ZABALDANO AVOCATS > Monaco, Monaco > Firm Profile
ZABALDANO AVOCATS Offices
9 rue du Gabian
98000 Monaco
Monaco
ZABALDANO AVOCATS > The Legal 500 Rankings
Commercial, corporate and M&A > Commercial, corporate and M&A - Law firms Tier 1
Demonstrating a strong orientation towards contentious work, ZABALDANO AVOCATS is distinguished by its expertise in dispute resolution, as well as advisory services spanning corporate, commercial, civil and criminal law. Firm founder Arnaud Zabaldano is a seasoned litigator with an emphasis on handling corporate and commercial disputes on behalf of international clients — he also has significant experience in criminal cases. Also noted are counsels Nicolas Robert, who co-heads the corporate and commercial litigation practice alongside Zabaldano, and Valérie Mufraggi, who focuses on employment law.Practice head(s):
Arnaud Zabaldano; Nicolas Robert; Valerie Zoccola; Arnaud Cheynut; Cecile Peltier Gauci; Sophie Couturier; Valérie Mufraggi
Private client > Private client - Law firms Tier 1
ZABALDANO AVOCATS’ signature focus on contentious work is reflected in its private client practice, where it is routinely engaged to handle cases involving family and inheritance law, recovery procedures, and trusts and estates issues. Firm founder Arnaud Zabaldano acts for a broad range of private clients — including business leaders, executives, family-owned groups and high net-worth individuals — and specialises in white-collar criminal law matters. Counsel Valerie Zoccola heads the department and contributes strong experience in international private law. Recently promoted partner Arnaud Cheynut is additionally noted for white-collar criminal law-related issues.Practice head(s):
Arnaud Zabaldano; Valerie Zoccola; Arnaud Cheynut; Cecile Peltier Gauci; Sophie Couturier; Nicolas Robert; Valerie Mufraggi
ZABALDANO AVOCATS > Firm Profile
The firm: Zabaldano Avocats was set up by Arnaud Zabaldano, a Barrister at the Monaco Bar, practising since 2001. It is a leading Monaco based firm handling complex domestic and international litigation and transactional matters. Zabaldano Avocats represents private clients and ultra-net-worth individuals who require dedication, professionalism and commitment. Originally specialised in litigation, the firm has rapidly built a solid corporate and transactional practice group as well as consolidating a substantial real estate and construction group. The wide scope of competencies and in-depth knowledge of the team enables the firm to create a synergy between its different practices and draw from the expertise and know-how of each of its lawyers to best serve its clients on complex, cutting-edge matters, combining legal excellence, availability and innovation. The firm regularly collaborates with magic circle firms on cross-border matters.
Areas of practice: The multi-disciplinary team have extensive experience in practice areas such as banking and finance, commercial and business law, international law, real estate and construction as well as employment law and criminal law.
Dispute resolution and litigation: the team is led by the founding partner Arnaud Zabaldano and assisted by several senior associates. The firm has a first class and fully fledged litigation practice. Providing exceptional client care constitutes a major priority for the team. The key players are: Valerie Zoccola, who has an extensive track record in representing and advising clients on matters relating to family law, wealth management and inheritance, enforcement of foreign decisions, estate planning and private international law. Cecile Peltier-Gauci, who has gained solid experience and expertise in real estate litigation and construction law as well as in civil procedures. Sophie Couturier, an internationally educated lawyer who tackles civil, penal and white-collar criminal cases of both local and international dimensions. Valérie Mufraggi, an experienced lawyer acknowledged for her professionalism handling complex employment cases. Nicolas Robert, a senior lawyer who has extensive experience in Monaco and handles complex real estate and commercial law matters
Real estate and construction: the team is led by the founding partner Arnaud Zabaldano and senior associate, Cécile Peltier-Gauci. Cécile Peltier-Gauci is a leading Monaco based senior associate who has acquired solid experience in real estate issues, construction and civil procedures. They are able to provide an array of expert legal services including project support, counselling, dispute avoidance and litigation in all real estate and construction matters and offer a complete and comprehensive service handling complex cases for a broad range of clients – promoters, constructors, landowners and tenants – acting in their long-term interests.
Corporate/M&A: the team has developed a particular know-how in corporate and commercial law and transactional matters across borders, jurisdictions and practice areas. The team is best known for its ability to represent and advise institutional clients, domestic and foreign companies, ultra-net-worth individuals and other private clients, as well as family offices.
Recent hires include managing associate Fabrice Garcin who specializes in corporate governance issues (shareholders’ agreements, executive compensation…), negotiation and drafting of commercial contracts (distribution contracts, service contracts, terms of sale) and the valuation and protection of their intangible assets.
Private client, ultra-net-worth individuals and family offices practice group: the team is led by Arnaud Zabaldano and Valérie Zoccola. Valerie Zoccola is a leading Monaco based senior associate with an extensive track record in the area of family law, civil procedures and private international law. She tackles complex cases of both local and international dimensions. The firm represents and advises clients on matters relating to all the aspects of family law, wealth management and inheritance, enforcement of foreign decisions, estate planning and private international law. The team meets its clients’ specific needs on the personal, business, legal, contentious and non-contentious issues they face, through its solid experience and its broad perspective.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Banking and finance | Arnaud Zabaldano | contact@zabaldano.com | +377 97 98 06 80 |
Private international | Valerie Zoccola | contact@zabaldano.com | +377 97 98 06 80 |
Commercial | Arnaud Zabaldano | contact@zabaldano.com | +377 97 98 06 80 |
Commercial | Nicolas Robert | contact@zabaldano.com | +377 97 98 06 80 |
Employment | Arnaud Zabaldano | contact@zabaldano.com | +377 97 98 06 80 |
Employment | Valerie Mufraggi | contact@zabaldano.com | +377 97 98 06 80 |
Administrative | Cecile Peltier-Gauci | contact@zabaldano.com | +377 97 98 06 80 |
Recovery procedures and enforcement | Cecile Peltier-Gauci | contact@zabaldano.com | +377 97 98 06 80 |
Criminal cases | Arnaud Zabaldano | contact@zabaldano.com | +377 97 98 06 80 |
Criminal cases | Sophie Couturier | contact@zabaldano.com | +377 97 98 06 80 |
Human rights | Arnaud Zabaldano | contact@zabaldano.com | +377 97 98 06 80 |
Human rights | Sophie Couturier | contact@zabaldano.com | +377 97 98 06 80 |
Real estate and construction | Cecile Peltier-Gauci | contact@zabaldano.com | +377 97 98 06 80 |
Real estate and construction | Nicolas Robert | contact@zabaldano.com | +377 97 98 06 80 |
Family and inheritance | Valerie Zoccola | contact@zabaldano.com | +377 97 98 06 80 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Mrs Sophie COUTURIER | Sophie Couturier is Managing Associate in charge of the Criminal law and… | View Profile | |
Mrs Valerie MUFRAGGI | Valerie Mufraggi is Managing Associate in charge of the Employment law department… | View Profile | |
Mrs Cecile PELTIER-GAUCI | Cecile Peltier-Gauci is Managing Associate in charge of the Real Estate department… | View Profile | |
Mr Nicolas ROBERT | Nicolas ROBERT is Managing Associate in charge of the Private and Public… | View Profile | |
Me Arnaud ZABALDANO | Founder and Managing partner of Zabaldano Lawyers, he oversees the multi-disciplinary team… | View Profile | |
Mrs Valerie ZOCCOLA | Valerie Zoccola is Managing Associate in charge of the Private Clients department… | View Profile |
Barrister Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Me Arnaud CHEYNUT | Arnaud CHEYNUT is Lawyer in Zabaldano Lawyers in Monaco. He is a… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 12Languages
Dutch English French German Italian Russian SpanishMemberships
International Association of Lawyers Chambers & Partners Leaders LeagueInterviews
Arnaud Zabaldano, Managing Partner, Zabaldano Avocats
Managing Partner and founder, Arnaud ZABALDANO, explains how his law firm is adapting to clients’ changing needs.What do you see as the main points that differentiate Zabaldano Avocats from your competitors?
Commitment to excellence combined with forceful litigation. Our accomplished, multidisciplinary team offers our clients a broad range of high-quality dispute resolution services and carefully designed strategies to achieve the best outcome in high profile corporate, commercial, civil law and criminal matters.
Our team have acquired extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of Monaco and international law and is also fluent in a range of languages. In addition to French and English, our team also speaks Russian, German and Italian, allowing us to work effectively with our international clients.
Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?
Due to the ever-increasing client base and client needs, we will be extending our Business Criminal Law, Labour law, Real Estate and Construction, Private international law (family, estates and successions) and Corporate departments. The firm has been constantly growing since its inception and will continue its expansion in the coming year.
Regulatory matters, especially with respect to Anti-Money Laundering and counterterrorist financing have evolved a lot recently and this practice is likely to continue growing in the coming year especially concerning the freezing of assets.
What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?
We have built up our business advisory side and can offer clients sound advice for contract law, setting up new businesses and pushing forward business negotiations.
Our specialized teams work together to provide clients a full range of legal services providing accurate up to date advice on current legal issues.
Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?
We are constantly researching and testing best solutions to assist in our work and make due diligence processes more efficient.
We use tools specifically adapted for law firms and files management
Further to the Covid crisis, we have adapted our tools to be able to operate entirely remotely if needed, to cope with our client’s travelling constraints efficiently and effectively.
Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?
In the course of June 2021, we were required to assist one of our HNWI clients, for the acquisition of a property in London, via a civil company under Monegasque law and various offshore entities; our intervention consisted in structuring the transaction and drafting and reviewing the legal documentation relating to the financing and the related guarantees to ensure their compatibility with Monegasque Law. We helped to secure the overall transaction in the client’s best interest through tough negotiations with overseas law firms.
Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?
We are confident that our firm will strengthen its position as a leader in all aspects of white-collar crime, Labour law and private client litigation and will remain the go-to firm for established corporate clients and start-ups alike, looking for first-class corporate and business advice.