Chambers Europe 2017 have this afternoon published their rankings and we are proud to report that both the firm and its lawyers did extremely well in the researched categories. Hereunder you will find excerpts of what was said about us:

Shipping (including Yachting) – Malta

Fenech & Fenech Advocates – Band 1

Strengths: The team attracts praise for its client-focused approach and international expertise: “My impression of the firm is overwhelmingly positive. Its main strengths lie within the professional yet personalised outlook its lawyers adopt and the client-oriented culture it embraces. The reputation and reach of the firm also extends beyond the Maltese Islands, and I do not hesitate to ask the firm for its recommendations whenever there is need for a law firm abroad.”

Sources are very impressed with the team and note: “The lawyers are first-class and extremely efficient. They play to their strengths, are client-oriented and very smart.”

Notable practitioners:

Managing partner Ann Fenech has unparalleled expertise in the Maltese shipping arena, where sources deem her “a leader, who is capable of dealing with tight deadlines.” They also praise her “professional yet friendly approach and can-do attitude.” One source adds: “Her style, approach and expertise can be described in one word – excellent.” Her practice has an additional focus on yachting matters.

Mark Fenech co-heads the firm’s ship finance department. He specialises in advising local and international clients on the registration of vessels. Sources note his prominence in the ship mortgage area.

Alison Vassallo is highlighted by interviewees as “strong in yachting.” Her practice also covers marine litigation.

Partner Adrian Attard comes recommended by clients, who describe him as “professional and thorough” and commend his “sound legal knowledge of matters related to shipping and cargo.”

Dispute Resolution – Malta

Fenech & Fenech Advocates – Band 1

Strengths: Clients describe the firm as “always responsive and very effective in all maritime matters dealt with.”

Notable practitioners:

Managing partner Ann Fenech heads the firm’s marine litigation and yachting departments. She elicits high praise from interviewees who consider her a leading practitioner in this space and describe her as “a top maritime lawyer.” They also praise her “responsiveness and clear, straightforward opinions” and go on to say: “She is well-prepared and sharp, with a great approach.”

Edward DeBono is recognised by market sources as a prominent practitioner in the civil litigation arena. His additional areas of expertise include estate management and inheritance law.

Partner Adrian Attard is described as “a focused and effective lawyer” by interviewees. Clients add: “I have found him to be meticulous and thorough, two qualities that I believe every lawyer should possess. He also follows up on requirements in a timely manner and always ensures that he is available to address his clients’ queries.” He is a member of the marine litigation department.

Tax Malta

Rosanne Bonnici (Fenech & Fenech Advocates) – Band 1

Rosanne Bonnici of Fenech & Fenech Advocates heads the firm’s tax practice. She frequently advises leading local and international companies on cross-border transactions and offers particular expertise in tax planning matters. Market interviewees describe her as “an excellent and very diligent lawyer.”

Corporate/Commercial (including Gaming & Licencing) – Malta

Fenech & Fenech Advocates – Band 2

Strengths: Interviewees value the firm’s service: “The lawyers at Fenech & Fenech are thorough, knowledgeable, very responsive and highly professional in their approach.”

Another source adds: “The firm is very serious, meticulous and offers expertise in all legal fields through its different departments.”

Notable practitioners:

Nicolai Vella Falzon receives extensive praise from clients and peers alike who say: “He is one to watch.” They add: “I found him to be knowledgeable, very responsive and professional in his approach.”

Antonio Ghio remains an active player in the corporate and commercial sphere, with a focus on TMT and IP law.

Joseph Ghio enters the rankings based on positive comments from interviewees who consider him “a very good lawyer.” He is well known for his financial knowledge and experience of M&A transactions.

Financial Services – Malta

Fenech & Fenech Advocates – Band 2

Strengths: Sources are impressed with the firm’s service, stating: “I have a very good impression of the firm. The lawyers are responsive, practical and add value to transactions, while charging reasonable fees.”

One client reports: “The firm’s strong reputation in the market is complemented by a team of capable partners and knowledgeable and professional associates.”

Notable practitioners:

Joseph Ghio is held in high esteem by clients, who consider him “a very diligent and highly professional lawyer.” They also describe him as “extremely knowledgeable, responsive and practical” and go on to commend his “willingness to go the extra mile.”

Rosanne Bonnici comes recommended by sources, who state: “She is a seasoned adviser with strong expertise in the field.” They also praise her “structured and concise communication, strong network and ability to pick things up quickly.”