Rising Stars

Dispute resolution in Luxembourg

Arendt & Medernach

Arendt & Medernach is a popular choice for large multinational corporates, funds and banks seeking to resolve complex matters, often with an international complexion. Clara Mara-Marhuenda, who is able ‘to keep her focus in tense situations’ is across many of these areas of law both in relation to conventional litigation and arbitration and is consequently involved with great regularity in many of the cases handled by the team. Philippe-Emmanuel Partsch is the ‘brain and spirit’ behind the firm’s EU and competition law practice, often appearing before regulatory authorities, EU and national courts in related disputes. Team head François Kremer is ‘a very smart lawyer who combines a great legal mind with a sense of strategy and wit,’ specialising in international matters, including asset tracing and corporate disputes. Other recommended practitioners include Philippe Dupont, who excels in financial services disputes, the ‘terrific’ Christian Point, who focuses on real estate and construction disputes and Jean-Luc Putz, who heads up the business crime and white collar function at the firm.

Responsables de la pratique:

François Kremer


Autres avocats clés:

Christian Point; Philippe-Emmanuel Partsch; Philippe Dupont; Thierry Lesage; Clara Mara-Marhuenda; Sandrine Margetedis-Sigwalt; Jean-Luc Putz


Les références

‘Excellent creative team with in-depth knowledge of litigation both on procedural matters as well as it relates to substantive tactics and strategic advice.’ 

An extremely skilled and focused team with multiple expertise and diversified experiences and backgrounds which make them all the more relevant when put together. As convincing in setting up a broad and long term strategy as in the necessary meticulousness of brief drafting or the impact of court appearance.’

‘The vastly experienced François Kremer is always focused on important stuff and is very strong in strategic thinking.’

Principaux clients

Bělina & Partners


Borel & Barbey


Bredin Prat


Three Crowns


Principaux dossiers


  • Representation of custodian banks in the Madoff case.
  • Represented a European defence and space company before the EU General Court in relation to the Galileo program.
  • Assisted Clearstream with its defence in banking litigation proceedings before the Luxembourg courts against the Central Bank of Iran.

BSP

Drawing upon ‘strong connections in Luxembourg, but with an international approach and vision,’ BSP is well-positioned to advise on high-profile financial and corporate disputes, as well as regularly having a key role in large-scale investor-state arbitrations or enforcement matters relating to international arbitrations. Team head Fabio Trevisan is a ‘star in cross-border litigation and arbitration’ and is at the forefront of the highest-profile mandates handled by the firm, with clients benefiting from his ‘deep understanding of how the courts in Luxembourg work.’ Laure-Hélène Gaicio-Fievez is also a core member of the team, guiding clients through the entire process, from pre-litigation to the enforcement of decisions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Fabio Trevisan


Autres avocats clés:

Anne Morel; Laure-Hélène Gaicio Fievez; Hervé Michel; Elodie Vincent; Audrey Risser; Harmonie Méraud; Magedeline Mounir; Carolina Vasselli; Pauline Wirtzler


Les références

‘The team is extremely thorough, responsive and efficient. The team is composed of highly gifted lawyers, with both a practical and a technical approach to cases.’

What makes this practice special is the experience, the understanding of how the courts in Luxembourg work, and the fact that they are always available to provide services and clarifications.

‘BSP has strong connections in Luxembourg, but with an international approach and vision.’

Principaux clients

Petronas Luxembourg


Blue Skye Financial Partners


Republic of Kazakhstan


Viorel Micula


Perenco Ecuador Ltd


Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran/Islamic Republic of Iran and other Iranian public entities


Gente Oil


Borsalino


Principaux dossiers


  • Enforced two arbitral awards for Perenco and Gente Oil against Ecuador by attaching bank assets.
  • Represented the Republic of Kazakhstan in resisting enforcement of an arbitral award.
  • Represented the Central Bank of Iran in the injunction to Clearstream to transfer assets without an exequatur.

Clifford Chance

With ‘deep knowledge of the Luxembourg market and practices,’ and also benefiting from access to international know-how through the firm’s global network, Clifford Chance provides a ‘highly strategic’ service to clients engaged in complex domestic and cross-border disputes. The scope of the work is broad, cutting across many substantive areas of law including employment, IP and real estate, although a sizeable proportion of instructions relate to financial and shareholder disputes. The ‘very experienced and knowledgeable’ Albert Moro combines excellent legal know-how with an empathetic approach to dealing with clients, thereby providing ‘outstanding’ representation before the domestic courts and in international arbitration. Ada Schmitt co-heads the team with Moro and is noted for her ‘strong technical knowledge and clear strategic vision,’ including in relation to regulatory investigations and financial crime-related work.

Responsables de la pratique:

Albert Moro; Ada Schmitt


Autres avocats clés:

Sébastien Schmitz; Alma Custovic; Laurent Dimmer; Fanny Gabaudan


Les références

‘The well-established practice in Luxembourg has a global view and great advising capacity.’

‘The team has strong technical knowledge and a clear strategic view to conduct cases.’

The team is responsive and available. They have deep knowledge of the Luxembourg market and practices, which has been very helpful.’

Elvinger Hoss Prussen

Elvinger Hoss Prussen provides ‘insightful advice’ to private and public sector entities seeking a thorough and robust resolution to their cases, both through conventional litigation and arbitration. Appreciated for his ‘analytical approach,’ Pierre Elvinger is a ‘top-flight litigator’ across commercial, civil and employment disputes and heads the team alongside the ‘outstanding’ Marc Elvinger. Elisabeth Omes has an excellent ability to explain ‘difficult issues of Luxembourg law in the cross-border context,’ and is well regarded by banks and funds across a range of complex disputes, offering insight through her previous role at the domestic financial regulator.

Responsables de la pratique:

Marc Elvinger; Pierre Elvinger


Autres avocats clés:

Elisabeth Omes; Léon Gloden; Michel Nickels; Florence Apostolou; Laura Arpetti


Les références

‘Superb industry knowledge, including deep knowledge of current enforcement activities of prosecutorial services.’

‘Their efficiency, attention to detail and commercial acumen coupled with their knowledge of Luxembourg law and legal process and their practical approach to handling our matter was commendable. We also found them very good value for money.’

‘EHP distinguishes itself with creative problem-solving, insightful advice, and their responsiveness. They excel in managing complex legal scenarios and negotiations through their strong understanding of circumstances and stakeholders.’

Principaux clients

SOVIM


Cactus S.A.


Elliott Advisors


Immo Horizon S.A./Immo Terrains


Banque Centrale du Luxembourg


UBS Switzerland AG


UBS Europe SE, Luxembourg Branch


KLEYR GRASSO

KLEYR GRASSO combines ‘responsiveness and technical skills’ to good effect for clients engaged in complex commercial and business litigation. Appreciated for her ‘practical and commercial advice,’ Donata Grasso is central to the success the firm has in much of this work, regularly taking the lead in complex domestic and cross-border shareholders’, banking and investment funds disputes. Alongside his duties as managing partner, Marc Kleyr maintains an active disputes practice, displaying a ‘dedication to winning cases that is simply unrivalled,’ particularly in relation to shareholders’ and insolvency-related litigation. Rosario Grasso co-heads the team alongside Donata and Kleyr and is particularly effective at handling white-collar cases. Pascal Sassel joined Brouxel & Rabia Luxembourg Law Firm in September 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Marc Kleyr; Donata Grasso; Rosario Grasso


Autres avocats clés:

Henry De Ron; Emilie Waty


Les références

‘The litigation team is very responsive when it comes to day-to-day work. They are also quick and efficient with their deliverables. The quality of their work is excellent.’

They combine swiftness, responsiveness and technical skills, plus the ability to understand the client’s expectations.

‘Marc Kleyr has a dedication to winning cases that is simply unrivalled.’

Principaux clients

Ikodomos Holding S.C.A. (IKO Real Estate Group)


Ernst & Young S.A.


Principaux dossiers


Linklaters

The ‘efficient and friendly’ team at Linklaters is best-known for its aptitude at handling funds and banking-related litigation, where it ‘excels in providing out-of-the box thinking.’  Team head Guy Loesch provides ‘strategic advice with added-value’ both in relation to full-scale litigation, as well as in the context of regulatory investigations for financial services entities. As part of his litigation prowess, Loesch is also well-versed in bringing and defending urgent injunctive relief claims. Katrien Baetens represents clients across a myriad commercial and finance disputes, including in relation to international arbitration matters. Louis-Eudes Giroux counsels clients in commercial litigation, arbitrations or investigations and is noted for his expertise in providing ‘balanced and pragmatic’ representation in multi-pronged disputes, including in relation to white-collar criminal allegations.

Responsables de la pratique:

Guy Loesch


Autres avocats clés:

Katrien Baetens; Louis-Eudes Giroux


Les références

‘The team is always accessible, also for non-standard topics and excels in providing out-of-the box thinking.’

‘The team is efficient and friendly.’

‘Guy Loesch is very experienced and provides advice of great value.’

Principaux clients

Caixa Geral de Depositos, S.A.


Propertize B.V.


Enel


CC/Devas (Mauritius) Ltd., Devas Employees Mauritius Private Ltd., and Telcom Devas Mauritius Ltd.


Sella Bank SpA


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Devas (Mauritius) Ltd., Devas Employees Mauritius Private Ltd., and Telcom Devas Mauritius Ltd. (the “Devas shareholders”) on a billion-dollar UNCITRAL arbitration claim under the Mauritius-India BIT relating to the cancellation of a lease agreement.
  • Represented Enel in its challenge of an ex-parte exequatur order to prevent a ruling of an Albanian Court obtained by the Albanian company Albania Beg Ambient becoming enforceable in Luxembourg.
  • Represented Caixa Geral de Depósitos in a criminal matter and subsequent civil proceedings issued as a result of the embezzlement of several million euros by an ex-employee.

Loyens & Loeff

Drawing upon substantive expertise across many other practice groups throughout its full-service offering, the ‘experienced and pragmatic’ team at Loyens & Loeff provides ‘tremendous legal acumen and great strategic sense’ to clients bringing or defending cases across myriad commercial litigation and international arbitration matters. Véronique Hoffeld has the legal knowledge and strategic and procedural sense to effectively manage cases for large multinational corporates and financial services, from pre-litigation through to hearings and enforcement of judgments. Henri Dupong is also a key member of the team, as a result of his work representing high-net-worth individuals and banks across a range of corporate and white-collar matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Véronique Hoffeld


Autres avocats clés:

Sabrina Martin; Henri Dupong; Farah Jeraj; Olivier Marquais; Emilia Fronczak;  Patrick Ries


Les références

‘The team is very hands-on, experienced, and pragmatic.’

‘They are fantastic: tremendous legal acumen, great strategic sense and are wonderful collaborators.’

‘Experienced, excellent staff.’

Principaux clients

European Investment Bank


Former Directors of the LUXALPHA and LIF fund (Madoff Case)


Legal heirs of the last Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo


Mondo Bongo/Brad Pitt


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted heirs of a 19th century commercial agreement in a multi-billion-dollar dispute with Malaysia.
  • Represented former LUXALPHA and LIF directors in wake of the Madoff Scandal.
  • Assisted an Asian manufacturer in accounting fraud litigation.

MOLITOR Avocats à la Cour SARL

Forming one of the lynchpins of MOLITOR Avocats à la Cour SARL's full-service offering, litigation is very much in the firm’s DNA, ensuring that clients receive a ‘commercial, responsive and user-friendly’ service throughout the life-cycle of a litigation procedure. A good deal of the work relates to financial and corporate disputes, an area that many of the lawyers have particular expertise, including on matters involving a multi-jurisdictional angle. Paulo Lopes Da Silva provides ‘very clear and accurate technical legal advice’ to banks and funds across a range of commercial litigation, and is appreciated for his ‘understanding of the practical inter-relationships between the law and procedure, and legal authorities.’ Philippe Thiebaud  specialises in insolvency, corporate and fund litigation and is noted for his ‘strong understanding of cross-border issues.’ The firm also excels in managing disputes utilising ADR techniques, with the ‘outstanding’ Armel Waisse and Jacques Wolter noted for their arbitration skills, with Wolter also an accredited mediator. Managing partner Michel Molitor co-heads the team alongside Da Silva.

Responsables de la pratique:

Michel Molitor; Paulo Lopes Da Silva


Autres avocats clés:

Armel Waisse; Jacques Wolter; Philippe Thiebaud


Les références

Molitor’s team is very professional and responsive. They have an international approach and their open-mindedness allow them to deal with cross-border issues with high acumen.’

‘The team is commercial, responsive and user-friendly.’

‘Paolo Lopes Da Silva has provided excellent counsel, and very clear and accurate technical legal advice, as well as an understanding of the practical inter-relationships between the law and procedure, and legal authorities.’

Thewes & Reuter

Appreciated for the ‘creative thinking in the way they prepare and produce arguments,’ Thewes & Reuter has a market-leading reputation for handling complex public sector disputes. In this context, under the guidance of the ‘highly skilled’ Marc Thewes, as well as handling administrative law matters, the team is regularly instructed in high-profile public procurement disputes. Associate Hicham Rassafi-Guibal also has ‘extensive knowledge of public law matters,’ impressing clients and referring law firms as a result of his ability to provide ‘highly strategic advice.’ Pierre Reuter co-heads the overarching litigation team alongside Thewes and is appreciated for his ability ‘to quickly grasp and analyse the essential points of a dispute,’ particularly in the context of multi-jurisdictional financial disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Marc Thewes; Pierre Reuter


Autres avocats clés:

Luc Tecqmenne; Anne Charton; Laurent Welter; Hicham Rassafi-Guibal


Les références

‘It is a very knowledgeable team when it comes to public law issues and procedural law. Creative thinking in the way they prepare and produce arguments, which is key for a good litigation team.’

‘Outstanding litigation expertise, fast response times and clear advice and communication.

‘Marc Thewes is highly skilled in multi-million euro public procurement procedures and provides excellent strategic advice, informed by a deep knowledge of the institutional and political environment.’

Principaux clients

Luxembourg Police Force


City of Bettembourg


Luxembourg State


Spectra


POST Luxembourg


Emile Mayrisch Hospital


University of Luxembourg


SNHBM


Vandivinit


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the Luxembourg Police Force in a number of disputes relating both to the supply of police equipment and standard supplies.
  • Advised the municipality on pending cases in court, mainly dealing with urban planning disputes.
  • Represented the State of Luxembourg in Halet v Luxembourg, a case linked the so-called Luxleaks scandal, before Grand Chamber of the European Court for Human Rights.

Allen & Overy Luxembourg

The ‘creative’ team at Allen & Overy Luxembourg has ‘in-depth knowledge of litigation both on procedural matters and substantive tactics and strategy,’ and is a popular choice among banks, funds and multinational corporates in high-stakes domestic and multi-jurisdictional disputes. Team head Thomas Berger has ‘deep knowledge of process,’ as well as a strong appreciation of the underlying contractual documentation, and excels at handling civil and criminal litigation involving financial institutions, often involving multi-pronged litigation and regulatory investigations.

Responsables de la pratique:

Thomas Berger


Autres avocats clés:

Caroline Mangold; Lena Wanlin; Emmanuel Thiomé; Michel Meyers


Les références

‘It is a creative team with in-depth knowledge of litigation both on procedural matters and substantive tactics and strategy.’

‘Thomas Berger has in-depth knowledge of process, a helpful flexible mind, deep financing contracts drafting experience, perfect precision when it comes to the quality of the litigation documents output.’

‘Caroline Mangold is always accessible and reactive.’

Bonn & Schmitt

Combining ‘a deep knowledge of the Luxembourg court system and processes’ with excellent legal and sectoral knowledge, Bonn & Schmitt is particularly visible handling domestic and multi-jurisdictional disputes affecting the banking and investment management sector. Cedric Bellwald is ‘efficient and knowledgeable’ in his representation of local and international clients, including across white collar crime and criminal law litigation. Other key members of the team include Alain Grosjean, who is adept at using conventional and ADR techniques to settle corporate and shareholder’s disputes, in particular, and Alex Schmitt, who is regularly appointed as Luxembourg expert on issues of banking and finance law arising in the course of international court or arbitration proceedings.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alain Grosjean; Cédric Bellwald; Gabriel Bleser; Pol Steinhauser


Autres avocats clés:

Giulia Jaeger; Simon Malterre; Elena Arno


Les références

‘It is a very hands-on team which is effective under a high level of pressure. The lawyers have a deep knowledge of the Luxembourg court system and processes.’

‘Cédric Bellwald is efficient and knowledgeable.’

‘Potential clients will appreciate the quality of their services: quickness, reliability and availability.’

Principaux clients

EAM SOLAR ASA


Brucher Thieltgen & Partners

Drawing upon a number of practitioners with ‘valuable expertise in civil and corporate litigation matters,Brucher Thieltgen & Partners is well-placed to effectively and robustly represent clients, utilising a blend of procedural and strategic know-how and an up-to-date knowledge of case law. Leveraging his ‘broader knowledge of the financial sector,’ Nicolas Thieltgen is often involved in complex litigation surrounding financial products, as well as a considerable volume of shareholder disputes. ‘Highly knowledgeable’ team head Marie Bena is regularly engaged in real estate and construction litigation.

Responsables de la pratique:

Marie Bena


Autres avocats clés:

Nicolas Thieltgen; Anne-Marie Ka


Les références

‘They have an excellent understanding of clients’ needs and provide tailor-made legal advice and assistance.’

‘Each case is represented by several lawyers who are all completely up to date with the case, in case of absences a competent person always takes over. This way there is no delay and the matters get taken care off smoothly.

‘Special mention to Nicolas Thieltgen, who despite his responsibilities as a partner, is always available for his clients. He speaks very frankly and honestly, no tongue in cheek or false promise with him.’

NautaDutilh

The ‘knowledgeable and pragmatic’ team at NautaDutilh provides a ‘high quality service’ to clients across a range of high-stakes commercial litigation and arbitration. As part of his eclectic mix of work, which also includes shareholder and insolvency litigation, the ‘proactive and commercialAntoine Laniez regularly handles high-profile investor-state disputes on behalf of both private and public sector entities, most regularly in the context of enforcing the awards which have been granted. Vincent Wellens co-heads the team alongside Laniez and is often involved in contentious IP and IT disputes, as well as public law-related matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Antoine Laniez; Vincent Wellens


Autres avocats clés:

Florence Remouchamps


Les références

‘The team is knowledgeable and pragmatic and provides a high-quality service.’

‘Antoine Laniez: proactive, commercial, provides accurate and pragmatic advice.’

Principaux clients

State of Luxembourg (Ministry of Public Works and Mobility)


Zurich Insurance


Leidos


Bahlsen


Equans


Flos Spa


Goodyear


Chemin de Fer Luxembourgeois (Groupe CFL)


ABN AMRO


Aperam


Norax


Petronas


9REN


Apex Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Petronas on the lifting of a $15bn attachment on its assets in Luxembourg.
  • Advised 9REN against an application for anti-suit injunction in the context of the enforcement of an ICSID/ECT arbitral award against Spain.
  • Advised CFL on complex cross-border disputes in relation with their freight and transport activities.

Baker McKenzie

At Baker McKenzie, 'very tenacious' team head Annie Elfassi has earned the status of a ‘trusted attorney’ for clients from a range of sectors as a result of her expertise across myriad domestic and multi-jurisdictional disputes, where she acts on her own as well as alongside lawyers from throughout the firm’s extensive international network. Key areas of strength include work in relation to shareholder and general commercial contract disputes, as well as advice on enforcement and debt collection.

Responsables de la pratique:

Annie Elfassi


Autres avocats clés:

Johann Bensimon; Merona Gehbrhiwet; Kyllian Talbourdet


Les références

‘They can provide comprehensive legal assistance to clients to help them achieve their objectives in a highly competitive and regulated market.’

‘Annie Elfasi has proven her proficiency in handling complex legal matters with professionalism and integrity, making her a trusted attorney for her clients.’

‘Annie Elfasi is excellent and very tenacious.’

DLA Piper Luxembourg

Formed at the beginning of 2021, under the guidance of Oliver Reisch, the ‘professional and experienced’ team at DLA Piper Luxembourg has quickly gained momentum in the market, representing firmwide clients as well as standalone entities, as claimants and defendants in domestic and cross-border litigation. The team is noted for its ‘solutions-oriented’ advice, acting across myriad commercial and business litigation, as well as some work in the tech and e-commerce space, a particular specialism of Reisch’s.

Responsables de la pratique:

Olivier Reisch


Autres avocats clés:

Carole Rhein; Amin Bouazza


Les références

A professional and experienced team that provides customer centric advice.’

‘Strong team with good technical skills.’

Highly skilled professionals that provide solutions-oriented advice.’ 

Principaux clients

Ministry of Energy and Spatial Planning |Ministère de l’Énergie et de l’Aménagement du territoire


HANSAINVEST Real Assets GmbH


NH Hotels


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for a global asset manager in its efforts to recover assets related to investments made in bond issues that have defaulted under the laws of Luxembourg, the UK and the Netherlands.
  • Assisted the Ministry of Energy and Spatial Planning in drafting legislation aimed at containing rising energy prices.
  • Acted for an infrastructure investment fund in connection with the enforcement of an arbitral award secured in an ICSID arbitration against assets in Luxembourg.

DSM Avocats à la Cour

Led by ‘seasoned litigator’ Mario Di Stefano, DSM Avocats à la Cour provides ‘solutions-oriented and good strategic advice’ to clients, primarily within the real estate and construction sector, bringing or defending claims within the civil and administrative courts, relating to, inter alia, commercial leases, public procurement, urban development and alleged defects.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mario Di Stefano


Autres avocats clés:

Renaud Le Squeren; Marie-Paule Gillen; Alex Pham; Alban Colson


Les références

‘The team is very specialized and efficient, attentive, available and responsive.’

‘They have extensive expertise in complex litigation and provide very solutions-oriented and good strategic advice.’ 

‘Mario Di Stefano is a seasoned litigator.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advised a leading construction company, as a member of a consortium for a large mixed-use building project, work which has included advising the client in a dispute with a sub-contracting company.
  • Handled multiple lawsuits related to urban development challenges, civil and administrative disputes.
  • Represented a tenant in a case where a sub-tenant claimed a higher rent based on an article in the Civil Code.

Luther S.A.

Luther S.A. provides a ‘very user-friendly and proactive service’ to domestic and international clients across a range of commercial litigation, including shareholder disputes, debt recovery matters and contentious insolvency. The ‘exceptional’ Robert Goerend, who is particularly skilled at handling shareholder disputes, ‘constantly looks for a winning edge – on the technical side of laws and documents, but also on the tactical side of psychology.’ Mathieu Laurent heads the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mathieu Laurent


Autres avocats clés:

Robert Goerend; Marie Romero; Raphaël Schindler


Les références

‘They are a very user-friendly and proactive service.’  

‘Good listeners and wiling to adapt themselves to the client structure and needs.’

‘Robert Goerend really knows his stuff and was incredibly helpful and went out of his way to assist with the claim.’