Posted on

Euro Elite Benelux: Full steam ahead

Independent law firms across the Benelux region have gone into 2022 with a renewed sense of optimism, with them successfully withstanding the challenges of Covid-19 to continue winning exciting new mandates. Reflective of the buoyant mood of the market, at Stibbe, Brussels managing partner Wouter Ghijsels says: ‘Last year was our best year in terms of turnover. Our office is growing, and things are actually going extremely well in Brussels.’

Deal activity in Belgium has remained high since summer 2020, with firms reporting unprecedented demand from clients, as pre-pandemic trends in debt markets reassert themselves. 2021 saw an increase in activity from private equity funds, with the TMT, logistics and industrial sectors doing particularly well. Real estate, after a period of uncertainty, has once again become a sought-after asset, with centrally-located office space, logistics property and data centres in particular proving attractive targets for international investors, REITs and portfolio holders. Continue reading “Euro Elite Benelux: Full steam ahead”

Posted on

Euro Elite CEE: The middle ground

Compared to previous uncertainty faced across the CEE region at the start of the pandemic, countries have started to recover well with transactions regaining speed. For independent and regional law firms, market conditions are favourable, and firms with office networks that span the region are well placed to handle increasingly cross-border transactional work. As US firms continue to gradually scale down their operations in jurisdictions across the region, many lawyers have become wary of working for the big international players, which is a boon for more localised firms.

In Poland, where the legal market has remained strong and withstood the effects of the pandemic considerably well, law firms are benefiting from continued growth in the economy. Poland also continues to see international inward investment and its geographical position places it at the crossroads of numerous transport routes across Europe, both of which are factors enabling its continued economic success. Continue reading “Euro Elite CEE: The middle ground”

Posted on

Euro Elite France: Vive l’autonomie

The second year of the Covid-19 crisis has seen French firms busier than ever. Following an initial slowdown between March and May at the beginning of the pandemic, the Paris market has more than picked itself up since early summer 2020. As corporates and investors adapted to life under Covid rules and French courts opened up again, firms across all areas of the legal market report extremely high levels of activity.

As interest rates remain low, firms are struggling to keep pace with the big appetite for mergers and acquisitions. LBO specialists in particular shouldered more transactions in 2021 than in the year before the pandemic hit. The Paris fund formation teams also report a buzzing market, partly caused by a necessity to fund restructurings, but mainly driven by the economy’s staggering comeback. In the venture and growth capital scene, the extremely busy market, and in particular the heavy investments made by US and UK investors, has caused a rise in the number of new firms specialising in venture and growth capital transactions. Continue reading “Euro Elite France: Vive l’autonomie”

Posted on

Euro Elite Germany: Bouncing back

At the beginning of the Covid pandemic, German law firms found themselves wary of what the future might hold and prepared for the worst. Two years on, most say their fears were unwarranted – several firms have reported the last financial year to be their strongest to date. ‘The pandemic has shown the enormous resilience of the independent law firm model,’ says Alexander Ritvay, co-managing partner at Noerr. ‘The legal market in Germany recorded a 6% revenue increase in 2020 [to €253m]. We outperformed the market, as we increased our top line by 10%. The ongoing year is also looking quite strong.’

This optimism can, in part, be attributed to the fact that the predicted big slump in commercial and corporate mandates never arrived. M&A, private equity and restructuring are identified as current key drivers of activity in the legal market. ‘With the low interest rates and the liquidity that’s in the market, we believe that transactional activity – both domestic and foreign – will continue and probably increase in the forthcoming 12 months,’ says Ritvay. ‘This is likely because there is also significant reorganisation as well as restructuring going on in many industries.’ Continue reading “Euro Elite Germany: Bouncing back”

Posted on

Euro Elite Iberia: Aiming high

Though the landscape has shifted as a result of the pandemic, the entry of international players and the ongoing digital transformation, independent law firms in Spain and Portugal continue to rise to the occasion.

The M&A market took an inevitable knock due to Covid-19, but Spanish firms’ optimism appeared justified, with high liquidity and low interest rates continuing to fuel M&A activity in 2021. ‘There has been strong investor interest in sectors such as renewable energy, technology, real estate, health, finance and agri-food,’ notes Fernando Vives, executive chair of Garrigues. Continue reading “Euro Elite Iberia: Aiming high”

Posted on

Euro Elite Ireland: Setting the pace

The past six years have been a turbulent period for the Irish economy, with uncertainties surrounding the UK’s exit from the EU quickly followed by the impact of Covid-19. Despite these external shocks, however, Ireland’s economy has performed strongly relative to the rest of Europe, with the country’s technology and pharmaceutical sectors particular bright spots. In addition to continued foreign direct investment, the domestic economy has overperformed expectations in spite of prolonged periods of restrictions, and ambitious targets on climate change are driving the development of new energy infrastructure.

Multinationals remain a major engine of Irish economic growth. Dublin is home to a host of household names in the tech space, including Apple, Google and TikTok, which established a base in the Irish capital in 2021. The presence of these tech giants in Ireland has wide-ranging effects on the Irish economy, with increased demand for Dublin office space and data centre infrastructure two particularly visible trends. Continue reading “Euro Elite Ireland: Setting the pace”

Posted on

Euro Elite Italy: La dolce vita

Our Euro Elite report in 2021 noted how the Italian legal landscape, dominated by independent law firms, had been more resilient to the pandemic than initially predicted. A year later, with the global crisis still not over, the verdict still holds true. With its consistently healthy market, Italy’s future outlook remains positive.

Italian law firms across the board saw their turnover increase by an average of 4% in 2020 compared to the previous year. Looking at the firms with the highest turnover, only 10% registered a decline, while 20% were able to maintain the same revenues. Meanwhile, a striking 70% reported growth of varying degrees – from feeble to impressive. Within this group are, on the one hand, international firms with a strong Italian presence that were able to consolidate their position and, on the other, independent Italian players including Legance, Chiomenti and Advant Nctm, while multi-practice boutique firm Pedersoli also achieved remarkable success. Continue reading “Euro Elite Italy: La dolce vita”

Posted on

Euro Elite Nordics: Complete package

Across the Nordic region, the Covid-19 crisis meant firms faced challenges in terms of adapting to remote working requirements and new regulations. The early days of the pandemic saw a noticeable dip across the board in terms of new work coming into firms, and transactional activity slowed down, but despite the ongoing uncertainty, the market has proven resilient.

‘The Norwegian legal market has proven to be very robust with high growth over time,’ observes Thomas K. Svensen, managing partner of BAHR. ‘Despite an uncertain global situation, the strong and stable outlook for the Norwegian economy continues to attract activity which again fuels an already strong legal market.’ Continue reading “Euro Elite Nordics: Complete package”

Posted on

Euro Elite Southern Europe: Sole resistance

Greece and Israel dominate the Southern Europe section of the Euro Elite – and both are jurisdictions where domestic, independent firms enjoy a near-monopoly. In Greece, for example, Athens-based firms seemingly lead the legal market. Despite the continuous detrimental economic consequences arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, lawyers have remained significantly active in the past year due to the high demand of legal services across an array of markets; one of those being projects and privatisations.

Demanding the most attention in Greece is the €8bn Hellinikon Project, set to be the largest urban regeneration project in Europe, with the development replacing the former Hellenikon International Airport. There has been a continuous focus upon the construction, operation and execution of the project, with legal advice coming from an array of firms, including Dryllerakis, Karatzas & Partners, Koutalidis and PotamitisVekris. It is estimated to contribute 2.4% to Greece’s GDP once completed, aiding the significant decline of 9% as seen in 2020. Employment is also set to see an improvement, with 10,000 jobs already filled and 70,000 to follow, facilitating the opening of restaurants, hotels and shopping malls. Continue reading “Euro Elite Southern Europe: Sole resistance”

Posted on

Euro Elite Switzerland: Like clockwork

When the world went into lockdown in March/April 2020, everyone expected the worst for the economy. While it is safe to say that some countries struggled more than others, Switzerland conquered the crisis and even exceeded pre-Covid activity in some areas.

As one of the wealthiest countries in the world, Switzerland’s GDP has been on a steady increase and almost tripled in the last 20 years. Projections also show significant growth from 2020 to 2021, stressing the fact that the pandemic had little to no impact on the Swiss economy. This was also witnessed by Thierry Calame, the new managing partner at Lenz & Staehelin: ‘The pandemic continued to be the largest challenge this year. However, thanks to the robust Swiss economy there has not been any economic downturn in 2021, but rather a significant recovery.’ Continue reading “Euro Elite Switzerland: Like clockwork”

Posted on

Caribbean Offshore Report: The vital signs

Driven by different dynamics, the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Bermuda have each experienced their own problems in the Covid era – much like the rest of the world – but collectively and individually these sophisticated legal jurisdictions have continued to fare well. Driven by experienced and talented lawyers, strong commercial nous and a well-honed judicial system, the leading global players in the Caribbean can take whatever is thrown at them.

As all jurisdictions were forced to adapt quickly to the coronavirus pandemic, the Caribbean was no exception, with working from home and reduced contact due to social distancing swiftly becoming the norm. The climate has not been without its challenges as multiple lockdowns forced local businesses to suffer and caused substantial disruption to many in the hospitality sector. Indeed, the region’s once-thriving tourism industry continues to stall as travel levels remain low compared to pre-pandemic times – an inevitable blow for Bermuda, the BVI and Cayman – given their significant reliance on international cash injections into the local economy. Continue reading “Caribbean Offshore Report: The vital signs”

Posted on

UK Offshore report: Keeping a weather eye

In our 2021 offshore report, law firm pundits placed their bets on the market drivers they predicted would define the coming year. Notwithstanding some unsurprising volatility, the outlook has proved far brighter than many had dared to hope.

‘There was a sense that revenues were going to drop last year, the courts were going to close and strategic decisions would go on hold’, says Jason Romer, group managing partner of Collas Crill, ‘but that never happened. Revenues have continued to increase, the costs are down and we continue to get busier.’ Continue reading “UK Offshore report: Keeping a weather eye”

Posted on

Euro Elite Methodology

Legal Business’ Euro Elite comprises independent law firms based in more than 40 European jurisdictions, rather than branches of international firms or Vereins.

To compile the 100 firms featured in this report, we used a scoring system based on the rankings of firms in the 2021 edition of The Legal 500 EMEA. Points were allocated for firms ranked in tiers 1-3 in tables featured in the guide. Top-tier rankings earned three points, second tier two and third one point. Continue reading “Euro Elite Methodology”

Posted on

Sponsored briefing: Succession planning in Poland

Piotr Augustyniak of PATH Law examines the increased popularity of private foundations in family-owned business succession planning

Family-owned companies generate 18% of the GDP of Poland. There are more than 800k family-owned businesses in Poland. Currently founders face the problem of the succession. In the following five years new generations should take over approximately 60% of these companies. However, only 8% of successors declare the will to run the businesses. It has been some time since Polish entrepreneurs decided to use the concept of the private foundation as the tool of the efficient succession planning. Unfortunately, for many years, due to very convenient tax regimes of these vehicles, the tax authorities in Poland treated private foundations as part of aggressive tax planning schemes. The most popular jurisdictions among Polish entrepreneurs are Liechtenstein, Malta and The Netherlands. Continue reading “Sponsored briefing: Succession planning in Poland”

Posted on

Sponsored briefing: How the Climate Law may change the Portuguese economy

Recently, Portugal took another important step to consolidate its commitment to fighting climate change, previously made in the Paris Agreement, by the publication on 31 December 2021 of the new Framework Law on the Climate (Law 98/2021 of 31 December), which establishes the guiding principles of climate policy and governance. It also introduces targets and provides for mechanisms to combat climate change, to decarbonise the economy and to achieve sustainable development.

The Framework Law on the Climate is a comprehensive and programme-based law that focuses on various sectors, including the energy industry, construction, agriculture and fisheries. It also addresses financial assets and green taxation. The assumption of an integrated vision of the different sectors of the economy as a fundamental vector to mitigate and adapt to climate change is the realisation of one of the structuring principles of public policy on the environment – the principle of transversality and integration. Continue reading “Sponsored briefing: How the Climate Law may change the Portuguese economy”

Posted on

Sponsored practice area spotlight: Insolvency and restructuring: Combining unique skills to achieve a successful outcome

Prager Dreifuss

Insolvency and restructuring proceedings are intricate and complex. Practitioners must be able to combine legal knowledge, in particular in the areas of litigation, finance and transactions, with strategic, tactical and managerial skills to deliver positive results.

PRAGER DREIFUSS has extensive experience and a longstanding tradition in insolvency and restructuring matters. In the wake of the financial crisis, we combined our finance and bankruptcy knowledge which enabled us to assist in complex project financing, also lately in a major multinational commodity project. Our attorneys regularly represent creditors, some of which are banks, hedge funds or other financial institutions, in large national and international insolvency and restructuring proceedings, whether in registering or purchasing claims or in enforcing disputed claims vis-à-vis bankruptcy administrators and before courts. Assisting clients in the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in Switzerland and abroad is a key feature of our daily practice. Frequently and increasingly, we are retained by creditors in enforcing claims (awards, bonds) against sovereigns. Continue reading “Sponsored practice area spotlight: Insolvency and restructuring: Combining unique skills to achieve a successful outcome”

Posted on

Herbert Smith Freehills: Between two peaks

London. A bitingly cold day at the end of January and Legal Business ventures out on a novel expedition to Liverpool Street. An enforced pandemic-induced break from office-dwelling has made deciphering which of Exchange House’s two entrances will gain us access to the Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) offices a little more challenging than it should have been.

Luckily it’s not just us. Ironically, Justin D’Agostino, HSF’s chief executive, encounters the same quandary. This is his first in-person meeting since taking the top job in May 2020. It is also his first day in London for nigh on two years. Continue reading “Herbert Smith Freehills: Between two peaks”

Posted on

Sponsored briefing: Why good directory submissions matter

Maltin PR

For any lawyer or law firm of note, being listed by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners directories is a must: it serves to underline their status and validate their expertise. Clients are reassured that they are being legally advised by someone who is independently judged to be among the leaders in their field. Listings confirm market credibility, support the recruitment of talent and potentially attract new business. Every lawyer in every law firm knows this – or at least they should.

For law firm marketeers, the directory process is a critical part of their annual cycle. Compiling information and submitting directory entries is challenging and time-consuming. Some firms find themselves with thousands of pages of information to prepare, present and submit – in the correct format and according to directory deadlines and criteria. Continue reading “Sponsored briefing: Why good directory submissions matter”