Rankings

Rankings 2025 – Contents

 

Legal500 EMEA 2025

Commercial, Corporate and M&A – Tier 1

The 'outstanding know-how' of the corporate and commercial law offering at Popovici Nițu Stoica & Asociații is a boon to its broad client base, which includes both international and Romanian household names. Major M&A is a regular feature of the team's workload, and the practice has a notable focus on private sector and foreign investment work. Its client base also includes a wealth of private equity players. Leadership of the team is jointly coordinated between one of the country's most experienced M&A lawyers Florian Nițu; 'outstanding professional' Bogdan C. Stoica; and Silviu Stoica, who is particularly active in the investment funds space. Irina Ivanciu adds transactional real estate expertise, and Vlad Ambrozie is a regular figure supporting the partners.

Testimonials

'Significant experience in M&A, professionalism, attentiveness, client guidance step by step.'

'Outstanding know-how, focus, client guidance, negotiation skills, risk based approach, fairness and common sense.'

'Bogdan C. Stoica is an outstanding professional that any party going through an M&A transaction would want on his side.'

'The personal experience of Bogdan C. Stoica working with athletes and sports people has helped me a lot.'

Dispute Resolution – Tier 1

Popovici Nițu Stoica & Asociații's dispute resolution group is one of the standout offerings from the full-service firm, regularly assisting with major matters across corporate and regulatory disputes, commercial claims, and contentious real estate and construction issues. Arbitration and other forms of alternative dispute resolution are also within the wheelhouse of the practice. Jointly overseeing the team are Florian Nițu, the key figure for international arbitration at the firm; and litigation leader Ciprian Donțu. Camelia Patrascu, who was promoted to the partnership in January 2024, is an up-and-coming name to note; and Ilinca Ștefănescu's wide range of litigation expertise is a further boon to the practice. Raluca Petrescu is a name to note for construction law and contractual disputes.

Testimonials

'A team of professionals, with a strong values and ethical principles, having high capabilities to understand and to manage the most sensitive and complex files, with a business-oriented approach, always looking to find the best strategies for handling the disputes.'

'The individuals we (as a client) work with, proves high professional skills to understand the disputes, always searching for the best strategies.'

'We appreciate the availability and the abilities to present their strategies in a business-oriented manner.'

'Stand-out partners: Florian Nițu and Camelia Patrascu.'

PPP and Procurement – Tier 1

The PPP and procurement group at Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii works closely with the firm's concessions, infrastructure and project finance offerings to support clients ranging from large entrepreneurs and construction companies to corporate entities across the energy, environment, IT, healthcare, and agriculture sectors. The development and implementation of national projects involving road rehabilitation, construction and utilities is the team's key area of strength; clients also praise the team's ability to work internationally. Practice head Florian Nițu is supported by the 'technically impeccable' Ramona Pentilescu and Diana Dobra, who is noted for her experience in EU law.

Testimonials

'We use PNSA in Romania but have used them as lead counsel working with partners in other EU or non-EU countries in relation to public projects, such as in Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the UK. Their role is full scope: including regulatory advice, bid assistance, bid defense, procurement award support and challenges, litigation in public procurement, contract negotiation and contract implementation.'

'Florian Nitu, Ramona Pentilescu, and Diana Dobra form the core team we retain in procurement matters. Ramona is technically impeccable, with huge experience in the public sector. Diana Dobra is capable of handling very sophisticated EU procurement law and practice issues.'

Real Estate and Construction – Tier 1

Popovici Nițu Stoica & Asociații has 'in-depth knowledge of the real estate market'. The team routinely handles land acquisition and development matters, construction and asset management issues, real estate investments, and property disputes, and is very experienced in acting for contractors, developers and finance sector clients. Florian Nițu has 'extensive experience' in corporate real estate matters, and Valentin Creața is well-versed in advising on the development of real estate portfolios in the retail sector. Bogdan C. Stoica handles real estate finance, and Ioana Șampek assists with permitting and construction matters. All named lawyers co-head the practice.

Testimonials

'Popovici Nițu Stoica & Asociații's expertise and professionalism were instrumental in ensuring a smooth and successful property acquisition. Their in-depth knowledge of the real estate market, combined with their meticulous attention to detail, made them an invaluable asset throughout the process.'

'Florian Nițu's extensive experience in the Romanian real estate market sets him apart from other lawyers. His deep understanding of local regulations and market dynamics is a significant advantage. His responsiveness, professionalism, and attention to detail exceeded the expectations.'

'Quick and comprehensive replies.'

'Very good legal and industry knowledge. Practical approach and excellent problem solving.'

Restructuring and Insolvency – Tier 1

Popovici Nițu Stoica & Asociații's 'completely reliable and customer focused' practice in insolvency and restructuring is underscored by an elite insolvency litigation offering. Its client base of both domestic and international companies also instruct the group on complex restructuring and related advisory issues. A trio of lawyers coordinate the team: litigator Ciprian Donțu often acts in court proceedings pertaining to insolvency issues; Valentin Creața, is a trusted advisor to healthcare and real estate sector companies on reorganisations; and Camelia Patrascu is another talented litigator with experience in these cases. Corporate restructuring expert Florian Nițu is also frequently involved, and Ilinca Ștefănescu-Goangă stands out for contentious insolvency work.

Testimonials

'Understands customer needs, provides clear guidance, carefully monitors and reports progress. Completely reliable and customer focused.'

'Supportive, agile, able to provide complex advice and consider different aspects.'

EU and Competition – Tier 2

Popovici Nițu Stoica & Asociații continues to be a strong choice for clients needing assistance with contentious competition law matters. The team has recently acted in sector investigations as well as investigations into abuse of dominant position. Clients include several multinationals in addition to market leading domestic companies. Mihaela Ion leads the practice group and is well regarded in the Romanian market for antitrust work. Clients praise her teamwork with Laura Ambrozie, and Vanessa Nistor is a further practitioner of note.

Testimonials

'Very experienced team, getting the best possible results for clients.'

'The quick reaction and the communication with the dedicated lawyers Mihaela Ion and Laura Ambrozie.'

'A very friendly and open manner to communicate, including with the business people.'

'The responsible lawyers are very solution finding focused and client oriented.'

'I worked with Mihaela Ion and Laura Ambrozie. A team that works very well together. Mihaela Ion as partner is good coordinator and empathic person.'

'A team of professionals, with high capabilities to understand and to manage the most sensitive and complex files, having a business-oriented approach, always looking to find the best solutions, guidance and strategies for handling the subjects.'

'High capabilities to understand and to manage the most sensitive and complex files, always available to offer their support in due time manner, proving high professional skills to understand the EU and competition practice, always searching to provide the best guidance and to find the best strategies to handling any subjects/cases.'

'Highly professional, thoughtful, and very experienced and knowledgeable, professional service as well as client-centric advocate. Always integrity driven which I cannot recommend enough.'

Employment – Tier 2

Disciplinary investigations, employee complaints, collective labour agreements and employment matters born of M&A transactions are all within the wheelhouse of Popovici Nițu Stoica & Asociații's employment team, which frequently collaborates with the firm's wider M&A, tax and litigation departments. Its clients span a range of sectors and the group is well versed in both contentious and advisory work. The team is jointly led by Vlad Neacșu, who has strength and experience in employee restructuring; and Ioana Cazacu, an all-rounder in the field, acting on compliance matters, industrial relations, trade unions relationships, and employment disputes.

Testimonials

'Sophisticated knowledge of employment and social dialog laws and practices, as well court practice from all country regions.'

'Broad understanding of largest unions' priorities and strategies.'

'One of the key strengths of the PNSA employment practice is its exceptional team, which is composed of highly skilled and experienced professionals who are leaders but also learners in their respective fields. Their commitment to ongoing education means that clients benefit from cutting-edge legal advice and innovative solutions.'

'Ioana Cazacu has proven to be a partner-guardian for us on employment matters with a solid track record of successfully navigating complex employment matters, ensuring compliance with highest industry standards.'

TMT – Tier 2

At Popovici Nițu Stoica & Asociații, the TMT practice has a solid track record in acting for financial investors, software developers and media companies in mandates. Key areas of instruction for the group include tech acquisitions and IT transactions, and the team is highly regarded for its experience in advising clients on obtaining 5G certification. The department is co-led by a quartet of partners, Ernest-Virgil Popovici, Bogdan C. Stoica, Silviu Stoica, and Mihaela Ion.

White-Collar Crime – Tier 2

Valued for its 'clear and pragmatic advice', the white-collar compliance and defence team at Popovici Nițu Stoica & Asociații is well versed in the range of matters, including tax evasion, money laundering and EU funds embezzlement. Its multi-disciplinary approach is facilitated by close collaboration with practitioners strong in capital markets, tax, public procurement and EU law. Heading the group is Alexandru Ambrozie, who has 'extensive experience in both the public and private sectors'. He is supported by Ana Stoenescu.

Testimonials

'Very experienced team providing clear and pragmatic advice. Highly recommended.'

'Alexandru Ambrozie is excellent. Responsive and client-focused.'

'Excellent knowledge of topics.'

'Quick and tailored support/replies.'

'We've worked for a number of years on a large matter with Alexandru Ambrozie and Ana Stoenescu. We have previous experience working with other Romanian white-collar lawyers and they would now always be our first choice. They have deep knowledge of advising corporates on white-collar issues. They are practical with their advice. They are client-friendly. They are responsive.'

'The white-collar defence team is known for its commitment to ethical standards and integrity, which has earned them a stellar reputation in the legal community and among clients. The white-collar practice within Popovici Nițu Stoica & Asociații is also renowned for its meticulous preparation and strategic acumen, which have led to numerous successful outcomes.'

'Alexandru Ambrozie's extensive experience in both the public and private sectors equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of white-collar crime. His resourcefulness is further enhanced by a unwavering dedication, personalised service, and the ability to navigate even the most challenging legal waters with confidence and skill.'

Energy and Natural Resources – Tier 3

At Popovici Nițu Stoica & Asociații, the energy and natural resources offering has a solid track record in handling instructions in the renewables space. Wind, hydropower and nuclear energy projects form the backbone of the group's workload, and the team is adept at assisting with compliance issues and related M&A transactions. Practice co-head Florian Nițu regularly handles corporate and regulatory advisory matters, and practice co-head Vlad Neacșu has extensive experience in assisting with the development of photovoltaic projects. Energy sector disputes are a key area of strength for Ciprian Donțu.

Testimonials

'Popovici Nițu Stoica & Asociații's Energy and Natural Resources practice is exceptional due to its deep understanding of the regulatory and operational landscape in this sector. The team excels at navigating complex legal challenges with a proactive approach, ensuring that potential clients receive comprehensive, tailored advice.'

'They stand out for their strategic insights that combine legal precision with a business-oriented perspective. The team's collaboration and communication are seamless, and they consistently deliver practical, efficient solutions.'

'The individuals I have worked with at Popovici Nițu Stoica & Asociații are highly skilled professionals who exhibit a strong commitment to their clients' success. They differentiate themselves through a deep expertise in energy law and a hands-on approach to problem-solving.'

'Good knowledge of the sector and valuable insights.'

'Vlad Neacsu's work was highly appreciated.'

Intellectual Property – Tier 3

Popovici Nițu Stoica & Asociații has capabilities across trademarks, patents, designs, copyright and software related matters, at both the national and international levels. Its standout factor in the market is renown in the sports sector, wherein in advises notable individuals as well as organisations. Bogdan C. Stoica leads the team and is a go-to for the aforementioned sports work, as well as for clients in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Camelia Constantin is a further name to note.

Tax – Tier 3

Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii's tax practice works cross-departmentally with the firm's M&A, litigation, IT, employment and white-collar practices to provide comprehensive support, including in relation to tax reviews and due diligence, and audit assistance. Raluca Rusu heads the team, a certified tax consultant with international tax experience. The team often works in collaboration with the firm's transactional department, across the construction, retail, IT and manufacturing sectors. Bianca Chiurtu is also recommended in this area.

Banking and Finance – Tier 4

Multinational banks requiring Romanian law assistance are among regular client base of the finance team at Popovici Nițu Stoica & Asociații. The practice is adept at acting on both borrower and lender sides of financial transactions, and fintech work is a specialist area. Bogdan C. Stoica heads the offering, and Alexandru Ambrozie and Ioana Lazar are other key figures to note.

Testimonials

'Pragmatic and fast approach, always well measured between pro and cons arguments.'

Capital Markets – Tier 4

Popovici Nițu Stoica & Asociații's practice has particularly strong expertise in advising large, high-profile investment funds in the capital markets space, and has a long history in the field. Bogdan C. Stoica and Alexandru Ambrozie are the leading contacts to note, advising on a broad spectrum of equity and debt capital markets matters. Alexandra Niculae is the standout support.