Practice Areas

Banking and Finance is a broad field that encompasses various activities related to financial transactions and services, including lending, investing, and managing money. Lawyers in this field work in a range of settings, including commercial banks, investment firms, insurance companies, and other financial institutions. ELF members dealing in this field of law, provide advice to national and international clients on all legal matters related to banking and finance law, from daily business operations to complex finance transactions.

ELF members represent entities that issue securities to raise capital, security holders seeking to sell their securities, or banks and investment banks that underwrite and sell such securities. They provide legal advice and representation to clients involved in the issuance, sale, and trading of securities, including stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments. Capital markets lawyers work with clients on issues related to securities regulation, such as compliance with securities laws and regulations, disclosure requirements, and securities offerings. They also advise clients on the structuring and documentation of capital market transactions, such as initial public offerings (IPOs), secondary offerings, and private placements. They have a comprehensive understanding of the securities laws of the jurisdictions in which the securities will be traded.

ELF members represent, advise and counsel their clients in relation with structuring, negotiation, conclusion and implementing different types of public-private partnerships, public procurement, or concession contracts, related to the construction of new road, building, water and sewerage infrastructure elements, and construction of sports facilities. They often represent and advise their clients before the contracting authorities throughout the entire process of contract awarding, from preparation of the participation, documentation, through liaising with the contract awarding committees, to negotiation of contractual terms and conditions and appearing before national contract committees.

ELF member law firms are providing comprehensive advice to companies related to transactions such as acquisitions and mergers, covering all aspects from legal due diligence to drafting contracts for take overs, taking care and advising on all legal aspects in between.

ELF members provide legal advice and representation to clients who are accused of committing crimes. Criminal law covers a wide range of offences, including misdemeanors, felonies, white-collar crimes, and violent crimes. They help their clients to navigate the criminal justice system and understand their rights. They provide advice on plea bargains, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent clients in court if necessary. They may also investigate the circumstances surrounding a criminal charge and gather evidence to support their client's defense.

Data Privacy and GDPR compliance is an area of expertise that focuses on ensuring that organizations are collecting, processing, and storing personal data in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This includes the development of policies and procedures to protect individuals' privacy rights and prevent data breaches. Under GDPR, your organization is obligated to respond to a data subject's request about their personal data. GDPR requirements give consumers (i.e., data subjects) the right to ask companies for information held about them. ELF member law firms are experienced in this field and are ready to support your organization to meet the requirements for properly handling personal data as defined in the law.

Debt Collection is an area of expertise that involves the process of collecting payments from individuals or businesses who owe money to a creditor. Debt collection may be performed by the original creditor or by third-party debt collection agencies. ELF members acquire outstanding negotiation and conflict resolution skills and are ready to help you to keep track of assigned accounts to identify outstanding debts. They are very familiar with court and arbitration procedures relating to this subject.

ELF member law firms advice personal and legal entities on different aspects of the employment law, concerning relevant national jurisdictions. They work with both employees and employers, advising on issues related to workplace discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, wage and hour disputes, and compliance with employment laws and regulations. They may also assist with drafting employment contracts, non-compete agreements, and other employment-related documents. They are providing support to their clients on matters of collective and individual rights, preparing employment contracts, dealing with movement of work force as well as representation in legal disputes.  

The practice area of Law for Energy and Utilities involves legal matters related to the energy and utilities industry including electric, gas, water, and telecommunications companies. Energy and utilities lawyers work with clients on issues related to regulatory compliance, such as obtaining permits and licences, complying with environmental regulations, and dealing with rate-making issues. They also advise clients on the legal implications of energy and utility projects, such as transmission line construction, power plant development, and natural gas extraction. ELF members typically represent clients that include energy companies, utilities, government agencies, and other entities involved in the production, distribution, and consumption of energy and utilities. They may provide legal guidance on issues related to renewable energy, natural gas, oil, electricity, water, and other resources. This area of law encompasses a wide range of issues, including regulatory compliance, corporate transactions, litigation, environmental compliance, and project development.

Environmental law is a practice area that encompasses a wide range of legal issues related to the protection of the environment and natural resources. It involves the development and implementation of laws, regulations, and policies that aim to prevent or mitigate environmental harm caused by human activities. ELF members work with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private entities to advise on environmental compliance, represent clients in environmental disputes, and develop strategies for managing environmental risks. They may also assist in the negotiation of environmental permits, compliance plans, and remediation agreements.

EU & Competition law is an area of legal practice that deals with the regulation of competition and the functioning of markets within the European Union. This area of law seeks to ensure that competition in the EU is fair and transparent, and that companies do not engage in anti-competitive behavior that can harm consumers or other businesses. The close cooperation between ELF member Law firms is a great advantage for the clients in providing them with a comprehensive advice regarding the wide-ranging and complex standards imposed by national and European antitrust legislation and the ongoing amendment and reforms of antitrust authorities. ELF member law firms have a great experience in advising and representing clients in proceedings before national antitrust authorities as well as before the EC.

A significant number of ELF members provide advice to clients related to family relationships and domestic issues. Family law covers a wide range of legal issues including divorce, personal separations, child custody and support, adoption, surrogacy, paternity, domestic violence, and property division. ELF law firms help clients navigate the legal system and understand their rights and responsibilities. They assist clients with negotiating settlements and representing them in court if necessary. They may also work with other professionals, such as counsellors and mediators, to help families resolve disputes and ideally arrive at out of court settlement agreements.

Many ELF members provide legal advice and representation to clients on matters related to financially distressed businesses or individuals. Insolvency lawyers work with clients involved in insolvency proceedings, bankruptcy and liquidation, and assist in negotiating with creditors to restructure debt or otherwise resolve financial difficulties. Our members also provide advice on compliance with insolvency laws and regulations and represent clients in court or other legal proceedings related to insolvency, bankruptcy and liquidations.

Many of the ELF member law firms advise on issues related to Intellectual property i.e. patents, trademarks, industrial designs and geographic indications of source and copyright, protecting literary and artistic works and assist them in any infringement cases. ELF members also offer their advice regarding the national legislation as well as EU wide legislation concerning the rapidly growing technology and media industry.

Litigation, arbitration, mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) are all legal processes used to resolve disputes between parties, but which of course differ in terms of their procedures and outcomes.  ELF members provide assistance in all these areas.

ELF member law firms advice clients trading on national and international level to set up and sell their products to the respective customers. They provide legal advice and representation to clients involved in the shipping and transportation industry, as well as in the import and export of goods. They work with clients on issues related to shipping, such as vessel registration and documentation, maritime accidents and casualties, cargo claims, and marine pollution. They may also assist clients with compliance with international maritime laws and regulations, such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations.

Mediation has been on the rise for several decades across the European Union: each European country has implemented its own set of voluntary or compulsory rules in this field. With a deep understanding of local laws and practices, ELF members guide parties towards mutually beneficial outcomes, saving valuable time, resources, and preserving business relationships.

ELF members understand that resolving commercial disputes efficiently and amicably is essential for businesses operating in Europe. ELF members are lawyers with a keen eye for dispute resolution opportunities: we analyse the specifics of your case, adapting our approach to suit your individual circumstances so as to best represent your interests before the Courts. Throughout mediation we recognize the value of time and aim for swift resolutions.

With our in-depth knowledge of European mediation procedures and tight cooperation between ELF members, we seamlessly navigate cross-border disputes. Whether you operate within the European Union or beyond, our team has the experience to assist you in achieving resolution across diverse jurisdictions, while maintaining the highest standards of privacy and diligence in the defence of your interests.

Public procurement is the process by which government agencies and public entities acquire goods, services, and works from external suppliers. Public procurement plays a critical role in promoting transparency, accountability, and competition in government spending, and ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and effectively. ELF Members can assist in navigating the legal and regulatory requirements of the procurement process. They can advise clients on a range of issues related to public procurement, including bid preparation, contract negotiation, compliance with procurement rules and regulations, and dispute resolution.

ELF law firms, can provide legal services to individuals, businesses, and government entities in a variety of matters related to real estate transactions, property development, and construction projects. They also advise clients on property acquisitions and sales, leasing, zoning and land use regulations, environmental compliance, and financing.

Regulatory and compliance is a specialized area of expertise that deals with ensuring that individuals, businesses, and organizations comply with laws, regulations, and industry standards that govern their activities. This field covers a wide range of regulations that can vary depending on the industry, country, and even the specific activities being undertaken. ELF members are assisting clients in navigating the complex web of regulations and laws that govern their industries. They work with clients to ensure that their business practices comply with applicable laws and regulations. They may advise clients on regulatory compliance issues related to employment law, securities regulation, environmental law, antitrust law, and more. They also help clients to identify potential regulatory risks and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. They also assist with government investigations, audits, and enforcement actions.

ELF members provide legal advice and representation to clients on matters related to taxation.. They help clients navigate the tax system and understand their tax obligations. They also provide advice on tax planning, compliance with tax laws, and tax dispute resolution. They may also represent clients in tax audits and appeals and provide guidance on tax litigation.