“Outstanding practice with a deep bench of experts in Serbian and English law. Frequently acts on both the buyer side and seller side of large-scale M&A transactions, as well as on major investments. Client base consists of sizeable global corporates with engagements in Serbia.”
“What’s special about the lawyers at this firm is that they are proactive and business-oriented. They don’t simply show you the problems, but also give an objective picture of how to protect the client’s interests. This is also true for discussions, where they are very knowledgeable and go beyond simply citing the law.”
“We always turn to Harrisons when we have difficult situations, because we know that someone there will give our case special attention.”
“Widely respected team with activity on a wide range of financial matters, including non-performing loan (NPL) sales and other distressed matters. Provides financing advice to a range of international financial institutions, prominent regional banks and corporate investors.”
“The team is very streamlined, efficient and good value for money.”
“Experienced in disputes relating to the financial sector, notably involving distressed assets and insolvency issues, and has a strong reputation for its work on contentious labour and employment mandates. Practice spans litigation and arbitration matters, with significant recent activity in the automotive sector.”
“Notable employment team with significant experience of contentious labour issues, including trade union negotiations and employee terminations. Provides advice to clients in areas such as the automotive and banking sectors, as well as several public entities.”
“Strong regional presence, with particular involvement in foreign energy investments into Serbia and Montenegro. Also experienced in the privatisation of substantial energy entities, and well versed in matters in the mining sector.”
“Broadly active on real estate mandates in Serbia, often encompassing the Montenegrin market. Advises international financial institutions, local governments and multinational corporate clients on a comprehensive range of property matters.”
“Highly rated firm offering local and English law capabilities, supported by a strong Serbian head office and London-based team of lawyers. Strong financing and transactional focus, with notable experience of privatisation mandates, and advising international clients on tourism and energy-related infrastructure developments.”
“This firm’s lawyers are precise, detailed and responsive.”
“Thriving practice in an esteemed law firm set up by a practising English solicitor. Particularly active in the tourism sector and high-end residential developments. Clientele includes domestic and foreign developers, particularly from Italy and the Middle East.”
“Prominent banking and finance team handling large-scale financings, secured lending and derivatives. Restructuring and insolvency are further areas of strength. Clients include leading local and international financial institutions and companies, as well as public bodies.”
“The lawyers are pragmatic and responsive, and keep communication clear and simple.”
“Well known for handling foreign investment and privatisation matters throughout Serbia and Montenegro. Provides particular expertise in the oil, gas and electricity industries. Clients include leading local and international energy companies as well as state bodies.”
“A prominent team best known for assisting international clients looking to invest in the Serbian and wider SEE market. Offers particular expertise in M&A transactions, privatisations and cross-border investment structuring.”
“Harrisons is extremely knowledgeable of Serbian law and the way it operates. The lawyers are diligent in their work and able to offer very good business insights.”
“The team understand us and our objectives; the advice it offers is highly accurate, reliable and delivered quickly.”
“The team is really approachable and available 24/7.”
“These lawyers interpret the law clearly and give us concrete solutions. They summarise what options we have under new laws really well, and all processes are followed up with the correct paperwork.”
“Top-rated firm combining detailed domestic knowledge with a highly respected English law offering. Noted for its long-standing market experience and institutional knowledge, and currently active on bond issuances, energy and infrastructure mandates, and finance matters relating to Montenegrin tourism.”
“The number-one law firm in Montenegro, providing international standards on every case, and setting trends in the market.”
“Regional player renowned for combining detailed English and domestic law advice, with Podgorica-based staff supported by the Belgrade head office’s vast real estate experience. Highly active on landmark privatisation procedures, high-value developments and investment deals in coastal resorts and marinas.”
“The firm has a lot of experience and a very positive attitude – there is a ‘can-do’ stance that attracts clients.”
“Highly respected for expertise in all manner of banking and finance products, including revolving loans, working assets loans and mortgage credit lines. Clients include international organisations and financial institutions.“
“A capable team with great banking and finance expertise.”
“A highly respected practice with substantial experience of handling privatisations, foreign investments and M&A. Acts for a number of heavyweight commercial and municipal clients.“
“It has both the scale and the reputation to serve international financial institutions.”
“Excellent responsiveness and availability. If you contact the team, one of the lawyers will get back to you immediately.”
“Assists national and international household names in a range of industries with litigation cases. A favourite for damage claims and banking litigation, particularly cases pertaining to non-performing loans.“
“Excellent lawyers: they look at issues from different perspectives, not just legal. They take a very practical approach to problem solving.”
“Advises international blue-chips on a wide range of labour law issues including employee share schemes, dismissals, disputes, redundancies and contracts. Praised for its pragmatic approach, responsiveness and international outlook.“
“The lawyers are responsive and offer constructive solutions.”
“The team is responsive, available, and provides good service levels and practical advice.”
“Extensive experience in oil, gas and electricity matters across Serbia and Montenegro, with additional expertise in mining projects. Advises leading multinational energy companies as well as state bodies.”
“Acts on behalf of international financial institutions and investment funds in real estate transactions across Serbia. Clients point to the team’s commercial understanding as a key strength.”
“We’re really happy – the firm understands exactly what the client needs and its advice is straight to the point.”
“A market-leading presence in Montenegro, able to draw upon its Montenegrin-qualified lawyers, lawyers based in the Serbia office, and lawyers based in London. Also offers on-the-ground English law advice. Particularly noted for its experience on privatisations and foreign investment projects. Has been busy of late with real estate, energy, capital markets, and restructuring and insolvency matters.”
“The lawyers at this firm guarantee excellence in local issues and are able to support the client well.”
“Long-established market leader in Montenegrin real estate matters, with a substantial foothold in the lucrative tourism-related construction and development market. Recently involved in numerous high-profile developments in Montenegro, acting on behalf of Middle Eastern investors in particular, in addition to advising on real estate-related disputes and financings.”
“This first-class firm handles the full range of banking and finance matters on behalf of a prestigious clientele.”
“Clients admire the team’s reliability, fast responses and excellent knowledge of the local market.”
“Sources say: Working with this firm was an absolutely great experience – completely to my satisfaction.”
“This renowned team impresses clients with its practical approach and high-quality advice.”
“Sources say: I am extremely satisfied with this firm. The quality of communication and documentation is of a very high level and the lawyers are absolutely pragmatic.”
“Its dedicated energy department enjoys a tremendous reputation.”
“Sources say: In terms of legal knowledge and practical results, the quality is excellent.”
“Harrisons Solicitors wins numerous international assignments and maintains a substantial presence in some of the most significant cross-border transactions in Montenegro.”
“Sources say: The lawyers are extremely proactive, responsive and technically skilled. Their advice is always prompt, which is great in a time-pressed deal.”
“This firm is singled out as a leader in the Montenegrin real estate sector, and is noted for its long-standing experience.”
“Sources say: It is very easy to work with this firm – the lawyers know the facts, have the experience and can overcome any obstacle.”
“This prestigious firm, which has offices in London and Montenegro as well as Belgrade, receives unanimous client praise. The proactive, responsive and rigorous six-strong team covers a wide range of banking and finance matters, including syndicated loans, bond issues and loan restructurings.”
“This compact team has an excellent track record in this area and handles a broad range of energy issues. It is particularly sought after by clients in the gas, oil and electricity industries.”
“Clients are quick to praise this prestigious firm for its dispute resolution capabilities. The lawyers observe matters from all possible angles and don’t beat around the bush; the advice is detailed, pertinent and always on time – an interviewee commented.”
“This well-respected team acts as a strong source of support to the firm’s corporate practice. It handles merger control issues on behalf of an impressive client roster.”
“This prominent team is noted for its significant mandates and strong presence in the Serbian and Montenegrin markets.”
“Sources say: Regularly seen on big-ticket deals.”
“This firm has been operating in Montenegro for over 15 years, and clients agree that it offers a perfect combination of local knowledge and a Western approach. It knows our business and needs, and is friendly, practical and commercial.”
“This firm enjoys a leading position in the real estate market. It is lauded by clients as being head and shoulders above its competitors and continues to be instructed on some of the largest developments in the market.”
“Clients agree that the team’s commercial awareness and local knowledge are fantastic.”
“This committed, client-oriented firm is popular with foreign investors.”
“Peers acknowledge this team’s market knowledge and experience, highlighting its UK base as a valuable asset.”
“Having established a presence in Serbia over a decade ago, this international-oriented firm has become a well-known name in Belgrade and an important source of local expertise for companies looking to do business in the country.”
“The team works to high international standards and has the deals to match.”
“The firm has a proven track record in privatisations and acting alongside the state.”
“This international firm demonstrates many strengths, with clients pointing to its “long-standing experience and in-depth knowledge of the local market” as particular draws. For international and domestic entities, Harrisons is a first port of call for a great variety of legal work. Regardless of the nature of the assignment, the firm is “commercially oriented and responsive.”
“When it comes to the expert handling of real estate matters, you can rely on Harrisons every time – say clients.”
“Tourist development work has dominated the headlines recently, and the firm, as the only international player in the market, has attracted many North African and Russian clients with projects on the Montenegrin coast.”
“The firm is a first port of call for foreign investors on all aspects of real estate, and knows exactly what is required on a major project – say clients.”
“According one client: Of all the firms in the country, we think Harrisons is the most switched-on, giving us the best advice. The firm remains one of the leading choices for foreign clients as it is the only truly international, English-speaking general service law firm in Montenegro. Clients add: One of its main strengths is its long-term knowledge and experience of Montenegro, and therefore its ability to work on deals knowing exactly what is required from the other side. The firm’s lawyers have good working relationships with the government and local authorities, which makes it easier to negotiate and smooth transactions along.”
“Set up more than a decade ago as an English law firm for investors in the Balkans, this successful team is a favourite among prominent international clients.”
“Its close links with the City ensure the team a constant flow of mandates from the banking sector, while its good standing with the authorities wins the team regular instructions from regional governments.”
“This firm has cemented its leading position in the marketplace with its role in several of the region’s key energy deals.”
“The lawyers are internationally minded but perfectly understand the region and are always there for you when needed.“
“Market consensus is that this 12-strong local firm has a distinct international flavour and atmosphere, due to its strong relationships with the City.”
“Clients say the lawyers tailor their advice to the difficult legal and political environment, combining it with impressive understanding of the international scene.”
“This firm’s esteemed Serbian energy practice has several major projects in the pipeline.”
“The firm has an established track record in energy and power transactions and impresses clients with its extremely sound contractual work in energy deals across the Balkans.”
“An English firm with a powerful presence in the Balkans, Harrisons maintains its top position for competition and antitrust matters.”
“Its formidable client base in competition matters includes a number of foreign investors.”
“The four-lawyer group excels at international arbitration.”
“Often singled out for its outstanding service, this firm provides employment law support to a raft of corporate clients.”
“The team is hailed for its profound understanding of legal issues affecting a company and the intricacies of Serbian law.”
“According to clients, Harrisons achieves outstanding results – it has a highly knowledgeable team of international and local lawyers who understand all the complex Serbian land ownership laws and the service is of an international standard. The practice also benefits from its ties with the London office and the Law Society of England and Wales.”
“In addition, the firm has a superb real estate financing practice.”
“Clients say the lawyers accomplish things diligently and thoroughly.”
“Harrisons is prized for its long-standing knowledge of the local real estate market.”
“The team also possesses unrivalled experience of assisting clients with submitting bids in privatisation tenders.”
“A local firm with an international flavour, this outfit makes a difference in the Serbian legal market. Firmly rooted in the local market but with two international lawyers aboard, it is considered by peers to be a unique organisation. Throughout the years the team has acted on numerous ground-breaking transactions; a recent milestone being the introduction of Citigroup in Belgrade, in which it advised the banking giant on establishing itself in Serbia. Hoping to tighten its relationship with financial institutions in the City, the firm has recently opened a representative office in London.”
“The firm’s turf is not limited to Serbia and its lawyers can be found on M&A transactions, privatisations and banking and finance deals throughout the Balkans.”
“This English firm specialises in providing business law solutions to high-profile international clients in Serbia and throughout SEE, and earns praise from clients for its expertise, diligence and responsiveness. The energy and natural resources team has extensive experience in project finance, privatisations and cross-border transactions within the water, gas, oil and energy sectors.”
The firm has “in-depth local know-how“ and strikes a rewarding balance between international standards on the one hand, and a domestic familiarity on the other. The burgeoning real estate market has provided the outfit with a raft of work, ranging from developments across the energy sector to infrastructure projects.
“The performance of this firm nears perfection, according to interviewees, many of whom say it is the best outfit around. The 12-lawyer team operates throughout the region, including in Republika Srpska, FYROM and Montenegro, advising on foreign investments and banking and finance transactions.”
“The service is up to the Western standards that international clients expect, said one interviewee. Others praised the team’s sound advice.”
“The firm boasts an impressive clientele of leading companies, including many in the energy and natural resources sectors.”
“The highly experienced team is involved in numerous high-profile real estate projects in Montenegro, Macedonia and Republika Srpska, as well as across Serbia, and is well placed to capitalise on the real estate boom in the country.”
“An incredibly well-connected and respected firm, it also counts governments from across the region as clients.”
“This firm attracts the most prominent clients and participates in many of the biggest domestic deals, according to commentators. In response to market trends, it has been focusing on work in the banking and real estate sectors and has been particularly active in Montenegro, where it has a well-established office. Referrals from leading foreign firms also make up a significant portion of the workload, owing mainly to the founding partner’s long international experience, researchers were told.”
“The firm was perceived to have solidified its market profile, having been the first independent foreign practice to open an office in Belgrade. It often attracts referrals from the world’s leading law firms, and benefits from a well-established office in Podgorica. This enables the firm to understand the regional market, and consequently, win instructions.”
This English firm is now “reaping the rewards of its patience and courage” during its pioneering establishment in the country.
“Clients commended the team’s aptitude for major transactional work, by a combination of local capability with knowledge of English law.”
“Harrisons, the longest standing English firm in the Balkans, established in 1998, it is now closely involved in the market in Serbia, and significantly in Montenegro, where the firm has advised the government on all the significant privatisations to date.”