The team at Popescu & Asociatii covers the full range of the energy sector, from oil & gas matters and mineral extraction work to renewable energy production and nuclear mandates. The practice is jointly led by Loredena Popescu, who specialises in banking and finance, M&A, and real estate, alongside Dana Bivol, an expert in environmental law and capital markets. The group also handles cross-border energy connectivity, distribution networks, and the development of related infrastructure.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Andreea Mihalache brings exceptional regulatory knowledge combined with practical commercial sense. She understands project economics and regulatory requirements equally well. Dana Bivol complements this with strong analytical skills and attention to detail. What distinguishes them is their ability to guide clients through regulatory processes efficiently while minimizing delays. They understand that energy projects operate on tight timelines and financial constraints. Their advice is always practical, always cognizant of business realities, and consistently solution-oriented. Their accessibility during critical project phases is particularly valued.
- I worked closely with Andreea Mihalache. She understands the energy sector with strong depth. She is direct, precise, and steady. She explains complex rules in simple terms. She runs large files with strict discipline. She keeps communication clear, and she prepares the whole case so nothing surprises you later. Her guidance is practical. She focuses on the steps that protect the project and align with the regulator’s expectations.
- This is the area where I collaborate most with Popescu & Asociatii. They understand the full regulatory framework of the energy sector and follow developments closely. Their guidance takes into account the expectations of authorities and the operational realities of projects. They handle permitting, compliance, and contractual matters with strong coordination. Their insight into how rules evolve helps avoid future challenges.
- I work mainly with Andreea Mihalache. She has strong knowledge of energy regulation and reliable judgment in complex matters. She communicates clearly, stays organized, and handles technical details with confidence. Her litigation experience strengthens her ability to manage risk. When broader strategic context is needed, Octavian Popescu gives measured and informed guidance.
- The Energy and Natural Resources team is knowledgeable and dependable. Their understanding of the sector is solid, including the regulatory side and work involving public authorities. They handle sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism. Their advice is always practical and focused on results. They are well organized and handle tight deadlines without losing quality.
- This practice stands out because they have genuine knowledge of how the energy sector works in Romania. They understand the regulations but also the practical challenges companies face. For potential clients, I'd say the key strength is their ability to handle complex regulatory issues while keeping business objectives in mind. They're proactive about flagging potential problems before they become serious issues. From what I've seen, they're definitely among the better firms for this type of work.
Key clients
- Triticum
- Premier Energy S.A
- ENGIE Group (former GDF SUEZ)
- CYEB
- Electrica Furnizare
- PPC Group
- Maramures County
- Allsys Energy
- Eco Sud
- Romanian Minister of Environment, Water and Forests
Work highlights
Advising Eco Sud on obtaining environmental permits and operating licences for sewage, refuse disposal, and sanitation services, covering more than half of Romania’s counties and additional local administrative units.
Advising Engie Group on energy trading activities, including negotiating, concluding, and executing legal acts, while defending its interests in courts and arbitral tribunals.
Providing ongoing legal support to Engie Group and its Romanian subsidiaries on matters arising from energy trading and infrastructure operations.
Practice head
Loredana Popescu; Dana Bivol
Other key lawyers
Andreea Mihalache
