Chambers & Partners

* Chambers&Partners Chambers Europe 2011

CORPORATE/COMMERCIAL
The firm: "The talented team at this top-ranked firm regularly handles legal issues relating to foreign investement projects in Macedonia. It has a strong practice advising financial entities such as HSBC, the EBRD and ING. The team also consulles TAV Holdings on an airport concession tender and subsequent post-tender process, as well as assisting Camelot group with a major acquisition. International clients appreciate Kristijan Polenak's local knowledge. Market sources describe him as "highly responsive and brilliant at identifying our needs in line with commercial objectives." Tatjana Popovski-Buloski is recommended as "deeply experienced and trustworthy" and noted for her "excellent knowledge of legislative developements."

DISPUTE RESOLUTION
The firm: Dubbed "still number one in litigation" by a market source, this large, full-service firm has recently handled a high-value dispute for an Austrian energy company. It also represents international clients in arbitration at the ICSID, ICC and UNCITRAL, and has a criminal law practice focusing on white-collar offences. The high-profile team receives instructions from significant regional and other international players and also acts for Macedonian entities in a variety of sectors. Partner Tatjana Popovski-Buloski is known for her litigation work and is praised by commentators as "great in all areas, not just criminal work."

* Chambers&Partners Chambers Europe 2010

CORPORATE/COMMERCIAL
The firm: "With a long tradition of serving international clients, and an impressive track record in telecoms and energy work, this firm continues to enjoy a strong profile in the Macedonian market. The team receives referrals from big international players such as Freshfields and White & Case, and maintenance close connections with other leading firms in South-East Europe. Peers speak highly of managing partner Kristijan Polenak , describing him as a "respected leading figure and a very decent, fair player". The highly active Tatjana Popovski Buloski trackles corporate as well as competition matters, and "gets personally involved in all major deals."

DISPUTE RESOLUTION
The firm: An impressive track record serving international clients and a web of European connections make this firm a top choice for clients with big-ticket commercial disputes. Particularly strong in complex litigation, the group acts for energy companies such EVN, Ratia Energy and GEN-I, as well as banks, insurance companies and multinational tobacco giants. Leading figure Tatjana Popovski-Buloski heads the team and enjoys a practice which spans civil, commercial and criminal litigation.

* Chambers&Partners Chambers Europe 2009

CORPORATE/COMMERCIAL
The firm: "Sources say that this long-standing family firm is "probably the best in the market in terms of its capacity for large deals." It is particularly strong on energy-related projects, and recently assisted RWE with a bid of two hydropower stations. The lawyers are also skilled in competition law matters. The team mostly concentrates on corporate and M&A matters; however, around a third of the firm's resources are dedicated to litigation and IP. "We were truly impressed", said one major client, adding: "The team did everything smoothly and didn't overlook a single detail - everything was done to a great standard." Clients say that Kristijan Polenak not only provides "excellent, up-to-the-minute advice," but also "keeps us abreast of changes in the business environment." Observers describe newly appointed partner Tatjana Popovski-Buloski as "a great lawyer who's totally hands -on in her approach and always attentive to client's needs."

DISPUTE RESOLUTION
The firm: Benefiting from regional alliances with other law firms, Polenak acts as local counsel to the EBRD and Citi. According to clients, the firm is particularly adept at complicated claims that involve extensive evidence gathering. Tatjana Popovski Buloski undertakes civil, commercial and criminal litigation. She is particularly experienced in handling disputes relating to unpaid debt and the non-fulfillment of contractual obligations and guarantees.


* Chambers&Partners Chambers Europe 2008

CORPORATE/COMMERCIAL
The firm: "This family outfit can draw on a long history in the FYROM market. Interviewees laud its work on big-ticket transactions and admire its "impressive client following." In addition to commercial activities, the 12-lawyer team has an outstanding reputation in the field of criminal litigation. The firm has started to make its mark in banking and finance markets: it assisted ING Group on the acquisition of Postenska Banka, and Citi on the issuance of Macedonian Eurobonds. Membership of the SEE Legal alliance gives the operation a strong regional edge.
The Lawyers: Clients appreciate that "straightforward" Kristijan Polenak keeps up to date with all the important developments, saying: "He always knows what is playing in the market." They also believe he is easy to work with, highlighting that he is "reliable and accessible." Tatjana Popovski-Buloski is claiming her spot in the market by leading major transactions. Interviewees attest that "she is great in chasing all the parties for feedback, liaising with the client and co-ordinating the whole project."

DISPUTE RESOLUTION
The firm: "Successor of the very first law office in Macedonia, Polenak Law Firm is home to a team of five "fantastic litigators." Work encompasses arbitration, civil, commercial, IP, employment and criminal matters, and this degree of variation is one of its most valuable assets. Clients applaud the "incredible diligence" with which these lawyers approach all their cases.
The Lawyers: "The passionate and industrious" Tatjana Popovski-Buloski leads the litigation department, and proves herself hugely capable in criminal proceedings.

* Chambers&Partners Chambers Europe 2007

DISPUTE RESOLUTION
The firm: : "The strenghts of this firm's dispute resolution practice are lauded by all. Market sources also highlight its prowess in other practice areas that allow; the "top quality" lawyers to offer clients a multifaceted approach to their needs. Widely recognized as "major competitors", the team works on arbitration, civil, commercial, intellectual property, employment and criminal matters. Many of the lawyers are qualified mediators ready to capitalize on the opportunities provided for by the new mediation law.
The Lawyers: "Kristijan Polenak is commended by peers for his international arbitration experience. His other work includes a wide spectrum of corporate/commercial work. "Litigation specialist" Tatjana-Popovski Buloski works on a range of commercial disputes and is also a trade mark agent.

GENERAL BUSINESS LAW
The firm: "This is a large firm by FYROM standards and "well equipped to take on international projects". The firm's strong track record with multinational clients leaves it well placed to represent newcomers to the FYROM economy. The firm demonstrates particular expertise in M&A and banking and finance work, which together account for more than half of the work's workload. Highlights include handling public utilities tenders, the acquisition of local businesses and banks by international investors and acting for creditors in liquidations.
The Lawyers: "Strong and very commercial ," Kristijan Polenak is particularly noted for his work in banking and finance, while his general corporate experience is also praised. He is a member of the local stock exchange and his English language proficiency is admired by international clients. Peers opine that newcomers to the rankings Tatjana Popovski-Buloski has "a lot of potential," particularly on the commercial litigation front.

* Chambers&Partners Chambers Global 2006
The firm: "This "excellent" firm is capable of dealing with complex transactions where it consistently provides "top quality advise", according to clients.
The Lawyers: "With Kristijan Polenak on the other side", says peers , "you always know that everything will run smoothly and there will be no problems at all from start to finish." Polenak is one of the most prominent lawyers in the country. Tatjana Popovski-Buloski, who is seen by the many as the firm's rising star, assist's him.

* Chambers&Partners Chambers Global 2004-2005
The firm: "One of the biggest firms in the market with a long-standing presence and extensive expertise in corporate and commercial law. Clients emphasized the team's "positive attitude and readiness to adapt to specific business needs."
The Lawyers: Major corporate clients praised Kristijan Polenak as a "brilliant lawyer who drives the team."

* Chambers&Partners Chambers Global 2003
The firm: "The one of the oldest firms in Macedonia has a long tradition in corporate and commercial law. Peers speak highly of the team's expertise."
The Lawyers: Peers noted the growing market presence of partner Kristijan Polenak.

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