CEE Legal Matters

Author: admin

  • Maciej Kacymirow Becomes Head of Tax Practice at Greenberg Traurig Warsaw

    Local Partner Maciej Kacymirow has been appointed as Head of the Tax Practice in the Warsaw Office of Greenberg Traurig.

    Kacymirow takes over from Marek Kozaczuk, who will continue to advise clients as Of Counsel, according to the firm.

    Kacymirow has been with the firm since 2012 when he joined as an Associate. He was promoted to Senior Associate in 2016 and to Local Partner in 2020. Earlier, he worked for Dewey & LeBoeuf, first as a Paralegal between 2006 and 2009 and then as an Associate between 2009 and 2012.

    “Maciej’s appointment is a natural progression for our thriving Tax Practice,” said Senior Partner Lejb Fogelman. “His strong grasp of transactional and corporate tax matters, paired with a pragmatic, business-focused approach and a long tenure at GT makes him a natural leader for our team. Marek’s guidance and leadership over the years have been invaluable, and I’m grateful he will remain a strategic advisor as Of Counsel.”

    “I am delighted to see Maciej step into this role at such an important moment for our Tax Practice,” commented Kozaczuk. “It has been a privilege to lead the team, and I look forward to continuing to advise our clients and serve strategically as Of Counsel. I am confident that under Maciej’s leadership, our practice will continue to thrive and provide the highest quality of services in an ever-changing market.”

    “I am deeply honored to lead the Tax Practice at Greenberg Traurig’s Warsaw office and grateful for the trust Lejb, Jolanta, and Marek have placed in me,” Kacymirow said. “Our goal is to provide innovative, business-focused solutions that help our clients thrive in an ever-evolving tax landscape. With a dedicated team by my side, I look forward to expanding our practice, strengthening our client relationships, and delivering results that drive real business success.”

  • DWF Advises Ksiazek Holding on Sale of Synektik Shares

    DWF has advised Synektik’s majority shareholder Ksiazek Holding on the sale of 10% of Synektik’s total share capital and voting rights for a total transaction value of over PLN 190 million.

    The sale was carried out via an accelerated book-building process with Santander Bank Polska – Santander Biuro Maklerskie and Banco Santander as the sole global coordinator and bookrunner. 

    Synektik Group is a provider of products, services, and IT solutions for surgery, diagnostic imaging, and nuclear medicine.

    According to DWF, the shares were sold exclusively to selected institutional investors outside the United States under Regulation S. Following the transaction, Ksiazek Holding will hold 1,376,143 shares, approximately 16.13% of Synektik’s share capital.

    The DWF team included Managing Partner Michal Pawlowski, Partner Rafal Wozniak, and Senior Associate Mateusz Bak.

  • Serbia Renewable Energy Auctions Surpass Expectations

    At the end of 2024, the Ministry of Mining and Energy announced the second auction for wind and solar power plants. The deadline for applying for participation in the auctions is 05.02.2025. year. After consideration of all applications and bids, the entire capacity offered at the auctions for wind farms (300 MW) and for solar power plants (124.8 MW) was successfully allocated.

    At the auction for the allocation of the market premium for wind farms, seven companies took part and demanded a total of 458.13 MW. At the auction, the capacity was allocated among 5 companies. Bela Anta 2, Alibunar 1 and 2 and Crni Vrh are the power plants that were allocated the entire requested capacity, while to Jasikovo power plant was partially allocated capacity. The lowest price offered at auctions for wind farms was 53.59 EUR/MWh (Bela Anta 2), while the price offered for Jasikovo power plant was 68.25 EUR/MWh.

    At the auction for the allocation of the market premium for solar power plants, there was greater interest, where 31 companies participated for 34 power plants and a total of 378.94 MW was requested. The capacity was allocated among 5 companies, of which 4 received the entire required capacity, while the B2 Sunspot 2 power plant was allocated part of the required capacity. The largest quota was allocated to the Solarina power plant in the amount of 105 MW. The lowest price offered at auctions for solar power plants was 50.90 EUR/MWh (Vemi Sun 2), while the price offered for the B2 Sunspot 2 power plant was 58 EUR/MWh.

    Compared to the first auctions for solar power plants, it is concluded that the interest in the allocation of the market premium is at a significantly higher level, bearing in mind that at the first auctions, 25.2 MW of the 50 MW quota was allocated, while at the second auctions the demand significantly exceeded the offered capacity.

    By Jelena Gazivoda, Senior Partner, Nikola Djordjevic, Partner, and Marko Mrdja, Senior Associate, JPM & Partners

  • Hungary to Open Doors for New Power Plant Projects as New Capacity Allocation System Takes Shape

    Let’s start with the fundamentals: Hungary will need significant additional power plant and battery capacities, and it will need them soon. This necessity persists despite the gross amount of solar power capacity reaching 7.5 GW by the end of 2024, a target initially set for the 2030s. The drive for electrification, the goal to reduce energy imports, the high average age of the existing generator portfolio and the previous focus on solar energy necessitate at least 10 GW of new generation capacities, with a preference for baseload generation and/or storage solutions. The state-owned incumbent MVM is already developing 3×500 MW new combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) installations and 2×1000 MW new nuclear blocks, but significant private investment is still required.

    Challenges and legislative response

    The rapid increase in photovoltaic (PV) penetration has nearly saturated the grid, prompting lawmakers to suspend the two most recent application regimes in 2021 and 2024 and to annul the last round of calls for applications a year ago. With no practical possibility for new power plants to obtain feed-in connection capacities in recent years, the Hungarian government has decided to develop a new grid capacity allocation regime. While the framework rules of the new system were enacted at the end of last year, the proposal on the detailed rules (the “Proposal”) have only recently been published by the Ministry of Energy.

    Key features of the proposal

    Any available capacities will be allocated through competitive tenders conducted at the national level at least every two years. These tenders will be evaluated by a five-member committee, which will assess bids based on a scoring system outlined in the Proposal and the tender notice.

    Preference will be given to undertakings who commit to installing battery or other balancing capacities exceeding the minimum requirements, integrating hybrid technologies to enhance performance utilisation, and offering financial guarantees above the specified minimum. Additionally, projects with lower environmental impact will be favoured. A notable addition to the Hungarian regulatory framework is the prioritisation of developers who undertake a recultivation obligation in the event of the power plant’s decommissioning.

    The chairman of the evaluation committee will be the president of the Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Regulatory Authority (HEA), with one additional member delegated by the Minister of Energy, while the remaining members are appointed by the chairman. The tender procedure will be carried out by the HEA at the request of the Minister of Energy, based on data provided by the TSO and DSOs. The tender notice will determine the available feed-in capacities for each connection node and technology, the earliest possible connection dates, the amount of connection fees payable, and any obligation to install storage capacities. The HEA will publish the notification on the tender notice on its website, while the tender documentation will be available for purchase for a fee. The first tender notice is expected to be published this summer, with awards potentially announced by the end of 2025.

    Financial guarantees and application rules

    Applicants must provide a bid guarantee and, if awarded, a performance guarantee. Detailed rules on the financial guarantee, including the method for determining its minimum amount and the conditions for its fulfilment and release, will be specified in the tender notice. Applicants may also opt to provide a higher financial guarantee beyond the minimum requirement. Additional important rules include restrictions on multiple applications and requirements for declarations regarding partial awards. Specifically, applicants from the same corporate group may submit only one application for a given network node. Furthermore, applicants must declare in their tender bids whether they accept partial awards.

    Remaining uncertainties and future steps

    Several uncertainties remain, and some key details will only be clarified in the tender notice. These include the amount and form of the required financial guarantees, the detailed scoring criteria, the potential connection dates, and the possible appeal process regarding the HEA’s resolution on the tender outcome. The HEA will hold a consultation at the time, place and in the manner specified in the tender notice to provide additional information on the tender procedure. This consultation may assist applicants in preparing proper tender bids that meet the requirements of the Proposal and the respective tender notice. In the meantime, we look forward to providing updates to our existing clients and any other prospective developers.

    By Viktoria Hiesz and Gergely Horvath, Attorneys at Law, Schoenherr

  • Romania Looks to Boost PPAs Following RED III Transposition

    The target for renewable energy consumption in Europe is to reach at least 42.5 percent by 2030 for all sectors, under Directive (EU) 2023/2413 of the European Parliament and of the Council. Known as RED III, it encourages the conclusion of power purchase agreements (PPAs) by requiring member states to adopt various measures.

    They include, for example:

    • The removal of administrative, technical and financial obstacles to the conclusion of PPAs, so that these may be entered into much more easily
    • Strengthening the system for Guarantees of Origin (GoOs) so that the issuing, transfer and use of GoOs are done in a standard manner across the EU, with a view to transfer them directly to the buyer of electricity
    • The implementation of policies that encourage the development of renewable energy projects and indirectly enhance the conclusion of PPAs, such as support schemes and various other incentives

    What is the current status in Romania?

    After the ban on power purchase agreements was lifted in 2022, Romania was set to boost the number of PPAs concluded, due to the advantages for both the renewable energy generator and the corporate offtaker. Most important among these was price stability for the duration of the PPA, as well as the offtaker obtaining GoOs, which is a means to prove, including from an ESG perspective, that the offtaker’s green energy quota is being met.

    As the number of renewable projects continues to grow, alongside a rise in the price of energy—not to mention the fact that Council Regulation 2022/1854 of 6 October 2022 is a temporary measure capping the electricity system as part of an emergency intervention to address high energy prices in Europe—the need to conclude PPAs for an extensive duration is as essential as ever.

    Various market challenges still affect the development of this sector, namely:

    • The lengthy permitting process with implications on project timelines
    • An insufficient grid capacity in various areas where renewable energy projects are developed
    • The limited number of creditworthy offtakers
    • The impossibility to transfer GoOs directly from the renewable energy generator to the offtaker

    Despite the above, Romania witnessed the conclusion of various PPAs in 2023 and 2024. Most of these were characterized by a shorter duration than in other EU countries, with the most active offtakers being manufacturers and communication services providers. Such PPAs included various contractual mechanisms to mitigate the above risks.

    Furthermore, Romania is currently in the process of transposing RED III and is set to become a member of the Association of Issuing Bodies (AIB) in order for the GoOs to be traded.

    At the same time legislative amendments to the existing legislation (e.g. GEO 163/2022 regarding the amendment to the use of renewable energy as well as for the amendment to other legal enactments) expressly provide that GoOs transferred based on the PPAs concluded after 1 April 2022 only in relation to generation facilities which do not benefit from a support scheme, may be transferred directly from the generator to the offtaker, upon the request of the latter. As an alternative, it is expected that secondary legislation is enacted to allow the trading of GoOs on the dedicated markets.

    The final form of the RED III transposition remains to be seen. Nevertheless, it is expected to expand the renewables sector and to whet appetites for concluding more PPAs.

    By Elena Vlasceanu, Counsel, Dentons

  • Major EU Sustainability Reforms: The Omnibus Package Explained

    The European Commission has introduced a new legislative package aimed at simplifying sustainability and investment regulations. In the latest Competitiveness Compass we recently covered, the Commission outlined its strategy to enhance the EU’s economic prosperity and competitiveness. Known as Omnibus I and Omnibus II, these reforms are designed to cut administrative burdens, enhance business competitiveness, and maintain the EU’s commitment to sustainability goals. The key areas affected include the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and the InvestEU Regulation. By streamlining compliance, the EU hopes to make regulatory obligations more manageable while still upholding environmental and social governance (ESG) objectives.

    Revising the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

    In our recent article, we discussed the announced CBAM reforms and their implications in detail.  A key change is that small importers, accounting for 90% of the total, are now exempt from CBAM obligations. This is achieved by introducing a cumulative annual threshold of 50 tonnes per importer.   This exemption relieves smaller businesses from additional regulatory burdens while ensuring that CBAM remains effective in addressing 99% of the emissions in scope.

    The Omnibus reforms also simplify emission calculations and reporting requirements.  By making compliance more straightforward, the EU aims to maintain the effectiveness of CBAM while reducing complexity for businesses.

    The EU has introduced new anti-circumvention measures to prevent regulatory abuse.  These safeguards ensure that companies do not exploit loopholes to bypass CBAM requirements, strengthening the long-term credibility of the mechanism.

    While these changes reduce administrative burdens for smaller importers, they may also introduce risks.  Larger businesses may restructure their trade flows to avoid CBAM obligations, undermining the policy’s effectiveness.  The EU must remain vigilant to prevent unintended consequences and ensure CBAM continues to drive meaningful emissions reductions.

    Reforming Sustainability Reporting (CSRD and EU Taxonomy)

    The Omnibus reforms significantly reduce the number of companies required to comply with CSRD reporting.  Now, only large businesses with more than 1,000 employees must adhere to these regulations, removing 80% of previously included entities.  This shift helps smaller enterprises avoid excessive compliance costs and redirects sustainability efforts toward organizations with the most significant environmental impact.

    Additionally, reporting obligations originally set for 2026 and 2027 have been postponed until 2028.  This delay provides businesses with additional time to prepare and ensures a smoother transition.  By extending the timeline, the EU acknowledges the complexity of sustainability reporting and the need for organizations to develop appropriate internal processes before full implementation.

    EU Taxonomy reporting will now be mandatory only for the largest companies, while others can choose to report voluntarily.  This change balances regulatory oversight with flexibility, allowing smaller businesses to engage with sustainable investment practices without unnecessary pressure.  A financial materiality threshold has also been introduced for the Taxonomy reporting to eliminate non-essential disclosures, ensuring that reporting focuses on financially significant sustainability metrics.

    These adjustments should significantly reduce complexity and compliance costs, particularly for SMEs.  Nonetheless, certain concerns remain.  Limiting the scope of CSRD reporting may weaken ESG transparency.  Investors could face difficulties assessing sustainability efforts across different market segments, and the reduced number of reporting templates and sector-specific standards might limit the availability of valuable sustainability data.

    Simplifying Sustainability Due Diligence Requirements (CSDDD)

    Companies must now focus their due diligence efforts on direct business partners rather than the entire value chain.  This change simplifies compliance and reduces the administrative burden of tracking indirect suppliers.

    Due diligence assessments, previously required annually, will now occur every five years.  By reducing reporting frequency, businesses can allocate resources more effectively while still maintaining oversight of sustainability risks.  It remains to be seen how this will impact the efficiency of responses to emerging risks.

    The Omnibus reforms also remove EU civil liability conditions from the directive, leaving enforcement to national laws.  While this provides Member States with flexibility in implementation, it may result in some differences in legal standards and compliance approaches across EU jurisdictions.

    The implementation deadlines for CSDDD have also been pushed back.  The transposition deadline is now 2027, and application begins in 2028.  This provides businesses with additional time to adjust compliance frameworks and prepare for new sustainability obligations.

    Reforming the Investment Framework (InvestEU and EFSI)

    The EU is reinvesting past project returns to unlock an estimated €50 billion in public and private investments.  By recycling financial gains from previous initiatives, the Commission aims to increase available funding for new sustainability projects and economic resilience efforts.

    Reporting requirements for financial intermediaries and SMEs are being reduced, resulting in an estimated €350 million in cost savings.  This simplification allows businesses to focus on growth and innovation rather than administrative compliance.  By easing reporting burdens, the EU hopes to improve accessibility to investment programs for SMEs.

    Participation in EU-backed investment programs is also becoming easier for Member States.  By streamlining procedures and increasing accessibility, the EU encourages broader participation from national governments and private investors. These changes help align investment initiatives with sustainability and economic growth priorities.

    These reforms aim to channel more capital into innovative and sustainable sectors, strengthening EU competitiveness.

    Omnibus Reforms: Implications for Businesses in the Western Balkans

    The Western Balkans, as an aspiring region for EU accession and economic integration, will experience notable ripple effects from the Omnibus reforms.  Many businesses in the region export goods to the EU and are part of supply chains for European companies, making these legislative changes particularly relevant.

    With CBAM’s simplified framework, Western Balkan exporters, particularly in carbon-intensive industries such as steel and cement, may face new compliance challenges. While smaller importers are now exempt, larger businesses in the region must ensure that their emissions reporting aligns with EU standards to maintain market access. Companies in these sectors should proactively invest in emissions-reduction technologies to stay competitive in the long run.

    The reduced scope of CSRD reporting may benefit smaller Western Balkan businesses that interact with EU-based corporations.  Previously, many SMEs in the region faced sustainability data requests from larger EU firms under trickle-down reporting obligations.  The new framework shields many of these companies from unnecessary administrative burdens while still allowing voluntary participation in sustainability disclosures, which could help them attract EU investment.

    Investment opportunities under the revised InvestEU framework could also provide new financing options for businesses in the region.  As the EU looks to mobilize additional funds for sustainable projects, Western Balkan enterprises with strong ESG credentials may find it easier to secure funding for green initiatives.  However, to fully benefit, businesses must align with EU sustainability standards and demonstrate commitment to decarbonization and responsible business practices.

    Conclusion

    The European Commission’s reforms aim to make sustainability and investment regulations more efficient.  By reducing administrative burdens and delaying compliance deadlines, businesses—especially SMEs—gain much-needed relief.  That said, the EU should carefully balance simplifications with long-term sustainability goals.

    For businesses in the Western Balkans, these reforms present both challenges and opportunities.  While regulatory compliance may become more manageable, companies must proactively adapt to evolving EU standards to maintain competitiveness.  Those that align with sustainability priorities will benefit from new investment and trade opportunities within the European market.

    By Bogdan Gecic, Founding Partner, Gecic Law

  • Oppenheim and Jipyong: Exploring Synergies

    Oppenheim and Jipyong have joined forces to launch a dedicated Korean desk in Hungary. With Korea now ranking as Hungary’s third-largest investor and government initiatives driving opportunities in manufacturing and trade, Partners Istvan Szatmary, Jozsef Bulcsu Fenyvesi, Seong Chang, and Ji Hye Lee explore how the partnership aims to bridge cultural and regulatory gaps and enhance regional engagement.

    CEELM: Congratulations on the partnership! Why did this partnership make sense for you? What were the considerations that encouraged Oppenheim to open a Korean desk?

    Szatmary: Stepping back a little bit, we’ve been working with Jipyong for many years now. We’ve cooperated on various cases and got to know each other throughout that time. With that familiarity established, we realized over the last couple of years that Hungary, on a macroeconomic level, has been attracting more and more capital from Asia – particularly from Korea. In fact, Korea has already become the third-largest investor in Hungary, surpassing many other countries. Additionally, the Hungarian government is actively exploring opportunities in manufacturing and trade, which reinforces the potential for new business avenues. So, from our perspective, forming a partnership like this made perfect sense.

    Fenyvesi: As we observed an increased level of interest in CEE, foreign direct investment from Asia was zeroing in on energy, EV batteries, and other manufacturing and technology-driven industries. Large amounts of capital were flowing into Hungary and the broader region. Given our regional outlook, we positioned ourselves as a first point of contact for companies intending to invest and operate here. Furthermore, on a personal note, we already enjoyed a great relationship with Jipyong, so continuing to work together was a very natural step. There is also great potential for expanding our advisory services to other Korean businesses entering the market.

    We recognized not just Jipyong’s capacity and experience, but also their disruptive edge in the Korean market: they’re still a relatively young firm with close to 400 professionals, united by a strong drive for excellence. From our viewpoint, that dynamism promises a very fruitful collaboration.

    CEELM: Similarly, what was it about Hungary that sparked Jipyong’s interest? Are there plans to look at other CEE markets?

    Lee: We have nine offices across eight countries, making us the Korean firm with the most extensive overseas presence. Our overarching strategy is to expand globally and to assist the growing number of Korean businesses that invest in CEE. Hungary stands out as a regional hub for automotive, energy, and EV batteries, so we saw strong momentum there.

    Chang: The Korean desk at Oppenheim can also specifically serve clients in other CEE markets like the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland. While we’re currently focusing on the Visegrad countries, we are open to expanding further if clients’ needs require it. With almost 300 Korean companies entering the Hungarian market, many of which we already knew in Korea, it made sense to establish a local presence.

    CEELM: What were the main synergies the two firms found in each other?

    Szatmary: As we mentioned, approaching Korean clients in Hungary on our own would be challenging, primarily due to cultural differences and initial credibility gaps. From a Korean manager’s perspective, navigating Hungary’s legal environment can be tough without a trusted partner. Our synergy lies in jointly delivering clear, understandable legal advice without language or cultural barriers. That is our cornerstone. Of course, we also share know-how in many areas, but bridging that cultural gap remains crucial.

    Lee: Personally, I’ve always been interested in EU regulations and have continued building my business acumen in that direction. I was already supporting Korean clients with a strong focus on the EU region, and this development felt like a natural progression. Moving to Oppenheim allowed me to dedicate my expertise to bridging Korean business interests with Hungary and the broader CEE region in a more concentrated way.

    I believe both Jipyong and Oppenheim share a common vision of providing high-quality, client-oriented services. Oppenheim has deep knowledge of Hungary’s legal framework, while Jipyong thoroughly understands Korean businesses. With language barriers minimized and communication styles aligned, the potential for miscommunication is practically gone.

    Chang: We had experience with other law firms in the region, but the level of enthusiasm and commitment that we saw at Oppenheim was very similar to our own commitment to the CEE region. The similarities of working style (e.g., response time) convinced us that this partnership would bring the most mutual benefits for our firms.

    Fenyvesi: These synergies are enhanced by having Jipyong colleagues physically present and working alongside Oppenheim’s team. That on-the-ground collaboration helps us deepen existing synergies and discover new ones, especially in building direct relationships with Korean businesses here. This collaborative presence also paves the way for further expanding our advisory services tailored to the needs of Korean market entrants.

    CEELM: What are the main plans in the short term – how will this new partnership be leveraged initially, and what about the long term?

    Szatmary: Beyond the practical side, we do have clear short-term outreach plans. Both firms also keep a long-term perspective in mind, where each near-term decision feeds into our broader strategy. We aim to become the go-to office for businesses across the region. From our very first discussions, we saw how well our firm cultures mesh and realized we can accomplish a lot together.

    Lee: Specifically, we want to introduce our presence to as many Korean businesses as possible –through meetings, seminars, and targeted outreach. The hope is that we’ll soon become a ‘cultural leader’ for enterprises looking to enter the Hungarian market, guiding them step by step.

    Szatmary: Indeed, building relationships with the local Korean community helps us realize we share a lot of common ground. Engaging with people, culture, and language in a truly meaningful way underscores just how many values we have in common and enables more cohesive cooperation.

    Fenyvesi: Looking beyond Hungary, our next aim is to extend this model regionally. We’ve already explored connections and opportunities in nearby countries – it’s a classic pattern for law firms to follow their clients’ capital. Additionally, Jipyong is actively enhancing its understanding of legal technology and operational approaches – focusing on how they handle clients, manage client relationships, and apply their expertise and professionalism across every facet of work. We find this commitment particularly compelling and look forward to learning from it.

  • Michal Jasek and Milan Rakosnik Become Partners at Clifford Chance

    Clifford Chance has promoted Michal Jasek and Milan Rakosnik to Partner.

    Focusing on corporate and M&A, Jasek has been with Clifford Chance Prague since 2005 when he joined as a Lawyer. Earlier, he was a Junior Lawyer with Giese & Partner between 2003 and 2005 and, before that, a Paralegal with Linklaters between 2001 and 2002.

    Focusing on real estate, Rakosnik joined Clifford Chance Prague in 2011 as a Lawyer. He was promoted to Senior Lawyer in 2017 and to Counsel in 2020. Earlier, he worked at Baker McKenzie as an Intern between 2010 and 2011.

  • Kinstellar Advises Solida Capital on Acquisition of Victoria Center in Bucharest

    Kinstellar has advised Solida Capital on the acquisition of Victoria Center in Bucharest from Manova Partners. PeliPartners reportedly advised Manova Partners.

    Solida Capital is an investment and asset management firm.

    Manova Partners is an independent real estate investment company. 

    According to Kinstellar, located on Calea Victoriei, Victoria Center is a prime office building offering a gross leasable area of 8,600 square meters across 10 floors.

    The Kinstellar team included Managing Partner Victor Constantinescu, Counsels Catalin Dinu, Cristina Stamboli, and Catalin Graure, Managing Associate Razvan Constantinescu, Senior Associates Corina Stanciu, Cosmin Vasilescu, and Rena Saftencu, and Associates Denisa Constantin and Alexandra Sofineti.

  • ZIC Legal Opens for Business in Romania

    George Zlati, Adina Ionescu, and Simona Chiperi have established Zlati, Ionescu, Chiperi – ZIC Legal – in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

    The new firm focuses on tech law, cybercrime, and business law.

    Prior to teaming up with Ionescu and Chiperi, Zlati was at the helm of Zlati Legal between 2020 and 2025. Earlier, he worked at SCPA Sergiu Bogdan & Associates as a Lawyer between 2012 and 2020.

    Before setting up ZIC Legal, Ionescu was with the Irimie Pop Andrei team since 2019, most recently as a Senior Associate between 2022 and 2025. Earlier, she was an Associate with Vertis Legal, between 2019 and 2022, before the IPA team spun off (as reported by CEE Legal Matters on March 28, 2022).

    Chiperi also comes from Irimie Pop Andrei where she was an Associate since 2019.