The team at Ilej & Partners in cooperation with Karanovic & Partners is known for expertly handling corporate and commercial matters consisting of joint ventures, buyouts, and restructurings. It regularly advises both longstanding and new clients on cross-border and domestic mandates, in areas including the food, IT and technology sectors. Goran Ilej leads the team, with longstanding experience and strong knowledge of the food industry. Other members of the team include Franka Baica, who acts for clients in the hospitality sector, and Iva Tokić Čuljak, who advises on cross-border transactions in a variety of sectors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- What makes Ilej & Partners truly stand out is its rare combination of deep legal expertise, strategic foresight, and a modern, human approach to client service. The firm blends the precision of a top-tier international practice with the accessibility and agility of a boutique office. Its commitment to understanding each client’s business model and long-term goals allows for legal advice that is not only technically sound but also commercially relevant and actionable. The team is exceptionally strong in complex cross-border transactions, corporate structuring, and regulatory matters. They are known for meticulous preparation, strategic clarity, and an ability to anticipate potential challenges before they arise. At the core of our project's success was Antun Skansi, whose professionalism, responsiveness, and deep analytical insight inspire confidence at every stage of collaboration. Antun combines an impressive command of legal frameworks with a pragmatic understanding of how business and regulation interact. Clients consistently value his reliability, clear communication, and calm, solutions-oriented mindset.
- The individuals at Ilej Law Office stand out for their exceptional blend of intellectual rigor, professionalism, and genuine dedication to client success. What differentiates them from competitors is not only their mastery of complex legal and regulatory frameworks but their ability to translate that expertise into pragmatic, forward-looking solutions. Every interaction reflects a deep sense of accountability and integrity — qualities that build immediate trust and lasting partnerships. Antun Skansi in particular exemplifies these strengths. He combines strategic clarity with calm precision, consistently delivering advice that is both deeply considered and commercially sound. Antun’s ability to navigate intricate cross-border matters, anticipate challenges, and communicate with absolute transparency makes collaboration with him exceptionally smooth and efficient. His approach is thoughtful, structured, and always oriented toward achieving the best possible outcome for his clients. What I have most valued in working with Antun and the team is their responsiveness, reliability, and genuine commitment to excellence. They are never content with surface-level answers; instead, they probe deeply into every issue, ensuring that advice is tailored, robust, and aligned with the client’s broader objectives. This combination of intellect, integrity, and empathy is what truly sets them apart. Unlike many competitors who may approach matters transactionally, Ilej’s lawyers — and Antun in particular — approach each engagement as a long-term partnership. Their communication is consistently clear and proactive, and their solutions reflect not just legal compliance but strategic foresight and business sense.
- ‘Excellent legal expertise and out-of-the-box thinking. Available, responsive, and consistently deliver on time.’
- ‘All members meet the required standards and demonstrate professionalism.'
- ‘Ilej & Partners has shown a high level of adaptability during our work with them.’
- ‘Iva Tokić Čuljak has shown exemplary level of commitment, responsiveness, and flexibility working on the aforementioned transaction. Her expertise and counsel allowed us to successfully identify and mitigate the risks, protecting the company assets and ensuring transaction success.’
Key clients
- Mid Europa Partners
- Aroma Global 3 d.o.o.
- Grupo Bimbo S.A.B. DE C.V.
- Cidrani
- Ani Biome Inc.
- Cirtuo
- Kod Biro d.o.o.
- Eduard Kettner GmbH
Work highlights
Advised Mid Europa Partners in the transaction that shifts control of Mlinar, the largest regional company in the bakery industry, from sole control by Mid Europa Partners to joint control by Mid Europa Partners and BOSQAR Invest Group.
Advised the founder of Cirtuo, the industry leader in AI-powered category management, on its strategic sale to Coupa, the global leader in AI-native total spend management.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Goran Ilej
Other key lawyers
Franka Baica; Iva Tokić Čuljak