Dispute Resolution: Latvia

Pan-Baltic corporate law firm LAWIN is also known as a top-tier name for litigation and dispute resolution, representing major international corporate clients such as Sanofi and ArcelorMittal in complex disputes. Ilga Gudrenika-Krebs is noted for her expertise in dispute matters, while Daiga Zivtina also enjoys a strong reputation for her litigation activities. 

Raidla Lejins & Norcous enjoys a good reputation for its expertise advising corporate clients on complex disputes. Managing partner Girts Lejins recently acted together with former judge Jevgenijs Salims in an action for Shell regarding the invalidity of contracts, while other actions include representing ESSO Deutschland in a debt recovery claim, and a patent litigation claim for Pfizer Ireland. Dace Silava-Tomsone is also commended for her activity in competition litigation.

Since publication, Jevgenijs Salims has left this practice.

SORAINEN “is one of the great firms and has outstanding litigators,” sources comment. The seven-strong dispute resolution team is headed by Agris Repss, who is commended for his “intelligent, aggressive representation of clients.” The firm recently advised the Latvian Ministry of Finance on a significant constitutional court case, as well as acting for major international corporations and subsidiaries, such as Coca-Cola Baltic Beverages, DHL Latvia and Nordic Healthcare Group.

Pan-Baltic corporate powerhouse Borenius is also active in corporate litigation and disputes, representing a wide range of local and international clients, as well as public bodies, in complex civil and administrative cases. “Well-regarded litigator” Lauris Liepa successfully combines this field with his corporate and transactional expertise. Sergejs Rudans enjoys a growing reputation in this area.

This smaller firm enjoys a good reputation for its dispute resolution practice, notably in real estate disputes. Representing Latvian, Russian and EU clients, Baiba Plaude is commended for her long experience in this market. 

Eversheds Bitans is admired for its aggressive litigation practice, and the notable activity and court visibility of Agris Bitans. “The firm has long-standing commercial knowledge and a strong litigation practice,” sources note. In addition to providing ongoing advice regarding the major Parex Bank deal, the team has also represented clients including insurance company BALTA, Latvian Shipping Company and Ventspils Nafta.

This local firm enjoys a strong reputation for its long-established litigation and arbitration expertise, including representing international clients. Ziedonis Udris is particularly visible in this area, including serving as chairman of the arbitration court of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce. “He is a well-recognised name in arbitration as well as a good litigator,” sources observe.

This local firm is dominated by the visible presence and high-profile court activity of former supreme court judge Romualds Vonsovics. “He is a fierce litigator in high-profile cases, with good supreme court experience,” sources comment.

This boutique firm advises a range of corporate entities on disputes and litigation, with particular visibility of late advising oil and transit companies in the Ventspils port area. Daimars Skutans is commended as a “brilliant, bright and ambitious lawyer.”

This mid-sized firm acts on a range of dispute matters for local and international clients, including AirBaltic and CEMEX. Ivars Grunte is commended as “a good litigator with long experience in court.” Agnese Hartpenga is also visible in this field.