Arbitration
Overview
Our top-tier arbitration practice always provides focused and valuable service and has an outstanding national and international reputation. We act for a broad spectrum of clients, particularly in the corporate and industry sectors, but also for government and state-owned entities that choose us to manage their disputes because we consistently deliver flawless and outstanding results.
Areas of Work
- Construction and Infrastructure Projects
- Energy related disputes
- Engineering
- Environmental disputes
- Maritime Law
- Media
- Banking and Finance
- Distribution and Transport
- Production
- Real Estate
Selected Assignments
- A major player in the gas and oil field in an ICC dispute opposing the Romanian Ministry of Environment in what seems to be one of the most intricate environmental disputes in the energy sector, relating to a contractual dispute for the recovery of environmental costs of approx. USD 70 million stemming from the privatization of the largest Romanian oil company, following remedial actions undertaken in relation to historical pollution of the company’s sites and abandonment costs for over 750 extraction wells;
- Contractors and beneficiaries in over 14 international arbitration proceedings, either ad-hoc or conducted under the auspices of the international institutions under the rules of ICC, VIAC, ICSID, UNCITRAL etc. regarding complex disputes in respect of performance and termination of agreements in various sectors, such as real estate, energy, construction, including FIDIC agreements;
- The state of Romania in an ICSID investment arbitration regarding a dispute derived from the effects of the most controversial insolvency procedures in Europe, the insolvency of Hidroelectrica; by an award issued end of 2018 the ICSID tribunal fully dismissed Alpiq’s claims of over EUR 400 million and ruled that Romania observed its undertaken obligations as host State and did not breach the investor’s rights;
- Constructors and beneficiaries in over 30 cases having as object some of the most complex and diverse infrastructure design and construction projects disputes pending before the national arbitration institution;
- The National Agency for Mineral Resources regarding the relinquishment by Chevron of three highly publicized petroleum agreements for the exploration and exploitation of shale gas; by an award issued in early 2018 the ICC tribunal totally rejected claims that Chevron had brought against Romania’s state agency, while fully upholding the Agency’s counterclaim for more than US$73 million plus interest from October 2014 as mandatory financial obligations due upon early termination; a total of approximately US$100 million was voluntarily paid within a month from the award.
Awards & Accolades
Insights & News
Peers and clients say about Violeta Saranciuc: “She always demonstrates strong commitment to clients’ needs”; “I appreciated her professional and tailored approach to each aspect of the project”; “Violeta is a first-class lawyer”.
(Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration ǀ 2022)
Peers and clients say about Cosmin Vasile: “Mr Vasile is definitely one to watch in the arbitration market”; “He is a very good tactician in complex disputes”; “He is my top choice for international arbitration in Romania”.
(Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration ǀ 2023)
One client praises the firm’s efficiency and says Vasile ‘is probably the best young litigator in Romania. He has a ‘very thorough understanding of client’s needs and expectations’.
GAR 100 ǀ 2018
Peers and clients say about Cosmin Cojocaru: “Cosmin is a smart practitioner”; “He is brilliant and great to work with”; “He is one of the best in the country”.
(Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration ǀ 2023)
Peers and clients say about Cosmin Vasile: “An expert in the field of international arbitration”; “He clearly understands the client’s commercial goals and is an excellent tactical thinker”; “He is a result-oriented lawyer with commercially sound judgement”.
(Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration ǀ 2022)
One client says: This rapidity in their reaction as well as the professionalism of their advice clearly distinguishes them from other companies.
GAR 100 ǀ 2019
Cosmin Vasile is ‘a star’ in the arbitration market, say peers who note he is ‘experienced and reliable, and has a great attitude’.
Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration ǀ 2020
Steinwender also finds Violeta Saranciuc “a resourceful problem solver with great case management skills”. “She is a rising star in arbitration,” he says.
(GAR 100 ǀ 2023)
Peers and clients say about Cosmin Vasile: “An impressive lawyer with a great attitude”; He has strong expertise in construction and engineering arbitrations”; “A leader in international arbitration in Romania”.
(Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration ǀ 2021)
One client praises the firm’s capacity to respond to requests and mobilise at short notice. ‘This rapidity in their reaction as well as the professionalism of their advice clearly distinguishes them from other companies’, she says. The team also demonstrated impressive knowledge of private international law and environmental law.
GAR 100 ǀ 2018