Gecic Law > Belgrade, Serbia > Firm Profile

Gecic Law
NIKOLE SPASICA 2
11000 BELGRADE
Serbia

Serbia > Competition Tier 1

With ‘unparalleled expertise in competition’, Gecic Law‘s practice routinely acts for clients throughout the Western Balkans in major investments and M&A transactions. Other areas of specialism include antitrust investigations, state aid, antitrust litigation, and EU competition and trade. The competition and state aid practice is led by the ‘focused and methodical’ founding partner Bogdan Gecić, while Ivana Stojanović Raišić ‘possesses outstanding knowledge of competition law, EU regulations and state aid’. Other key practitioners are Branko Gabrić, an adviser on competition, governance and compliance, and competition law specialist Vuk Leković.

Practice head(s):

Bogdan Gecić; Ivana Stojanović Raišić; Branko Gabrić

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

Its unparalleled expertise in competition, EU law, state aid issues, and interactions with international institutions is unique in the market.’

‘Their approach to cases is systematic and efficient.’

‘Their experience in successfully handling the most complex cases clearly illustrates their capabilities.’

‘They provide the highest quality of service, with true enthusiasm and dedication – ready to tackle any challenge.’

‘Commitment to innovation is impressive and meaningful for clients.’

‘Bogdan Gecić plays a pivotal role in overseeing all matters. He is focused and methodical in his work.’

‘Bogdan Gecić combines expertise and vast experience in specific areas of law, with an excellent understanding of the broader implications of each matter, which is a rarity in the local legal market.’

‘Ivana Stojanović Raišić possesses outstanding knowledge of competition law, EU regulations, and state aid, coupled with strong commitment and diligence in her work.’

Key clients

CIBT

Delivery Hero

Telekom Group

State of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Elektroprivreda BIH

Viterra

Klett Group

Government of Serbia

Western Balkans 6 CIF

Arena Channels Group

M:tel BiH

Supernova

Work highlights

  • Representing Telekom Group, a pan-regional telecoms and multimedia company, in an ongoing high-stakes competition and antitrust legal battle with a key rival and its affiliates (affecting 30-plus jurisdictions and over 140 entities).
  • Represented the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Elektroprivreda BiH in a competition and state aid-related process before the Energy Community and courts, involving a $1.1bn investment in the energy sector.
  • Advising CIBT on its inaugural substantial investment venture in Serbia.

Serbia > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2

With an ‘approach that helps clients overcome all challenges’, Gecic Law fields experts in M&A, corporate law, commercial transactions, and regulatory compliance. The firm’s industry specialisms encompass telecoms, financial services, energy, and real estate. It is particularly sought after for complex international transactions. Corporate and M&A leader Ognjen Colić, who ‘always identifies the most commercially important points’, specialises in M&A deals, commercial agreements, and regulatory compliance. The group also includes Nemanja Sladaković, an adviser on corporate law, M&A, and energy, while Milos Petakovic advises on restructuring, investments, and takeover procedures.

Practice head(s):

Ognjen Colić

Other key lawyers:

Nemanja Sladaković; Milos Petakovic; Branko Gabrić; Bogdan Gecić

Testimonials

‘The team is small but the lawyers are very capable and commercial.’

‘Exceptional service and approach that helps clients overcome all challenges they come across.’

‘Working with Gecic Law, the client always feels special.’

‘They make sure that the client is being heard, respected, protected, nurtured, secured, and satisfied.’

‘Gecic Law delivers the kind of legal support to foreign businesses that clients are used to in Western Europe.’

‘Their elegant and professional approach always gives clients confidence about their work, especially Ognjen Colić. ’

‘Ognjen Colić always identifies the most commercially important points and focuses on those.’

‘Bogdan Gecić and his team are excellent and well connected.

Key clients

Ardent Group (OMR Group)

Nanocraft

Kinross Gold Corporation

Affinity

Nutanix

Telekom Group

CIBT Inc

DKV EURO SERVICE GmbH

Senis Group

ExamRoom.AI

TÜV Rheinland

Toyota Serbia

TS Ventures Fund

Work highlights

  • Advised Nanocraft on its establishment.
  • Advised Telekom Group on its debut issue of a €500m Eurobond on the international debt market.
  • Advised CIBT Inc on its establishment in Serbia, as well as its commercial operations.

Serbia > Projects and energy Tier 3

Gecic Law‘s lawyers are ‘clearly experts when it comes to large investment and energy projects’. The firm’s industry expertise ranges from steel production and renewable energy (wind and solar), to nuclear energy and electric power generation. The team is co-headed by ‘exceptional lawyer’ and corporate and M&A head, Ognjen Colić; and Bogdan Gecić, whose extensive practice focuses on corporate law, energy matters, infrastructure projects, PPPs, and European law issues.

Practice head(s):

Bogdan Gecić; Ognjen Colić

Other key lawyers:

Nemanja Sladaković

Testimonials

‘Clients really love their team, as it has a wide knowledge span that helps when handling difficult issues.’

‘Bogdan Gecić and Ognjen Colić have huge knowledge of the energy sector and international experience.’

‘The entire team works to ensure the best client experience.’

‘Bogdan Gecić is an exceptional lawyer.’

‘They are clearly experts when it comes to large investment and energy projects. In every interaction they show a great understanding of the industry and provide solutions that make sense not only from a legal point of view but also in terms of clients’ overall business success.’

‘Bogdan Gecić simply adds value, delivers results, and exceeds expectations.’

‘Bogdan Gecić and Ognjen Colić’s down-to-earth and truly professional approach and willingness to help are what clients really like about working with them.’

‘Nemanja Sladaković is a bright attorney who delivers innovative solutions.’

Key clients

Petrol Montenegro

State of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Elektroprivreda BIH

NBT AS, Norway

Petrol Slovenia

Solar Prime

SU-N Energy Technology, Canada

JFE Shoji

Government of the Republic of Serbia

Naval Box

Work highlights

  • Advised Elektroprivreda BIH on an EPC contract between JP Elektroprivreda BiH d.d. and a consortium of China Gezhouba Group Company Ltd. and Guangdong Electric Power Design Institute for the construction of a power plant.
  • Advising JFE Shoji’s Serbian affiliate on the construction of an access road that will connect its facility with State Road no. 126.
  • Acting for Petrol Group in several multi-jurisdictional disputes.

Serbia > Dispute resolution Tier 4

Gecic Law‘s dispute resolution practice is led by Jovana Veličković, who joined the firm in December 2022. Veličković represents regional and international companies in disputes involving banking, real estate, privatisations, securities, contracts, and bankruptcy (among others). The team also features founding partner Bogdan Gecić as well as commercial disputes practitioner Miodrag Jevtić.

Practice head(s):

Jovana Veličković

Other key lawyers:

Bogdan Gecić; Miodrag Jevtić; Janko Ignjatović

Testimonials

Clients emphasise the high level of expertise and adaptability of the team, as well as its monitoring of modern legal developments and practices, both at domestic and international levels.’

‘The legal team approaches legal issues from all angles and offers full support. The work is completed quickly and to the point, without time wasting.’

‘Proven to be a thorough and highly responsive team of lawyers, covering a wide array of legal services. They provide business-friendly legal advice, which is an absolute must for business decision making.’

‘All members of the team value a no-nonsense approach, which is really appreciated by disputes clients.’

‘The uniqueness and advantage of working with Jovana Veličković is reflected above all in her high-level expertise and work ethics.’

‘Jovana Veličković – high-level understanding of the principles and requirements of modern business.’

‘Miodrag Jevtić is rated for his cutting-edge knowledge of litigation.’

‘Miodrag Jevtić’s down-to-earth approach is highly appreciated.’

Key clients

Dijamant

Belgrade University, Faculty of Law

Petrol Montenegro

State of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Elektroprivreda Bosnia & Hercegovina, Sarajevo

Telekom Group

Petrol Group

Ferdinand Knedle

Penetron

M:tel North Macedonia

M:tel BiH

Work highlights

  • Representing Telekom Group in an ongoing high-stakes legal battle with a key rival and its affiliates, which affects over 30 jurisdictions.
  • Represented the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Elektroprivreda BiH in a landmark matter involving a $1.1bn energy sector investment.
  • Acting for Petrol Group in several multi-jurisdictional disputes.

Gecić Law is one of the foremost innovative full-service law firms in Southeastern Europe. Redefining legal practice’s role in a dynamic emerging regional market, the firm ensures its clients’ success by delivering a fresh perspective and meaningful solutions that result in exceptional outcomes. In an ever-changing environment, Gecić Law applies a bespoke approach to complex legal challenges spanning diverse practices, industries, and jurisdictions, creating unparalleled opportunities and results for its clients.

The firm’s expertise, commitment, experience, and adherence to the highest professional standards are widely recognized. This acclaim is mirrored in consistent top-tier rankings in prestigious global directories. Accolades include two consecutive wins at The Lawyer European Awards: “Law Firm of the Year: Eastern Europe and the Balkans” (2020) and “Law Firm of the Year: South Eastern Europe” (2021).

Gecić Law is active in all jurisdictions of the Western Balkans region. Through exclusive membership in two elite-ranked global networks, TerraLex and TAGLaw, the firm’s services extend worldwide, supporting the client’s business needs wherever they may be.

With a commitment to nurturing long-term relationships, Gecić Law serves a diverse client base across the region, comprising governments, state-owned enterprises, leading corporations, startups, and SMEs. The firm has an impressive footprint in various industries, including telecommunications, media, technology, pharma, agriculture and food, banking and finance, transport, energy, and mining. Gecić Law has advised on some of the most significant investment projects in recent years in one of the world’s fastest-growing FDI economies. The team helps clients navigate the region’s complex legal landscape, shaped by the interplay between local legal frameworks, European law, and EU accession negotiations.

The firm’s reputation is grounded in the region-leading work of its competition, EU law, and international trade practices. In recent years, the firm has witnessed remarkable growth in its corporate/M&A, dispute resolution, projects, energy, mining and PPP, banking and finance, and real estate practices. True to its innovative spirit, Gecić Law was the first independent law firm to launch dedicated ESG and artificial intelligence practices, pioneering these fields in the region.

The firm’s team comprises individuals trained at top-tier US and European universities. Their diverse backgrounds, specific knowledge, and extensive local and international professional experience uniquely equip them to provide innovative and practical solutions to complex legal matters. These traits, along with their shared entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to client service, are the firm’s strengths.

 

Department Name Email Telephone
Competition law/state aid Bogdan Gecić bogdan.gecic@geciclaw.com
Corporate/M&A Ognjen Colić ognjen.colic@geciclaw.com
Banking and finance Miodrag Jevtić miodrag.jevtic@geciclaw.com
Mining, Energy, infrastructure & PPP Ognjen Colić ognjen.colic@geciclaw.com
Administrative and regulatory Bogdan Gecić bogdan.gecic@geciclaw.com
Constitutional litigation Bogdan Gecić bogdan.gecic@geciclaw.com
Privacy and data protection Branko Gabrić branko.gabric@geciclaw.com
European law, trade and enlargement Bogdan Gecić bogdan.gecic@geciclaw.com
Labour Ognjen Colić ognjen.colic@geciclaw.com
Legislative and government affairs Bogdan Gecić bogdan.gecic@geciclaw.com
Dispute Resolution Jovana Veličković jovana.velickovic@geciclaw.com
Private equity Bogdan Gecić bogdan.gecic@geciclaw.com
ESG Ognjen Colić ognjen.colic@geciclaw.com
Tax Miodrag Jevtić miodrag.jevtic@geciclaw.com
Real estate Miloš Petaković milos.petakovic@geciclaw.com
AI & robotics Bogdan Gecić bogdan.gecic@geciclaw.com
Immigration Nemanja Sladaković nemanja.sladakovic@geciclaw.com
White collar Ognjen Colić ognjen.colic@geciclaw.com
ICT and digital assets Nemanja Sladaković nemanja.sladakovic@geciclaw.com
Photo Name Position Profile
Ognjen Colić photo Ognjen Colić Partner | Head of Corporate / M&A
Branko Gabrić photo Branko Gabrić Counsel
Bogdan Gecić photo Bogdan Gecić Partner
Hristina Kosec photo Hristina Kosec Partner | Head of Operations
Ivana Stojanović Raišić photo Ivana Stojanović Raišić Counsel
Number of lawyers : 20
Bosnian
Chinese
Croatian
English
French
German
Macedonian
Montenegrin
Serbian
International Bar Association
AmCham American Chamber of Commerce
Serbian Arbitration Association
Serbian Bar Association
Japanese Business Alliance
UAE Serbia Business Club
Contacts : Bogdan Gecic

Bogdan Gecić, Founding Partner

Bogdan Gecić explains the value of innovation in a dynamic regional legal market

 

1) What do you see as the main points that differentiate Gecic Law from your competitors?

We founded Gecić Law with a vision for our firm’s development but also with the aim of breaking the mold of the traditional law firm and its role in the business environment of the SEE region. For us, innovation is about continuous curiosity and discovery. We explore new practice areas and add value to our clients by providing a fresh perspective and meaningful solutions tailored to their businesses’ new challenges in a rapidly changing environment. We take pride in being among the first independent law firms in the region to expand our offer into emerging legal areas and industries likely to shape the future of business. Our commitment is to provide cutting-edge solutions to add value beyond the law with a deep understanding of our clients’ industries and objectives. With a unique combination of international experience and international expertise, our lawyers guide our clients through a complex regional legal environment where the latest developments in EU law intertwine  the growth opportunities offered by  emerging markets.

 

2) Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

We see growth in the broad array of legal topics stemming from advanced developments in technology, including intellectual property, data privacy and security, and product liability. In our region, we expect developments in the field of alternative dispute resolution driven by significant foreign direct investment. We continue to focus on ESG as defining regulation takes shape in the EU and the countries of our region.

 

3) What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?

Our focus has been on expanding the team and adapting our organizational structure to support the expansion of the breadth and depth of our offering and our geographic reach, which has taken us well beyond our regional market. We are also applying new technologies that help us rationalize our firm’s processes, improve team collaboration, and concentrate on delivering our clients the highest quality of service efficiently and cost-effectively.

 

4) Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

In the face of rapid technological evolution, our client engagements and service offerings have transformed. We leverage cutting-edge digital communication tools and platforms, provide access to legal documents and information online, and integrate data and analytics into our strategic decision-making. As a result, we can offer more agile and adaptive legal services, staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving legal environment.

 

5) Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

We can provide numerous examples of this, but a recent win in a state-aid procedure where our firm represented EP BiH the electric power utility firm of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the government of the country in a state-aid case before the Energy Community, enabled the clients to go ahead with the USD 1.1 billion investment, the largest in the country’s energy sector in the last fifty years and vitally important for its energy security. We advise Telekom Serbia Group, the largest telecommunications and multimedia provider across the Adria and Balkans, in a series of cases that span across 21 jurisdictions. Our team provides strategic and legal guidance throughout these processes, assisting the client in overcoming some of the most important business obstacles. Last year our team structured a unique, highly complex deal in the mining industry, helping one of the largest global mining companies enter the Serbian market.

 

6) Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Indeed, clients are increasingly expecting more from law firms, well beyond the traditional, and we welcome these trends. We are exceptionally positioned to meet these requirements. In the next three years and beyond, we expect to continue with the tremendous growth we have achieved in the past several years. We will accomplish this by building on our reputation as a top-tier provider of innovative and value-added services. We aim to consistently expand our offer to meet the most sophisticated needs of businesses as they evolve and expand our geographic footprint to be present wherever our clients need us. We’ll persist in harnessing technology to amplify our services and remain at the forefront. We will continue to affirm a value-based culture of collaboration and continuous learning and improvement to ensure we always deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Gecić Law Expands into Artificial Intelligence and Launches Dedicated Practice

Gecić Law is pleased to announce that it became the first independent law firm in the Adria and Balkans region to launch a stand-alone practice in AI & Robotics. The new practice area will focus on the opportunities and challenges of emerging technological advancements transforming the business world and our daily lives, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and data analytics. The new practice will focus on the needs of businesses developing and applying solutions in this increasingly prominent area. Founding Partner Bogdan Gecić will head the practice.

Hristina Kosec Elected Partner

We are happy to give a name to the values we stand for.  Gecić Law is immensely pleased to announce that our own Hristina Kosec was elected partner at our firm.  Hristina joined Gecić Law in 2019 and has since successfully headed Gecić Law’s operations, including the administrative, human resources, and business development functions. She oversees the development and implementation of the firm’s growth strategy, including planning, financial projections, and performance monitoring indicators.  Hristina’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding the unprecedented growth and development the firm has experienced.  As a partner, Hristina will leverage her legal background to increasingly take on a client-facing role, contributing to significant projects and coordinating legal business efforts to ensure best-in-class customer experience and client relations.

Jovana Veličković Joins Gecić Law as Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution

Underscoring the importance of top-notch dispute resolution in strengthening the firm's market-leading capabilities, Gecić Law is delighted to announce that Jovana Veličković is joining the team as a Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution. 

Gecić Law Shoots for the Stars with Most Nominations in All of Europe

Gecić Law continues to reach new heights year after year, receiving even greater recognition for its passion for innovation, consistent growth and excellence in the legal profession at the highest level.  The coveted The Lawyer European Awards have nominated us for the fifth year in a row placing us among Europe’s finest law firms. Only, this year, the firm stands neck-to-neck with global powerhouses the likes of Latham & Watkins, with most nominations among this year’s contenders across all of Europe - an unprecedented feat any law firm in the region has ever achieved.

Gecić Law Shoots for the Stars with Most Nominations in All of Europe

Gecić Law continues to reach new heights year after year, receiving even greater recognition for its passion for innovation, consistent growth and excellence in the legal profession at the highest level.  The coveted The Lawyer European Awards have nominated us for the fifth year in a row placing us among Europe’s finest law firms. Only, this year, the firm stands neck-to-neck with global powerhouses the likes of Latham & Watkins, with most nominations among this year’s contenders across all of Europe - an unprecedented feat any law firm in the region has ever achieved.

Gecić Law named top legal firm in 150-million-strong SEE market

  • Gecić Law scoops first “Law Firm Of The Year: South Eastern Europe”, a new category covering huge & fast-growing regional market in The Lawyer European Awards 2021
  • Praised for “its rapid growth, its strong deal profile, and its innovative expansion into the consulting arena”
  • Gecić Law’s place in European legal elite confirmed after busy year for clients including Serbian and Bosnian governments and Norwegian green energy leader NBT
  • A year after winning top Eastern Europe and Balkans prize, latest award demonstrates “strength of our pioneering work, and relentless efforts to provide top-notch service across markets and practice areas” – founding partner Bogdan Gecić
  • Gecić Law “at the forefront of redefining the role that a law firm plays in the emerging regional market”

Gecić Law Expands with ESG Practice Launch

Gecić Law is pleased to announce that it has become the first independent legal services provider in the region to expand into the sphere of Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) by launching a new practice that will focus on the needs of businesses in this increasingly prominent area.  The practice will be co-headed by Partner and Head of Corporate/M&A Ognjen Colić, and Head of Operations Hristina Kosec

Ognjen Colić Elected Partner at Gecić Law

Gecić Law is pleased to announce that Ognjen Colić was elected partner. This is a greatly important milestone marking five years of continued successes. Ognjen’s independent practice joined Gecić Law in 2016, complementing its corporate arm and contributing to the strengthening of common values.

Bogdan Gecić to Serve as Board Member of Harvard Law School Association of Europe

Gecić Law is proud to announce the appointment of its founder and managing partner Bogdan Gecić to the Board of the Harvard Law School Association of Europe.

Gecić Law’s website honored for the sixth year in a row

We are delighted to reveal that Gecić Law’s website continues to attract the attention of professionals globally as it has been recognized by several prestigious rankings.  Our website was positioned, for the sixth consecutive year, among the top-ranked Global law firm websites for 2021 in a selection of 23 law firm websites across the world. This prestigious ranking, published by Comrade, a leading US digital marketing network, puts us side by side with the world-class law firm Axiom among others. In another ranking of legal websites worldwide, Astra, a leading web design business, placed the Gecić Law website among the best legal websites globally. Furthermore, Design blog Designbeep ranked our website as one of the Best Law Firm Websites, especially commending our “a beautiful, scenic video” of Belgrade.

Gecić Law: 2020 in Review – Light at the End of the Tunnel

At Gecić Law, we proudly look back at the past year and remember it as a year of significant achievement. Some of our accomplishments singled out in this review testify not only to the ability of our team to quickly adapt to radically different circumstances, but to see them as an opportunity to affirm our core values, to build on them and to grow. We rose to the challenge, learned and developed, and in the process, we helped our employees, clients, and business partners gain the strength to overcome the uncertainty and grow together with us. These are the highlights of our great story.

Bogdan Gecić, Founder of Gecić Law: There is a Lot of Room for Innovation

Diplomacy & Commerce magazine, a syndication of London’s The Economist magazine for Serbia, prepared a special InFocus supplement as part of its February 2021 issue, with the aim of providing the readers a closer insight into the development of bilateral relations and successful cooperation between Serbia and the United Arab Emirates. Bogdan Gecic, Managing Partner at Gecic Law, a founding and exclusive member of the UAE Serbia Business club since 2019, gave an interview, which can be read in its entirety below.

Gecić Law’s Energy Practice is Growing Every Day

Our Energy practice team has repeatedly demonstrated its credibility by devising unique opportunities for greenfield and brownfield investments for our clients. We provide comprehensive solutions related to privatization, regulatory compliance and due diligence in cooperation with eminent regulatory, corporate and financial experts.