Leveraging ‘criminal law expertise with in-depth understanding of the business’, Mares & Mares continues to be a stable choice for multinational corporations, local establishments, and high-net-worth individuals requiring assistance with high-profile criminal proceedings. The professionals present standout proficiency in investigations, prosecution, and enforcement actions, and they handle a broad range of claims. Primary contacts include practice head Mihai Mares, a ’reputed’ corporate crime specialist, and dispute resolution expert Cristian Mareș. Other core members are Liana Iacob, who joined in January 2025 and focuses on litigation, along with Cipriana Fulgeanu and Traian Badescu, both with extensive criminal law experience.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Mares & Mares stands out in the white-collar crime space through a rare combination of deep legal expertise, strategic foresight, and a client-centric approach. The team demonstrates exceptional proficiency in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and high-stakes investigations, often involving cross-border dimensions and sensitive reputational risks.’
- ‘Mihai Mares is an excellent white-collar crime attorney, with a wealth of experience and great management of the team's resources for each project.’
- ‘They combine the criminal law knowledge and practice with in-depth knowledge of the business in the sector their clients are acting in, and this is making them one step ahead of others in their field of action.’
- ‘Very highly regarded with a very talented team headed by the outstanding Mihai Mares.’
- ‘The individuals I’ve worked with at Mares & Mares distinguish themselves through a rare blend of intellectual rigour, strategic clarity, and personal integrity. Their ability to remain composed and decisive under pressure is particularly valuable in white-collar matters, where stakes are high and timelines are often compressed.'
- ‘Mihai Mares is perhaps the most famous criminal lawyer in Romania, representing corporations and individuals in high-stakes white-collar crime cases.’
Key clients
- COMCEREAL SA
- E-Infra SA
- ELECTROMAGNETICA SA
- Lion Capital
- Vrancart SA
- Libra Bank
- Allianz Trade
- Infinity Capital SA
- Infineon Technologies AG
Work highlights
Defending an individual in a trial for alleged abuse of office in connection with public procurement proceedings, with an associated loss of approximately €7m.
Defending an individual in an appeal lodged against a criminal decision that includes an order to pay damages and a confiscation order, totalling approx. €4m.
Assisting and representing Electromagnetica in a criminal investigation concerning fraudulent acts committed against the company by former top-level managers to the detriment of the corporate estate, with an associated estimated loss of over €1m.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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.
Traian Badescu
Practice head
Mihai Mares
Other key lawyers
Cristian Mareș; Liana Iacob; Cipriana Fulgeanu; Traian Badescu