
With the ‘ability to adapt to any situation’, LCA Studio Legale’s sector expertise spans the Italian market, acting in the automotive, technology, energy, food, and insurance industries. Alongside Andrea Messuti and Riccardo Massimilla, Riccardo Sismondi co-heads the practice, routinely advising on domestic and cross-border M&A transactions. ‘An outstanding M&A lawyer’, Leah Dunlop assists clients with strategic alliances and reorganisations, and Luca Minoli is an expert in strategic M&A, advising corporations and family-run businesses.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- What truly distinguishes the individuals in this team is their extraordinary flexibility and their unwavering availability — clients know they can count on them at any time, 24/7, depending on the needs of the transaction. Giangiacomo Rocco di Torrepadula exemplifies empathy in client relationships at its highest level. He embodies the concept of trust, taking on his clients’ challenges as his own and managing them with the same commitment and sense of responsibility. Beyond legal guidance, he provides invaluable emotional support during complex or high-stakes negotiations, creating a relationship that goes far beyond the purely professional sphere. His refined interpersonal skills allow him to maintain excellent relationships even with counterparties — an approach that never weakens his negotiation stance but rather prevents unnecessary tension and facilitates constructive dialogue. His professionalism and courtesy make him an exceptionally effective negotiator who achieves results through respect and collaboration. Claudia Barone stands out for her strong technical preparation and her exceptional performance both in the strategic structuring phase of transactions and in the drafting, negotiation, and finalization of even the most complex documents. She is fully aware of her role within the team and contributes to its success with consistency and precision. Always approachable and positive — even in the most intense phases of negotiation — she brings a calm, reassuring presence that makes working with her both productive and genuinely pleasant.
- This practice stands out for its distinctive blend of advanced technical expertise and genuine dedication to clients. The team combines precision with passion — a rare balance that defines their approach not only in demanding negotiations but also in the ordinary course of their work. Agile, cohesive, and consistently up to date, the lawyers provide efficient and responsive assistance across all matters. Their technical excellence is a given; what truly differentiates them is their pragmatic problem-solving mindset and strong commercial awareness, which allow them to prioritize effectively and guide clients through even the most complex negotiations. They manage sensitive relationships — whether with counterparties or internal stakeholders — with remarkable professionalism and tact, often addressing issues that extend beyond the purely legal sphere. Their proactive and engaged approach makes them true business partners, not just external legal advisers. On a personal level, the team combines competence with warmth and positivity, creating a working atmosphere that is both efficient and enjoyable. Their ability to build authentic trust and long-term relationships, while always maintaining professional boundaries, is a defining feature of their work. From an innovation standpoint, the practice is recognized for its transparent and flexible approach to billing, ensuring fair and balanced arrangements that reflect mutual trust. This flexibility, together with their collaborative spirit, underpins lasting and successful partnerships with clients.
- The team’s professionals stand out for their remarkable flexibility and their constant, reliable availability. Clients know they can reach them whenever needed and always receive the same level of attention and commitment. With particular regard to Claudia Barone, she is recognized for her rigorous analytical approach and her ability to combine strategic thinking with practical execution. She has an exceptional understanding of both the legal and commercial dimensions of complex transactions, which enables her to deliver clear, effective solutions even under pressure. Her drafting and negotiation skills are highly regarded, and she is known for her precision, efficiency, and ability to anticipate issues before they arise. Clients particularly value her reliability, calm presence, and proactive attitude, which make her a trusted advisor in every phase of a deal. She perfectly combines strong technical competence and a genuine human touch.
- What makes this practice truly unique is the rare combination of deep technical expertise and an exceptional level of dedication and passion for clients. This dual strength is expressed consistently, not only in complex or high-pressure negotiations but also in the team’s day-to-day work. The lawyers are agile, cohesive, and always up to date — a combination that ensures highly efficient and responsive support. Their technical competence is a given, but what distinguishes them is their pragmatic problem-solving attitude and a strong commercial understanding, which enables them to identify real priorities in negotiations and guide clients strategically. They handle even the most delicate relationships — both with counterparties and with internal stakeholders — with professionalism and sensitivity, often going beyond purely legal aspects. Their active participation in negotiations allows clients to involve them fully, as genuine business partners rather than external advisors. On a personal level, the team manages to combine professionalism with a genuine warmth and positivity that make collaboration both productive and enjoyable. Relationships often extend beyond the professional sphere, creating a sense of trust and friendship — always with clear boundaries and respect for roles. In terms of innovation, the practice stands out for its flexible and transparent approach to billing, ensuring fair and balanced fee arrangements without friction. This flexibility, combined with their openness and collaborative mindset, fosters long-term, trust-based partnerships with clients.
- ‘People, collaboration, and professionalism stand out.’
- ‘Luca Minoli and Francesco Buoso are reliable, knowledgeable, and pragmatic. Luca Minoli has extensive experience, including in areas beyond M&A.’
- ‘High professional quality and tremendous skills. Constant project coverage and client proximity.'
- 'They show great reliability, are multilingual, flexible, and their ability to adapt to any situation is probably their greatest asset.'
- 'LCA’s strong connections within the Italian business community have been essential to our success.'
- 'Leah Dunlop is an outstanding M&A lawyer.'
Key clients
- Adamant Ecodev S.r.l
- Alto Partners S.G.R. S.p.A.
- Amundi SGR S.p.A.
- AS Aston Seals S.p.A.
- AZIMUT Group
- Ernesto Solari Assicurazioni S.r.l.
- ERR & SSE Srl
- FBS S.p.A.
- Impresoft Group
- Kuwait Petroleum
- Scanfil plc
- Seabridge SA
- Sedapta
- SIMTECH S.p.A.
- Vergani S.r.l.
- Wefox Italy S.p.A.
- Wrl One S.r.l.
Work highlights
Advised FBS S.p.A. on the €197m transaction through which Banca Popolare di Sondrio S.p.A. transferred a non-performing loan and UTP portfolio to a securitisation vehicle named Platinum SPV S.r.l., in which the client is the lead investor.
Advised Scanfil plc on its acquisition of Italy-based MB Elettronica and its four affiliates from the Banelli family, subject to conditions precedent.
Advised Alto Partners SGR S.p.A. and the minority shareholders on the sale of their shares in Millefili S.p.A. to Armònia SGR S.p.A.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Riccardo Sismondi; Andrea Messuti; Riccardo Massimilla
Other key lawyers
Leah Dunlop; Antonio Di Pasquale; Luca Minoli; Roberto de Bonis; Marina Rosito; Francesco Buoso


