Dispute Resolution: Italy

THE FIRM This firm remains a market leader for dispute resolution matters. It attracts a broad range of domestic and international clients, all of which appreciate its superb cross-border capabilities. The practice has extensive experience in litigation, with many of the team specialising in corporate and financial law. In addition, it excels in arbitration and is frequently present on international arbitrations involving multiple jurisdictions.

Sources say: "High-quality litigators with strong links to the academic world." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Franco Bonelli maintains his reputation as a remarkable litigator and is described as "a star in corporate work." Department head Vittorio Allavena receives similar praise for his knowledge of litigation relating to corporate and M&A transactions. Highly regarded international arbitrator Antonio Crivellaro specialises in disputes relating to procurement and construction projects. He serves as of counsel along with Giuseppe Sbisà, who is greatly experienced in both civil and commercial litigation. Giulio Ponzanelli is a further standout name at the firm. His expertise extends to tort liability, as well as commercial litigation. Laura Salvaneschi is noted for her excellent academic credentials and sharp negotiation skills.

THE FIRM This independent Italian firm continues to earn the respect of both peers and clients for its sterling work in dispute resolution. The full service team offers expertise in a wide range of corporate and commercial litigation across many sectors, including energy, real estate and banking. It is currently advising Telecom Italia on a dispute relating to a comparative advertising campaign. It is also representing British Gas in litigation concerning the construction of a regasification terminal at Brindisi, a case which illustrates the firm's capacity to assist international clients. 

Sources say: "The service is always exceptional."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Giuseppe Lombardi is active on a number of high-profile mandates. Market sources praise his technical knowledge and regard him as "responsive, collaborative and adept at finding the best solutions for his clients."

THE FIRM The litigation group at this highly regarded firm continues to expand with the arrival of seven lawyers from Studio Grande Stevens. A number of internal promotions have also boosted the level of expertise in corporate, M&A, banking and real estate disputes. The group is particularly skilled in ADR and international arbitration.

Sources say: "The firm is driven by strong moral principles but it is also tough, which is a great asset in negotiations."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alessandro Pedersoli is praised for his in-depth technical knowledge in ADR and international arbitration. He is supported by a strong team of professionals, including Andrea Magliani, who has extensive experience in contract and bankruptcy litigation. Sources regard him as a "smart and pleasant individual who always offers high-quality advice." Clients describe Filippo Casò as "available and attentive" and appreciate his ability to provide innovative solutions. He frequently acts before civil courts and arbitration panels on high-profile cases. Valeria Mazzoletti is increasing her market visibility and continues to impress with her serious and diligent approach.

Since publication, Valeria Mazzoletti has joined d'Urso Gatti e Bianchi Studio Legale Associato

THE FIRM The dispute resolution team at this international firm has adapted exceedingly well to serving the Italian market. Sources assert that, whilst the team offers the personal approach of a boutique, it also has the cross-border capabilities of an international firm. This is reflected in the team's client base, which includes entities based in Latin America and Russia. In addition to its extensive international arbitration work, the team also represents large domestic companies in corporate and contract litigation matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department co-head Ferdinando Emanuele combines his linguistic skills with "a client-oriented approach and thorough knowledge of relevant business issues." William McGurn specialises in international litigation and arbitration. He has a huge amount of experience in this area as he is admitted to the Bar in both Paris and Washington, DC. Sources commend his exemplary negotiation skills combined with a keen ability to foster productive client relationships.

THE FIRM This 37-lawyer team continues to win high-profile mandates from both domestic and international clients, including Deutsche Bank, Solvay and Hewlett-Packard. The team's success is bolstered by the strength of the firm's corporate department, with which it frequently collaborates. It operates across a broad range of industries but has particular experience in litigation relating to the banking, finance and energy sectors.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Based in the Milan office, Enrico Castellani specialises in complex, large-scale litigation, often on behalf of financial institutions. He continues to represent ABN and HSBC on many matters arising from the Parmalat collapse. Sources describe him as "incredibly hard-working, responsive and a pleasure to work with." In Rome, Fabrizio Arossa retains his position as a well-regarded practitioner with notable experience in contentious matters. He recently represented Bayer in two appeals arising out of continuing antitrust litigation amongst several tyre manufacturers.

THE FIRM This prestigious Italian firm continues to make its presence felt in the market thanks to the volume of high-profile mandates it handles. It recently represented a leading telecoms company in a dispute relating to the termination of three lease and maintenance agreements. The 11-partner team continues to expand its skill set by hiring staff with expertise in a variety of fields, including IP, employment and tax litigation. The firm has offices across the globe, enabling it to represent clients in multiple jurisdictions.

Sources say: "Level of service and depth of knowledge are very important to us, and the team delivers on both counts."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gian Battista Origoni della Croce remains a "highly skilled litigator" with extensive knowledge of M&A transactions, joint ventures and insolvency proceedings. In the Padua office, Paolo Gnignati focuses on corporate disputes relating to restructurings and plays a prominent role in many of the firm's key deals. Described as "efficient and readily available to discuss queries," Alberto Nanni impresses sources with his deep knowledge of disputes involving bankruptcy and labour law. Federico Busatta is another valued member of the team with particular expertise in white-collar crime and compliance matters.

THE FIRM Market sources view this firm as progressive, dynamic and home to a number of talented young partners. The disputes team is renowned for its technical ability and sharp negotiation skills, and it assists financial institutions and industrial companies with a wide range of complex litigation. The team is currently defending a leading Italian bank in a class action relating to maximum overdraft charges. This is one of the first class actions of its kind in Italy and illustrates the firm's ability to work on cutting-edge cases. The group is also skilled in cross-border litigation, representing a mixture of domestic and international clients.

Sources say: "The team gives excellent advice and responds quickly."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Enrico Zattoni is described as "accessible and down-to-earth." He impresses clients with his deep knowledge of ADR and mediation practice. Qualified to practise in Italy and the USA, he is also experienced in international work.

THE FIRM This 22-lawyer firm remains a standout name in dispute resolution, boasting considerable experience in IP issues. It recently advised vinegar producer Acetum on patent violations of a number of its brand names. The team is also active in the banking, telecommunications and pharmaceutical sectors and counts international and domestic companies amongst its clientele. The firm also maintains an alliance with the New York office of Greenberg Traurig, allowing it to serve Italian clients with US interests. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Alberto Santa Maria continues to enjoy an enviable reputation in the market and is highly respected for his detailed knowledge of international arbitration. He has advised the Italian State on a number of privatisations and restructurings, in addition to European and international trade law.

THE FIRM This Turin-based boutique attracts much praise for its well-structured team. It focuses largely on domestic clients and is particularly active in insurance and IP disputes.

Sources say: "A high-quality team of amazing individuals."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lead partner Marco Weigmann is described as "an outstanding lawyer, highly intelligent and accomplished." His expertise extends to company and bankruptcy law, as well as financial arbitration.

THE FIRM The litigation team of this magic circle firm continues to win several high-profile mandates. Its strength lies in banking and finance litigation, although it also represents clients from several other sectors. The group is currently representing a leading international bank in litigation with the City of Milan relating to alleged damages suffered by entering into an unfairly priced derivatives agreement. 

Sources say: "One of the best international outfits operating in Milan."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Massimo Greco continues to lead the litigation against the City of Milan, in addition to a variety of contentious matters arising from the Parmalat insolvency. "He researched and analysed our case thoroughly and provided sound, reliable advice throughout," states one interviewee. Pasquale Cardellicchio draws similar praise: "He goes above and beyond the call of duty and produces work of an outstanding quality." He is also notably experienced in white-collar crime issues.

THE FIRM This highly regarded Italian independent is best known for its international arbitration practice. The team is recognised for its reactive and efficient service. It has notable experience in foreign investment disputes and several of its lawyers are frequently called upon to sit on international arbitration boards. The group's clients come from a variety of sectors, including banking and finance and energy.  

Sources say: "Experts in arbitration."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dividing his time between the Rome and Milan offices, Andrea Bernava is the key contact for the practice.

THE FIRM The dispute resolution team of this international firm has recently won a number of high-profile mandates and continues to draw praise from clients. The group represents both domestic and international players in the banking, energy and insurance sectors. It continues to act for Fintecna in litigation relating to a failed privatisation bid. It is also developing its capabilities in white-collar crime and has established a dedicated team to handle this kind of dispute.

Sources say: "Thorough, efficient and well organised."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Carlo Giampaolino heads the team from the Rome office, while Fabio Guastadisegni is the key contact in Milan.

THE FIRM This relatively young group maintains a presence in Brussels and Moscow, in addition to its offices in Rome and Milan. As a result, the firm has notable cross-border capability and is able to represent both domestic and international clients. Well-regarded by clients and peers alike, the group specialises in construction and product liability litigation. It is also developing a strong reputation in arbitration and ADR.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Maria Cristina Franchini is the main contact for the litigation practice. 

THE FIRM Following various staff changes in recent years, this department has settled into a cohesive unit offering a full dispute resolution service. The group is active in a wide variety of industries, including banking, insurance and construction, and represents large international organisations in complex litigation. It enjoys growing prominence in employment law disputes and has also set up a specialist group dealing with white-collar crime due to an increased demand in this field.

Sources say: "The team takes the time to get to know its clients in order to offer business-oriented solutions."

KEY INDIVIDUALS At the team's helm is practice head Bruno Giuffré. Lauded for his "pragmatic and meticulous approach," he remains a key figure in this bright and enthusiastic team.

THE FIRM This ten-lawyer team continued to expand during the past twelve months and has gained further market visibility. The team largely focuses on domestic clients, but also represents a number of international companies in cross-border litigation. It is notably active in the banking, fashion and retail industries. The group continues to advise RCS Media Group on a dispute relating to damages arising from the disposal of shares.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Enrico Giliberti is praised for his considerable experience in the field and enjoys an "excellent reputation as a high-quality arbitrator."

THE FIRM This well-established firm remains a significant player on the market in spite of some staff departures from the Turin office. It is acknowledged by peers and clients as a sterling choice for arbitration and ADR. The team traditionally represents domestic companies and often assists some of north Italy's most prominent organisations.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Franzo Grande Stevens is a towering figure in the dispute resolution arena and remains an active member of the firm, in a largely advisory capacity.

THE FIRM This team has made a considerable recent effort to broaden its dispute resolution practice. With the arrival of Massimiliano Marinozzi, the group now boasts a litigator with specific experience in the automotive sector. The team is also particularly active in banking, life sciences and IT litigation. The Hogan Lovells merger in 2010 further increased the team's global reach and enables it to successfully assist large international clients with multi-jurisdictional needs. 

Sources say: "The team is knowledgeable, reactive and sensitive to its clients' business requirements."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Francesca Rolla focuses on class actions and product liability matters. One interviewee appreciates how "she has excellent technical ability combined with great flexibility." 

THE FIRM This well-regarded firm is adept at handling international disputes and representing huge global players such as Pfizer and UBS. With offices in Milan, Rome and Bologna it also has a great capacity for domestic work. The team has won a number of mandates in the renewable energy sector of late and continues to be active in banking and insurance litigation. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Silvia Lazzeretti is the main contact for the practice.

THE FIRM The past twelve months have proved a challenging time for this firm, with the departure of a number of staff. In spite of this, the team retains an impressive client roster, assisting companies from the telecoms, banking and transport industries. It often works in conjunction with the firm's banking and corporate departments in order to provide an integrated approach. From its offices in Rome, Milan, Verona and London, the team divides its time more or less equally between international and domestic clients. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Maurizio Cimetti is the main practice contact. He specialises in M&A, contracts and bankruptcy law.

THE FIRM This Milan-based boutique maintains a noteworthy presence on the market. Peers commend the dispute resolution team, which is particularly prominent on the domestic market and serves clients in a broad range of sectors.

Sources say: "A talented and efficient team."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources describe Giorgio De Nova as "a marvellous lawyer, one of the best in the business."

THE FIRM This highly regarded Roman firm continues to play an important role in the market. The disputes team is most active in the telecoms, retail and banking sectors and acts for a largely domestic client base.

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Intelligent and insightful" founding partner Natalino Irti is greatly respected for his considerable experience in the field. He is also a law professor at La Sapienza university in Rome.

THE FIRM This traditional Italian boutique serves predominantly domestic clients and maintains broad activity in both dispute resolution and arbitration. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS One interviewee hails Piero Schlesinger as "one of the best and most tenacious litigators I've ever met." Franco Anelli is another key member of the team. Described as an "excellent practitioner," he is credited with driving the firm forward.

Since publication, Franco Anelli has joined Lombardi Molinari e Associati

THE FIRM This firm runs a thriving practice in both civil and criminal law disputes from its offices in Rome, Padua, Milan and Florence. It represents individuals and corporations in a variety of litigation relating to insolvency and breach of contract, amongst other issues. The team has a noteworthy cross-border capacity thanks to its offices in Albania and Romania and it often acts for Italian clients engaged in disputes with foreign entities.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Giorgio Altieri is a contact for the team.

THE FIRM This 12-lawyer team concentrates on industrial disputes and has maintained a steady work flow during the past year. It recently represented electronics company Hitachi in major litigation relating to distribution agreements. This litigation resulted in a claw-back action which the team concluded successfully in its client's favour. The group is also active in international arbitrations and often acts before the ICC.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Milan-based Claudio Camilli is the principal practice contact.

THE FIRM The disputes team at this international firm is best known for its work in IP litigation. It has built up a solid market reputation in this area and attracts recognition from peers for its specialist knowledge and dedicated approach. Due to the specialised nature of the group's work, it may not be as visible in the market as some of its competitors, but it remains a significant presence nonetheless.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The key practice contact in the Rome office is Osvaldo Lombardi.

THE FIRM This well-regarded Italian independent continues its dispute resolution activity in the real estate and banking sectors. The firm has a number of long-standing international clients such as Blockbuster, which it recently represented in litigation over several franchise contracts. The group also acts for Italian clients in a number of disputes relating to product liability. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Margherita Barié attracts substantial client feedback. As one source enthuses: "She thoroughly explained the challenges and risks involved in the case and was on hand at short notice when we needed detailed advice."

THE FIRM This 17-lawyer team has a number of high-profile clients operating in the entertainment, consumer electronics and insurance industries. It is also active on a number of breach of contract disputes and patent litigation. Sources rate the group for its efficiency and pragmatic approach.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Giorgio Sacerdoti is an eminent arbitrator who acts in an of counsel capacity. In addition to his considerable arbitration experience, he is also a professor of international and European law at Bocconi university in Milan.

THE FIRM This relatively new firm continues its expansion with the hiring of several new staff, including highly regarded litigator Paolo Pototschnig from NCTM. The group represents both Italian and overseas clients operating in a variety of sectors. In a recent highlight, the team successfully represented a large automotive company in two claw-back actions.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paolo Pototschnig is expected to boost the firm's profile, as he is widely viewed as an expert in restructuring and insolvency disputes. Stefano Parlatore also contributes to the group's growing reputation and is commended as "a marvellous lawyer, always well prepared and available."

THE FIRM This dedicated team continues to increase its market visibility by representing a number of prestigious clients in the energy and technology sectors. It has notable strength at both a domestic and international level.

Sources say: "The team is customer-centric, proactive and effective."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Giovanni Carcaterra has extensive experience in commercial litigation and corporate law matters. Clients view him as "detail-oriented and accurate. He really makes time to understand his clients' business requirements." Practice head Riccardo Troiano is another active member of the team and specialises in civil procedure and arbitration law.

THE FIRM This relatively small team comprises high-quality practitioners. It operates on a national and international level thanks to its global spread of offices. The group is active in both litigation and arbitration matters and is recognised for its ability to build strong relationships with its clients.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Marina Santarelli is greatly experienced in civil and commercial litigation and is the key practice contact in Milan.

THE FIRM The firm may be smaller than some of its competitors, but clients maintain that the dispute resolution team is knowledgeable and particularly skilled in IP- and technology-related litigation. It continues to win mandates in the travel, media and fashion industries and has an increasingly strong reputation in these areas.

Sources say: "The team completely understood the issues at hand and suggested alternative solutions where necessary."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Micael Montinari leads the team in Rome and has particular experience in IP and media-related disputes and arbitrations.

THE FIRM Following a period of change, the dispute resolution practice at this international firm has regrouped and developed into a significant market presence. The team includes experts in white-collar crime, commercial and financial litigation, and clients range from domestic players to multinational companies. In a recent highlight, the group successfully represented a major pharmaceutical manufacturer in a product liability claim valued at EUR2 million.

Sources say: "One of the best firms I have used for dispute resolution matters."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Recent arrival Cristina Pagni specialises in banking and finance litigation and receives praise for her practical approach and strong negotiation skills.