive in business, so I can easily trust her decisions.‘
Key clients
State of Montenegro
Enemalta
Shanghai Electric Power
ICBC Austria Bank
Mozura Wind Park
Elektroprivreda Crne Gore
Fortum
United Group
Enel Global Trading
Deutsche Bank
Citigroup Global Markets
Erste Group Bank
Merrill Lynch International
Société Générale
The Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs of Montenegro
UNIQA Insurance Group
UNIQA Österreich Versicherungen
Raiffeisen Bank International
Sucafina
Hydra Brokerage
Société Générale
Atena Bohor
Novi Volvox
Zenith Electronics
Luxoft USA
Generali CEE Holding
Siemens Healthineers
Daimler
AB Volvo
Work highlights
- Counsel to the State of Montenegro (and related agencies) in arbitrations and litigation, which were commenced by CEAC Holdings in relation to the privatisation and shutdown of Kombinat Aluminijuma Podgorica (Montenegrin aluminium plant).
- Advised various banks as joint lead managers (Citigroup Global Markets, Erste Group Bank, Merrill Lynch International and Société Générale) on the issuance of a €750m bond by the State of Montenegro.
- Advising Fortum and Elektroprivreda Crne Gore on the development of a 200MW solar power plant.
CMS
CMS‘ Montenegrin practice is active in banking and finance, corporate, commercial, competition, real estate, public procurement, dispute resolution and labour-related matters. It also houses specialists in compliance, energy and telecoms. In addition, the Podgorica team recently won a number of new hospitality industry clients. The principal figures to note are Belgrade and Podgorica managing partner Radivoje Petrikić, who has over 25 years’ experience in major commercial and M&A transactions and development projects throughout the CEE region; and Milica Popović, who heads up the firm’s banking and finance teams in Belgrade and in Podgorica.
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Key clients
SinoGulf (DIFC)
MOL Maritime Europe
WTE Group
Iberdrola Ingeniería y Construcción
ZTE Corporation
EBRD
IFC
Citibank
BetFair
Schlumberger
Artelia Group
Zentiva
Fragomen Global
Work highlights
- Advising SinoGulf (DIFC) on various matters, including the acquisition of a land plot in Budva, the establishment of a company in Montenegro and opening of bank accounts, and immigration and labour-related matters.
- Providing legal assistance to the Dutch subsidiary of MOL Japan (Mitsui O S K Lines) in relation to corporate issues concerning its shares in Montenegrin company, Azalea Pomorski Trening Centar.
- Represented WTE Group in court and arbitration proceedings in relation to high-value investment projects in Montenegro, particularly wastewater treatment plants and desalinisation plants.
Doklestic Repic & Gajin
Launched in late 2019, Doklestic Repic & Gajin‘s Podgorica office fields specialists in both dispute resolution and M&A. Clients additionally benefit from cross-departmental support from the firm’s robust competition, real estate and finance departments. Montenegro office head Danilo Radulovic focuses on cross-border litigation, labour disputes, insolvency, arbitration, and tax disputes. In Belgrade, Slobodan Doklestic, who is admitted to practice law in Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia, heads the firm’s commercial, corporate and M&A department and Marko Repic routinely leads multi-jurisdiction litigation and court procedures in the region.
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Testimonials
‘The entire team at DRG is simply fantastic. We are very happy with them, and always revert to them for complex corporate and commercial matters and transactions.‘
‘The team excels in all areas of commercial law and their transactional department is superb – always on top of every matter they handle for us.‘
‘Very strong international capabilities, which is very important for us as a client because we conduct a lot of international business.‘
‘The legal support from Doklestic Repic & Gajin is of great value for our business, given the fact that they have an excellent understanding of project administration, risk management and project financing. Also, they are one of the very few regional law firms to have opened an office in Podgorica. That really sets them apart from law firms from neighbouring countries that do not have a local footprint in Montenegro.‘
‘Danilo Radulovic is an outstanding commercial lawyer. He has advised us on a great number of legal matters and was always able to provide sound and practical legal advice.‘
‘Danilo Radulovic is a great commercial lawyer and litigator. Danilo has an excellent understanding of our business, and is always available to hear our concerns and to offer valuable guidance and advice.‘
‘Slobodan Doklestic is truly one of the best business lawyers in the region.‘
‘Slobodan Doklestic is very sharp and very experienced – highly regarded on the market, both by his peers and the business community. We have the highest respect for him and for the work he does for us.‘
Key clients
Saint Gobain
Philip Morris International
Ingenico Group
VFI International
G4S
Hewlett Packard
Tarkett
Nelt & Co
NBL Bank
Montenegro Telecom
VDL Bus & Coach
Monte Credit MFI
Carlsberg Montenegro
Al Fozan Holding
Farmalogist Holding
Komercijalna Bank
EBRD
Joksovic, Stojanovic & Partners
Boasting over 25 years’ presence in the Montenegrin legal market, Joksovic, Stojanovic & Partners specialises in real estate, corporate and tourism law, along with dispute resolution. Spending approximately 50% of his professional time in Montenegro, name partner Petar Stojanovic, who ‘combines in-depth knowledge of key legal areas with a pragmatic, goal-driven approach‘, has broad experience in M&A deals, foreign direct investment and privatisation projects. A key members of the firm’s corporate team, Goran Vucic‘s Montenegro-related experience includes major infrastructure and real estate projects, as well administrative and corporate matters.
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Testimonials
‘24 hour-availability during a crisis.‘
‘Punctuality, honesty with clients, discipline and dedication to providing clients with accurate assessments of relevant legal situations.‘
‘Vast experience and use of modern communication technologies.‘
‘We engage JSP for high-level and complex issues, and we are always provided with legal advice that is to the point and offers viable solutions.‘
‘Experienced lawyers who understand the issues in question and provide timely advice.‘
‘Highly innovative practice that finds new approaches to issues that seem to be difficult to overcome or resolve.‘
‘The quality of their work is exceptional, and I am impressed by the overall reliability of Petar Stojanovic and Goran Vucic.‘
‘Petar Stojanovic combines in-depth knowledge of key legal areas with a pragmatic, goal-driven approach to settling issues; and he is capable of combining and utilising his team’s expertise to achieve the best results. Always available and accessible, he does everything possible to protect clients’ interests and to help clients succeed.‘
Key clients
Government of Montenegro
Qatari Diar
Mercury Group
Nelt Co
Alkemy
Renault Nissan
Montecco
Monteput
GrECo International Holding
Work highlights
- Continues to advise the Government of Montenegro on the implementation of the contract for the construction of the Bar-Boljare highway.
- Continued to advise the Montenegrin subsidiary of Qatari Diar on the development of a major real estate project in Montenegro, namely the tourism complex Blue Horizons.
- Continues to advise Sonuba Montenegro on a planned investment in a tourism development.
Karanovic & Partners in cooperation with local lawyers
Present in the Montenegrin market since 2006, Karanovic & Partners in cooperation with local lawyers fields lawyers who specialise in advising investors (particularly those from the hospitality and tourism sectors) on real estate, banking and finance, and infrastructure finance. In accordance with the Serbia and Montenegro Agreement on Legal Aid in civil and criminal matters, clients additionally benefit from the firm’s 60-plus Serbia-based lawyers, who can cover projects in Montenegro. Former practice head Milena Pejović has now left to establish her own firm.
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Testimonials
‘Very trustworthy and professional.‘
‘The pricing is fair considering the office’s professionalism.‘
‘The quality of the team is very high.’
‘A reliable partner that we trust!‘
‘A team that is always available, even on short notice, and provides quality advice that is timely.‘
‘Milena Pejović is highly professional, always providing practical advice and thinking one step ahead, taking into consideration the best interests of our company with an excellent understanding and knowledge of our business and company history.‘
‘Milena Pejović is an outstanding lawyer – 24/7 availability, going far beyond the average standard in Montenegro.‘
Key clients
Sterling & Wilson
PETROL Montenegro
Ernst & Young Montenegro
Safiro Beach Resort
Budva Investment Apartments
Hellenic Petroleum
Deloitte doo Beograd
Pfizer
Inditex Group
Mars
Akuo Energy
CKB banka
Work highlights
- Advising Sterling & Wilson on its development of a 250MW solar power plant in Briska Gora.
- Advising PETROL Montenegro on various corporate matters.
- Advising Safiro Beach Resort and Budva Investment Apartments on negotiations with other investors, which related to the construction of a luxury hotel in Budva.
Bojovic Draškovic Popovic & Partners
Bojovic Draškovic Popovic & Partners' Montenegrin practice has strong sector credentials in relation to energy, consumer electronics, entertainment, pharmaceuticals, construction, real estate, financial institutions and shipping. With over 15 years' expertise in Montenegro-related corporate and commercial matters, Vuk Drašković heads the Montenegrin desk; and qualified in both Serbia and the US, Uroš Popović is also a key partner. Notable senior associate support is provided by Mario Kijanović, Stefan Golubović and Miloš Andrejević.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Uroš Popović; Mario Kijanović; Stefan Golubović; Miloš Andrejević
Testimonials
‘A reliable, highly professional and flexible law firm.‘
‘A modern legal practice that offers what corporate clients need these days.‘
‘They have the capacity and knowledge to assist big clients with legal advice, M&A deals and dispute resolution, as well to guide smaller clients with tailored advice and assistance.‘
‘Great client management skills.‘
‘The team has great capacity and is always responsive.‘
‘Vuk Drašković and Uroš Popović stand out for their professionalism, flexibility and responsiveness. They are always pleasant to work with, very friendly, and able to establish genuine relationships with clients.‘
‘Uroš Popović and senior associate Miloš Andrejević were both extremely responsive and proactive.‘
Key clients
EBRD
Philips
Samsung
MSC Global Shipping Company
The Walt Disney Company
Labena
Mace Montenegro
Tenth Planet
Signify
Work highlights
- Advised Philips on local business transfer matters.
- Advised MSC Montenegro on GDPR permission requirements, in order to implement compliant sales and marketing campaigns.
- Assisted The Walt Disney Company with COVID-19 related advice, reviewing an employee experience survey, and drafting a mutual agreement on employment termination (among others).
NKO Partners
NKO Partners‘ Montenegrin practice is headed up by Djuro Otasevic, who leads the firm’s corporate and commercial department, and focuses on M&A, corporate law, competition matters, employment and general commercial law. Otasevic is particularly active in the energy, telecoms and pharmaceutical industries. The practice advises KPMG on various legal aspects of its operations in Montenegro. Former Podgorica office manage Djordje Ivanovic recently left the firm to become a public notary.
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Key clients
INA
KPMG
Japan Tobacco International
RODA
Cogent Communications
SISGEN
Moët Hennessy
Deloitte Montenegro
Solibay Capital Partners
Tendam Group
CEBAT
Radonjic / Associates
Full-service law firm Radonjic / Associates 'suits foreign companies seeking strong legal representation in Montenegro'. The practice advises major international and Montenegrin corporations, private equity companies and investment funds, industrial corporations, infrastructure providers, energy and construction companies, and HNW individuals. Key areas of focus include real estate, energy and banking and finance. Vladimir Radonjic, the current Honorary Consul General of the Swiss Confederation to Montenegro, co-leads the practice alongside Maja Velimirovic.
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Testimonials
‘They are very responsive and highly skilled.‘
‘Very competent and efficient.‘
‘Radonjic/Associates’ team members work together to seek the best solution to the problems faced by clients.‘
‘Their charges for legal services are very reasonable when compared to other law firms in Montenegro.‘
‘The firm provides the full range of legal services and suits foreign companies seeking strong legal representation in Montenegro.‘
‘Fast eloquent responses within 24 hours from great partners and associates.‘
‘Excellent, technology-educated collaborators.‘
‘Vladimir Radonjic is always available for our enquiries and issues.‘
Key clients
Glovoapp23
Prysmian Powerlink
Jugopetrol Toshiba Transmission & Distribution Europe
Nova Ljubljanska Banka
Orkla
Pizzarotti Montenegro
Garnet Investment Montenegro
Milšped Montenegro
Von der Heyden Group
Trunz Holding
Telekom Slovenije
Valgo
AT&T
UPS
SNB-REACT Balkan
BL Harbert International Group
Telebit
KPMG
Mastercard
Work highlights
- Advised Glovoapp23 on its indirect acquisition of Donesi.
- Advising Prysmian Group on Montenegro’s regulatory regime, in relation to planning and construction issues, health and safety at work, labour law and contractual matters.
- Advised Toshiba Transmission & Distribution Europe (and its branch office in Montenegro), on the realisation of two high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter stations.
Law Office Vujacic
‘Dedicated to its clients‘, Law Office Vujacic
‘s practice is best known for corporate and commercial law, banking and finance, competition and real estate. Its broad expertise ranges from IP and administrative law to employment law and it has sector experience in energy and natural resources. Co-leading the practice are name partner Sasa Vujacic, who has a broad transactional practice; and Jelena Vujisic, who assists with both litigation and transactions.
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Testimonials
‘A law firm that is dedicated to its clients.‘
‘Very experienced in litigation, company law and other legal issues involving a company’s needs.‘
‘We value the approach and understanding of Sasa Vujacic and Jelena Vujisic, who are both very experienced and professional.‘
Key clients
Microsoft Montenegro
PricewaterhouseCoopers Consulting (Serbia)
PricewaterhouseCoopers Consulting (Croatia)
PricewaterhouseCoopers Consulting (Montenegro)
Telemach Crna Gora
Coca-Cola HBC Srbija
QSI International School of Montenegro
Knauf
Televizija Vijesti
Spic Ronghe International Financial Leasing Co
Western Union
Montenegro Transfers
Acibadem Sağlik Hizmetleri Ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi
WOODINVEST Beruhazo
GE Capital Aviation Services
Energogas
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
KfW IPEX-Bank
AstroBank
Banka Sparkasse
Work highlights
- Advised the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and KfW IPEX-Bank on the financing for a wind farm project in Krnovo.
- Advised GE Capital Aviation Services on aircraft sales to a new airline company in Montenegro, ToMontenegro, which was established by the Government of Montenegro.
- Assisting WOODINVEST Beruhazo with both a residential development project and the corporate aspects of its subsidiary in Montenegro.
Vukmirovic Mišic Law Firm
Vukmirović Mišić Law Firm's 'level of client service is outstanding and the team always delivers'. The practice advises on corporate, commercial and real estate projects; and representative instructions cover development-related due diligence, acquisitions and construction issues. The practice also has notable banking and capital markets expertise. Managing partner Lana Vukmirovic Misic is the former head of Harrisons Solicitors' Montenegrin office, and senior associate Milica Komar is 'an outstanding professional'.
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Testimonials
‘It is very obvious that they care about their clients’ problems. Once we turn to them for a solution, they take over our problem as if their own and really push for solutions.‘
‘They know what they are talking about and they are professional – they are also very attentive.‘
‘From the outset, I have been very satisfied with their services and their team members.‘
‘Its level of client service is outstanding, and the team always delivers results on time and beyond our expectations.‘
‘Professional, efficient and personable.‘
‘The team executed my mandate expeditiously and fairly. I would highly recommend their services.‘
‘Lana Vukmirovic Misic and senior associate Milica Komar are excellent lawyers with fantastic intuition and a genuine desire to promote the success of their clients. Lana is is also very proactive, knowledgeable, and always thinks outside the box to come up with the best solution for clients’ needs.‘
‘Senior associate Milica Komar is an outstanding professional.‘
Key clients
4iG
Radisson Hospitality Belgium
OTP Bank
Siemens Energy
Majority owners of Soho City Project
Municipality of Pljevlja
Assicurazioni Generali
Europ Assistance Holding
Messer Medical Homecare Holding
STADA
Addiko Bank
RCL Cruises
ZAIN Property Development
Austrian Embassy
Lindner
SafBon Water Technology
Fleka
Port of Adria
EAREA
Budva Heights
Work highlights
- Advising 4iG (alongside a CEE law firm) on the acquisition of Montenegrin telecoms operator Telenor.
- Advising SafBon Water Technology on a prequalification and qualification process for a sewer network extension (among others).
- Advising Addiko Bank on a wide range of different legal issues, including banking, regulatory, corporate, employment and data protection issues.