The Legal 500 > Europe, Middle East & Africa > Romania > Energy and natural resources

Tuca Zbârcea & Asociatii provides a comprehensive service to its energy clients which rank among the largest in Romania's power and hydrocarbons market. As well as corporate and regulatory support, major infrastructure projects are a key area of expertise, including landmark nuclear power developments. Sorin Vlădescu has an excellent reputation in the market, and is backed up by a deep bench of talent, including partners Cornel Popa, Irina Moinescu and Cristian Radu. Managing associate Nisa Jecu  is also noted.

CMS' dedicated team, which is led by well-regarded energy specialist Varinia Radu, who has almost 20 years' experience advising on transactional, infrastructure and regulatory issues. The team is especially strong on the oil and gas front and clients benefit from its close integration with the firm's wider international network. It is a popular choice for public and private sector clients.

Filip & Company's highly regarded team is praised for its 'broad exposure across both the public and private sectors'. The practice is regularly instructed by domestic and international energy companies and banks on the full range of energy-related regulatory, corporate and infrastructure issues. Alina Stancu Birsan leads the team, which also includes hugely experienced founding partner Cristina Filip.

Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen has a highly focused team with strong specialisms in renewable energy, power, mining, and upstream and downstream oil and gas. Recent work includes several high-profile litigations, including a major dispute in the mining sector. On the non-contentious side, the group regularly handles M&A, privatisations, greenfield and brownfield developments, and licensing and permit issues. Gabriela Cacerea is experienced in power, renewables and downstream natural gas, Adina Chilim-Dumitriu also covers downstream natural gas, while the highly rated Ruxandra Bologa advises on renewables, mining, and all aspects of the oil and gas industry.

RTPR | Radu Taracila Padurari Retevoescu SCA has an impressive multi-disciplinary team with expertise that cuts across the sector. The team is very active on the power side, both for domestic and international suppliers. Clients also benefit from access to the firm's cross-border network of lawyers who can add weight to the most complex issues. The well-regarded Victor Pădurari leads the team, which also includes corporate finance partner Mihai Ristici and senior associate Bogdan Cordoş.

The highly rated Claudiu Munteanu-Jipescu leads the team at Dentons. The practice is fully integrated within the firm's market-leading global energy group, making it a popular choice for multinational oil and gas and renewables clients. The team's expertise encompasses regulatory, transactional and infrastructure matters, including negotiations with public authorities and state bodies.

DLA Piper Dinu SCA has a versatile practice jointly led by managing partner Marian Dinu and the highly rated Paula Corban-Pelin. The team acts for a mix of energy companies and investors on a wide range of regulatory, infrastructure and corporate issues. Recently, the team has been involved in several significant solar power projects.

Razvan Stoicescu and Iulian Popescu jointly lead the team at Musat & Asociatii, which is experienced in contentious and non-contentious energy and mining-related issues. The firm has a good track record for regulatory and compliance advice, and has recently been involved in a major infrastructure project in the oil and gas sector.

Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii's energy clients benefit from the expertise of several of the firm's key partners. Senior partner Ernest-Virgil Popovici has notable experience of renewable and nuclear energy, particularly on the projects side. Practice co-head Vlad Neacșu is also noted for his transactional and projects experience, while litigation head Ciprian Donțu is sought after for related disputes.

The Bucharest arm of Schoenherr si Asociatii SCA works closely with the firm's Vienna headquarters to provide a multi-faceted regional service to its energy clients. The team is led by Monica Cojocaru in Bucharest, and represents major clients in the oil and gas sector, such as several OMV Petrom subsidiaries, and electricity suppliers. High-value administrative disputes have featured prominently in its workload recently, though the firm is also strong in M&A and project financings, where it also represents the lenders. The team also has experience of mining and wastewater treatment projects.

Suciu Popa is well known for its strong niche representing clients in the energy sector. This includes high-end corporate and project finance support, as well as advice on regulatory and environmental issues. In recent years, the firm has also represented energy clients in several significant arbitration and litigation proeedings. Managing partners Miruna Suciu and Luminita Popa are very well regarded, and Cleopatra Leahu is considered a leader in the field.

Volciuc-Ionescu has a strong focus on the energy and natural resources market and acts for a wide-ranging client base, which include major lenders, power suppliers, and oil and gas companies. Ramona Volciuc-Ionescu's team is particularly noted for its expertise in major project financing, acquisitions, disputes, regulatory and day-to-day matters. Co-head of the real estate team, Catalin Dinu, is also noted.

Bondoc si Asociatii SCA has a multidisciplinary practice that advises on corporate, infrastructure and regulatory issues. The team has strong experience in the renewables and gas distribution sectors. Monica Iancu and Cosmin Stavaru lead the team, which includes the highly regarded Bogdan Bunrau.

bpv Grigorescu Stefanica has a cross-practice service, with a good handle on the major contentious and non-contentious issues affecting the power and oil and gas markets. Anca Albulescu and Daniel Stefanica are two of the main contacts.

Buzescu Ca acts for several major energy trading and oil and gas servicing companies. The firm's lawyers have a strong handle on regulatory and compliance issues, and are also recommended for corporate ventures and infrastructure development projects. Peter Buzescu leads the team, which includes experienced senior associate Corina Papuzu.

Formed in 2017, energy and natural resources boutique, Ijdelea Mihailescu is continuing to make a strong impression on the market. The firm is particularly notable for advising on major offshore oil and gas projects, and also has strong experience acting for clients in the mining sector. Key names Oana Ijdelea and Anca Mihăilescu have considerable experience of compliance and regulatory issues, as well as corporate acquisitions and development projects.

Kinstellar is a strong choice for transactional and regulatory advice, and the team has a strong focus on EU energy law, environmental issues, and energy-related disputes. Clients are able to benefit from the firm's strong regional network. Iustinian Captariu leads the well-regarded team.

Leroy si Asociatii has a good track record advising clients active in the natural gas market. The firm has been involved in several significant claims against the regulators regarding the system of gas pricing and tariffs. Bruno Leroy has a strong following among international energy companies.

Wolf Theiss has a long track record handling energy-related matters, acting for energy companies, investment funds, and banks on their related investments. The team, which is led by Bryan Jardine and Flaviu Nanu, also has good experience of contentious matters. Ciprian Glodeanu left to set up his own practice.