Refalo Advocates advises companies and joint ventures on a broad spectrum of corporate and commercial matters, including financing structures, investment arrangements, and corporate recovery procedures. The firm is particularly experienced in handling shareholder and director disputes, with a strong focus on minority rights and insolvency-related proceedings. The team is led by a trio of key partners: Ian Refalo, who represents a range of government bodies, public and private companies, and independent state entities; Mark Refalo, who specialises in administrative and commercial litigation, with notable expertise in public procurement and the application of EU legislation in Malta; and John Refalo, who advises on complex matters involving insolvency, shareholder rights, fraud, and asset tracing.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The individuals within the team stand out for their combination of legal acumen, commercial awareness, and genuine commitment to client service. What sets them apart is not only their technical mastery of the law but also their pragmatic approach to achieving the client’s business objectives.'
- Each member of the team consistently demonstrates integrity, creativity, and an exceptional level of responsiveness — qualities that clients routinely highlight as differentiators compared to competitors.’
- ‘The team is well experienced in Maltese proceedings.'
- ‘The dispute resolution team is professional, efficient, and very reliable. They provide clear advice and manage cases with strong expertise and attention to detail.’
- ‘John Refalo stands out for his competence, availability, and pragmatic approach.’
- ‘Mark Refalo is a great litigator with a keen sense of strategy.'
Key clients
- SBK-ART LLC
- Mehmet Tatlici
- EU Wings srl
- SB Entertainment
- Esports Entertainment Malta Limited
- Futura Investments SICAV p.l.c
- Ergon Projects Ltd – Fincantieri Infrastrutture Sociali SpA
- MDM Costruzioni Generali
- National Bank of Malta
- Frank Rafaraci
- Easy Claims
- Consumers in Austria
Work highlights
Represented MDM Costruzioni Generali srl in a complex joint venture dispute with Bonnici Brothers Ltd involving various contractual breaches following completion of a national project involving claims in excess of 20 million Euro.
Represented Futura Funds SICAV plc in its dispute with the Vatican's treasury department in relation to an investment transaction involving the acquisition of the Budapest Stock Exchange - with claims by either party being issued for over 20 million Euro.
Assisted the shareholders of the National Bank of Malta win a landmark judgement granting them compensation to the value of 100 million as damages suffered following the Government takeover of the bank.
Practice head
Ian Refalo; Mark Refalo; John Refalo