Highlighted for its ‘deep sector knowledge’, Cobalt’s core strengths are both employment aspects of M&A and sector-specific employment disputes in sectors spanning IT, retail and financial services. Non-contentious mandates encompass discrimination claims, terminations, employment contract advice, and benefits advice, as part of a varied workload which also extends to more niche areas of such as whistleblowing. The group sits within a wider employment and immigration practice, in which team leader Toms Šulmanis is often navigating relationships with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs on immigration matters on behalf of a range of companies. Kristīne Patmalniece and Ivo Maskalāns have established practices in general employment law advice arising from restructurings, dismissals, and redundancies.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Deep listening, careful questioning, a good sense of understanding human nature, always accessible, always responding as soon as possible, high-quality paperwork; that is how I would describe my partnership with Kristine Patmalniece.
- Professionalism, competence, and deep analysis are the first things that come to mind when thinking about my long-term experience with Cobalt. I would call it a collaborative experience, with deep and constructive listening to the issues and needs, relevant questions, and a deep dive into explaining the law, how it is interpreted, and how it is applied. Less technology, more human interaction, clarity, and a deep dive into the topic.
- ‘Toms Šulmanis is highly professional, accurate and proactive.’
- ‘Well-known experts in the field, the ability to provide legal opinions on short notice (if needed), and the ability to interpret and offer various solutions for the company. Good communication and collaboration skills.’
- ‘Toms Šulmanis and Ivo Maskalāns were consistently accessible, responsive, and highly competent, always advocating for our interests in line with the best professional standards.’
- ‘This practice stands out due to its strong client-oriented approach, deep sector knowledge, and a collaborative team culture that ensures consistent excellence across all areas of legal service. We appreciate the team's responsiveness, practical advice, and ability to deliver solutions tailored to complex business needs.’
Key clients
- Cabot
- CREDITREFORM LATVIJA
- Dynamic Yield SIA (subsidiary of Mastercard)
- Evolution Latvia
- Fragomen LLP
- Hugo Boss
- ITALFERR S.p.A.
- Johnson & Johnson
- Linstow Baltic
- Remote Latvia
Work highlights
Advised CREDITREFORM on the multi-stage reorganisation and transfer of its credit information operations, including the transfer of employees.
Represented a major Latvian healthcare provider in court proceedings concerning a challenging termination dispute.
Assisting Fragomen LLP with obtaining residence and work permits for employees.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Toms Šulmanis
Other key lawyers
Kristīne Patmalniece; Ivo Maskalāns