News

The February 2014 issue of the Arbitration News published by the Arbitration Committee of the International Bar Association features the article authored by Partner Alina Popescu on the arbitration related provisions of the new Civil Procedure Code. The article can be accessed here: https://www.mprpartners.com/docs/IBA-arbitration-news-feb-2014.pdf

We are currently looking for associates with 3 to 5 years PQE with sound legal knowledge and consultancy and/or litigation background. Good command of English language, both written and spoken, along with team player skills are a must. Send your resume and letter of intent to alina.popescu@mprpartners.com.

Managing Partners Gelu Maravela and Alina Popescu were invited by leading legal business platform BizLawyer to share their opinion on legal post graduate education, thus revealing their choices and experience as well as the numerous advantages a post graduate programme brings in a professional and personal perspective. Full article (Romanian) here.

Co-Managing Partner Alina Popescu and Partner Marius Pătrășcanu reveal their opinion and personal experience advice related to a successful business startup in the legal field during an interview conducted by leading legal business platform Bizlawyer. Full interview (Romanian) at http://www.bizlawyer.ro/stiri/viata-firmelor/trei-start-up-uri-tinere-din-avocatura-la-raport-una-aspira-deja-la-un-loc-in-top-10-celelalte-si-au-consolidat-pozitia-reteta-succesului-pe-o-piata-competitiva.

The Global Legal Group called for MPR Partners’ contribution to the 2015 first edition of the reputed Global Legal Insights – International Arbitration publication, which contains 36 country chapters drafted by leading practitioners from around the world and is designed to provide general counsel and comprehensive insights of International Arbitration – practical issues, policy issues, strategic issues – by jurisdiction, highlighting market trends and legal developments.

The Romania chapter authored by Co-managing partner Alina Popescu and Managing partner Gelu Maravela contains MPR Partners’ input on the most important aspects of International Arbitration in the Romanian jurisdiction.

More information concerning the Global Legal Insights – International Arbitration publication can be found at https://www.globallegalinsights.com/practice-areas/international-arbitration-/global-legal-insights—international-arbitration-1/romania

As always, at MPR Partners, we aim to provide support to talented young lawyers. This time we are looking to expand our team with a young associate with 3 to 5 years of experience in areas such as: commercial & contract law, corporate and M&A, real estate and IT & Telecommunications. Good command of English language, both written and spoken, along with team player skills are a must. Should you be interested in this challenging opportunity, send your CVs accompanied by a letter of intent to office@mprpartners.com.

Following an extensive 12 month search of innovative, groundbreaking and client-focused firms, the reputed Corporate LiveWire’s 2015 Innovation & Excellence Awards’ Winners Guide declared MPR Partners the Most Outstanding Law Firm in Romania, thus placing the firm among top tier piers, globally.

The Corporate LiveWire Awards cover the most important sectors of business, from Finance advisories and Funding providers to Law firms and specialist advisory companies that deal with mergers and acquisitions. Across categories for: innovation, best practice, leadership, performance, sustainable development CSR, employee satisfaction and customer service, the 2015 Innovation & Excellence Awards Guide profiles the backgrounds and recent achievements of the winners in each category.

Among this year’s winners we are proud to be sharing titles with, are internationally highly reputed firms such as deVere Group, Cendyn, Chaturvedi & Shah, MDxHealth, J. Knipper & Co, Spar Group, GCL New Energy Holdings, LinkedIn, Google, Deloitte, PwC and many important others. “The Corporate LiveWire Innovation & Excellence award winners have not only proved to be resilient and creative but have also shown a willingness to adapt to the ever changing environment of their respective fields; attributes that have certainly been key to the winners’ exceptional performance and success,” said Leah Jones, Awards Director of the 2015 Innovation & Excellence Awards Winners Guide. The full winners guide can be found at: http://www.corporatelivewire.com/innovation-and-excellence-awards.html

The Global Legal Group called for our contribution to the 2015 edition of the reputed Global Legal Insights – Mergers & Acquisitions publication, which contains 27 country chapters drafted by leading practitioners from around the world and is designed to provide general counsel, investment bankers, government agencies and private practice lawyers with a comprehensive insight into the realities of M&A – practical issues, policy issues, strategic issues – by jurisdiction, highlighting market trends and legal developments as well as practical and strategic considerations.

The Romania chapter authored by our founding Partners Gelu Maravela, Alina Popescu and Marius Pătrășcanu with the assistance of our Senior Associate Gabriela Petrea contains MPR Partners views on the most important recent developments in the Romanian M&A market.

More information concerning the Global Legal Insights – Mergers & Acquisitions publication can be found at http://www.globallegalinsights.com/practice-areas/mergers-and-acquisitions/mergers-and-acquisitions-4th-edition.

In the advent of the most important European legal awards galas, which has been organized for several years by the leading UK publication The Lawyer, an independent jury consisting of experienced senior private practice and in-house lawyers from major companies and law firms has drawn the shortlists of nominees for law firm of the year awards in various European jurisdictions.

Further to what was deemed by the Romanian publication Bizlawyer as a “spectacular performance” (see the full article at https://www.mprpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Bizlawyer-Maravela-shortlisted-by-The-Lawyer-European-Awards-2015.pdf), MPR Partners has been shortlisted for Law Firm of the Year: Romania award along with 5 other leading Romanian law firms.

According to the Lawyer (12 January 2015 issue, page 12), this year’s shortlisted nominees have been selected out of a “record number of entries” and “stand out for their sharp and inventive strategic focus to overcome challenges”.

The Lawyer European Awards 2015 jury includes representatives of RPC, Orwell Group, Osborne Clarke, Addleshaw Goddard, Centaur Media, Abercrombie & Kent, Travers Smith, HBO Europe, Just Eat, Arnold & Porter, Monsoon Accessorize, Trowers & Hamlins, Winston & Strawn, Unisys, Charles Russell Speechlys, Basic Element, Macfarlanes, Wood Group, TSYS International, Paul Hastings, Slaughter & May, Holman Fenwick Willan, Mishcon de Reya, Sorin, Walker Morris, Bryan Cave.

For more details regarding The Lawyer European Awards 2015 event, shortlists and judges, visit https://www.thelawyer.com/event/european-awards/

Our team members disclose their view and debate market trends in numerous sectors and industry areas, while the firm’s team and experience in several practice areas are detailed in this year’s issue of the leading Romanian guide to the legal market, published by Govnet. Excerpts (English) here.

During Expert RFI, a radio show broadcasted by Radio France International in Romania, Co-Managing Partner Alina Popescu presented the basics of investment arbitration, from the incipient stage of its initiation, to challenges and costs of such a procedure. Full recording and transcript (in Romanian) available here.

In an interview given to CEE Legal Matters, Co-Managing Partner Alina Popescu reveals the overriding themes at the moment in Romania, namely the fall-out from the government’s successful and ongoing efforts to combat Romania’s reputation for corruption, issues in current public procurement procedures as well as law firms’ improvement in terms of quality of services provided, due to fierce market competition. The CEE Legal Matters website and magazine feature important news, analysis, interviews, profiles, and other insights from and about Europe’s emerging legal markets. Read the complete interview here.

We are looking for a talented associate to join our dispute resolution/litigation department with prior PQE of up to 5 years. Please send your CV and letter of intent to office@mprpartners.com after consulting the extended job spec below. As we currently posted several openings, do not forget to specify the position you are applying for.

Dispute resolution associate

What we are offering:

• the opportunity to work with a highly professional team;
• work environment based on integrity and team spirit;
• high profile clients and mandates;
• real career advancement opportunities based on professional and personal qualities;
• development of management skills through direct access to firm`s development and administrative aspects;
• competitive financial package;
• elegant office premises.

What we are seeking:

• 1 to 5 years of experience in civil, commercial and administrative litigation;
• advanced English (written and spoken) as well as sound knowledge of legal English;
• rigorousness and impeccable legal reasoning;
• genuine openness to continuous professional formation, adaptability to firm`s policies, coordination of the team of associates in subordination;
• desire and skills to form interns;
• LL.M awarded by a foreign university represents an advantage.

To apply, please send your resume and letter of intent briefly describing why you desire to join our team and what motivates you in your legal career, to office@mprpartners.com

After reading the job specs below (Romanian), send your resume and letter of intent to office@mprpartners.com and you have the chance to work amongst internationally acknowledged outstanding professionals, in a pleasant environment. Please do not forget to mention the position you are applying for.

Senior/Managing Associate:

What we are offering:

• the opportunity to work with a highly professional team;
• work environment based on integrity and team spirit;
• high profile clients and mandates;
• real career advancement opportunities based on professional and personal qualities;
• development of management skills through direct access to firm`s development and administrative aspects;
• competitive financial package;
• elegant office premises.

What we are seeking:

• sound knowledge and practical experience in corporate, commercial, M&A, regulatory & compliance; further experience in capital markets, energy & natural resources, public acquisitions and data protection represents a competitive advantage;
• advanced English (written and spoken) as well as sound knowledge of legal English;
• experience of minimum 3 years since Bar admission, in law firms with teams of at least 10 lawyers;
• rigorousness and impeccable legal reasoning;
• genuine openness to continuous professional formation, adaptability to firm`s policies, coordination of the team of associates in subordination;
• desire and skills to form interns;
• LL.M awarded by a foreign university represents an advantage.

Associate

What we are offering:

• the opportunity to work with a highly professional team;
• work environment based on integrity and team spirit;
• high profile clients and mandates;
• real career advancement opportunities based on professional and personal qualities;
• development of management skills through direct access to firm`s development and administrative aspects;
• competitive financial package;
• elegant office premises.

What we are seeking:

• precious contact with assignments regarding corporate & commercial, regulatory, real estate & construction, M&A, competition, employment, IP;
• advanced English (written and spoken) as well as sound knowledge of legal English;
• experience of minimum 1 to 3 years since Bar admission;
• rigorousness and impeccable legal reasoning;
• genuine openness to continuous professional formation, adaptability to firm`s policies, coordination of the team of associates in subordination;
• desire and skills to form interns;
• LL.M awarded by a foreign university represents an advantage.

MPR Partners is the only representative of the Romanian jurisdiction in this year’s law firms panel. Every year Finance Monthly M&A Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of dealmakers, management teams, financiers and professional advisers who, over the 12 months, have demonstrated their deal making excellence when working on some of the most important deal across the globe. The research process, consisting of an online vote and personal nominations, culminated in Finance Monthly’s research team collating the totals to compile a definitive list of industry leaders. Editor-in-chief, Mark Palmer commented: “The M&A process is a tried and tested formula for the growth and prosperity of a company, and yet, it is a very complex field to navigate. We are extremely proud that all of the individuals and organisations that are listed within Finance Monthly’s 2016 M&A Awards have excelled in helping companies overcome the complications that can arise during these transactions and have contributed to achieving excellent results.” Finance Monthly is a global publication providing news, analysis and features on all the latest headlines within the financial sector. Finance Monthly examines the key issues affecting the corporate, financial and legal community globally. It covers the major regions such as the US, Europe and Asia and all major financial sectors, offering a mix of news-led editorial features, interviewing some of the biggest players within the financial, corporate and legal fields. Finance Monthly is distributed every month to an international readership of over 195,880. Full listing of awards here.

Senior Associate Viorel Bran co-authored a book concerning judicial stamp fee legislation, an important starting point in the sinuous interpretation process of related legal provisions. The book is an interesting read and a very useful guide of contemporary legislation put in context, having a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach of matters. Released by the specialized C.H. Beck Publishing House, the book providing solutions, arguments and explanations is now available for purchase on www.beckshop.ro

Co-Managing Partner Alina Popescu discussed alongside 9 other senior lawyers from reputed law firms, institutions and companies the Romanian legal market and economy together with future expectations and plans, during a round table meeting organized by the CEE Legal Matters Magazine. The publication features important news, economic and legal trends from and about Europe’s emerging legal markets.  The summary of the meeting and its conclusions here.

We are currently looking for new talented colleagues to join our team and fill the positions hereafter:

• White Collar Crime Specialist: senior business lawyer with good working experience in criminal substantive and procedural law and specializing in white collar crime, with a minimum of 4 years’ experience since bar admission. Sound knowledge of English language is a must along with team player skills, whilst an LL.M degree definitely represents an advantage. Furthermore, we highly value personal qualities such as integrity as well as dedication and in-depth involvement in each entrusted case. Position filled
• Consultancy Associate: skilled associate with at least 3 years’ post bar admission experience in legal advisory work and holding good working experience in in corporate & commercial law. Additional skills in competition law and any other business law practice area are welcome. Fluency in both written and spoken English language and specialized legal terminology is a must, whilst an LL.M degree and/or legal experience abroad are definitely advantages. Furthermore, we highly value personal qualities such as integrity, team player skills, as well as dedication and in-depth involvement in each entrusted case. Position filled
• Litigation Associate: talented associate, with at least 3 years’ post bar admission working experience in civil, commercial and administrative litigation. Arbitration & ADR expertise is a plus. Fluency in both written and spoken English language and specialized legal terminology is a must, whilst an LL.M degree and/or legal experience abroad are definitely advantages. Furthermore, we highly value personal qualities such as integrity, team player skills, as well as dedication and in-depth involvement in each entrusted case. Position filled
• Office Assistant: communicative and neatly organized Office Assistant, with excellent command of English, work management and prioritizing skills, problem solving ability and attention to detail, to handle our front desk and day-to-day administrative tasks. No previous experience required, though basic accounting knowledge can be an advantage. Position filled

Send your resume and letter of intent to office@mprpartners.com and you have the chance to work amongst internationally acknowledged outstanding professionals, in a pleasant environment. Please do not forget to mention the position you are applying for.

MPR Partners holds extensive experience in insolvency & restructuring, having become in time a reference on the market due to top clients represented, complex projects successfully closed and its reputed team.

Most recently, Managing Partner Gelu Maravela has been designated by the renowned international American directory Best Lawyers, as Lawyer of the Year 2016-2017 in Romania, for his insolvency and restructuring activity. Best Lawyers is one of the oldest and most respected international directories, based on polls amongst peers of the legal profession.

MPR Partners’ insolvency & restructuring department has also been recently acknowledged by the reputed London based international directory The Legal 500, which placed the firm’s practice in the second tier, nationwide, in the Europe, Middle East & Africa 2016 guide. The Legal 500 is one of the landmarks in business law worldwide, releasing yearly rankings of law firms in all major jurisdictions.

The aforementioned awards and recognitions are part of a wider series of national and international acknowledgements of the firm, its team and departments, acquired throughout time.

Coordinated by Gelu Maravela, firm’s founding partner, alongside Mirela Metea, partner, the practice comprises 10 insolvency & restructuring specialized lawyers. Furthermore, the services provided by the affiliated insolvency house Trust Insolvency SPRL, led by Marius Hutanu and Dana Radulescu, ensure a multidisciplinary approach to each entrusted mandate. The co-managing partners of the insolvency & restructuring department were involved throughout their careers in major transactions, disputes or restructurings during insolvency proceedings, being known for their ability to turn restructuring and insolvency cases into successful mergers and acquisitions and for significant debt recoveries and other results driven strategies in files involving insolvent companies.

MPR Partners’ insolvency & restructuring department’s most recent work highlights include:

• representing a German investment group as main creditor of a Romanian textile producer with an international presence in over 60 countries,
• assisting an important Dutch construction company regarding its Romanian subsidiary’s insolvency and reorganization,
• over 50 separate debt recovery files from insolvent customers and/or customers undergoing restructuring proceedings (from the beginning of the year only), for the financial services division of one of the biggest automobile producers worldwide, etc.

The total estimated value of the recently completed files as well as of those ongoing, started from the beginning of the current year exceeds Eur 300 million.

The founding partners of MPR Partners have been once again listed by Best Lawyers International amongst the most prominent Romanian lawyers. Best Lawyers is one of the oldest and most respected international directories, being a peer based survey of the legal professionals.

Founding partners Gelu Maravela and Alina Popescu were listed in this year’s edition of Best Lawyers International in no less than seven practice areas (Arbitration and Mediation, Corporate Law, Energy Law, Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation Natural Resources Law, Project Finance and Development Practice).

Furthermore, Gelu Maravela was designated, along 12 other of the most reputed Romanian business lawyers, as Lawyer of the year 2016-2017 in Romania, this being the second consecutive year when he is earning the title. This year, Gelu has been awarded the distinction for the Insolvency and Restructuring practice area.

MPR Partners’ Insolvency and Restructuring practice has also been recently ranked by the reputed London based international directory Legal 500 in the second tier nationwide.

The aforementioned international recognition of MPR Partners joins a consistent list of awards and rankings the firm has received throughout time.

There are no right words to express our utmost regret for losing an amazing person, a close friend, a real mentor and an excellent professional such as Co-Managing Partner Marius Pătrăşcanu. He founded this firm, with his immense passion and dedication, never being too busy to give a hand, never being too sad to smile and address a good word. He is one of the reasons we are where and what we are today. We were blessed and fortunate to have had a chance to have him amongst us, and he will forever be remembered. Our hearts go to Marius’s family and friends, and we would like to express our greatest thanks to all of our clients and business partners who knew Marius and who showed their full support and sympathy.

On May 14^th 2016 it was the third time that our firm supported the annual educational activities of ELSA (European Law Student Association), through active involvement of our litigation department’s members in various projects developed by ELSA Romania. Managing Associate Mirela Metea, experienced litigator with extended proven competences in Banking & Finance, Corporate/M&A and Commercial areas of practice, awarded the first prize to a talented student, taking into consideration arguments presented, logical thinking as well as a coherent and persuasive presentation. Full article (Romanian) here.

Co-Managing Partner Marius Pătraşcanu was invited by the national radio station Europa FM, to share his expert opinion, during the prime time news bulletin, with regard to the Hexi Pharma Co. SRL faulty hospital disinfectants scandal. His input was necessary in order to clarify the consequences of the request for commencement of insolvency made by the pharmaceutical company from the perspective of liability and accountability. Complete recording (Romanian) here

Wednesday, April 27, MPR Partners was a key and active part of the HotSpot Braşov event, as part of the Sustainable Romania project, organized under the aegis of DeBizz Magazine, the only German-Romanian business publication on the market.

Gathering business sector top members, public authorities’ representatives and being moderated by Daniel Apostol, a renowned Romanian economic media figure, the event aimed to elicit interest in the development of Braşov’s economy and local community, a city considered to be the heart of Romania and having a very important economic growth potential. To this end, the event consisted of interactive debates meant to provide pragmatic, feasible and practical solutions.

MPR Partners stood alongside key notable speakers such as Mr. Ciprian Băncilă (Prefect Brașov County), Mr. Serge Durand (General Manager Airbus Helicopters Romania), Mr. Horațiu Țepeș (CEO Bilka Romania), Mr. Alexandru Tănase, (Partner CITR Brașov), Mr. Cristian Macedonschi (President Smart City Romania) and Ms. Bartha Biborka (Sales Ambassador Kronospan Romania), who flagged out as main challenges the acute and stringent need for professional formation in order to create highly skilled labour force as well as the infrastructure’s poor level of development.

Alina Popescu, Co-Managing Partner of MPR Partners, held a presentation about essential aspects concerning State aid, an essential means of financing in view of investment development, taking into consideration that the area of Braşov benefits from a 50% State aid intensity during 2014-2020 (highest rate in Romania, according to the regional map approved at the EU level, seen that other areas benefit from rates ranging from 10% to 50%).

Equally present at the event, Gelu Maravela, Managing Partner MPR Partners stated: “The lectures were extremely interesting and I have perceived the elevated mobilization and drive of the business environment and public authorities in view of economic boost and enhancement. The event represented an important opportunity for informal dialogue as well as information, opinion and ideas exchange between public and private sectors, key factors for a sustainable development. We are indeed happy, pleased and proud to have been invited to be actively involved in such an initiative.”

For further information about the event and details about the speakers please visit the official webpage at http://www.debizz.ro/focus-brasov/.

For the third year in a row, MPR Partners and its Managing Partner Gelu Maravela have been listed and awarded rankings in the reputed Chambers Europe, the 2016 Edition, the guide that is the culmination of thousands of interviews with lawyers and clients carried out by the largest research team of its kind. Covering 52 jurisdictions, Chambers Europe acknowledges our expertise in the Corporate/M&A and Projects areas of practice. The firm is recognised for public procurement experience, focusing on projects concerning healthcare and water infrastructure, as well as energy-related mandates, while Managing Partner Gelu Maravela is ranked as a noteworthy adviser for public procurement issues and other project concerns, including related litigation matters. Chambers and Partners rank lawyers and law firms on several factors and considerations, all of which are investigated by their large team of more than 140 researchers. The judging process consists of interviews with those active in the market – mainly firms’ clients (who can be law firms instructing other law firms) and other lawyers with whom they work and by assessing recent work done. More information about our rankings in this year’s edition: http://www.chambersandpartners.com/europe/firm/308581/maravela-asociatii

Following a thorough selection process and validation from existing members, MPR Partners has officially become the Romanian jurisdiction exclusive member of the reputed legal network International Business Law Consortium (IBLC).

IBLC is an international alliance of select law firms with an impeccable reputation for service-oriented professionalism, having been repeatedly ranked in the first tier (Band 1) by the Leading Law Firm Network section of Chambers Global.

Promoting and disseminating knowledge in a cross-border and transnational manner, IBLC was established in 1996 by the Center for International Legal Studies (CILS), a reputed law research, training, and teaching institute, founded in 1976 in Salzburg, Austria.

Currently bringing together over 80 members represented by independent law, tax and consultancy firms ranked by Chambers and Legal 500, IBLC has a strong presence in Europe and USA, consolidating its position in Asia and Africa as well.

“IBLC is very happy to have filled our gap in Romania with such a well-regarded and dynamic firm as MPR Partners. Our members see great potential for their clients’ interests to be served in Romania now, not to mention the opportunity to help Maravela’s clients achieve their goals worldwide” Christian Campbell, Permanent Secretary IBLC.

“We are very happy to have been accepted in such a well-established, highly specialized, global reaching and dynamic legal alliance. We have already started a great working relationship with fellow IBLC members in terms of both getting and providing referrals, and feel that we have made a very good step ahead in joining the IBLC. We consider our presence in the IBLC as a further testimony of our efforts and achievements in terms of recognition and quality services, as well as an important leverage in dealing with international projects and transactions.” Alina Popescu, Co-Managing Partner, MPR Partners.

More information about IBLC can be accessed on the network’s official website at https://www.iblc.com/.

Managing Partner Marius Pătrăşcanu will represent MPR Partners as speaker on Antifraud Techniques and Mechanisms in corporate, trade and contractual areas, at the Antifraud and Anticorruption Conference, to be held by the Romanian National Internal Control Institute (INCIR) in Bucharest, 28 March 2016.

Currently at its second edition, the conference will focus on Techniques for preventing, detecting & investigating fraud and corruption, bringing together key note speakers with extensive knowledge and practical expertise from INCIR, the FBI, the global law firm Baker & McKenzie LLP, KPMG Forensic, the Romanian Ministry of Development and Public Administration, public officers, judges and prosecutors as well as local law firms.

More information about the conference at http://incir.ro/eveniment/conferinta-nationala-antifrauda-si-anticoruptie-ed-ii/ and INCIR at http://incir.ro/.

Managing Partner Gelu Maravela was invited by the reputed British publication The Lawyer to answer a series of questions related to market trends and debate the business climate for the CEE region in 2016, emphasizing on the Romanian context, alongside other reputed top tier law firm representatives from the aforementioned area. The Lawyer’s CEE Report (English) available here.

Our lawyers have been invited to contribute to this year’s edition of the World Bank Group’s Flagship Report – Doing Business 2016. Already known as a very useful analysis tool, this 13th edition of the report is measuring regulatory quality and efficiency, while presenting business regulation and the protection of property rights for domestic firms in 189 economies. Through case studies and legal research the publication measures aspects of regulation affecting 11 areas of the life of a business, such as starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts and resolving insolvency. MPR Partners contributing team includes Managing Partners Gelu Maravela, Alina Popescu and Marius Pătrăşcanu and a team of highly qualified associates.

It is with great pride that we have received, for a second year in a row, the news of being shortlisted by the prestigious British publication The Lawyer for Law Firm of the Year: Romania Award, within the already famous The Lawyer European Awards. Over 100 European reputed law firms are competing in this year’s edition for a total of 27 trophies, being rigurously judged by a pannel of 25 top executives and renowned partners of top tier law firms. MPR Partners, in only a bit under three years since its establishment, is listed for the aforementioned award alongside other six top tier Romanian law firms, with many years of experience and impressive portfolios of both clients and achievements. The Awards’ Gala, where this years’ winners are revealed, takes place in London, at the beginning of March. In order to view the shortlist of the official website of The Lawyer European Awards 2016 please click here

What we are offering:

• the opportunity to work with a highly professional team;
• work environment based on integrity and team spirit;
• high profile clients and mandates;
• real career advancement opportunities based on professional and personal qualities;
• development of management skills through direct access to firm`s development and administrative aspects;
• competitive financial package;
• elegant office premises.

What we are seeking:

• sound knowledge and practical experience in corporate, commercial, regulatory & compliance; further experience in M&A and real estate & construction
• represents a competitive advantage;
• advanced English (written and spoken) as well as sound knowledge of legal English;
• experience of minimum 5 years since Bar admission, in law firms with teams of at least 10 lawyers;
• rigorousness and impeccable legal reasoning;
• genuine openness to continuous professional formation, adaptability to firm`s policies, coordination of the team of associates in subordination;
• desire and skills to form interns;
• LL.M awarded by a foreign university represents an advantage.

Please send your resume and letter of intent to office@mprpartners.com and you have the chance to work amongst internationally acknowledged outstanding professionals, in a pleasant environment. Please do not forget to mention the position you are applying for.

Starting with September, MPR Partners is the Romanian independent member of GGI in Bucharest, one of the top ten international accounting, consulting and law firm alliances.

GGI (Geneva Group International AG) is a global Alliance of independent professional firms that reunites experts around the world who are able to give advice on local regulations, compliance and go-to market strategies. GGI’s broad international presence opens up a gateway to the global marketplace, providing access to high quality firms in nearly every major financial and commercial centre worldwide.

Founded in 1995 by Claudio G. Cocca, co-partner of an Accounting and Tax Consulting Firm in Switzerland, GGI was initially an international alliance for tax consultants and accountants. As members urged the management of the alliance to accept law firms and consulting firms as members in order to handle more complex joint transactions, in 1997 GGI became a truly multidisciplinary alliance.

GGI currently counts 566 carefully selected members worldwide, in 123 countries, acting globally without losing their independence.

“We are pleased to be part of a reputed international association that grants access for global companies to quality Romanian legal service. This facility applies whether you are looking for business opportunities beyond national boundaries, or need international support in addition to services in your home market. We have confidence in our new international affiliation with GGI and we are happy to be able to welcome new clients and bring added value to our existing portfolio, through quality referral options, at a global scale.” Gelu Maravela, Managing Partner of MPR Partners.

“We are pleased to welcome MPR Partners as a new GGI member in Bucharest. The firm will strengthen the presence of our global alliance in the region and will provide an important reference for legal services to all the GGI members worldwide. We send our personal congratulations to all the partners and staff at MPR Partners and we look forward to a long cooperation.” Marco Izzo, COO of GGI.

More information about GGI can be accessed on the alliance’s official website at https://www.ggi.com/.

Our dispute resolution team provided another comprehensive compilation of litigation related provisions and practicalities within the Romanian jurisdiction. From laws and regulations to international conventions and bilateral treaties that govern the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in Romania, competent courts and distinction between recognition and enforcement, as well as conditions for recognition and enforcement, opposition and related procedures and timeframes, the guide provides a complete picture and constitutes a very useful material for any interested party. Lexology’s Navigators contain high quality information on various legal topics in multiple jurisdictions, delivering the most comprehensive legal updates, analysis and insights. Lexology’s Romanian chapter of the Litigation Navigator can be accessed here and users can compare the answers to the Litigation: Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Q&A for multiple jurisdictions here.

MPR Partners represented Chimcomplex Borzești S.A. in the tender for the assets of Oltchim, one of the leading players in the Romanian and Central Eastern European chemical industry.

The complex legal assistance comprises all transaction related aspects, including due diligence, preparing the tender, assistance in relation with the financers, negotiation of the transaction documents, liaising with the environment and competition authorities.

MPR Partners’ team assigned to the project consists of over 10 lawyers. Gelu Maravela and Dana Rădulescu provide assistance regarding the due diligence process, tender preparation, transaction documents’ drafting and financing, whilst Alina Popescu and Magda Grigore assist with regard to competition aspects, including complex State aid analysis and merger control related aspects. Insolvency matters are coordinated by Dana Rădulescu and Mirela Metea, Dana Rădulescu and Daniel Alexie ensured the environment related assistance, whilst Daniel Vinerean coordinated the real estate matters advice.

Chimcomplex was equally assisted by the Brussels office of the German law firm Gleiss Lutz in defining the strategy as well as in the relationship and liaison with the European Commission regarding State aid. The lawyers from Gleiss Lutz were coordinated by Dr. Ulrich Soltész, prominent European figure in the field of competition, together with his colleague Dr. Thomas Pflock.

The bid for the acquisition of Oltchim’s assets has been submitted and the finalization of the selection process is currently expected.

MPR Partners assisted the Amercan Group Standex International Corporation regarding its first investment on the Romanian market, namely the acquisition of the Romanian branch of Piazza Rossa Group. The transaction was completed at the beginning of the current month, being reported on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), where the group is listed (SXI).

Founded in 1995 and currently employing over 5,400 people in the U.S. and numerous other countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Europe, Mexico, India, Turkey, South Africa, South Korea, Russia, Malaysia and Singapore, Standex group holds 12 operating units, organized into five reporting segments: Food Service Equipment Group, Engraving Group, Engineering Technologies Group, Electronics Group and Hydraulics Group. The Engraving Group took over the Romanian subsidiary of Piazza Rossa Group.

Piazza Rosa Group, founded in 1983 near Venice, Italy, has market leading capabilities in polishing, laser welding, laser hardening, laser cladding and repair / maintenance services. Piazza Rossa Group operated three facilities: one in Italy, one in Romania and another one in Mexico.

MPR Partners’ team was coordinated by Gelu Maravela, Managing Partner, Felix Tapai, Tax Partner and the specialist Stelios Savva, Of counsel. Complex assistance consisted of all tax related aspects of the transaction, including tax related due diligence and U.S. GAAP reporting of all Romanian jurisdiction tax records. Other firms advising the buyer were Sinescu & Nazat, Mondini & Resconi (Italy) and Lazzari Law Firm (Italy).

Further information about Standex is available on the group’s official website at http://www.standex.com/

MPR Partners’ TMT specialists are the exclusive Romanian contributors of The Legal 500’s In-House Lawyer’s Technology Comparative Guide, alongside big names of the international legal landscape such as CMS, DLA Piper, Noerr LLP, etc.

The aim of the guide is to provide its readers with a pragmatic overview of the law and practice of technology law across a variety of jurisdictions. The Romanian chapter provides information about the current issues and addresses topics such as communications networks and their operators, databases and software, data protection, AI, cybersecurity, as well as personal insight and opinion as to the future of the market over the next five years.

The Q&A template for each chapter has been provided by Kit Burden of DLA Piper. Each chapter of the Technology Comparative Guide has been written exclusively by firms ranked within The Legal 500, sound warranty regarding the quality and accuracy of the content.

“We pride ourselves with our publishing activities. This year alone we have had exclusive contributions to global guides of great reputation in key practice areas such as competition, dispute resolution, restructuring and insolvency, arbitration, employment and now technology, whilst real estate and taxation are soon to follow. We feel deeply rewarded by first-hand information we provide to the general public on these interesting topics.” Alina Popescu, Managing Partner of MPR Partners

The Romanian chapter is available here and the complete guide (all available jurisdictions) here.

Ever since the firm`s inception, MPR Partners’ lawyers have contributed to international and national publications edited by prestigious organizations and publishing houses, such as (in alphabetical order) the Global Legal Group, International Bar Association, Sweet & Maxwell, Thomson Reuters, World Bank and the International Finance Corporation, etc. and are constantly invited to speak at various professional conferences and events.

Besides the firm`s involvement in external resources, MPR Partners publishes regularly the ELKB (Emergency Legal Kit for Business) and the Legal Prompts bulletins, containing valuable information, comments, as well as legal updates and amendments.

As of July, MPR Partners’ team grew stronger with the addition of Ms Alexandra Rîmbu to its partner ranks.

With over 9 years of experience in business law, Alexandra assisted numerous high profile clients in important international business law firms such as J&A Garrigues SLP (over 2000 attorneys, with offices in 13 countries, on 4 continents) and in reputed local firms such as Mușat & Asociații. She was previously equity partner with the local firm Almaj & Albu.

Alexandra’s expertise covers corporate/M&A, contracts, employment, PPP, construction & infrastructure as well as competition and IP matters, in various sectors. Furthermore, Alexandra was involved in many complex litigations and international arbitrations. Her client portfolio consists of large corporations and private investors.

“We have known Alexandra for over 6 years, since we were a team within Mușat & Asociații and she actually was amongst the first lawyers to have followed us at MPR Partners. Throughout the years, Alexandra acquired essential professional abilities, for both dealing with complex legal matters as well as client management and development. These qualities make Alexandra an excellent choice for partner within a firm with high standards, such as MPR Partners. We are therefore happy on several levels: firstly, due to the human plus value and secondly because we have added an excellent professional to our team, thus strengthening our firm’s management ranks.” Gelu Maravela, Managing Partner of MPR Partners.

“Alexandra represents an important added value to our team: she holds uncontested expertise, international exposure, fluency in several foreign languages and most importantly, we are already aware of her skills. We are happy to have her join us again and eager to achieve great things together.” Alina Popescu, Managing Partner of MPR Partners.

“The firm’s yearly growth, its complex projects and awards received are certainly reasons to rejoice and for me to be sure that I have made the right move. I am happy to be part of the team again and I am confident that I will consistently contribute to its growth.” Alexandra Rîmbu, Partner of MPR Partners.

Already a tradition for firm’s specialists, MPR Partners equally contributes to this year’s World Bank publications. As lead counsel for Romania, MPR Partners coordinated 40 Romanian legal professionals based in 9 different cities and over 90 filled in questionnaires covering the three areas of practice concerned. In addition, we have revised and edited the template questionnaires used for the research.

Structured in 11 categories, World Bank’s collections of publications comprise, among others, annual reports, independent assessments, journals, technical guides, economic and sector focused guides (tourism, education, justice, climate change) and specialized articles.

Doing Business guides, concentrated on certain jurisdictions or areas, provide an in-depth analysis of economy and legal related matters, measuring regulatory aspects that impact the business environment.

This year, MPR Partners’ specialists contributed to two of World Bank’s Doing Business guides, namely: (i) Doing Business: Equal opportunities for all 2017, covering 190 economies, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe and (ii) Doing Business in the European Union 2017: Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania, covering 22 cities in the aforementioned countries and regulations pertaining to the 5 stages of small to medium sized businesses, underlining the region’s potential.

MPR Partners’ partners are invited today, July 13, 2017, in Sofia, Bulgaria, where the Doing Business in the European Union 2017: Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania Guide is officially launched. The event welcomes as speaker Mr. Arup Banerji, Regional Director, European Union, World Bank Group. The 22 reviewed cities will be ranked regionally and globally, and potential reforms and pending challenges will be discussed by a panel of experts (state and municipal officials and private sector representatives).

All of the event’s materials are available starting with the day of the launch on the official webpage, here.

“It is fourth year in a row that we are contributors of World Bank. We appreciate the usefulness, quality, detail and accuracy of these publications and we are glad to be a part of their making.” Alina Popescu, Managing Partner of MPR Partners.

Partners Mirela Metea and Dana Rădulescu published an article about insolvency, presenting its advantages when legal provisions and reorganization plans are applied correctly and in a timely manner. A set of aspects to be taken into consideration is equally revealed, helpful when dealing with insolvency, from both debtor and creditor perspectives. Entitled Successful reorganizations: between companies’ identity and reinvention, the article was published in the Economy’s biggest players e-paper, edited by Ziarul Financiar and it can be read (Romanian) here, or directly in the e-paper here.

MPR Partners is, starting with this year, the exclusive Romanian contributor of the international platform Change Board Member (CBM), having provided the chapter containing an overview and requirements for changing board members in Romania.

The main focus of CBM is to promptly solve the current coordination issues between law firms when changing board members. Taking into consideration that coordinating board member changes in several jurisdictions with different rules, timing and documentation requirements (e.g. following a takeover of a company group) is often troublesome, bureaucratic and time-consuming, CBM provides an overview of the requirements for changing board members, including timelines and checklists, in currently 47 global jurisdictions. To ensure the material is of top quality and always up to date, the content is delivered by top tier local law firms (for instance Allen & Overy in Germany, CHSH – Cerha Hempel Spiegelfeld Hlawati Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten – in Austria, Cobalt in Lithuania and Latvia, Estudio Echecopar – member firm of Baker & McKenzie International – in Peru and Plesner in Denmark).

The service is free to use and the Romanian chapter, provided by MPR Partners, can be accessed here.

”We welcomed and gladly accepted the invitation of Change Board Member to provide, as exclusive contributor, the Romanian chapter. Myself and my equally contreibuting colleagues – Mihai Buciuman, Managing Associate and Magda Grigore, Associate, consider CBM a useful and easy to use tool, handy and very well structured.” Alina Popescu, Managing Partner

The official webpage of CBM can be accessed at http://www.changeboardmember.com

Founding Partner Alina Popescu and Senior Associate Alexandra Ichim published the Romanian know-how chapter of Commercial Arbitration of Global Arbitration Review (GAR). GAR know-how provides reliable cross-jurisdictional insight to help cement the building blocks of international practice. Select experienced practitioners answer commonly asked questions for key jurisdictions so allowing readers to be better-placed to solve the challenges of their working days. Full chapter is available here.

Founding Partner Alina Popescu and Associate Magda Grigore published a useful list of aspects to consider when involved in M&A transactions, in order to avoid harsh consequences of competition antitrust provisions’ infringement. The competition antitrust provisions are often overlooked due to a lesser knowledge of the competition field and to wrongful practice turned common within the business environment. The article, entitled Elephant in the room: M&A transactions and competition antitrust provisions, was published in the Top Transactions e-paper edited by Ziarul Financiar. The article (Romanian) can be read here, and directly in the e-paper here.

Managing Associate Daniel Vinerean in an article regarding the latest public procurement legal framework updates, often encountered obstacles in public acquisition procedures as well as several recommendations for the parties involved, both investors and public authorities. Full article (Romanian) available here.

Our professional, friendly and internationally recognized consultancy team’s client portfolio is growing, so we are looking for a(nother) talented and experienced associate/senior associate with 1-5 years of experience, post final Bar qualification. Please send your resume and letter of intent (explaining why you chose to be part of our team and what motivates you in your legal career) to office@mprpartners.com. Please use the subject line: SA/A Consultancy.

What we are offering:

• the opportunity to work with a highly professional team;
• work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit;
• high profile clients and assignments;
• career advancement opportunities based on professional and personal qualities;
• development of management skills;
• elegant and modern office premises.

What we are seeking:

• practical experience of 1-5 years (ideally within a medium/large law firm);
• knowledge of corporate, commercial and M&A matters is required; further experience in regulatory & compliance including competition matters is a plus;
• advanced English (written and spoken), including strong knowledge of legal English terms and terminology;
• openness to continuous professional training, team spirit and adaptability to firm`s policies;
• patience and dedication to forming junior team members;
• LL.M and any other degrees in law awarded by a foreign university are a plus.

Due to high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted.

Our diverse, friendly, repeatedly awarded, internationally recognized and very busy team is searching for a new colleague. Please send your resume and letter of intent (explaining why you chose to be part of our team and what motivates you in your legal career) to office@mprpartners.com. Please use the subject line: Associate – Litigation & Insolvency.

We are looking for:

• advanced English (written and spoken) including legal English terms and terminology;
• practical experience of minimum 1-3 years since Bar admission, ideally as part of a team within a business law firm;
• knowledge of and prior experience in commercial litigations, restructuring and bankruptcy;
• openness to continuous professional training, team spirit and adaptability to firm`s policies;
• law degrees awarded by a reputed foreign university represent a plus.

We are offering:

• the opportunity to work with a highly professional team;
• people oriented work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit;
• high profile clients and assignments;
• career advancement opportunities based on professional and personal qualities;
• development of management skills;
• elegant and modern office premises.

Due to high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted.

Managing Partner Gelu Maravela shares insight regarding the current business climate in Romania, with an inside note related to firm’s activity. Interviewed by CEE Legal Matters about the Buzz in Romania, Gelu expresses his opinion about the development of the private sector, and discloses general information about ongoing major projects in various practice areas and industries. Complete interview can be accessed here.

Contacted by AvocatNet, a reputed online portal and forum containing legal updates and professional opinion on various matters, Managing Associate Daniel Vinerean provided information regarding the delicate subject of potential abuse an employee returning from parental leave could face from their employer. Full article (Romanian) is available on the official website of AvocatNet, here.

A serious diagnosis rises walls between people. MPR Partners supports and encourages HOSPICE’s Campaign “Do not let those fighting for their lives become invisible”

Starting with 2016, MPR Partners is honorary patron of the development project of the socio-medical Center of HOSPICE Casa Speranței from Adunatii Copăceni. As such, MPR Partners supports and encourages all the charity endeavours of HOSPICE Casa Speranței, being actively involved in the Foundation’s 2% Campaign, ongoing until May 25, 2017.

About HOSPICE Casa Speranței

HOSPICE Casa Speranței, currently celebrating 25 years of activity, is one of the renowned non-profit organizations in Romania, with national coverage. The organization has developed, over time, two integrated services centres in Brașov and Bucharest, as well as mobile care units in Făgăraș and Zărnești, for the care of those who were diagnosed with incurable diseases. Throughout all this time, the organization has brought hope and relief to over 22.000 children and adults diagnosed with incurable diseases.

The 25th anniversary of the HOSPICE Casa Speranței in Romania received the visit of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, at the Bucharest centre of the Foundation, when he expressed his deepest appreciation for the work done and the support offered by HOSPICE to children and adults diagnosed with incurable diseases.

About the Campaign

Once again in 2017, HOSPICE Casa Speranței launched the 2% Campaign, calling for the sensibility of the public through the slogan: “Do not let those fighting for their lives become invisible”. The organization encourages taxpayers who have earned in 2016 taxable income in Romania to support free palliative care by redirecting 2% of their income tax to HOSPICE Casa Speranței. The procedure does not involve any costs, the amount redirected being already retained by the fiscal authorities from the 2016 tax return. While employees have the dedicated Form 230, those with income from self-employment (authorized individuals, rents, etc.) can redirect when filling in their income statement (Form 200). Forms containing all necessary information and the Foundation’s details are available at doilasuta.hospice.ro, and may be submitted and/or sent, according to the current legal provisions, until May 25, 2017, to the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF).

“This year’s campaign is not just for fundraising purposes, it is a warning sign related to Romania’s incurably ill people and their need for support in the difficult battle they are fighting. As this is a road nobody should walk alone, our organization addresses the entire community, asking everyone not to ignore a reality that regards us all.”, explained Mirela Nemțanu, CEO of HOSPICE Casa Speranței.

About MPR Partners’ involvement

As honorary patron, MPR Partners supports the “Do not let those fighting for their lives become invisible” Campaign through various actions as: encouraging employees, clients and collaborators to redirect 2% of income tax to HOSPICE Casa Speranței, fundraising (recently it was placed a ”charity box” at the firm’s headquarters), pro bono assistance, etc.

Moreover, this year for a second time in a row MPR Partners’ team, will join the Bucharest Half Marathon taking place May 13-14, where they will be part of Team HOSPICE and run or give a helping hand with the event, in HOSPICE’s on site tent.

MPR Partners kindly invites friends, colleagues and collaborators who believe that any person diagnosed with an incurable disease must be supported in their struggle to join the “Do not let those fighting for their lives become invisible” Campaign and get actively involved in the present and future campaigns of HOSPICE Casa Speranței.

”HOSPICE Casa Speranței’s 2% Campaign is one that we believe in and we hope that many collaborators, employees and friends will join us and will support this cause by redirecting 2% of income tax. I truly believe that in front of disease, evermore incurable, we are all sensitive and, by getting involved, we provide hope and highlight the unity of people I encourage any kind of involvement and I am proud, as honorary patron, of all past, current and future achievements of HOSPICE Casa Speranței” said Gelu Maravela, Managing Partner of MPR Partners.

”It is so easy to get involved and do good. The 2% campaign does not involve any costs, as the donated amount has already been declared to and retained by the fiscal authorities. We are happy take part to HOSPICE’s endeavours and projects proud that His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales supports the same cause.” declared Alina Popescu, Founding Partner of MPR Partners.

More information about the Foundation’s projects and campaigns can be found on the official website of HOSPICE Casa Speranței at https://www.hospice.ro/ and further detail about the “Do not let those fighting for their lives become invisible” Campaign is available at doilasuta.hospice.ro.

Our consultancy team’s client portfolio is growing, so we are looking for a talented associate with 3-4 years of experience. Please send your resume and letter of intent (explaining why you chose to be part of our team and what motivates you in your legal career) to office@mprpartners.com. Please use the subject line: Associate Consultanță.

What we are offering:

• the opportunity to work with a highly professional team;
• work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit;
• high profile clients and assignments;
• career advancement opportunities based on professional and personal qualities;
• development of management skills;
• elegant and modern office premises.

What we are seeking:

• practical experience of 3-4 years (out of which, ideally, at least 2 years within a medium/large law firm);
• working knowledge of at least two of the following areas: corporate, commercial, M&A, employment and real estate matters; experience in IT & data privacy matters is a plus;
• advanced English (written and spoken), including strong knowledge of legal English terms and terminology;
• openness to continuous professional training, team spirit and adaptability to firm`s policies;
• patience and dedication to forming junior team members;
• LL.M and any other degrees in law awarded by a foreign university are a plus.

Due to high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted.

Quantum Music Records Romania concluded a strategic partnership with Universal Music France for the development of the musical project of the artist Irina Rimes (equally known as Irina Remesh or Irra), on all French territories, respectively France, Monaco, The French Overseas Territories and Departments, Andorra, Benelux, Switzerland and Canada.

The team of MPR Partners, led by Founding Partner Alina Popescu and Associate Daniel Alexie, assisted Quantum Music Records Romania in reviewing and negotiating the terms of the agreement concluded with Universal Music France.

It is one of the few such transactions on the Romanian music market, requiring a multidisciplinary approach comprising aspects of international law, IP & IT, contracts law, data protection, etc.

Alina Popescu possesses strong know-how in drafting, revising and negotiating complex international contracts, including various IP related arrangements. Alina equally holds sound knowledge and experience related to competition aspects, which are frequently an essential component of contract matters.

Daniel Alexie specializes in IP, data protection, IT and competition, being involved in complex and innovative assignments for sound corporate clients.

“We are thrilled every time we manage to successfully close an important deal, especially when dealing with challenges such as the negotiation of a complex contract governed by the French law. To the same extent, we rejoiced this opportunity to work in French, in a business environment where the English language often has the leading role.” Alina Popescu, Founding Partner of MPR Partners.

In the 2017 edition of The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa MPR Partners is a recommended firm in the Corporate, commercial and M&A practice area, whilst Managing Partners Gelu Maravela and Alina Popescu are recommended individual lawyers. Researchers state that ”MPR Partners is ‘a professional team on all levels’. Gelu Maravela is ‘an excellent professional’, and Alina Popescu is ‘an expert in finding efficient solutions – very professional and knowledgeable’”. The Legal 500 rankings are covering 82 countries and are based on the results of research and the merits of the available evidence – law firms are ranked on merit alone. Firm’s profile on The Legall 500 website available here.

Our repeatedly awarded, internationally recognized and very busy dispute resolution practice’s team is searching for a new colleague.

Please send your resume and letter of intent (explaining why you chose to be part of our team and what motivates you in your legal career) to office@mprpartners.com. Please use the subject line: Senior – Litigation.

We are looking for:

• advanced English (written and spoken) as well as strong knowledge of legal English terms and terminology;
• practical experience of minimum 3-4 years since final Bar qualification, ideally as part of a team of at least 5 lawyers;
• sound skills and experience in civil and administrative litigations; Arbitration & ADR expertise is a plus;
• openness to continuous professional training, team spirit and adaptability to firm`s policies;
• patience and dedication to forming junior team members;
• LL.M awarded by a foreign university is a plus.

We are offering:

• the opportunity to work with a highly professional team;
• people oriented work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit;
• high profile clients and assignments;
• career advancement opportunities based on professional and personal qualities;
• development of management skills;
• competitive financial package;
• elegant and modern office premises.

Due to high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted.

In a video-interview conducted by George Stoica, Project Manager of BizLawyer.ro, Managing Partner Alina Popescu answers various questions related to the firm’s recent achievements and details MPR Partners’ plans in terms of growth and brand expansion. Last year’s coordinated projects and important mandates are equally discussed, as well as team’s involvement and professionalism. Full video and transcript of the interview (in Romanian) are available in full on BizLawyer’s website, here.

Patron or President of more than 400 charities, His Royal Highness Prince of Wales showed support towards HOSPICE Casa Speranței and visited the Bucharest centre, during the anniversary event of the organization, now celebrating 25 years of activity in Romania. Managing Partners Gelu Maravela and Alina Popescu, representing MPR Partners as proud supporter of HOSPICE Casa Speranței`s activity, had the honor to meet His Royal Highness, alongside numerous other important guests, such as Graham Perolls – founder of Hospice Casa Speranței, Paul Brummell – the Ambassador of Great Britain in Romania, Princess Marina Sturdza and many others. Photo gallery of the event here.

In a press release received from The Lawyer European Awards` organizers following the firm winning the Law firm of the year: Romania award, MPR Partners was praised for its client portfolio, HR and CSR initiatives and policies, international recognition and spectacular quality of services. The reputed jury considers MPR Partners to be both a ”true Romanian success story” and a ”very promising law firm”. Full press release available here.

MPR Partners is a strategic partner at the third edition of the National Antifraud and Anticorruption Conference, organized by the Romanian National Internal Control Institute, on March 20th, 2017, at Sheraton Hotel in Bucharest.

With the topic Effective Management of the Antifraud and Anticorruption Systems, the professional event aims at increasing the knowledge and contributing to the proper implementation of the adequate measures in order to efficiently and effectively prevent corruption and fraud in both public and private sectors.

Alongside MPR Partners’ law practitioners, the conference speakers are both international and local experts, professionals with extensive expertise in multidisciplinary areas, having top specializations and certifications, having a clear vision of the best ways to implement and monitor the an adequate and effective antifraud and anticorruption management system.

|Currently at its third edition, the National Antifraud and Anticorruption Conference, a landmark event of the Institute, aims to organize a debate within a framework of constructive and interactive dialogue, consisting of ideas, interests and topics concerning best practices on antifraud and anticorruption management. The professional event is addressed to all those working in the field or who are interested in these topics, understanding that fraud is a universal phenomenon that can occur at any time, entailing profound consequences, in various forms.” Cosmin Serbanescu, President, Romanian National Internal Control Institute.

“We are attending for the second year in a row the National Antifraud and Anticorruption Conference, being convinced from the previous edition about the quality of the event regarding speakers, topics approached and attendees. I am convinced that a good knowledge of corruption prevention and control mechanisms is essential in managing a clean and healthy business, regardless the field of activity. This is why I am happy that MPR Partners is a strategic partner of the Romanian National Internal Control Institute`s Conference.” Gelu Maravela, Managing Partner, MPR Partners.ii

Further details about the conference, partners, organizers, speakers and topics are available on the official page or the event, here.

Last night, during a sparkling ceremony in London, MPR Partners was designated Law Firm of the Year in Romania at The Lawyer European Awards 2017.

Out of more than 120 competing firms for 24 categories and shortlisted for the third time in a row, MPR Partners shared the podium with internationally reputed European law firms such as Herbert Smith, Gleiss Lutz, A&L Goodbody, Wolf Theiss, just to name a few.

This year the Awards recognize strategic vision, particularly focusing on cross-border initiatives, robust partnership culture, strong financial performance and growth, consistent excellence in delivery of legal services as well as outstanding talent management.

The judging panel that designated MPR Partners Law Firm of the Year in Romania was formed by partners of top international business law firms (Chadbourne & Parke, Charles Russell Speechlys, Macfarlanes, Mishcon de Reya, Shoosmiths, Slaughter and May, Travers Smith, Trowers & Hamlins, Walker Morris, Winston & Strawn) and in-house top management representatives of multinational companies (Aviva UK Life, IOC Television and Marketing Services, Moët Hennessy, Osborne Clarke International, Paypal, Sequa Petroleum N.V., Smiths Group PLC, Société Générale, Wolseley plc).

In their 8th edition, The Lawyer European Awards were the first initiative of their kind to reward and celebrate excellence across the European legal market.

”Behind this success lie tens of thousands of working hours and sacrifices from our entire team of professionals, translated into hundreds of satisfied clients and closed assignments and transactions. And although it is said third time lucky, luck had little to do with this achievement. We hereby thank everyone! We promise that MPR Partners’ story, only recently having begun being written, will continue in the same beautiful manner in the volumes to come.” Gelu Maravela, Managing Partner MPR Partners.

”We are happy and proud of our achievement, for which several credits are due. Without any particular order, we thank our wonderful team, our clients for their trust and our friends for their support! We would also like to thank our peers from other Romanian law firms that keep the market at a very competitive level, which drives us to permanently reinvent ourselves and strive to stand in the top ranks. A special thank you to Musat & Asociatii and its founder, Gheorghe Musat, who consistently contributed to the professional path of MPR Partners’ founding partners as it was the case with many other important law firms.” Alina Popescu, Managing Partner MPR Partners.

Further information about the event and winners can be found on The Lawyer official website here or on The Lawyer European Awards website here.

We are expanding our consultancy team and we are looking for a talented and experienced lawyer, with minimum 2-3 years post final Bar qualification.

What we are offering:

• the opportunity to work with a highly professional team;
• people oriented work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit;
• high profile clients and assignments;
• career advancement opportunities based on professional and personal qualities;
• development of management skills;
• competitive financial package;
• elegant and modern office premises.

What we are seeking:

• practical experience of minimum 2-3 years since final Bar qualification out of which at least 2 years within a law firm with a team of at least 10 lawyers;
• sound knowledge of corporate, commercial, M&A, banking & finance and competition is required; further experience in regulatory & compliance including competition matters is a plus;
• advanced English (written and spoken) as well as strong knowledge of legal English terms and terminology;
• openness to continuous professional training, team spirit and adaptability to firm`s policies;
• patience and dedication to forming junior team members;
• LL.M awarded by a foreign university is a plus.

Please send your resume and letter of intent (explaining why you chose to be part of our team and what motivates you in your legal career) to office@mprpartners.com. Please use the subject line: Senior/Managing Consultanță.

Due to high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted.

Starting this February, Dana Radulescu, formerly Insolvency Partner, is a Partner within the advisory practice group of MPR Partners.

Valedictorian of Bucharest University`s Law School, Dana equally holds a bachelor’s degree in law (Maîtrise en Droit Européen) from Université Paris I Pantheon-Sorbonne in France and is a former Partner of reputed Romanian law firms (Vernon David, Borza & Asociații and Rubin Meyer Doru & Trandafir). Throughout her career, Dana was lead counsel in significant privatizations/M&A deals, financing projects as well as restructurings and reorganizations of large companies and corporations.

Currently member of the Bucharest Bar Association, the Romanian Mediation Council and the Romanian Insolvency and Bankruptcy Practitioners Association, Dana started working with MPR Partners back in 2014, as Insolvency Partner, position successfully held until end of January 2017.

”I joined MPR Partners’ team in 2014, within the insolvency & restructuring department. My biggest passion however, always was and remains for legal advisory. It is therefore both a real pleasure and honor for me to join this practice group and to contribute alongside the other partners, to building a new approach in Romanian business law. I fully embrace the firm`s values and vision, that are focused on professionalism, authenticity, creativity”. Dana Radulescu, Partner MPR Partners.

”During our collaboration on insolvency matters we noticed all the special skills Dana possesses and we are extremely glad that we can involve her more and more in the managerial structure of our advisory department. We are equipped to perfectly combine the legal, tax and insolvency services and Dana has the ideal professional and human features for our firm. She is a multifaceted professional.” Gelu Maravela, Managing Partner MPR Partners.

”I have been friends with Dana for 13 years and we have always wanted to work together on a new business model in legal practice. We have taken a first step towards achieving our goals in 2014, as regards the firm`s insolvency practice. We now hope to further develop this work with her extended management attributions within the advisory department. I am happy that my fellow partners have realized the added value Dana brings to our firm in this new position.” Alina Popescu, Co-Managing Partner MPR Partners.

As of January, Felix Tapai was promoted as Tax Partner in charge with MPR Partners’ affiliated tax advisory practice.

Providing tax advisory services to firm’s clients since June 2014, Felix proved remarkable personal and professional qualities that shortly turned him into a most valuable member of MPR Partners’ team.

Felix has over 15 years of experience in the field and is certified by the Chamber of Tax Advisers. Throughout his career, Felix has worked within large international financial services companies listed at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), within the Romanian National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF) and with other reputed local companies.

Through thorough reporting and compliance resulting in impeccably clean audits from the National Bank of Romania (NBR), Felix fiscally optimized transactions of the advised companies, resulting in million Euros saves for his customers.

”We want to provide integrated legal and tax advisory services within the projects we handle, irrespective of our clients` activity sector, whilst preserving the same high standards that we are internationally and locally known for on the business law market. From the firm`s establishment, the activity of our tax advisory practice has constantly increased, thus we are consolidating and growing our team, including as regards tax related crimes such as tax evasion. For high quality tax advisory services, an excellent collaboration between specialized lawyers and tax advisors holding sound economic background is essential. We are thus lucky to have a professional and manager such as Felix by our side.” Gelu Maravela, Managing Partner of MPR Partners.

”Felix is a professional with an extraordinary ability to evaluate risks, possesses excellent tax advisory knowledge and has a clear overview of the most complex situations. These assets together with Felix`s impeccable management and personal skills make of him a Tax Partner we are proud of.” Alina Popescu, Co-Managing Partner of MPR Partners.

MPR Partners’ affiliated tax advisors provide innovative and practical tax advisory and compliance services on a standalone basis and as an integrated part of the services rendered by the law firm. The team of affiliated tax advisors and tax lawyers have the required expertise to provide full support on complex assignments undertaken by firm`s clients, thus being able to provide customized and timely tax advisory services. Furthermore, the experience of MPR Partners’ affiliated tax advisors contributes to the development of international tax structures that may bring a competitive advantage to clients involved in transactions at an international level.

MPR Partners’ tax practice provides tax advisory services (general tax advice on corporate income tax, transfer pricing, VAT, withholding taxes, personal income tax and salary taxes, customs duties, excise duties and local taxes corporate income tax, international tax structuring services for Romanian investors, tax due diligence and tax reviews with a view to identifying tax exposures/risks and solutions to address them, assistance in obtaining advance binding rulings and Advance Pricing Agreements from the Romanian tax authorities, etc.) and tax compliance services (assistance with registration for tax purposes in Romania, tax agent/representation services for VAT and capital gains tax due by non-residents, assistance with the preparation of the transfer pricing documentation file, preparation/review of the corporate income tax/VAT/WHT returns, assistance during tax audits undertaken by the Romanian tax authorities, refund services for excess tax liabilities paid to the Romanian tax authorities, etc.).

Firm`s lawyers involved in tax mandates are multidisciplinary and specialized in areas such as banking & finance, restructuring, dispute resolution, white collar crime (tax evasion, embezzlement, abuse of office, etc.) thus being able to have a comprehensive and complex approach for every mandate.

We are expanding our consultancy team and we are looking for a talented and experienced lawyer, 5+ years PQE.

What we are offering:

• the opportunity to work with a highly professional team;
• work environment based on integrity and team spirit;
• high profile clients and mandates;
• real career advancement opportunities based on professional and personal qualities;
• development of management skills through direct access to firm`s development and administrative aspects;
• competitive financial package;
• elegant office premises.

What we are seeking:

• sound knowledge and practical experience in corporate, commercial, M&A, regulatory & compliance; further experience in capital markets, energy & natural resources, public acquisitions and data protection represents a competitive advantage;
• advanced English (written and spoken) as well as sound knowledge of legal English;
• experience of minimum 5 years since Bar admission, in law firms with teams of at least 10 lawyers;
• rigorousness and impeccable legal reasoning;
• genuine openness to continuous professional formation, adaptability to firm`s policies, coordination of the team of associates in subordination;
• desire and skills to form interns;
• LL.M awarded by a foreign university represents an advantage.

To apply, please send your resume and letter of intent briefly describing why you desire to join our team and what motivates you in your legal career, to office@mprpartners.com

Doing Business 2017: Equal Opportunity for All, a World Bank Group flagship publication, is the 14th in a series of annual reports measuring the regulations that enhance business activity and those that constrain it. Already a tradition within our firm, our experts were invited and gladly accepted to contribute to the Romanian chapter of the publication, providing valuable information and insights. Doing Business presents quantitative indicators on business regulations and the protection of property rights that can be compared across 190 economies—from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe—and over time. Doing Business measures regulations affecting 11 areas of the life of a business. Ten of these areas are included in this year’s ranking on the ease of doing business: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts and resolving insolvency. More information about the publication on the official website here.

A panel of CEE legal experts were invited by The Lawyer to debate the current M&A landscape, trends in last year`s transactions, forecasts, investment and investor patterns as well as law firm positioning. Co-Managing Partner Alina Popescu comments the context of the Romanian jurisdiction and reveals advantages when dealing with a local specialized law firm such as MPR Partners. The Lawyer is a top rated British weekly magazine and the leading website for the entire legal profession, holding the latest legal industry news, briefings and insight for commercial lawyers and in-house counsel. The complete article is available here or on The Lawyer`s website here

MPR Partners’ Healthcare and Life Sciences practice group has published a comprehensive guide of the Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare legal landscape in the Romanian jurisdiction. Conceived as a Lexology Navigator tool, the guide amounts to a valuable information resource for both legal and business professionals, providing a high-level overview of a large number of aspects, including sector trends and developments, product manufacturing, distribution and marketing regulations, including authorisation related aspects of clinical trials, relationship with healthcare professionals, dishonest practices and data protection aspects. The complete Romanian Healthcare and Life Sciences guide is available (in English) on the Lexology website at http://www.lexology.com.

Lexology is a reputed online platform that collaborates with the world’s leading lawyers and other thought leaders to deliver tailored updates and analysis to business professionals worldwide. It currently comprises over 600,000 articles in more than 30 languages covering 50 work areas worldwide. The Lexology Navigator titles are designed to answer in-house counsel driven demand for an interactive way to research comparative information from reputed contributors across multiple jurisdictions. Current contributors of Lexology Navigator include big names of the business legal market such as Bird & Bird, Dentons, Eversheds, Hogan Lovells, Perkins Coie, Reed Smith and White & Case.

MPR Partners’ Healthcare & Life Sciences practice group amasses significant expertise in advising a large number of pharmaceutical and biotechnology and medical devices manufacturers, including some of the largest companies worldwide, as well as healthcare services providers, regulators and professional associations. The Healthcare & Life Sciences matters MPR Partners frequently advise on span regulatory aspects, M&A transactions, IP protection, advertising, taxation and competition, interactions with government officials and doctors, sponsorships, pricing, clinical and non-interventional trials, etc.

MPR Partners’ lawyers have constantly contributed to international and national publications edited by prestigious organizations and publishing houses, such as (in alphabetical order) the Global Legal Group, International Bar Association, Sweet & Maxwell, Thomson Reuters, World Bank and the International Finance Corporation, etc. and are constantly invited to speak at various professional conferences and events.

In addition, MPR Partners regularly publishes the ELKB (Emergency Legal Kit for Business) and the Legal Prompts bulletins, containing valuable information and updates on the Romanian and European legal frameworks.

Managing Partner Gelu Maravela discusses the changes in the Romanian energy sector and highlights how the firm is adapting to them, in an article published by The Lawyer. As part of a panel formed by reputed local legal players, the entire spectrum of energy-related issues is in debate, including recent legislation changes and entrusted mandates. The Lawyer is a top rated British weekly magazine and the leading website for the entire legal profession, holding the latest legal industry news, briefings and insight for commercial lawyers and in-house counsel. The complete article is available here or on The Lawyer`s website here

For the third year in a row, MPR Partners has been shortlisted by a reputed jury appointed by The Lawyer European Awards 2017 for the Law firm of the year: Romania award.

Now in their eighth year, The Lawyer European Awards were the first initiative of their kind to reward and celebrate excellence across the European legal market. This year the Awards recognize strategic vision, particularly focusing on cross-border initiatives, robust partnership culture, strong financial performance and growth, consistent excellence in delivery of legal services as well as outstanding talent management.

Structured in 24 categories (by country, region, types of deals, but also recognizing the managing partner of the year and holding a distinct global in-house category), the awards showcase the achievements of firms to the rest of the industry.

The judging panel is formed by partners of top international business law firms (Chadbourne & Parke, Charles Russell Speechlys, Macfarlanes, Mishcon de Reya, Shoosmiths, Slaughter and May, Travers Smith, Trowers & Hamlins, Walker Morris, Winston & Strawn) and in-house top management representatives of multinational companies (Aviva UK Life, IOC Television and Marketing Services, Moët Hennessy, Osborne Clarke International, Paypal, Sequa Petroleum N.V., Smiths Group PLC, Société Générale, Wolseley plc).

MPR Partners stands alongside numerous premier European firms, equally recognized for their work. Winners will be announced in March, in London, during the awards gala.

”Our third nomination for this award is a proof of our constant ranking at the top of business law, translated into our presence on the shortlist alongside important names of Romanian and European legal market. We are happy to see the results of our hard work recognized and appreciated at such high levels, by top representatives of the international business environment.” Gelu Maravela, Managing Partner of MPR Partners.

”We know from the organizers that a record number of firms were taken into consideration for this year`s edition of The Lawyer European Awards. It is therefore a significant achievement, as the bar is set higher every year. We are committed to continuing our ascending path and congratulate our entire team as well as all fellow firms that have been nominated.” Alina Popescu, Co-Managing Partner of MPR Partners.

Further detail about The Lawyer European Awards as well as this edition’s jury and nominees can be found on the official website at http://www.thelawyereuropeanevent.com/shortlist

Our highly professional, friendly and internationally recognized advisory team’s client portfolio is ever growing, so we are looking for a talented and experienced senior associate with a minimum of 3-5+ years of experience, since final Bar qualification (definitivat).

What we are offering:

• the opportunity to work with an award-winning team that is highly appraised by clients (“best of all firms in jurisdictions I have worked with” is, for instance, an eloquent client quote);
• work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit;
• high profile clients and assignments;
• career advancement opportunities based on professional and personal qualities;
• development of management skills.

What we are seeking:

• practical experience of 3-5+ years since final Bar qualification (definitivat), out of which at least 3-4 years with a medium/large law firm (>10 lawyers);
• thorough knowledge of corporate, commercial and M&A matters is required as well as experience in employment and/or competition and/or real estate and/or data privacy; further experience in other areas of practice is a plus;
• full working proficiency in English (written and spoken) is an absolute must, including strong knowledge of legal English terms and terminology; fluency in a second foreign language is an advantage;
• openness to continuous professional training, team spirit and adaptability to firm`s policies;
• patience and dedication to forming junior team members;
• LL.M or legal PhD and any other degrees in law awarded by a foreign university are a plus.

Please send your resume and letter of intent (explaining why you chose to be part of our team and what motivates you in your legal career) to office@mprpartners.com using the subject line: Senior Associate Advisory.

Due to high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted.

On July 30, the Romanian Ministry of Finance issued an order launching the procedure whereby investors may obtain non-reimbursable funding for investments made in Romania. Founding Partner Alina Popescu and Partner Răzvan Pele detail the terms of the scheme in another issue of our Emergency Legal Kit for Business (ELKB) available here.

It is the second year in a row that our specialists have contributed to Legal 500’s Technology Comparative guide. Each chapter of this guide (for all 18 jurisdictions, with highly appreciated contributors) provides information about the current issues affecting insurance and reinsurance in a particular country and addresses topics such as communications networks and their operators, databases and software, data protection, AI, cybersecurity, as well as personal insight and opinion as to the future of the insurance market over the next five years. The Q&A template for each chapter has been provided by Kit Burden of DLA Piper. Each chapter has been written exclusively by firms ranked within The Legal 500. The Romanian chapter is available here.

Until recently, only the board decisions regarding changing the company’s registered office and/or business object could be challenged by any of the company’s shareholders by an action for annulment filed in court. Pursuant to a decision of the Romanian Constitutional Court published on August 1, 2018, board decisions regarding share capital increases can now be subject to an action for annulment as well. You can read our latest ELKB (Emergency Legal Kit for Businesses) about this matter, published by Senior Associate Daniel Alexie, here.

MPR Partners renewed its contribution to the Restructuring and Insolvency Navigator of Lexology. Partner Dana Rădulescu and Associate Anca Băițan updated the chapter with the latest developments on the Romanian legal landscape. Lexology Navigator provides clear, concise, comparative guidance on law and regulation worldwide. The complete Romanian chapter is available for reading here and should you wish to browse the topic in different jurisdictions, you can do so here.

Senior Associate Irina Radu edited our latest ELKB (Emergency Legal Kit for Businesses), concerning national framework on infrastructure protection and most recent related provisions. One of the major objectives of the EU is reducing the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure and increasing their resilience. An adequate level of protection must be ensured and the harmful effects of disruptions on the society and citizens must be limited as far as possible. Full ELKB (in English) is available here.

MPR Partners assisted a major shareholder of Nordic Petfood, the leading local producer of petfood, in the process of selling the entire business to United Petfood. The share purchase agreement was signed mid August.

Nordic Petfood is the Romanian lead producer and supplier of private labels for the most important modern and specialized retail partners in Romania, with over 40.000 tons of dry food for cats and dogs produced and delivered annually. Belgian group United Petfood, a family business, entered the market in 1994. It operates eight factories in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Spain and Poland and sells in over 40 countries across Europe, as well as in China, Japan, and the US.

MPR Partners assisted the managing partner, one of the major shareholders of Nordic Petfood, in all aspects of the transaction consisting of the sale of the business to United Petfood, namely due diligence, drafting and negotiating the transaction documents and terms. The entire process was extremely smooth and lasted less than four months. At partner level, the dedicated team of MPR Partners consisted of Alina Popescu, Dana Rădulescu, Răzvan Pele and Gelu Maravela.

Our consultancy team’s client portfolio is growing, so we are looking for a talented associate at either entry level or with 1-4 years of experience. Please send your resume and letter of intent (explaining why you chose to be part of our team and what motivates you in your legal career) to office@mprpartners.com. Please use the subject line: Associate Consultanță.

Due to high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted.

What we are offering:

• the opportunity to work with an award-winning highly professional team, highly appraised by clients (“best of all firms in jurisdictions I have worked with” is, for instance, an eloquent client quote);
• work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit;
• high profile clients and assignments;
• career advancement opportunities based on professional and personal qualities.

What we are seeking:

• practical experience of 1-4 years (out of which, ideally, at least 2 years within a medium/large law firm) is a plus;
• advanced English (written and spoken), including strong knowledge of legal English terms and terminology is an absolute must;
• openness to continuous professional training, team spirit and adaptability to firm`s policies;
• LL.M and any other degrees in law or economics (ideally awarded by a foreign university) are a plus.

Contacted by CEE Legal Matters, Partner Dana Rădulescu shared her opinion on the Romanian current business climate and transaction market. In “The Buzz”, CEE Legal Matters interview experts from the 24 jurisdictions of Central and Eastern Europe about professional, political and legislative developments of significance. The interview is available here.

Founding Partner Alina Popescu and Associate Magda Grigore provided the comprehensive contribution for the Romanian chapter of Getting the Deal Through State Aid 2018, having as contributing editor Mr. Ulrich Soltész, of Gleiss Lutz . Published in July 2018 and currently at its fifth edition, State Aid aims to explain the effect of EU legislation and regulation surrounding state aid law in major European jurisdictions, providing readers with up-to-the-minute insight on the strategic considerations and best practices for successful state aid applications and competitions. Topics include: national legislation implementing European state aid rules, approval and disapproval rules for state aid programmes, information regarding the relevant bodies granting aid and receiving aid applications, national authorities monitoring and enforcing compliance, dispute resolution surrounding illegal and incompatible aid, and much more. Getting the Deal Through works with many of the best lawyers and law firms in the world to bring together a unique legal information resource, written by experts on each subject area, in every significant jurisdiction. The complete (15 jurisdictions) State Aid publication is available here and the Romanian chapter here.

Founding Partner Alina Popescu has been named “Leading Cross Border Investments and Transactions Adviser of the Year, Romania”, at the 2018 Leading Adviser Awards, from Acquisition International Magazine, part of AI Global. Since 2010, Acquisition International Magazine’s annual awards have been highlighting the amazing work done by those firms and individuals whose ceaseless dedication to innovation, customer care and the continued growth and improvement of their businesses has seen them forge ahead of their competitors and raise the bar for performance and results in their industry.

With an increasing work load and Client portfolio on the rise, MPR Partners’ competition department sustained a considerable development throughout the past five years, driven by the passion and specialization of the entire team.

Established and developed by Founding Partner Alina Popescu, the firm’s competition practice has a team of 7 lawyers, with practical experience in all competition law segments, including antitrust (economic concentrations, anticompetitive deals and practices, abuse of dominant position, on-site and forensic investigation procedures) as well as State aid and unfair competition.

The firm’s lawyers’ activity has been repeatedly acknowledged by its clients, one of the partners of a reputed USA-based law firm stating, for instance, that one of firm’s competition related work product was „the most complex and best analysis” of a distribution agreement, compared to that of other „20 firms, throughout the past 15 years”.

Amongst firm’s clients in the competition field there are important local companies such as Chimcomplex and Betty Ice as well as international corporations, as Monsanto, Japan Radio Co., Alphatron Marine, Hertz Autohellas, BBraun Avitum, Eberspächer, etc.

In addition, the competition department’s team members are active contributors to specialized international publications. Last year alone, they have been exclusive contributors for the Romanian jurisdiction for reputed materials of international reach such as Getting the Deal Through: State aid, Lexology Navigator: Cartels, and have equally published numerous dedicated materials in the local media.

The rise in work load levels triggered the need for team development, equally at partner levels, thus Răzavan Pele, reputed competition and IP specialist joined MPR Partners starting this June, as partner within the firm’s competition and intellectual property practices.

Răzvan graduated from the University of the West Timișoara Law School and holds an LL.M in International and Community Law from Nicolae Titulescu University.  He has a notable experience of over 10 years with one of the most important local firms, being furthermore one of the Romanian specialists in competition, regulatory, IP, consumer protection matters and related litigation. Răzvan advised clients from various industries, including weaponry manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, energy, postal services, wood processing, spare parts distribution, telecom, audio-visual, etc. Notable projects he coordinated and was involved in include:

• the first assessment by the Romanian Competition Council of a potential dominant position abuse in the pharma market;
• the litigation concluded with the annulment of the fine for one of the members of an alleged cartel on the EEE market;
• representing one of the most important Swiss weaponry producers in challenging a decision passed by the Romanian Competition Council finding a rigging of bids in a public procurement procedure organized by the Romanian Ministry of Defence;
• advising one of the largest Chinese telecom technology companies in the Romanian part of a worldwide dispute generated by a patent troll in connection with the use and extent of Standard-Essential Patents from a competition and IP law perspective.

„Increased activity of the Competition Council, overall business and economic climate as well as numerous local businesses reaching maturity drove a spike in our competition practice’s activity. This is very good news indeed, especially since it provides the opportunity to extend our team ranks with a high calibre professional who has a wealth of experience in the field. Besides recruiting external talent, we develop internally our team members, thus shaping our own future competition experts.” Alina Popescu, Founding Partner of MPR Partners.

„I am thrilled to have joined MPR Partners for several reasons, amongst which the excellent professional relationship that I have had with firm’s founding partners, the trust I have in their professional and management abilities, the impressive client portfolio, firm’s international achievements and, naturally, the perspective of a dynamic, high quality legal service. Both competition and IP are two fields of the law very dear to me. I have thus commenced my activity at MPR Partners with the desire and aim to greatly contribute to the development of these two departments alongside firm’s partners.” Răzvan Pele, Partner of MPR Partners.

During an awards Gala, Partner Dana Rădulescu was handed an achievement recognition and the Expert Lawyer title for her Corporate/M&A activity throughout the past year from the FinMedia, the publishing company editing the Expert Lawyers magazine. Dana was congratulated for her activity and involvement in, amongst others, the acquisition of assets of Chimcomplex from Oltchim, the acquisition of Betty Ice by Unilever and the acquisition of a parking by Interparking. At their 8th edition, the Top Lawyers Gala awards experienced lawyers, active in the most important practice areas of business law.

Gelu Maravela was named 2018-2019 “Lawyer of the Year” for work in Project Finance and Development Practice, being acknowledged for his Arbitration and Mediation, Banking and Finance Law, Energy Law, Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation, Natural Resources Law, Project Finance and Development Practice, whilst Alina Popescu is praised for her Arbitration and Mediation, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions experience. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers has published their list for over three decades, earning the respect of the profession, the media, and the public as the most reliable, unbiased source of legal referrals. Its first international list was published in 2006 and since then has grown to provide lists in over 75 countries. “For more than a third of the century,” says CEO Steven Naifeh, “Best Lawyers has been the gold standard of excellence in the legal profession.” President Phil Greer adds, “We are extremely proud of that record and equally proud to acknowledge the accomplishments of these exceptional legal professionals.” Lawyers on The Best Lawyers in Romania list are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are reviewed by their peers on the basis of professional expertise, and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing. Further information can be found here.

Our repeatedly awarded, internationally recognized and very busy dispute resolution practice’s team is searching for a new colleague with 3-4 years’ experience since final Bar qualification (definitivat). Please send your resume and letter of intent (explaining why you chose to be part of our team and what motivates you in your legal career) to office@mprpartners.com. Please use the subject line: Senior – Litigation.

We are looking for:

• advanced English (written and spoken) as well as strong knowledge of legal English terms and terminology;
• practical experience of minimum 3-4 years since final Bar qualification, ideally as part of a medium/large law firm;
• sound skills and experience in civil and administrative litigations, insolvency as well as arbitration & ADR expertise;
• openness to continuous professional training, team spirit and adaptability to firm`s policies;
• patience and dedication to forming junior team members;
• LL.M or other law degrees awarded by a foreign university are a plus.

We are offering:

• the opportunity to work with an award-winning highly professional team, highly appraised by clients (“best of all firms in jurisdictions I have worked with” is, for instance, an eloquent client quote);
• people oriented work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit;
• high profile clients and assignments;
• areer advancement opportunities based on professional and personal qualities;
• development of management skills;
• competitive financial package.

Due to high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted.

We are looking for a very organized, serious and punctual Personal Assistant, with good command of English, written and spoken. If interested, please send you CV to office@mprpartners.com using the subject line: PA.

What we are looking for:

• at least high school baccalaureate degree;
• driver license, B category, at least 3 years hands–on driving experience;
• honesty, discretion and trustworthiness;
• flexibility and adaptability;
• good communication skills;
• organizational skills and the ability to prioritize daily workload;
• the ability to be proactive and take the initiative;
• good manners, tact and diplomacy.

Responsibilities shall include, without being limited to, the following:

• reminding the firm’s partners of important tasks and deadlines;
• assist firm’s partners with their personal and administrative issues;
• assist firm’s associate lawyers with administrative issues;
• organizing and maintaining diaries, correspondence and making appointments;
• travel with and in the interests of firm’s partners and associate lawyers.

We are looking for a communicative and neatly organized Font Desk Assistant, with excellent command of English, work management and prioritizing skills, problem solving ability and attention to detail, to handle our front desk and day-to-day administrative tasks. No previous experience required, although basic accounting knowledge can be an advantage. This position does not involve legal support related activities.

Job description:

• front office contact with clients;
• protocol and administrative activities;
• meetings and appointments handling;
• handling personal issues for firm’s partners;
• office supplies monitoring and ordering;
• documents filing (binding, copying, scanning);
• drafting and translating various documents.

Important!

This position involves two shifts, as follows: one week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and one week from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm, from Monday to Friday. This condition is mandatory, so please apply only if you accept it.
Please send your CV to office@mprpartners.com and use the subject line: Front desk.

For the second year in a row, our healthcare specialists have revised and updated the Romanian chapter of the Life Sciences Navigator, published by Lexology. The Lexology Navigators are a powerful global tool for legal research, spanning multiple practice areas and jurisdictions alike. The Lice Sciences navigator covers important topics such as trends and developments, clinical trials, marketing aspects, advertising and labelling, as well as relations with healthcare professionals and many others. Prestigious law firms are contributing to each section (i.e. Dentons, Eversheds Sutherland and Reed Smith, just to name a few), thus turning the Navigators into a valuable resource for professionals. The Romanian chapter, contributed by MPR Partners, is available here.

For the second year in a row, our arbitration professionals, Alina Popescu and Alexandra Ichim, provide the latest provisions and news for the Romanian chapter of the Commercial Arbitration guide of Global Arbitration Review (GAR). GAR know-how provides reliable cross-jurisdictional insight to help cement the building blocks of international practice. Select experienced practitioners answer commonly asked questions for key jurisdictions so allowing readers to be better-placed to solve the challenges of their working days. The Romanian chapter is available here and all jurisdictions are online here.

Founding Partners Gelu Maravela and Alina Popescu provided, during an interview conducted by Ziarul Financiar, an overview of the Romanian M&A landscape as well as related forecasts and insights. Partners revealed few of firm’s closed and ongoing M&A transactions, as well as several thoughts on competition and infrastructure development.  Ziarul Financiar is the leading daily financial newspaper in Romania. The article is available (in Romanian) here.

In anticipation of challenges raised by the implementation of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), JURIDICE.ro initiated a series of conferences and events, in order to debate the effects and impact on the private and public Romanian entities. Transcripts of lectures and a series of articles were thereafter compiled in a guide, a precious study material for all those who want to understand the new rules and, above all, to know their rights and obligations in terms of data protection. MPR Partners’ experts Gelu Maravela and Daniel Alexie were invited to contribute to the compilation, with an article concerning the record keeping whilst processing personal data. Further information (in Romanian) is available here.

This year, the reputed The Legal 500 ranked and acknowledged MPR Partners in four different practice areas: Commercial, Corporate and M&A, Real estate and Construction, Restructuring and Insolvency as well as Tax. Founding Partners Gelu Maravela and Alina Popescu were praised for their team leading skills and experience, whilst Partners Dana Rădulescu and Felix Tapai were mentioned and noted by the international directory. For 29 years, The Legal 500 has been analysing the capabilities of law firms across the world, with a comprehensive research programme revised and updated every year to bring the most up-to-date vision of the global legal market. More information here.

During March, MPR Partners’ articles on Mondaq generated the most reads for and related to the Romanian jurisdiction. Every month Mondaq publishes hundreds of articles by contributing firms from over 80 countries around the world. At the end of every month, for each country, Mondaq analyses which contributing author firms were read the most by their registered business readers: ‘Contributor Most Read’. Readership for all articles by that firm on that country is included. The reader may have come upon the article either on the Mondaq site, www.mondaq.com, via their personalised newsletters, or via one of their feeds to 3rd party sites. All readership for this article consists of real, identified individuals and no anonymous readers are included in the conferral of this award. Mondaq also distributes the same articles through major business systems like Lexis-Nexis, Westlaw, and Reuters. Further information is available here.

Thursday, March 15 during a special night in London, that celebrated success in the European legal world, MPR Partners was designated winner of the Law Firm of the Year: Eastern Europe and The Balkans Award, during The Lawyer European Awards 2018.

Furthermore, MPR Partners has been designated as Highly Commended Firm (runner up) in the European Law Firm of the Year category. An official article of The Lawyer, released after the event, states: “Highly commended in the overall law firm of the year category was Romanian firm Maravela, which won Eastern European/Balkans firm prize for the second year running. Despite its small size – it was only set up five years ago – the judges said it had ‘reaped the rewards of its niche’ and praised its focus on talent nurturing.”

It is the fourth year in a row that MPR Partners is recognized by the judging committee of The Lawyer European Awards and last year the firm was designated Law firm of the year: Romania.

Judges have paid attention to firms able to demonstrate that they have had an exceptional year, managing the pressures of the economic environment while maintaining high levels of client service. They were equally looking for firms that can clearly articulate their strategy and vision for the future, both in terms of significant developments in the past year and planned investment.

The judging panel was formed by partners of top international business law firms and in-house top management representatives of multinational companies. The list includes big names such as: Airbnb, Barclays, Bare Escentuals (Shiseido Group), Dixons Carphone, Hohan Lovells, Mills & Reeve, Mischcon De Reya, Navigators Insurance, Northrop Grumman, Orwell Group, Osborne Clarke, PayPal, Shoosmiths, Societe Generale, TLT, Travers Smith, TSYS International, Weightmans, Wolseley, Womble Bond Dickinson, WS Atkins.

The Eastern Europe and The Balkans category was only open to independent firms headquartered in Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia. Danish firm Kromann Reumert was crowned European Law Firm of the Year.

Shortlisted firms had to prove their capability of operating in the global economy, possessing strategic initiatives aimed at growing cross-border and referral work, both inbound and outbound.

“What a great night in London at The Lawyer European Awards 2018! We are happy, proud and have so many thanks to give to an incredible jury, as well as to our clients, our business partners, our friends and our OUTSTANDING TEAM! Thank you all! We are grateful for your trust and support and remain committed to a continued service of great quality, loyalty and success!” Gelu Maravela and Alina Popescu, Managing Partners of MPR Partners.

Currently at their ninth edition and structured in 24 categories (by country, region, types of deals, referral work but also recognizing the managing partner of the year and holding a distinct global in-house category), the awards showcase the achievements of firms to the rest of the industry.

Further detail about The Lawyer European Awards as well as this edition’s jury can be found on the official website at http://www.thelawyereuropeanevent.com

MPR Partners contributed to the Doing Business in the European Union 2017: Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania, the first report of the subnational Doing Business series in these countries—assesses the business regulatory environment and its impact on local entrepreneurs in 6 cities from Bulgaria (Burgas, Pleven, Plovdiv, Ruse, Sofia and Varna), 7 cities from Hungary (Budapest, Debrecen, Gyor, Miskolc, Pecs, Szeged, and Szekesfehervar) and 9 cities from Romania (Brasov, Bucuresti, Cluj-Napoca, Constanta, Craiova, Iasi, Oradea, Ploiesti, and Timisoara). The report measures regulations relevant to 5 stages in the life of a small to medium-size domestic firm: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property and enforcing contracts. Direct link to the report in Romanian here, and in English here.

MPR Partners assisted the Belgian company Interparking in the almost EUR 4 million acquisition of a parking in Timișoara, in the context of the operator’s business expansion in Romania. Interparking Group is present in 9 countries and in over 360 cities, currently holding 782 units totalizing 355.839 parking spaces, Europewide. In 2016, the group’s turnover was of over EUR 410 million. Interparking holds 4 parkings in Romania, în Bucharest and Timișoara. The P700 parking in Timișoara has a capacity of 520 parking spaces, whilst the parkings in Bucharest have a total of 1.400 parking spaces.

MPR Partners’ team, coordinated by Partner Dana Rădulescu, assisted with regards to due diligence, as well as negotiation and drafting of the transaction documents. „We are glad to be involved in transactions that underline the raised interest of foreign investors, speeding the modernization of the infrastructure and offering practical solutions to everyday problems. Interparking Group intends to further expand its business in the region so we presume that new projects will be announced shortly.” Dana Rădulescu, Partner of MPR Partners.

Started in 2017, the negotiations were concluded at the end of January 2018, when the Romanian ice cream producer Betty Ice was fully acquired by Unilever South Central Europe. The sale purchase agreement is subject to regulatory approval by the Romanian competition authorities.

Following the acquisition, Betty Ice will operate as a standalone unit within Unilever and will be led by its founder, Vasile Armenean, acting as General Manager.

The complex legal assistance provided by MPR Partners to Betty Ice comprises all transaction related aspects, including due diligence, preparing the tender, negotiation of the transaction documents, liaising with the competition authorities.

MPR Partners’ team assigned to the project consisted of over 10 professionals. Gelu Maravela, Alexandra Rîmbu, Daniel Alexie and Anca Băițan assisted regarding the due diligence process, Gelu Maravela, Alina Popescu, Dana Rădulescu, Alexandra Rîmbu and Mihai Buciuman provided assistance during the negotiation of the transaction documents, whilst Alina Popescu, Alexandra Rîmbu and Magda Grigore assisted with all competition related aspects. Financial and tax assistance was provided by Gelu Maravela, Alexandra Rîmbu and Felix Tapai.

With regards to the financial aspects, Betty Ice was equally assisted by Ernst & Young România, with a team lead by Florin Vasilică and BrinkThink Management, through Florin Cerna, as financial and strategic consultant.

MPR Partners has been selected by CEE Legal Matters to serve as a member of the Shortlist Selection Panel for the first ever CEE Legal Matters Romania Deal of the Year Awards.

CEE Legal Matters is the leading source of news and information about Central and Eastern Europe’s legal markets. The Deal of the Year awards were conceived by CEE Legal Matters to honor the skilled lawyers who make the most complex, significant deals happen. The final three nominees in Romania will be announced in the February issue of the CEE Legal Matters magazine. The winner will be announced at the annual Awards Banquet that concludes CEE Legal Matters’ Dealer’s Choice conference in Prague on June 6, 2018.

The CEELM Romania Deal of the Year Award is unique in being exclusively peer selected, with both final nominees and final award winners being chosen by leading legal experts in the country. According to CEE Legal Matters Executive Editor David Stuckey, this makes them especially valuable. “We are proud of the reputation CEE Legal Matters has established for integrity, independence, and impartiality,” Stuckey said, “and in organizing these awards we were committed to inviting only lawyers who are themselves highly regarded dealmakers to employ their expertise and knowledge in evaluating the many submissions we have received and in selecting the final nominees.”

According to Stuckey, selecting the Shortlist Selection Panel for Romania was an important process, but ultimately not a difficult one. “We’ve reported on a number of deals these select lawyers have worked on over the years, and in our many conversations and interviews with them in that time, we have found them each to be insightful and perceptive analysts, knowledgeable both about the Romanian market in general and about the particular client management and negotiating skills necessary to bring these deals to fruition. We are delighted that MPR Partners has accepted our invitation to join the Shortlist Panel, and we look forward to thanking him in person at the June 6 Awards Banquet.”

“We are honored to be part of CEE Legal Matter’s Deal of the Year Award and happy to be judging this year’s entries from the Romanian market with utmost objectivity and with the professional insight required for evaluation. It is indeed an impressive number of both firms and deals (M&As, IPOs and financings). Our considerations when assessing a deal include value, timeframe, complexity, legal creativity/innovation shown, political and regulatory sensitivity, number of jurisdictions to which the deal relates, as well as the involved team’s depth, media coverage of the matter and impact of the deal on the country/region.” Gelu Maravela, Managing Partner of MPR Partners.

CEE Legal Matters is the premier publication about the region’s legal markets. The CEE Legal Matters website, which registers well over 40,000 unique visitors a day, carries daily updates of deals, disputes, and other client matters across CEE, as well as news about senior promotions, lateral hires, and other developments inside the 24 legal markets themselves. The widely-read subscription only monthly CEE Legal Matters magazine provides thorough coverage of the persons and trends driving the legal industry across CEE, with in-depth interviews, analysis, and commentary. CEE Legal Matters also hosts the annual regional GC Summit, the largest annual conference of senior in-house counsel in CEE. This year’s GC Summit will be held on June 7-8 in Prague.

Further detail about CEE Legal Matters can be found on the official website at http://ceelegalmatters.com/.

MPR Partners is proudly supporting the Romanian Palaces of Justice project, a wonderful compilation of architectural treasures, dedicated to the exertion of the legal profession. Through their greatness, the Palaces of Justice – true works of art, some dating from an impressive while back, enchant the eyes of the beholder, imposing respect and demanding admiration. Published by igloomedia (www.igloo.ro) within their “Patrimony” collection, the bilingual album includes 19 representative buildings, (Palaces of Justice, Courts and Tribunals), landmarks of Romania’s cultural heritage. Each monument is carefully documented, presented with high quality photographs and accompanied by the most interesting aspects from architectural, cultural and historical points of view. The launch event took place on 18 January 2017, at Bucharest’s Palace of Justice.

It is the fourth year in a row that MPR Partners is recognized by the judging committee of The Lawyer. This year the firm has been shortlisted for Law firm of the year: Eastern Europe and The Balkans.

This category was only open to independent firms headquartered in Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia.

Judges have paid attention to firms able to demonstrate that they have had an exceptional year, managing the pressures of the economic environment while maintaining high levels of client service. They were equally looking for firms that can clearly articulate their strategy and vision for the future, both in terms of significant developments in the past year and planned investment.

Shortlisted firms had to prove their capability of operating in the global economy, possessing strategic initiatives aimed at growing cross-border and referral work, both inbound and outbound.

“Besides information related to portfolio growth and continuous training of our team members, this year the use of technology and its application to better customer service was taken into consideration. We understood from the representatives of The Lawyer European Awards that, this year as well, there were many firms who have entered the competition and sent submissions. Congratulations are in order, to all the finalists. We are very happy with the result, that furthermore follows last year’s success, as we were designated the Law firm of the year: Romania.” Gelu Maravela and Alina Popescu, Managing Partners of MPR Partners.

Currently at their ninth edition and structured in 24 categories (by country, region, types of deals, referral work but also recognizing the managing partner of the year and holding a distinct global in-house category), the awards showcase the achievements of firms to the rest of the industry.

The judging panel is formed by partners of top international business law firms and in-house top management representatives of multinational companies. The list includes big names such as: Airbnb, Barclays, Bare Escentuals (Shiseido Group), Dixons Carphone, Hohan Lovells, Mills & Reeve, Mischcon De Reya, Navigators Insurance, Northrop Grumman, Orwell Group, Osborne Clarke, PayPal, Shoosmiths, Societe Generale, TLT, Travers Smith, TSYS International, Weightmans, Wolseley, Womble Bond Dickinson, WS Atkins.

MPR Partners stands alongside numerous premier European firms, equally recognized for their work. Winners will be announced in March, in London, during the awards gala that will bring together more than 300 managing and senior partners to network and celebrate the most successful firms in Europe.

Further detail about The Lawyer European Awards as well as this edition’s jury and nominees can be found on the official website at http://www.thelawyereuropeanevent.com/shortlist.

Our highly professional, friendly and internationally recognized advisory team’s client portfolio is ever growing, so we are looking for a(nother) talented and experienced senior/managing associate with a minimum of 2-5+ years of experience, since final Bar qualification (definitivat).

What we are offering:

• the opportunity to work with an award-winning team that is highly appraised by clients (“best of all firms in jurisdictions I have worked with” is, for instance, an eloquent client quote);
• work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit;
• high profile clients and assignments;
• career advancement opportunities based on professional and personal qualities;
• development of management skills.

What we are seeking:

• practical experience of 2-5+ years since final Bar qualification (definitivat), out of which at least 3-4 years with a medium/large law firm (>10 lawyers);
• thorough knowledge of corporate, commercial and M&A matters is required; further experience in other areas of practice is a plus;
• full working proficiency in English (written and spoken) is an absolute must, including strong knowledge of legal English terms and terminology; fluency in a second foreign language is an advantage;
• openness to continuous professional training, team spirit and adaptability to firm`s policies;
• patience and dedication to forming junior team members;
• LL.M or legal PhD and any other degrees in law awarded by a foreign university are a plus.

Please send your resume and letter of intent (explaining why you chose to be part of our team and what motivates you in your legal career) to office@mprpartners.com using the subject line: Senior/Managing Associate Advisory.

Due to high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted.

Our highly professional competition practice and its client portfolio are ever growing, hence we are looking for a qualified competition specialist with 5-7+ years of experience in the field, who would be also open to work in other advisory related practice areas.

Please note that this is an opening that may lead to salary partner position within 2-5 years, depending on profile, achievements and abilities.

What we are offering:

• the opportunity to work with an award-winning team that is highly appraised by clients;
• high profile clients;
• interesting and precedent setting mandates;
• work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit;
• development of management skills.

What we are seeking:

• intensive hands-on experience of 5-7+ years in competition matters;
• full working proficiency in English (written and spoken) is an absolute must, including strong knowledge of legal English terms and terminology;
• fluency in a second foreign language is an advantage;
• patience and dedication to forming junior team members;
• LL.M or legal PhD and any other degrees in competition awarded by a foreign university are a plus.

Please send your resume and letter of intent (explaining why you chose to be part of our team and what motivates you in your legal career) to office@mprpartners.com using the subject line: Senior/Managing Competition.

Due to high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted.

MPR Partners has assisted the Dutch company Nederlandse MKB Participatiemaatschappij in the acquisition of BusyMachines B.V., a Dutch-Romanian fast-growing software developer.

A team of 9 MPR Partners lawyers worked on behalf of Nederlandse MKB, in all legal aspects related to BusyMachines’ Romanian subsidiary and development centre. The highly specialized M&A, technology, IT, IP, competition and data protection assistance provided included a complex due diligence report of the target, as well as advice regarding the relevant aspects on the transaction documents.

Coordinated by partners Alina Popescu and Dana Rădulescu, the team assigned to the matter equally included partner Alexandra Rîmbu and tax partner Felix Tapai as well as senior associates Roxana Neacșu, Daniel Alexie, Magda Grigore, Flavia Ștefura and Raluca Ciocârlan.

Dutch law firm De Breij was the counsel of Nederlandse MKB for all the other aspects pertaining to BusyMachines group and have led the transaction, which was completed at the end of April 2019.

Nederlandse MKB focuses on growth by offering capital and knowledge to businesses thus providing them with the opportunity to grow faster and achieve a better market position. In the coming years, the new shareholder together with its network and strategic partners, will further support the growth of BusyMachines.

BusyMachines develops innovative tailor-made software with excellent graphic design, positioning itself as a technical partner in the development of end-to-end products. The BusyMachines team consists of 50 employees, including talented developers, project managers and designers.

Having accepted the invitation extended by Legal Cross Border, our experts have provided all the relevant content for Merger Control in Romania. Merger Control allows users to automatically screen if and where merger control filings are needed, while giving a detailed overview on the outcome of the screening. In short, it is a legal information platform made by top-tier lawyers. Contributing firms include Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance and Hugues & Hugues. The Romania related content is available here, whilst all jurisdictions can be accessed from the Knowledge Base tab here.

During an elegant ceremony at held at The Budapest Marriott Hotel in Budapest, Hungary, senior legal practitioners from across Europe gathered in hopes of winning the prestigious CEE Deal of the Year Award of the biggest and most important annual celebration of top level lawyering in Central and Eastern Europe. Partner Alexandra Rîmbu, who represented our firm during the event, was on stage in order to reveal the shortlist for Hungary. MPR Partners Founding Partner Gelu Maravela was part of the Judging Committee, for (i) selecting the shortlist for the Romanian jurisdiction related deals and for (ii) the ranking of the finalist deals in other jurisdictions, during the final stage of the voting process. Further information about this year’s CEE Legal Matters DOTY Awards is available here.

Due to increased activity of our consultancy department and broader client portfolio, we are currently seeking a skilled attorney (5+ years of experience since Bar admission) fluent and fully operational in German (including legal terminology). The ideal candidate should have prior experience with working directly with German clients in German language. A German speaking university law degree (e.g. any form of post-graduate degree) may be an advantage.

What we are offering:

• the opportunity to work with an award-winning team that is highly appraised by clients;
• work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit;
• varied high-profile clients and assignments, including lead counsel positions for multi-jurisdictional stints;
• genuine career advancement opportunities (up to and including partnership levels) based on professional and personal qualities;
• development of management skills.

What we are seeking:

• practical experience of 5+ years since final Bar qualification (definitivat), out of which at least 3-4 years with a medium/large law firm (>10 lawyers);
• thorough knowledge of corporate and commercial matters is required; further experience in any other practice area is a plus;
• full working proficiency in English and German (written and spoken) is an absolute must, including strong knowledge of legal English and legal German;
• openness to continuous professional training, team spirit and adaptability to firm`s policies;
• patience and dedication to forming junior team members;
• LL.M or legal PhD and any other degrees in law awarded by a foreign university are a plus.

Please send your resume, language certificate(s) and letter of intent (explaining why you chose to be part of our team and what motivates you in your legal career) to office@mprpartners.com using the subject line: German – Senior Associate Advisory.

Due to increased activity of our HR department, only selected candidates will be contacted.

We are looking for a communicative and neatly organized Font Desk Assistant, with excellent command of English, work management and prioritizing skills, problem solving ability and attention to detail, to handle our front desk and day-to-day administrative tasks.

No previous experience required, though basic accounting knowledge can be an advantage. This position does not involve legal support related activities.

This position involves two shifts, as follows: one week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and one week from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm, from Monday to Friday.

Job description:

• front office contact with clients;
• protocol and administrative activities;
• meetings and appointments handling;
• handling personal issues of the firm’s associates;
• office supplies monitoring and ordering;
• documents filing (binding, copying, scanning);
• drafting and translating various documents.

Please send your resume to office@mprpartners.com with the Subject line: Front Desk Assistant.

We look forward to welcoming you to our team.

MPR Partners started 2019 with a consolidated consultancy team, following recent recruitment and internal promotion of several existing team members.

Thus, in alphabetical order, Raluca Ciocârlan, Roxana Neacșu and Flavia Ștefura joined the firm’s consultancy team.

Raluca Ciocârlan, senior associate, assists top local and international clients in commercial, corporate and M&A matters. Raluca holds a Masters degree (LL.M) in European Law awarded by Paris I Pantheon–Sorbonne University and was, for 4 years, part of Leroy and Asociații team and before, part of Bulboacă and Asociații. She is a member of the Bucharest Bar since 2003.

Roxana Neacșu, senior associate, had an ascending professional background, for 11 years within the Bucharest office of Gruia Dufaut law firm. Raluca assists numerous major clients, active in various sectors of the economy, in corporate and employment matters. She holds a Masters degree (LL.M) in European Law from Paris I Pantheon–Sorbonne University and is a member of the Bucharest Bar since 2007.

Flavia Ștefura, associate, assists clients in intellectual property, data protection and competition matters, being equally involved in employment and corporate matters. Previously a part of NNDKP and Peli Filip teams, Flavia holds a Law degree from Paris I Pantheon–Sorbonne University and is a member of the Bucharest Bar since 2012.

„Although increased work load is, without a doubt, one of the main factors for extending our team, we are always looking for talented individuals. We are proud to have by our sides talented attorneys that wanted to contribute to the development of the firm.” Alina Popescu, Founding Partner of MPR Partners.

„We are happy to see that lawyers with a remarkable professional route give us their trust and confidence with regard to the evolution they will have in our firm. This means that the mandates handled and the name we have built, the manner in which we have developed and the working model that we provide speak from themselves.” Gelu Maravela, Founding Partner of MPR Partners.

MPR Partners provided the information for Thomson Reuters’ Practical Law Investing in… Global Guide, for the Romanian jurisdiction. Founding Partners Gelu Maravela and Alina Popescu, alongside Partner Felix Tapai provided valuable information regarding the market, the legal system, imports, structuring and tax as well as business incentives. Practical Law is an online legal know how service, providing rigorous peer reviewed resources, such as practice notes, current awareness and standard documents. The Romanian chapter is available online here, whilst the entire Global Guide is online here.

Our consultancy team’s client portfolio is growing, so we are looking for a talented associate at either entry level or with 0-2 years of experience. Please send your resume and letter of intent (explaining why you chose to be part of our team and what motivates you in your legal career) to office@mprpartners.com. Please use the subject line: Associate Consultanță.

What we are offering:

• the opportunity to work with an award-winning highly professional team, highly appraised by clients (“best of all firms in jurisdictions I have worked with” is, for instance, an eloquent client quote);
• work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit;
• high profile clients and assignments;
• career advancement opportunities based on professional and personal qualities.

What we are seeking:

• advanced English (written and spoken), including strong knowledge of legal English terms and terminology is an absolute must;
• openness to continuous professional training, team spirit and adaptability to firm`s policies;
• LL.M and any other degrees in law or economics (ideally awarded by a foreign university) are a plus.

Due to high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted.

With all the peculiarities and bizarre times triggered by this year´s pandemic context, there is no doubt that all technology related uses have significantly increased, on a global scale. Bearing this in mind and furthermore being constantly in a quest to provide irreproachable top-quality fast paced service to each of its clients, MPR Partners has made important steps, technology wise.

Thus, just recently, the firm took the decision to deploy Luminance, the leading artificial intelligence platform for the legal profession, a premiere entrance on the Romanian market. The firm was consequently able to gain an instant and unparalleled overview of their document set, with the platform instantly surfacing crucial information like key datapoints, clauses, patterns, anomalies and even hidden risks. New products and services offered to the clients are now even more cost-effective, or even feasible, than they previously were, when the firm was relying on manual review methods alone.

On the same technology side of things, at the beginning of this year Cristina Crețu joined the firm, as Senior Privacy & Technology Consultant. With over 15 years of legal experience within the legal departments of two major telecom companies and having previously worked for the National Communications Regulator (ANCOM), Cristina is a valuable addition to the team. She has a vast experience in the fields of electronic communications and technology and is equally known for her expertise in the data protection sector, having acted as DPO (Data protection Officer) for one of the largest telecom companies in Romania, previously held by Liberty Global Group.
Over the past several months, Cristina and other members of the firm´s technology department have been often invited to debates and have published numerous sector-related articles and analysis. For three years in a row, for instance, the team is the exclusive contributor of The Legal 500´s TMT (Technology, Media & Telecom) Guide, providing all major information for the Romanian jurisdiction.

On the world wide web, the firm has consolidated and enriched its presence in a constant and sustained rhythm. Besides the permanently updated website mprpartners.com, a new website for the affiliated tax division was launched, namely mprandtfinance.com. Furthermore, taking into consideration the development and rich activity of several of its key departments, the firm has recently released two blogs, for competition and for environmental matters. A technology blog is close to being launched as well. The two blogs are accessible in the Knowledge tab, on the firm´s website. Even more, in the same tab, the firm has created a Covid-19 section, where numerous articles have been posted, containing useful information in this difficult context, freely accessible courtesy of the firm´s professionals.

There is more to go, until the end of the year, and there is naturally more to come. The firm has ambitious plans to further develop digitally, and one oh this fall’s highlights is its presence on the Cybersecurity stage of the prestigious GoTech World (online) event, that is scheduled to take place this November.

Quick access links: Luminance, MPR&T Finance, Competition Blog, Environment Blog

A draft law on measures relating to information and communication infrastructures of national interest and the conditions for the implementation of 5G networks was launched on August 4, 2020 for public consultation by the Ministry of Transportation, Infrastructure and Communications and slightly revised on September 2, 2020. The Draft Law purports to regulate the authorisation of manufacturers of technologies, equipment and software for 5G networks. Our specialists released a comprehensive material related to the matter, which includes considerations in relation to the EU 5G Toolbox, the infringement of the electronic communications legislation, the draft law’s potential to negatively affect competition and trade between Member States, structure of the competition on Radio Access Network markets and much more. The article is available in full here.

Our Senior Privacy & Technology Consultant Cristina Crețu was invited to Realitatea TV Channel in order to attend the Deschide Lumea (Open the world) TV show. The show depicts the world as it currently is and more importantly, it shows as it should be. The matter in discussion, which Cristina professionally approached, was 5G technology – how it works, what novelties it brings and what we should know about it. The recording of the show is available in full here.

In May 2020, a group of Romanian senators have proposed a legal enactment to prohibit the sale of shares owned by the Romanian state for a two-year period. Such proposal has been motivated based on the erratic economic fluctuations generated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and measures imposed as a result of the same, including the State of Emergency imposed by the President of Romania, in force at the moment when the legal enactment was proposed. As this is of major importance for the M&A sector, our experts have released an article on the above, which is available in full here.

Despite the constant update of the public procurement legal framework, the Romanian authorities have signalled several issues related to the public procurement contracts granted to certain companies, in circumstances which are not able to comply, in all cases, with the general principles of transparency and equal treatment. On July 24, 2020 Law no. 148/2020 for the completion of Law no. 98/2016 on public procurement has been enacted. Consequently, our professionals have released an explanatory material, available in full here.

Since the legislation offers no definition of a computer program, copyright protection of computer programs was subject to many studies and case-law, both on national and on international level. Our professionals released a comprehensive article which discusses the defining elements of the computer program, such as they have emerged from the legal literature and judicial practice, the difference between configuration and customization of computer programs, as well as the case-law generated by the confusion of these notions. The article is available in full here.

MPR Partners supported the organizing of Ziarul Financiar’s technology event, which took place entirely online, due to current pandemic context. The event had an impressive panel of speakers such as public authorities, sector regulators and representatives of local operators. Or firm was represented by Senior Privacy and Technology Consultant Cristina Crețu. Interesting statements were made, such as the one of Mr. Eduard Lovin, Vice-president of the National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications (“ANCOM”), who said that “if we want as a country to have the 5G auction by the end of this year so that the mobile operators to enter into the possession of their 5G spectrum licences, it is mandatory that by September, the latest, to be published in the Official Gazette, the Government Decision setting the starting prices and the payments calendar, along with the legislation related to the cybersecurity conditions and the one related to the risk assessment”. Mr. Sabin Sărmaș, President of the Romanian Authority for Digitalisation stated that “We already cohabit with the data transmission technology, but 5G will be more intrusive and it is normal for many other types of risk associated to a technology that will be very present in our lives in the future to appear and to be debated, to pay attention to criteria and to the security of our citizens, because this is what we are talking about. We need to make sure that the citizen, that is the beneficiary of every type of service of this kind, can use it in full safety” and added “I think that the biggest advantage of the 5G technology is the digital inclusion for the Romanian citizens.”. Mrs. Silvia Dinică, member of the Committee for communication and information technology of the Romanian Senate stated that „taking into account the fact that the elections are coming and the political scene is quite turbulent now, any discussions [our note: related to 5G technology] should be held in specialized committees and there should be agreed cross-party. These rules, in order to gain support, must be discussed very clearly and I think it is possible. The Parliament represents the place where we all shall work and ignore the ideology of the parties and look at this issue from a technical point of view and from the perspective of this economic recovery that we want. The arguments are there, they are not political arguments and we just need to roll up our sleeves, sit at the table and agree to this set of rules. The sooner the better.”. Mr. Dragoș Preda, State Secretary in the Ministry of Transports, Infrastructure and Communications concluded that „the augumented reality, the virtul reality, the smart cities – all these new technologies in the 5G area alone have produced an international economic impact of EURO 13 billion and 22 million new jobs so far. I make these clarifications in order to show the entire economic value that this new technology will bring for the Romanian market, somewhere at EURO 4 billion in the coming years. These things can become a reality by interconnecting all areas of Romania”.

Although in 2012 Romania banned the execution of power purchase agreements by direct negotiations, imposing that all wholesale transactions be concluded on the centralized market operated by the Operator of the Electricity and Gas Market Opcom, the Romanian authorities have recently made several important amendments to the PPAs’ regime. The amendments are summarized in an article published by our energy specialists, which is available in full here.

After a long and drawn out legislative process commenced in 2017, Law no. 102/2020 amending and supplementing the Companies Law no. 31/1990 has finally entered into force on July 5, 2020, setting in place major changes to the corporate regulatory framework. Our corporate law team have released an article on the above-mentioned matter, which is available in full here.

As the recent pandemic showed, the modern world fully relies on the good functioning of the electronic communication sector. Communication plays an important part these days for individuals, businesses, public authorities, and the implementation of 5G technology will create the premises for enhancing the way society uses and benefits from the electronic communication sector. However, it is said that the implementation of 5G technology comes with its own risk and, in this respect, our specialists released a comprehensive article, available in full here.

On 11 December 2019, the European Commission presented the European Green Deal, with the aim that European Union becomes the first climate – neutral bloc in the world by 2050. Our environment specialists prepared an article on the subject and it is available in full here.

Besides a richer client portfolio and an increase of the mandates number, this first half of the year added new valuable members to MPR Partners’ team. Cristina Crețu and Mihaela Nyerges joined the firm starting with January and March, respectively.

Cristina Crețu has over 15 years of legal experience and has been, throughout the years, within the legal departments of two major telecom companies, having previously worked for the National Communications Regulator (ANCOM). She has a vast experience in the fields of electronic communications and technology and is equally known for her expertise in the data protection sector, having acted as DPO (Data protection Officer) for one of the largest telecom companies in Romania, previously held by Liberty Global Group.

Cristina Crețu has joined the firm as Senior Privacy & Technology Consultant.

“Besides the undisputed professional experience, Cristina adds value to the high-quality consultancy services we provide to our clients in the fields of technology, electronic communication and data protection. Furthermore, given the wealth of experience she has as in-house, Cristina can liaise efficiently and perfectly understand the needs of our clients. For all these reasons, we are very happy to have her onboard.” stated Alina Popescu, Founding Partner.

“After so many years as in-house, I am glad to have the opportunity to use the amassed experience to offer consultancy services to clients. The decision to join MPR Partners came naturally, furthermore since I thus have the chance to work with former university colleagues, with whom I share the same values and desire to provide top quality services to clients.” said Cristina Crețu

Mihaela Nyerges has over 15 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate and commercial law, regulatory and compliance as well as in niche sectors such as energy and natural resources. She has assisted major energy operators in developing major investment projects in the energy generation (from conventional and renewable sources) and has been involved in the in the drafting of legislation in the electricity trading and generation of power from renewable energy sources. Throughout her career, Mihaela assisted governmental authorities, publicly held companies as well as domestic and international private entities in a wide variety of legal matters and coordinated multidisciplinary teams in complex projects. Prior to joining MPR Partners, Mihaela worked at Țuca, Zbârcea & Asociații and Mușat & Asociații.

Mihaela Nyerges has joined the firm as Managing Associate.

“Mihaela is an excellent professional who joined our firm at the perfect moment when the requests for those practice areas she excels in have started to multiply. We are happy to have her by our side for working in major projects together.” added Gelu Maravela, Founding Partner.

“I am thrilled to enter a new professional stage alongside lawyers that have as essential values professionalism, rigor and close attention to clients’ needs. I am convinced that together we will strengthen the firm’s position in the fields of energy and natural resources as well as mergers and acquisitions.” declared Mihaela Nyerges.

The experts of MPR Partners’ IT & Telecomm team have prepared an article concerning the legal challenges in implementing the 5G EU toolbox and potential damaging effects on electronic communication providers and consumers. The article is available in full here.

MPR Partners announces the cessation of the professional partnership with the attorney Ioan Roman, as well as the consequent change of the firm´s name and logo. The rest of the team, the irreproachable quality of the services, client care and orientation remain unchanged. The official pages of the firm remain equally unaltered.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Romanian authorities enacted several tax measures in order to prevent the business environment from collapsing. Our professionals put together a comprehensive article concerning Government Emergency Ordinance no. 90/2020, which focuses on addressing the potential economic blockage caused by Romania’s decision to suspend certain activities so that the spread of COVID-19 could be slowed down. You can access the entire article, courtesy of our firm, here.

MPR Partners’ affiliated Tax Advisory House has just finalized and launched its new website. MPR&T Finance is led by Felix Tapai and Gelu Maravela, internationally reputed professionals who coordinate a team of specialists in tax advisory and legal matters. They provide state-of-the-art advice in tax advisory and compliance matters and due to the significant experience possessed, tailor-made tax advice is provided to all clients in a flexible and timely manner, constantly bringing a competitive advantage in transactions unfolding at an international level. Further information about MPR&T Finance is available here.

Founding Partner Alina Popescu is happy to have been one of the speakers in a webinar focusing on one of the most important topics of the industry: Legal Technology. Given the current difficult and uncertain circumstances due to the worldwide pandemic context, the use of technology is of paramount importance. Legal professionals are faced with the challenge of adapting and reinventing the business models and procedures, thus a webinar detailing current legal tech opportunities was a subject warmly welcomed by the audience. The webinar was hosted by International Business Law Consortium (IBLC) for its members and two other professionals from top firms were speakers alongside Founding Partner Alina Popescu. Further information about the IBLC is available here.

As a direct consequence of the COVID-19 outbreak and the consequent measures implemented by the Romanian State, the economic growth process has experienced a short to medium term slowdown, impacting the labour market and subsequently household income. Nowadays, the Romanian Government claims that a declining tendency has been noticed regarding wholesale prices for electricity, especially in the short term. In order to address this issue, inter alia, the Romanian Government enacted Government Emergency Ordinance no. 74/2020. Our professionals prepared the attached article, detailing the main legislative changes generated by the said Ordinance and you can access it in full here.

Our competition experts have contributed to this year´s edition of Lexology Getting the Deal Through Competition Compliance Guide, providing all key information for the Romanian jurisdiction. As scrutiny from competition authorities intensifies and fines for non-compliance reach record levels, Competition Compliance ensures that the legal toolkit necessary to plan, implement and maintain the robust compliance programme organisations need in complex multinational marketplaces. Topics covered include: standards and guidance for compliance programmes; how to demonstrate commitment to competition compliance; risk identification, assessment, mitigation and review; managing risk when dealing with competitors; leniency programmes; market dominance; competition compliance in mergers and acquisitions; investigations; implementing or amending a compliance programme in settlement negotiations; corporate monitorships; and infringement notification duties. The complete guide (currently covering 20 jurisdictions) is available here.

We are happy that the activity and team of our dispute resolution department have yet again been recognized by the researchers of Benchmark Litigation, as our firm has been shortlisted for this year’s Awards. Benchmark Litigation is the definitive guide to the world’s leading litigation firms and lawyers, that provides law firm and lawyer rankings based on extensive interviews with litigators, dispute resolution specialists and their clients as well as analysis of the market’s most important cases and firm developments. Although this year due to the coronavirus outbreak the Awards are not organized live, we look forward to the moment when the winners are revealed. The complete shortlist is available here.

The evolution of the national and international epidemiological situation determined by the COVID-19 outbreak, along with the establishment of the state of emergency within the territory of Romania on March 16, 2020 and the subsequent extension for another 30 days of the same, determined the Romanian Government to adopt a series of new tax measures, mainly aimed at increasing the cash flow both at the level of public and private entities. Our tax experts have prepared a comprehensive article about the aforementioned measures, which you can read in full here.

In the context of the new Covid-19 pandemic spread worldwide, the need to ensure medical equipment services is among the priorities in Romania. To this end, our pharmaceuticals and healthcare team drafted an article regarding the norms for the authorization of activities in the field of medical devices, which you can read in full here.

Considering that the Draft Emergency Ordinance on certain measures related to corporate law has been launched for public debate and proposes various measures aiming to help Romanian companies in the Covid-19 outbreak context (for example, the possibility for holding virtual shareholder meetings even if such possibility is not reflected in the company’s articles of incorporation), our specialists have proposed further amendments in this regard, for the purpose of assisting companies with other formalities that are difficult to achieve in the current context. The said amendments are contained in an article, accessible here.

For yet another year, five distinct practice areas of MPR Partners are ranked in The Legal 500 EMEA 2020 edition, that has just been launched, mid-April. Thus, the Corporate/M&A, Dispute resolution, Real estate & construction, Restructuring & insolvency and Tax departments have been all acknowledged, in terms of work performed and team members’ skills. The client feedback obtained by the researchers of The Legal 500 is impressive and compliments the expertise, timely feedback and highly specialized advice provided. Furthermore, in this edition of the reputed guide, all of the firm’s partners are acknowledged and praised. Further information about this year’s rankings is available here.

The New Airline Code is by far one of the most important national regulatory instruments, being designed as an integrated civil-military air code, flexible enough to allow the application or implementation of the present and future European regulations. By enacting the New Airline Code, Romania seeks to establish which are the attributions of the authorities responsible for civil and military aviation, as well as the competences of other institutional bodies in the field of aviation safety and security. In addition, clear regulations regarding the national airspace have been implemented, as well as obligations related to the operation of unmanned aircrafts and environment protection in the field of civil aviation. The complete article, courtesy of our regulatory department, is available in its integrity here.

In view of the evolution of the international epidemiological situation caused by the spread of Coronavirus, which determined the pandemic declared by the World Health Organization, on March 11, 2020, the Decree no. 195/2020 on imposing the state of emergency on the territory of Romania has been adopted. By Decree, a series of urgent measures with an exceptional character were taken in the social, economic and justice fields, on one hand, in order to limit the infection with Coronavirus and, on the other hand, to diminish the negative effects on the economy. Our insolvency specialists thus prepared a comprehensive material on the subject and you can access it, in its integrity, here.

MPR Partners’ both founding partners have been awarded in the 2020 edition of the prestigious Lexology Client Choice Awards.

Established in 2005, Client Choice Awards recognize those law firms and partners around the world that stand apart for the excellent client care they provide and the quality of their service. The criteria for this recognition focus on an ability to add real value to clients’ business above and beyond the other players in the market.

Unlike other awards, you can be nominated for the Client Choice Awards programme only by corporate counsel. This year, according to the organizers, over 2,500 nominations were received.
Alina Popescu was designated as the exclusive winner of the Competition & Antitrust category for Romania. Alina was praised by her clients for offering excellent customer care and tailored advice as well as for her responsiveness.

Gelu Maravela was recognized as the exclusive winner of the M&A category for Romania. He was praised by his clients for his ability to develop close and efficient working relationships, being known on the market for his expertise and great project management skills.

The Client Choice 2020 Awards Ceremony took place last week in London.

Further information about this year’s awards can be found at https://www.clientchoice.com/

We are known to have completed some of the most interesting and complex competition matters unfolded under Romanian and European provisions and our competition client portfolio is growing. We are consequently looking for a passionate and thorough competition lawyer with 2 to 7 years of experience to join our successful department, coordinated by one of our Founding Partners.

Who we are:

• independent business law firm with offices in London and Bucharest;
• recipients of Highly Commended (Runner-up) European Law Firm of the Year at The Lawyer European Awards 2018 accolade; Eastern Europe and the Balkans Law Firm of the Year award, at The Lawyer European Awards 2018; Romania Law Firm of the Year award, at The Lawyer European Awards 2017;
• Recipients of two 2020 Lexology Client Choice Awards awarded by in-house counsels for excellence of service and outstanding client care, including for our Competition practice;
• professional legal, tax and insolvency services provider with practice areas ranked by the most reputed international legal directories (such as Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500, Best Lawyers International, etc);
• proud holder of an impressive portfolio of major global clients (important names in numerous sectors such as technology, air transport, automotive, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, energy, telecommunications, financial services, and many more);
• constant contributor to reputed international publications and professional platforms (such as The World Bank Group, Thomson Reuters, International Comparative Legal Guides, Lexology – Getting the Deal Through, Sweet and Maxwell, etc.).

What we are seeking:

• proficiency in English (written and spoken), including strong knowledge of legal English is an absolute must;
• LL.M and any other degrees in competition law and/or economics (ideally awarded by a foreign university) are a plus;
• previous experience in the competition department of a firm ranked by major directories and/or a competition authority constitutes an advantage;
• openness to continuous professional training, team spirit and adaptability to firm`s policies and high standards.

What we are offering:

• market level remuneration package plus benefits;
• high profile clients and assignments;
• career advancement opportunities based on both professional and personal qualities;
• the opportunity to work with an award-winning highly professional team, repeatedly praised by its clients for the services provided and impeccable approach to matters;
• continuous education opportunities (through attendance to professional events and courses, drafting of articles and consequent publication thereof, through the firm’s media channels and partners);
• work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit.

Please send your resume and letter of intent (explaining why you chose to be part of our team and what motivates you in your legal career) to office@mprpartners.com. Please use the subject line Competition.

Due to high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.

On a background of substantial work load increase and new office life dynamics, we are actively recruiting in order to grow our team and fill in our recently expanded elegant office area.
We are currently seeking fully qualified competition and corporate/commercial professionals, eager-to-learn junior lawyers for our advisory department as well as front desk/office assistants, in addition to the recent litigation, real estate and employment/corporate openings (some of them successfully filled).
Besides the general traits referred to below, all positions have their particularities.

Who we are:

• independent business law firm with offices in London and Bucharest;
• recipients of Highly Commended (Runner-up) European Law Firm of the Year at The Lawyer European Awards 2018 accolade; Eastern Europe and the Balkans Law Firm of the Year award, at The Lawyer European Awards 2018; Romania Law Firm of the Year award, at The Lawyer European Awards 2017;
• Recipients of two 2020 Lexology Client Choice Awards awarded by in-house counsels for excellence of service and outstanding client care;
• professional legal, tax and insolvency services provider with practice areas ranked by the most reputed international legal directories (such as Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500, Best Lawyers International, etc);
• proud holder of an impressive portfolio of major global clients (important names in numerous sectors such as technology, air transport, automotive, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, energy, telecommunications, financial services, and many more);
• constant contributor to reputed international publications and professional platforms (such as The World Bank Group, Thomson Reuters, International Comparative Legal Guides, Lexology – Getting the Deal Through, Sweet and Maxwell, etc.).

What we are seeking:

• proficiency in English (written and spoken), including strong knowledge of legal English is an absolute must;
• LL.M and any other degrees in law or economics (ideally awarded by a foreign university) for lawyer positions are a plus;
• previous experience in a firm ranked by major directories constitutes an advantage;
• openness to continuous professional training, team spirit and adaptability to firm`s policies and high standards;
• particular aspects depending on the position concerned; to this end, we invite you to visit our Careers section and, should any of the positions open suit you, to please send your CVs and letters of intent as indicated at the bottom of each recruitment post.

What we are offering:

• attractive remuneration package;
• high profile clients and assignments;
• career advancement opportunities based on both professional and personal qualities;
• the opportunity to work with an award-winning highly professional team, repeatedly praised by its clients for the services provided and impeccable approach to matters;
• continuous education opportunities (through attendance to professional events and courses, drafting of articles and consequent publication thereof, through the firm’s media channels and partners);
• work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit.

Due to high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Due to consistent client portfolio growth, we currently have two openings within our tax firm, one for a professional with 3 to 5 years of experience and the other for a senior tax consultant with over 5 years of experience. Further experience in accounting is a major advantage. You will be involved in complex, challenging and interesting tax and accounting matters for major international and local clients.

Who we are:

• independent business advisory (legal, tax, insolvency) firm with offices in London and Bucharest;
• recipients of Highly Commended (Runner-up) European Law Firm of the Year at The Lawyer European Awards 2018 accolade; Eastern Europe and the Balkans Law Firm of the Year award, at The Lawyer European Awards 2018; Romania Law Firm of the Year award, at The Lawyer European Awards 2017;
• our tax practice has been repeatedly recognized by The Legal 500 international directory;
• recipients of two Lexology Client Choice Awards awarded by in-house counsels for excellence of service and outstanding client care;
• proud holder of an impressive portfolio of major global clients (important names in numerous sectors such as technology, air transport, automotive, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, energy, telecommunications, financial services, and many more);
• constant contributor to reputed international publications and professional platforms (such as The World Bank Group, Thomson Reuters, International Comparative Legal Guides, Lexology – Getting the Deal Through, Sweet and Maxwell, etc.).

What we are seeking:

• Economic University degree in accounting or finance is mandatory;
• proficiency in English (written and spoken), including strong knowledge of financial English is an absolute must;
• previous experience in a tax or accounting firm ranked by major directories constitutes an advantage;
• strong knowledge and practice of transfer pricing matters constitutes an advantage;
• openness to continuous professional training, team spirit and adaptability to firm`s policies and high standards.

What we are offering:

• attractive remuneration package;
• high profile clients and assignments;
• career advancement opportunities based on both professional and personal qualities;
• the opportunity to work with an award-winning highly professional team, repeatedly praised by its clients for the services provided and impeccable approach to matters;
• continuous education opportunities (through attendance to professional events and courses, speakers opportunities, publications of articles, through the firm’s media channels and partners);
• work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit.

Please send your resume and letter of intent (explaining why you chose to be part of our team and what motivates you in your legal career) to office@mprpartners.com. Please use the subject line Tax.

Due to high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Besides being our first point of contact with the outside world, our Front Desk Assistants are key members of our team. They are crucial parts of the overall office management processes and know a bit about other support departments (marketing, financial, office management and accounting). We are currently looking for two front desk assistants, to join our neatly organized office activities.

Who we are:

• independent business law firm with offices in London and Bucharest;
• repeatedly awarded and internationally recognized;
• proud holder of an impressive portfolio of major global clients (important names in numerous sectors such as technology, air transport, automotive, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, energy, telecommunications, financial services, and many more);
• recipients of Highly Commended (Runner-up) European Law Firm of the Year at The Lawyer European Awards 2018 accolade; Eastern Europe and the Balkans Law Firm of the Year award, at The Lawyer European Awards 2018; Romania Law Firm of the Year award, at The Lawyer European Awards 2017;
• Recipients of two 2020 Lexology Client Choice Awards awarded by in-house counsels for excellence of service and outstanding client care;
• professional legal, tax and insolvency services provider with practice areas ranked by the most reputed international legal directories (such as Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500, Best Lawyers International, etc);
• constant contributor to reputed international publications and professional platforms (such as The World Bank Group, Thomson Reuters, International Comparative Legal Guides, Lexology – Getting the Deal Through, Sweet and Maxwell, etc.).

What we are seeking:

• proficiency in English (written and spoken), as most of our clients and part of our suppliers are international and you will need to liaise with them on occasion, either face-to-face or through telephone, as well as draft certain administrative correspondence;
• openness to continuous development, as work is cross-departmental (it may involve assistance to marketing, financial, office management and/or accounting departments);
• no previous experience is required, but eagerness to learn and adapt is a must;
• knowledge of a second international language is a plus;
• Master degrees (ideally awarded by a foreign university) are a plus;
• openness to continuous professional training, team spirit and adaptability to firm`s policies and high standards.

What we are offering:

• career advancement opportunities based on both professional and personal qualities;
• elegant corporate environment to work in;
• the opportunity to work with an award-winning highly professional team, repeatedly praised by its clients for the services provided and impeccable approach to matters;
• work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit.

Please send your resume and letter of intent (explaining why you chose to be part of our team and what motivates you in your legal career) to office@mprpartners.com. Please use the subject line Front Desk.

Due to high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.

What started out as a temporary solution to the pandemic became permanent when telemedicine was incorporated into Romanian Health Law through Government Emergency Ordinance no. 196/2020, amending and supplementing Health Law no. 95/2006, which came into force on November 19, 2020. GEO no. 196/2020 only regulates telemedicine in broad terms, and the adoption of implementation norms by Government Decision remains necessary. Although the norms were supposed to be adopted within 45 days of the enforcement of GEO no. 196/2020, no such norms have been yet adopted. Our specialists published a comprehensive material on the matter, which is available in full here and was initially published here.

Our client portfolio is rapidly growing, so we consequently have two openings for associates with two to three years of experience in real estate matters and/or employment. Experience in corporate and/or contract law and/or regulatory matters would be a major advantage.

Who we are:

• independent business law firm with offices in London and Bucharest;
• recipients of Highly Commended (Runner-up) European Law Firm of the Year at The Lawyer European Awards 2018 accolade; Eastern Europe and the Balkans Law Firm of the Year award, at The Lawyer European Awards 2018; Romania Law Firm of the Year award, at The Lawyer European Awards 2017;
• Recipients of two Lexology Client Choice Awards awarded by in-house counsels for excellence of service and outstanding client care;
• professional legal, tax and insolvency services provider with practice areas ranked by the most reputed international legal directories (such as Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500, Best Lawyers International, etc);
• proud holder of an impressive portfolio of major global clients (important names in numerous sectors such as technology, air transport, automotive, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, energy, telecommunications, financial services, and many more);
• constant contributor to reputed international publications and professional platforms (such as The World Bank Group, Thomson Reuters, International Comparative Legal Guides, Lexology – Getting the Deal Through, Sweet and Maxwell, etc.).

What we are seeking:

• proficiency in English (written and spoken), including strong knowledge of legal English is an absolute must;
• LL.M and any other degrees in law or economics (ideally awarded by a foreign university) are a plus;
• previous experience in a firm ranked by major directories constitutes an advantage;
• openness to continuous professional training, team spirit and adaptability to firm`s policies and high standards.

What we are offering:

• attractive remuneration package;
• high profile clients and assignments;
• career advancement opportunities based on both professional and personal qualities;
• the opportunity to work with an award-winning highly professional team, repeatedly praised by its clients for the services provided and impeccable approach to matters;
• continuous education opportunities (through attendance to professional events and courses, drafting of articles and consequent publication thereof, through the firm’s media channels and partners);
• work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit.

Please send your resume and letter of intent (explaining why you chose to be part of our team and what motivates you in your legal career) to office@mprpartners.com. Please use the subject line Associate Real estate or Associate Employment, depending on which of the two positions you are applying for.

Due to high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.

We are proud to share that MPR|Partners has just received no less than five awards at the XIth Top Lawyers’ Gala organized by FinMedia in Bucharest, for both the firm’s and firm’s lawyers’ achievements.
MPR|Partners was presented with the Award of Excellence for Technology Developments throughout 2020, following its numerous initiatives in this respect. These have included amongst others:

• implementing the AI platform Luminance, a premiere entry on the Romanian market;
• developing in-house solutions for providing automated assistance;
• actively participating to the drafting of national legislation in technology related matters;
• drafting numerous articles and publications in the field and creating a specialized technology blog;
• further developing its specialized team in this sector;
• assistance provided to a substantial number of large and mid-sized technology companies.

In addition, several senior members of the team have been acknowledged for their outstanding activity in important and growing practice areas of the firm such as:

• TMT & Data Protection Award of Excellence presented to Cristina Crețu, Senior Privacy and Technology Consultant;
• Insolvency, Litigation and Arbitration Award of Excellence presented to Anca Băițan, Managing Associate;
• Telecom, IT, Consumer protection Award of Excellence presented to Daniel Alexie, Managing Associate; and
• IP/Intellectual property Award of Excellence presented to Flavia Ștefura, Senior Associate.

The Top Lawyers’ Gala is purported at awarding reputed lawyers with the most relevant experience, who are achieving results and high-performance levels in the most important areas of business law throughout the preceding year. Furthermore, special awards are presented to law firms for their entire activity within the profession.

The second part of the year 2020 was marked by a very intense regulatory activity carried out by the Romanian Energy Regulatory Authority, including the licensing of various new activities in the energy field such as activity of the electricity aggregator, the development and operation of electricity storage installations, as well as development and operation of new installations for hydrogen generation, thus paving the way for the performance of such activities. Our recent article, with regards to the latest regulations amended and or replaced, is available in full here.

We currently have two openings for experienced commercial and administrative litigators, one with 3 to 5 years of experience and the other with more than 5 years of experience. Further experience in insolvency, employment and/or real estate would be a major advantage. You will be involved in complex, challenging and interesting cases for major international and local clients.

Who we are:

• independent business law firm with offices in London and Bucharest;
• recipients of Highly Commended (Runner-up) European Law Firm of the Year at The Lawyer European Awards 2018 accolade; Eastern Europe and the Balkans Law Firm of the Year award, at The Lawyer European Awards 2018; Romania Law Firm of the Year award, at The Lawyer European Awards 2017;
• shortlisted for Dispute resolution Law Firm of the Year by Benchmark Litigation 2019 awards;
• recipients of two Lexology Client Choice Awards awarded by in-house counsels for excellence of service and outstanding client care;
• professional legal, tax and insolvency services provider with practice areas ranked by the most reputed international legal directories (such as Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500, Best Lawyers International, etc);
• proud holder of an impressive portfolio of major global clients (important names in numerous sectors such as technology, air transport, automotive, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, energy, telecommunications, financial services, and many more);
• constant contributor to reputed international publications and professional platforms (such as The World Bank Group, Thomson Reuters, International Comparative Legal Guides, Lexology – Getting the Deal Through, Sweet and Maxwell, etc.).

What we are seeking:

• proficiency in English (written and spoken), including strong knowledge of legal English is an absolute must;
• LL.M and any other degrees in law or economics (ideally awarded by a foreign university) are a plus;
• previous experience in a firm ranked by major directories constitutes an advantage;
• openness to continuous professional training, team spirit and adaptability to firm`s policies and high standards.

What we are offering:

• attractive remuneration package;
• high profile clients and assignments;
• career advancement opportunities based on both professional and personal qualities;
• the opportunity to work with an award-winning highly professional team, repeatedly praised by its clients for the services provided and impeccable approach to matters;
• continuous education opportunities (through attendance to professional events and courses, drafting of articles and consequent publication thereof, through the firm’s media channels and partners);
• work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit.

Please send your resume and letter of intent (explaining why you chose to be part of our team and what motivates you in your legal career) to office@mprpartners.com. Please use the subject line Litigation.

Due to high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Our professionals’ latest article concerns electronic surveillance within judicial and executional criminal proceedings. Recently published legal updates are regulating, for the first time, the use of electronic monitoring devices in Romania. As a result, the Informatic System for Electronic Surveillance (“ISES”) will be initiated and run a pilot program between March 1, 2022, and December 31, 2025. The purpose of the pilot program is to organize and make ISES operational from a technical point of view, as well as ensure the training of relevant personnel and the proper funding for the project. The complete article is available here.

On September 10, 2020, Advocate General Maciej Szpunar delivered his Opinion in Case C 392/19 VG Bild-Kunst v Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz, where a request for a preliminary ruling was lodged with the Court of Justice of the European Union (“CJEU” / “Court”) on May 21, 2019. On March 9, 2021, the CJEU delivered its judgement in the case. Apart from certain divergent aspects, the CJEU decision is in line with the Opinion of Advocate General Szpunar. At the same time, by reinforcing the rights of copyright holders in the context of automatic linking, the decision shows the continued commitment of the European institutions to interpret the law as to offer authors a high level of protection. The complete article is available here.

There have been some recent changes and novelties in the leasing sector. Amongst the novelties is the elimination of the enforceability of the leasing agreements concluded with a consumer, changes regarding the deadline within which the lessors/financiers may exercise the right to request the termination of the Consumer Leasing Agreements and amendments concerning the consequences related to the breach of obligations by tenants/users under the Consumer Leasing Agreements. Our team members prepared an article, which you may find in full here.

We are delighted to announce that MPR Partners, a multidisciplinary law firm with a focus on commercial law and a strong presence in the CEE, is finalising the process for the opening of its first London office in the City.

The London office is headed by the firm’s co-founder and co-managing partner Alina Popescu, with the objective to support clients with operations across the UK and the EU, bridging the geographical gap during the Brexit transition and beyond.

The official launch of the London office, along with a new, dedicated website, are planned for Spring 2021.

Alina Popescu commented: “2021 has so far been dedicated to finalising the launch of our new London office, with continued growth in the future. We see a wealth of opportunities in London and hope to start local hires soon enough. Meanwhile, our vast experience in managing legal teams, our highly proficient existing base, our AI capabilities and a very extensive network of contacts worldwide will allow us to successfully and cost effectively handle any mandate. Our international recognition to date and the outstanding feedback from our international clients, many of whom were hoping for us to expand abroad, give us the confidence that the opening of a London arm is the right move at this stage of our firm’s development. London has always been our benchmark in terms of quality of service and competitiveness. With Brexit and the ensuing opportunities, the new office is a natural step forward that will meet our existing clients’ demand for law firms with international presence and hopefully help us to tap into new markets.”

Gelu Maravela, co-founder and co-managing partner, added: “We are thrilled to be opening an international office in London, a visionary city that boasts unparalleled legal expertise and a huge potential for business. This is to some extent a personal satisfaction, from my years of study and previous positions in the UK, which has always been like a second home. Personal story left aside, however, the peculiar context we have been living in for over a year has made us realise the ever growing importance of innovation, transboundary reach, on-site approach and accessibility. Though it may seem like an ambitious move at this time, looking back at the numerous achievements of our past years together, MPR Partners has always been a bold firm to begin with – and we do not plan this to change anytime soon. We are deeply grateful to all our partners for their support in making this happen.”

Further information will follow upon the official inauguration of the MPR Partners London office.

In the recent years, cybersecurity has become one of the crucial areas that the European Union decided to invest in to get fit for the digital era. In order to acquire leadership and autonomy in this field, the EU takes steps to develop competencies, capacities and capabilities. One step in this regard is represented by the draft regulation establishing a new EU body – the European Cybersecurity Industrial, Technology and Research Competence Centre, which has been adopted on April 20, 2021 by the Council of the EU. Our specialists freshly released the attached article on the topic, accessible in full here.

Romania has entered a state of alert as of May 18, 2020, in order to contain the spread of and fight against the effects of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, known as SARS-CoV-2. The state of alert has been maintained until present. Our experts prepared this high level summaries of some of the main provisions of certain legal enactments and measures taken by Romania in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, which may be of interest for the business environment. The overview refers to various aspects such as movement restrictions, activities’ continuation, relationship with authorities, pharma and healthcare, employment, tax, financial support measures, etc. The document is fully accessible here.

The Draft law on the adoption of certain measures concerning informatic and communications infrastructures of national interest and the conditions for deployment of 5G networks initiated by the former Ministry of Transportation, Infrastructure and Communications has undergone a new series of examinations from the relevant public authorities as part of the legislative procedure. Although the formal endorsements have been issued, several authorities, i.e., the Ministry of Justice , the Competition Council , the Economic and Social Council and the Legislative Council have made critical observations on essential aspects that seemed to have been entirely ignored by the initiators of the 5G Draft Law. Our experts have freshly released a material on this topic, that you can access in full here.

On December 15, 2020 CEE Legal Matters gathered legal experts from across the region for its annual Year-in-Review Round Table conversation. Founding Partner Gelu Maravela attended in order to share ideas with regards to the Romanian jurisdiction. In a wide-ranging discussion, participants from 12 jurisdictions shared opinions and perspectives on their markets, on strong (and less-strong) practices across the region, and the effect of the COVID-19 crisis on both, as well as on how technology is changing the legal industry, and what the industry will look like in 2021. The entire transcript of the meeting is now freely available on the CEE Legal Matters website here.

After the issuance of Law no. 296/2020 for the amendment and completion of the Fiscal Code, the Romanian Government deemed necessary to add further amendments to the Fiscal Code, mostly for correlation and clarification purposes. Our experts’ complete article is available in full here.

Our regulatory team released the third article of the credit institution’s authorization series. In follow-up to our summary regarding the preliminary evaluation for the banks’ authorisation and our summary regarding the information and documentation to be submitted by a bank in order to obtain authorisation from the National Bank of Romania (NBR), hereafter are the main amendments regarding banks that need to be approved and registered by NBR, once authorised. The complete article is available here.

Cybersecurity is at the forefront of the European Union’s efforts to build a resilient, green and digital Europe. In this respect, in December 2020, the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy presented the European Union’s new Cybersecurity Strategy for the Digital Decade. Our specialists prepared an article on the topic, which you can read in full here.

Our regulatory team released the second article of the credit institution’s authorization series, detailing the information and documentation to be submitted by a bank in order to obtain authorisation from the National Bank of Romania. The article is accessible in full here.

Given the importance of human rights in general and children rights in particular, the European Union has considered that the international treaties do not offer an adequate level of protection of minors during criminal trials, and therefore, a common legal framework is necessary. A comprehensive article on the matter is fully available here.

Credit institutions prospecting the entry on the Romanian market will need to conduct a complex assessment in order to determine whether they meet the criteria subject to the National Bank of Romania’s evaluation. Our team members freshly released an article concerning the new regulations for the authorization of credit institutions and the preliminary requirements thereto, fully available here.

Video games are a form of modern art and certainly number among the most recent forms of creative arts. The major difference between video games and traditional art is the active, rather than passive, participation of the recipient of the art in the process of its delivery. With over 100 active development studios, the gaming industry in Romania employs more than 6,000 people and generates revenues of over 200 million dollars. However, video games lack a dedicated legal framework in Romania. And even though video games are intellectual-property intensive products, their legal status is unclear, not only in Romania, but also elsewhere in the world. Read the entire article here.

Given that the landscape of threats has significantly expanded, it comes as no surprise that the European Commission has proposed a revised version of the Directive concerning measures for a high common level of security of network and information systems across the Union. The Proposal has been published by the Commission on December 16, 2020 and has now reached the preparatory phase in the European Parliament. A final version might be adopted in the earlier months of 2021. Further information is available in the complete article here.

As it is the case with many sectors given the pandemic context which made the need for digitalization obvious, competent authorities were led to adopt several measures in this regard. In this context, the Romanian Government adopted Government Emergency Ordinance no. 140/2020 for the establishment of measures regarding the use of electronic documents in the fields of construction, architecture and urbanism, which regulates the general framework for the use of electronic signatures for purposes of issuing approvals, permits and authorizations by the competent authorities, as an alternative to the physical format of the same. Full article of our regulatory team is accessible here.

After three years of debate in the Parliament, a new law for amending and supplementing the existing Mining Law has entered into force on December 17, 2020. It aims to overcome certain legal and economic issues, trying to give Romania’s mineral resources their deserved value. Our team prepared an article on the matter, available in full here.

Our tax experts address in an overview a series of beneficial fiscal changes to the Romanian business environment, applicable starting with January 1, 2021. Complete article is available here.

Due to consistent client portfolio growth, we currently have one opening within our tax firm for an accountant with 2 to 5 years of experience. Membership with Experts Accountants and Authorized Accountants Body (CECCAR) is a major advantage. You will be involved in complex, challenging and interesting accounting and tax matters for major international and local clients.

Who we are:

• independent business advisory (legal, tax, insolvency) firm with offices in London and Bucharest;
• recipients of Highly Commended (Runner-up) European Law Firm of the Year at The Lawyer European Awards 2018 accolade; Eastern Europe and the Balkans Law Firm of the Year award, at The Lawyer European Awards 2018; Romania Law Firm of the Year award, at The Lawyer European Awards 2017;
• our tax practice has been repeatedly recognized by The Legal 500 international directory;
• recipients of two Lexology Client Choice Awards awarded by in-house counsels for excellence of service and outstanding client care;
• proud holder of an impressive portfolio of major global clients (important names in numerous sectors such as technology, air transport, automotive, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, energy, telecommunications, financial services, and many more);
• constant contributor to reputed international publications and professional platforms (such as The World Bank Group, Thomson Reuters, International Comparative Legal Guides, Lexology – Getting the Deal Through, Sweet and Maxwell, etc.).

What we are seeking:

• Economic University degree in accounting or finance is mandatory;
• proficiency in English (written and spoken), including strong knowledge of financial English is an absolute must;
• previous experience in a tax or accounting firm ranked by major directories constitutes an advantage;
• openness to continuous professional training, team spirit and adaptability to firm`s policies and high standards.

What we are offering:

• attractive remuneration package;
• high profile clients and assignments;
• career advancement opportunities based on both professional and personal qualities;
• the opportunity to work with an award-winning highly professional team, repeatedly praised by its clients for the services provided and impeccable approach to matters;
• continuous education opportunities (through attendance to professional events and courses, speakers opportunities, publications of articles, through the firm’s media channels and partners);
• work environment centred on strong ethics, integrity and team spirit.

Please send your resume and letter of intent (explaining why you chose to be part of our team and what motivates you in your legal career) to office@mprpartners.com. Please use the subject line Tax.

Due to high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Senior associate Alina Badea alongside other five leading real estate lawyers in Romania sat down for a virtual round table moderated by CEE Legal Matters Managing Editor Radu Cotarcea. The conversation focused on the current state of affairs in the real estate sector, looking at who the main players are, the hottest assets, deal-making trends in the sector, and more. The podcast is available here and transcript of the round table is available here.

MPR|Partners started the year with two partnership promotions in Bucharest, giving a new impetus to its corporate, financial services, dispute resolution as well as IT teams.
Daniel Alexie has been promoted to partnership and he specializes in corporate M&A as well as financial services, regulatory matters and IT. He has been with MPR|Partners since 2016 and has been admitted to the Bucharest Bar in 2014. He currently serves a client portfolio consisting of global companies, major international investment groups, financial services companies and international law firms. Daniel holds an LL.M in Business Law from Bucharest University and has been bestowed Finmedia’s Telecom, IT, Consumer protection Award of Excellence in 2021. He is a frequent contributor to high profile national and international legal publications.

Anca Băițan has been promoted to partnership and she holds considerable expertise in the fields of insolvency, bankruptcy, litigation and arbitration, in both national and international cases. She has been with the firm since 2016, having been admitted to the Bucharest Bar in 2013. She has successfully handled a large number of disputes for international and local corporations, public authorities, State owned companies and NGOs. She holds an LL.M in Private Law from Bucharest University and has been bestowed Finemdia’s Insolvency, Litigation and Arbitration Award of Excellence in 2021. She is a frequent contributor to high profile national and international legal publications.

“We have considerably strengthened our practices these past years and welcome the contribution of our new partners to the firm’s management. This is wonderful, well done to all of our colleagues, we salute their experience in relation to the workload ahead.” Gelu Maravela, Founding Partner

“I am convinced that this year is going to be filled with achievements and further developments on both local and international levels. Our firm acknowledges and rewards its team members’ efforts and encourages career development. Congratulations to all promoted and warm welcome to our new partners to the senior management ranks.” Alina Popescu, Founding Partner