DLA Piper Dinu SCA’s team is well established in the renewable energy space, advising on regulatory investigations, power purchase agreements and project development issues. The practice is jointly steered by Paula Corban-Pelin, who frequently assists foreign clients by structuring local transactions and Marian Dinu, whose practice encompasses a broad range of corporate matters. Teodor Săbău is frequently instructed on complex transactions and grid-connection arrangements, while Florin Tineghe excels in energy-focused real estate mandates.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • Among the individuals I have worked with at DLA Piper Dinu SCA, Paula Corban stands out for her strong capabilities in both M&A and regulatory matters. I have had a good and lasting cooperation with her, and I value her structured approach, reliability, and ability to provide clear, well-reasoned guidance in complex situations. Florin Tineghe, as a real estate practitioner, distinguishes himself through his innovative solutions and strong client orientation. His ability to think creatively while remaining practical and commercially focused adds real value to the projects we work on. Together, they bring a combination of technical skill, responsiveness, and a constructive attitude that differentiates them from many competitors.
  • Paula Corban-Pelin and her team are capable of addressing and tackling any issue that the development of a renewable project in Romania may encounter.
  • Paula Corban-Pelin has a very hands-on approach with a clear understanding of the economic implications of the issues. Teodor Sabau has the rare ability to provide concise answers to the questions asked with appropriate advice.
  • DLA Piper Dinu SCA’s Energy & Natural Resources practice offers a solid blend of technical expertise and sector understanding. The team is reliable, approachable, and able to navigate regulatory and transactional issues with clarity. Potential clients should know that the practice provides steady support, good responsiveness, and a balanced, risk-aware approach to complex matters. Compared to other firms, they maintain a consistent quality of service and a constructive attitude in collaborations. They also make effective use of modern communication and project-management tools, which helps streamline workflows. Overall, the practice brings dependable capabilities and a practical mindset that clients can rely on.
  • ‘We work with Paula Corban, who is a very proactive, hardworking and professional lawyer.’
  • ‘I have known DLA Piper's Romanian Energy team for quite some time and with each occasion that I work with them, I am amazed of their deep level of professionalism. I think they are one of the most sought-after legal teams in the country, having been acted for most of the relevant companies. They seem ready to put together the perfect team each time, while their resources appear to be endless. Each time I asked for advice, they gave instant and valuable legal support. Never off-guarded... I rest assured that our company's interests are in good legal hands.’
  • ‘Core team is Paula Corban-Pelin and Teodor Sabau, but they can always bring additional members from DLA Piper.’
  • ’Wow, Paula Corban-Pelin!! What an amazing lawyer! She is astounding in the effort she puts in her work. She leads the team, gives advice to clients, supports the industry, writes legal opinion and does everything with such an ease. I admire her, and would trust her with the most complex energy matters.’
  • ‘PNE Romania has been having a long-standing relationship with DLA Piper Romania, extending far back almost into the beginning of our operations in the country. They are still serving as our exclusive advisor on all energy related matters, having had an excellent collaboration throughout the years. As a leading energy legal team in Romania, DLA Piper delivers excellent legal advice, based on their market knowledge and thorough understanding of all aspects (technical, commercial, business etc). Their approach is utterly unparalleled on the market, showcasing reassuring involvement and care. We simply feel as if they are part of our team, rather than external advisers. Truly unique team!’
  • ‘ Paula Corban – Pelin, Partner and leader of the energy practice in DLA Piper Romania, has been our "go to" lawyer in all legal aspects for more than 15 years. Among the best lawyers in Romania, Paula certainly stands out as an accomplished and recognized energy lawyer. Very active and deeply involved in the market, her tireless work goes beyond legal advice, as she supports the industry and advocates for improved legislation and regulation. We have absolute trust in her ability to handle our most complex matters, and we rely on her for all our legal needs. We keep Paula in high regards as the best energy lawyer in Romania!'

Key clients

  • THE PHOENIX GROUP
  • MET ROMANIA ENERGY S.A.
  • OX2 A.B.
  • PNE A.G. / PNE RO PV HOLDING
  • EBRD/Ministry of Energy of Moldova
  • ROMANIAN WIND ENERGY ASSOCIATION
  • PNE WIND ROMANIA ENERGY HOLDING
  • BOAZ PELED
  • ENERGY ASSET INVESTMENT
  • P3 LOGISTIK PARKS
  • URLEASCA WIND FARM
  • AUTOLIV INC.
  • FREEPOINT COMMODITIES EUROPE LLP
  • VESTAS ROMANIA SRL
  • AUKERA ROMANIA SRL
  • ENDURANCE LIFT SOLUTIONS
  • ALERION CLEAN ENERGY
  • BEKAERT N.V.

Work highlights

Advising the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Moldova, under EBRD technical assistance, on the country’s first competitive tenders for renewable energy projects. Work includes legal support for offshore wind and solar auctions granting state-aid support through fixed-price PPAs or contracts for difference.
Assisted Autoliv Inc., the Sweden-based automotive safety supplier, on a long-term hybrid power purchase agreement with Eurowind Energy for the offtake of clean electricity from the 48MW Pecineaga wind farm in Romania.
Assisted Alerion Energy RO, the Romanian arm of Alerion Clean Power, on financing arrangements for a shared transformer substation connecting four wind projects exceeding 470MW in aggregate capacity.

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

Paula Corban-Pelin; Marian Dinu

Other key lawyers

Teodor Sabău; Florin Tineghe