Chambers Europe rankings 2022 have been released and we are proud to announce that the firm has once again ranked in Band 1 in General Business Law, which includes Corporate Commercial, Dispute Resolution, Financial Services and Tax departments as well as in Shipping with a significant number of lawyers receiving notable mentions.
In clients’ own words, “the firm offers a one-stop-shop service, in the sense that whatever legal issue we might be facing at the time there is always a team of lawyers with expertise in this field who are ready to assist.” Another client highlights that the lawyers “had the right information with supporting documents to sustain their explanation and solution to the matter at hand,” and adds: “I would definitely look forward to working with Fenech & Fenech again.”
For Corporate Commercial Nicolai Vella Falzon is praised for his pragmatic approach. He advises clients on M&A transactions in the gaming and insurance sectors. He was appointed as the managing partner of Fenech & Fenech at the beginning of 2021. Paul Gonzi advises clients on the employment law aspects of corporate transactions. He also has experience in contentious matters, including unfair dismissal claims. Antonio Ghio is praised for his ability to handle intellectual property mandates, with one source enthusing: “I consider him to be the top one in IP.” Antonio assists with the IP aspects of transactions, as well as representing clients in contentions copyright and patent proceedings. He is also acknowledged for his ability to handle TMT and data protection mandates.
For Dispute Resolution Ann Fenech ranked in Band 1 is described as a highly esteemed litigation lawyer with notable expertise representing clients in shipping disputes. She acts for clients on spillages and white-collar crime litigation. An interviewee reports: “She is recognised as a long-time leader, especially in litigation.” Edward DeBono represents clients in real estate disputes, as well as high-value defamation cases. Carl Grech ranked Associate to Watch is described by one interviewee as “intelligent and prepared.” He assists clients with a wide range of contentious matters, including defamation claims, class actions and litigation concerning financial regulations.
For Financial Services Joseph Ghio is highlighted for his ability to handle matters involving investment funds. In addition, his financial services practice covers stock exchange listings and regulatory compliance, as well as contentious and transactional matters within the sector. Josianne Brimmer is highlighted for advising clients on financial regulatory matters, including licensing and approval mandates. She is also known for working on investment fund matters.
For Tax Rosanne Bonnici, ranked in Band 1 is one of the leading tax law experts in Malta, with particular experience advising clients on the tax aspects of transactions, corporate tax and VAT matters. She also assists private clients with income tax matters and domiciled status. A client describes her as “very knowledgeable and personable,” while another commentator believes that she is “one of the top five tax lawyers in Malta.” A client praises Rebecca Diacono, ranked Associate to Watch, for her “very thorough advice, excellent client manner and ability to deliver to an extremely tight timetable.” She frequently assists clients with tax law matters. Another interviewee describes her as “very well organised and detail-oriented.”
The Shipping Team is referred to by a client as their “go-to in Malta,” highlighting the team’s ability to provide “commercially sound advice” and highlights the team as being “very responsive and very well priced.”
The highly esteemed Ann Fenech, ranked Star Individual is recognised as being a “long-time leader” particularly in shipping litigation. She stands out for her expertise in contentious matters, including cross-border cases relating to procurement disputes and insurance damages claims. Mark Fenech, ranked in Band 1 is highlighted for assisting both shipping and yachting clients with regards to bond offering, mortgage registration and post-delivery financing. Alison Vassallo is head of the Yachting department and has been reported by sources to have a “deep knowledge of the industry.” She advises clients on the acquisition, importation and registration of yachts. Adrian Attard ranked Up and Coming, is regarded by one source as being “very respected in the shipping industry.” Another interviewee underlines that he is “knowledgeable and competent” in this sector. He assists clients with shipping litigation matters, including in insurance disputes, and also with non-contentious cases, such as the purchase and registration of vessels.