„Legal 500“ is a leading international publication assessing global legal market. For 28 years, the Legal 500 has been analysing the capabilities of law firms across the world, with a comprehensive research programme revised and updated every year to bring the most up-to-date vision of the global legal market. The Legal500 assesses the strengths of law firms in over 100 jurisdictions.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION (tier 2)
Under the leadership of Gintaras Balčiūnas, LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas handles administrative and civil cases across a broad set of Lithuanian and EU courts. Notably, the firm has seen several large engagements pertaining to public service obligations in the energy sector, alongside numerous public procurement, shareholder and competition-related disputes. Vaidas Radvila covers a broad set of disputes, including energy, transport and IP litigation, while Gintaras Stankevičius has key experience in contract, real estate and construction law.
TAX (tier 2)
LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas has an excellent reputation for handling tax litigation, often acting for clients in cases against the State Tax Inspectorate. The practice is jointly led by Marius Grajauskas and Gintaras Balciunas, both well known for advising on tax disputes. The group is equally strong in advising on non-contentious tax matters, including VAT and customs tax, and is well known for its association with the Lithuanian Association of Tax Advisors. Gintaras Stankevičius and managing associate Artūras Liutvinas are names to note.
Testimonials (Collated independently by Legal 500 research team):
‘Speed and think outside the box.’
‘They focus on results.’
BANKING, FINANCE AND CAPITAL MARKETS IN LITHUANIA (tier 3)
LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas has notable specialisms assisting insolvent credit unions through bankruptcy proceedings and portfolio transactions as well as representing several leading banks on a range of loan disputes. Further, the practice has also seen a number of further highlights involving electronic money institutions as well as assisting on the acquisition of a company developing an onshore wind farm. With former experience in-house at major financial institutions, Marius Grajauskas is highly experienced on loan transactions and debt recovery, among his broader specialisms in arbitration. Gintaras Balciunas is another well-respected financial litigator having served as a former Minister of Justice, while Lina Balciune is noted for her anti-money laundering expertise. Jurgita Najulyte is also mentioned for her AML compliance for banks and fintechs.
COMMERCIAL, CORPORATE AND M&A (tier 4)
LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas advises several large companies in fields such as pharma, fertilizers, and the energy sector, on major acquisitions, investments, and corporate governance restructuring. Marius Grajauskas and Gintaras Balciunas lead the team; while both are also known for their prowess in litigation and arbitration, the former also has substantial experience in legal departments of leading banks, while the latter has broad experience having served as former Minister of Justice of Lithuania. Vaidas Radvila handles corporate and competition matters in addition to handling energy, transport and IP issues.
EU and competition (tier 4)
LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas is particularly strong on contentious competition matters surrounding state aid work and cases of alleged abuse of dominant position. Experienced litigator Gintaras Balčiūnas and competition expert Vaidas Radvila jointly lead the team, advising large Lithuanian companies across a broad set of sectors, notably in the energy and LNG, manufacturing, postal and rail industries. The firm also has experience advising on public service obligations and cases involving the European Commission.
Shipping and transport (tier 3)
LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas continues to assist stevedoring company KLASCOS with a broad range of legal matters, as well as acting as counsel to logistics companies, freight forwarders and shipping entities. Recent work for the team includes handling contractual matters relating to trading issues with Ukraine. Disputes expert Vaidas Radvila heads up the practice, and is ably supported by Gintaras Balciunas and Gintaras Stankevičius.
Testimonials (Collated independently by Legal 500 research team):
‘LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas provides services and consultations faster than we expect, its comments and advice are effective, professional, and helpful in all cases.’
‘The most experienced and professional lawyer in the firm in our opinion is Gintaras Balciunas, with whom we are working directly.’
Projects and energy (tier 3)
Under the leadership of experienced litigator Gintaras Balciunas, LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas has a solid track record in handling contentious energy and electricity mandates. The client roster also includes transport and logistics sector companies. Vaidas Radvila brings expertise in competition law.
Employment (tier 3)
LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas is highly skilled in employee dismissals, with further expertise covering negotiations between employee-employers. The team is also noted for its compliance support in highly regulated industries including the pharmaceuticals sector. Gintaras Balčiūnas, a former Minister of Justice of Lithuania, draws on extensive disputes experience, while Marius Grajauskas, the firm’s managing partner, is another highly regarded name, especially for arbitration proceedings. Konradas Pabijanskas also contributes to the practice.
Real estate and construction (tier 3)
LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas’ team offers particular expertise in real estate and construction disputes, often involving contentious planning matters, and is equally adept at handling construction and regulatory matters for clients in the logistics and energy sectors. The firm has an excellent reputation for assisting with projects at Klaipeda Seaport. Practice head Gintaras Stankevičius assists with real estate contracts, financings and related tax matters. Gintaras Balciunas brings expertise in litigation and arbitration, and managing partner Marius Grajauskas provides key support.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION (tier 2)
LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas is a major name in public procurement matters, including in the healthcare and energy sectors. Other key areas of specialism for the practice include debt settlements and state aid-related disputes. The firm regularly appears in cases before both national and European courts. Practice head Gintaras Balciunas is a former Minister of Justice of Lithuania and a very experienced arbitrator. Other key names include competition lawyer Vaidas Radvila and ‘extremely resourceful‘ senior associate Gintaras Stankevičius.
Practice head(s): Gintaras Balčiūnas
Other key lawyers: Vaidas Radvila; Gintaras Stankevicius
Testimonials ‘Gintaras Stankevicius is a highly experienced, extremely resourceful lawyer with great expertise in corporate, commercial, public procurement, real estate and construction matters. Gintaras does not shy from the heavy work himself, he provides constant guidance and support in case questions arise, as well as unwavering leadership in crisis situations.’
TAX (tier 2)
The LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas tax practice is led by experienced litigators Marius Grajauskas and Gintaras Balciunas and has a strong record in tax-related disputes, including defending clients in cases against the State Tax Inspectorate. On the non-contentious side, the team advises on the tax aspects of acquisitions and helps develop policy through its membership of The Association of the Lithuanian Tax Advisors.
Practice head(s): Marius Grajauskas; Gintaras Balčiūnas
BANKING, FINANCE AND CAPITAL MARKETS IN LITHUANIA (tier 3)
LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas’s banking, bankruptcy and restructuring group has a particular specialism in insolvency work. The team is supporting numerous insolvent credit unions in the process of loan portfolio transactions. Anti-money laundering work is also one of the core strengths of the practice. Marius Grajauskas has notable industry experience, having previously worked in-house at Deutsche Bank. Jurgita Najulyte is an insolvency expert, while Lina Balciune is a certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS). Former Lithuanian justice minister and experienced arbitrator Gintaras Balciunas also supports the team.
Practice head(s): Marius Grajauskas; Gintaras Balčiūnas; Jurgita Najulytė; Lina Balčiūnė
COMMERCIAL, CORPORATE AND M&A (tier 4)
LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas handles large transactions in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and energy, and also provides its clients with ongoing corporate legal support. The practice is jointly led by managing partner Marius Grajauskas, a former government lawyer for the Ministry of Finance, and former justice minister Gintaras Balciunas, both of whom have significant experience in corporate deals. Senior associates Vaidas Radvila and Gintaras Stankevičius are also key contacts.
Practice head(s): Marius Grajauskas; Gintaras Balčiūnas
Other key lawyers: Vaidas Radvila; Gintaras Stankevičius
Testimonials ‘Senior associate Gintaras Stankevicius is a highly experienced, extremely resourceful lawyer with great expertise in corporate, commercial, public procurement, real estate and construction matters. Gintaras does not shy from the heavy work himself, he provides constant guidance and support in case questions arise, as well as unwavering leadership in crisis situations.’
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (tier 3)
LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas offers representation in trade mark infringement cases for clients primarily operating in the financial services sector. Marius Grajauskas, who has considerable previous experience in financial services, having previously worked in-house at several major regional banks, leads the practice. Jurgita Najulyte, who works on banking, finance and insolvency matters as well as IP, is another name to note.
Practice head(s): Marius Grajauskas
Other key lawyers: Jurgita Najulytė
EMPLOYMENT (tier3)
LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas has a strong employment disputes practice, covering dismissals, restrictive covenant infringements, cases concerning the interpretation of the Lithuanian Labour Code and other areas. Gintaras Balčiūnas is a former Lithuanian Minister of Justice and has a high level of experience in the employment field as well as in corporate law and commercial arbitration. Marius Grajauskas also previously worked for the government and is a chartered surveyor as well as a lawyer; he advises on tax, real estate and construction in addition to employment law. Konradas Pabijanskas is also noted.
Practice head(s):Gintaras Balčiūnas; Marius Grajauskas
Other key lawyers: Konradas Pabijanskas
Testimonials ‘Konradas Pabijanskas сlearly and objectively assesses prospects, understands business logic and human factors.’
PROJECTS AND ENERGY (tier 3)
Handling significant litigation in the energy sphere, most notably between major local producer Achema and the Lithuanian government, the LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas practice is led by seasoned disputes practitioner Gintaras Balciunas. The firm is also notable for its consultations on legal issues surrounding the construction of new terminals at the port of Klaipeda, which has been a hive of activity as LNG and offshore wind farm projects are rapidly put into motion.
Practice head(s): Gintaras Balčiūnas
EU AND COMPETITION (tier 4)
LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas has a specialist competition litigation practice with a strong track record in abuse of dominance matters and cartel investigations. The team is jointly led by former Lithuanian Minister of Justice Gintaras Balciunas, an experienced commercial arbitrator with particular expertise in state aid matters, and associate partner Vaidas Radvila, who works with clients across a number of sectors, including energy and transport.
Practice head(s): Gintaras Balčiūnas; Vaidas Radvila
REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION (tier 3)
LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas is a frontrunner in renewable energy construction projects, advising on the establishment of offshore wind farms and the development of infrastructure to facilitate the maintenance of such projects at Klaipeda Seaport, Lithuania’s coastal trading hub at the meeting point of the Baltic Sea and Curonian lagoon. Gintaras Stankevičius, who is experienced in real estate deal structuring and construction project financing, heads the practice. Former Lithuanian Justice Minister Gintaras Balciunas provides key support.
Practice head(s): Gintaras Stankevičius
Other key lawyers: Gintaras Balčiūnas
Testimonials:
‘Quality and promptness in replies.’
‘Prompt and understandable answers.’
‘This practice is unique because of the people – they are collaborative and really interested in your issues.’
SHIPPING AND TRANSPORT (tier 3)
LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas is actively involved in the Lithuanian shipping sector through its longstanding representation of stevedoring company KLASCO of Klaipeda seaport – which is currently very busy with wind turbine building contracts – as well as ship-repairing businesses and terminal operators. Multinational investor Indeco is also a key transport-sector client. Accomplished disputes lawyer Vaidas Radvila leads the practice.
Practice head(s): Vaidas Radvila
TMT (tier 4)
LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas acts in disputes in the TMT market, including defamation cases and employment litigation, under the leadership of experienced litigator and arbitrator Gintaras Balciunas. The team also advises clients on non-contentious matters, such as the implementation of technology projects and product launches in the Lithuanian market. Associate partners Vaidas Radvila and Gintaras Stankevičius are also key to the practice and are highlighted for providing ‘exceptional results‘ in ‘crisis situations‘.
Practice head(s): Gintaras Balčiūnas
Other key lawyers: Vaidas Radvila; Gintaras Stankevičius
Testimonials:
‘Deep knowledge of big business clients. Responsive. Hard working. Going the extra mile in situations where I don’t have knowledge. Winning team.’
‘Gintaras Balciunas: Precise, acurate, very reliable. Hard working. Deep knowlegde of big business and very good understanding of business processes. Great connections to decision makers in government and regualtory bodies.’
‘Vaidas Radvila: responsive, accurate, exeptional results even in the hardest situations.’
DISPUTE RESOLUTION (tier 2)
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas provides ‘expert-level, effective and timely advice.’ The firm has experience representing banks and credit unions, as well as some of the largest companies in Lithuania. Gintaras Balčiūnas jointly leads the practice with Marius Grajauskas, who together with Jurgita Najulyte represented a series of insolvent credit unions in court in litigation centred on the alleged misuse of funds and property by the clients’ former managers. Another name to note is Vaidas Radvila, who handles disputes connected with the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector.
Practice head(s): Gintaras Balčiūnas; Marius Grajauskas
Testimonials
‘Expert level, prompt attention, effective and timely advice and consultations.’
BANKING, FINANCE AND CAPITAL MARKETS IN LITHUANIA (tier 3)
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas is particularly known for its work in bankruptcy proceedings involving financial institutions. Managing partner Marius Grajauskas advised Click2Sell on regulatory compliance, which involved working with the Supervision Service of the Bank of Lithuania to ensure that the payment institution’s activities were in compliance with the law. Senior associate Jurgita Najulytė is working with Grajauskas to assist various insolvent credit unions with loan portfolio transactions and bankruptcy proceedings. Lina Balčiūnė is another notable individual.
Practice head(s): Marius Grajauskas; Jurgita Najulytė
Testimonials
‘A reliable law firm that we could trust in any legal matter. They always come to us with solutions.’
‘The ability of lawyers to cover and provide a wide range of legal services is crucial in bankruptcy proceedings.’
‘The managing partner Marius Grajauskas is undoubtedly an extremely important person. His experience and commitment to personally delving into the situation and giving the best advice is appreciated. Also, worth mentioning is Jurgita Najulyte, who solves legal problems very quickly. Jurgita not only drafts legal documents but also perfectly represents credit union in legal proceedings and other legal relationships.’
COMMERCIAL, CORPORATE AND M&A (tier 4)
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas has a ‘diverse, flexible and versatile’ practice. The ‘stand-out’ Gintaras Balčiūnas and Vaidas Radvila both lead the team. Balčiūnas advised Roche Lietuva on all corporate issues. Senior associate Gintaras Stankevičius is also recommended.
Practice head(s): Gintaras Balčiūnas; Vaidas Radvila
Testimonials
‘A reliable law firm that we could trust in any legal matter. They always come to us with solutions’
‘This team responds promptly to the problems raised, helping to solve the problems by offering at least several alternative solutions. The team is very diverse, capable of dealing with different types of issues. Flexibility and versatility are the strengths of this team. This is not just a team of lawyers, it’s partners who are always ready to help and advise.’
‘Practice head Vaidas Radvila is a highly experienced and business-oriented lawyer with an admirable track record.’
‘There are a variety of legal issues that we face. We can safely say that this law firm operates at a very high standard in its field, offering a wide range of legal services. We would especially like to highlight the stand out partner Gintaras Balčiūnas, whose knowledge and experience make it easy to find solutions in difficult situations. Diligence, flexibility, high standards – these qualities set this law firm apart from the rest.’
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (tier 3)
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas is strong in all aspects of trade mark, copyright and patent infringement cases. The team is led by Marius Grajauskas and Gintaras Balčiūnas; the latter advised Roche Lietuva on a potential patent infringement claim against the Lithuanian National Health Insurance Fund under the Ministry of Health. Konradas Pabijanskas is experienced in trade mark disputes.
Practice head(s): Marius Grajauskas; Gintaras Balčiūnas
Testimonials
‘I would like to point out that the intellectual property practice group provides great quality legal services on time. It always pays attention to my needs and delivers rational, effective solutions.’
‘The group has great lawyers, who have extensive experience.’
‘I mostly work with both partner Gintaras Balčiūnas and managing associate Gintaras Stankevičius. In my opinion, both lawyers are great professionals in intellectual property field.’
‘I like working with Partner Gintaras Balčiūnas because he can provide rational solutions to legal issues.’
‘Managing associate Gintaras Stankevičius has great analytical skills and can find long-term solutions for me, which solve not only the current issue, but also prevent further problems.’
‘Team head Vaidas Radvila is a highly experienced and business-oriented lawyer with an admirable track record.’
‘We have worked with all the top law firms in Lithuania, but we preferred Leadell.’
PROJECTS AND ENERGY (tier 3)
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas’ practice stands out for its work in energy disputes. Illustrative of its strengths in this area, team head Gintaras Balčiūnas is representing Achema in legal disputes against the State of Lithuania and European Commission in national and EU courts. Vaidas Radvila is also recommended for his expertise in energy matters.
Practice head(s): Gintaras Balčiūnas
REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION (tier 3)
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas’ ‘efficient and experienced’ team acts on the development and acquisition of ports and energy infrastructure, as well as the development of real estate for residential and industrial purposes. The team is led by Gintaras Stankevičius, who advised KLASCO on the development and construction of a new petroleum and petrochemicals products terminal.
Practice head(s): Gintaras Stankevičius
Testimonials
‘They are very efficient and experienced. I appreciate that they can keep the terms on time. They are able to provide professional advice in a wide range of business spheres.’
‘There is a wide range of partners and associates, and they can help in a variety of aspects. The main qualities we have discovered from working together are reliability, perfect legal knowledge and a professional approach.’
SHIPPING AND TRANSPORT (tier 3)
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas advises start-ups and major companies on a wide variety of shipping and transport matters. Practice head Gintaras Balčiūnas and others provide ongoing advice to Centrinis Klaipėdos Terminalas on its international and domestic operations. The firm also advises AB Klaipėdos jūrų krovinių kompanija on several matters related to shipping and port development. Senior associate Vaidas Radvila is recommended.
Practice head(s): Gintaras Balčiūnas
TAX (tier 4)
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas advised the International Chamber of Commerce Tax Commission of The Lithuanian Business Confederation over new changes to tax law. Elsewhere, the firm assists other clients with tax issues associated with global restructuring projects and transfer pricing, among other matters. Managing partner Marius Grajauskas, who is the head of the team, is chairman of the board of the Association of the Lithuanian Tax Advisors, and represents its interests in meetings with the Financial Ministry of Lithuania. Senior associate Artūras Liutvinas is noted for his experience of direct tax and VAT matters.
Practice head(s): Marius Grajauskas
Law firm LEADELL Balciunas & Grajauskas has been recommended in the following practice areas:
DISPUTE RESOLUTION (tier 2 )
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas provides ‘expert-level, effective and timely advice.’ The firm has experience representing banks and credit unions, as well as some of the largest companies in Lithuania. Gintaras Balčiūnas jointly leads the practice with Marius Grajauskas, who together with Jurgita Najulyte represented a series of insolvent credit unions in court in litigation centred on the alleged misuse of funds and property by the clients’ former managers. Another name to note is Vaidas Radvila, who handles disputes connected with the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector.
BANKING, FINANCE AND CAPITAL MARKETS (tier 3 )
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas is particularly known for its work in bankruptcy proceedings involving financial institutions. Managing partner Marius Grajauskas advised Click2Sell on regulatory compliance, which involved working with the Supervision Service of the Bank of Lithuania to ensure that the payment institution’s activities were in compliance with the law. Senior associate Jurgita Najulytė is working with Marius Grajauskas to assist various insolvent credit unions with loan portfolio transactions and bankruptcy proceedings. Lina Balčiūnė is another notable individual.
COMMERCIAL, CORPORATE AND M&A (tier 4)
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas has a ‘diverse, flexible and versatile’ practice. The ‘stand-out’ Gintaras Balčiūnas and Vaidas Radvila both lead the team. Gintaras Balčiūnas advised Roche Lietuva on all corporate issues. Senior associate Gintaras Stankevičius is also recommended.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (tier 3)
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas is strong in all aspects of trade mark, copyright and patent infringement cases. The team is led by Marius Grajauskas and Gintaras Balčiūnas; the latter advised Roche Lietuva on a potential patent infringement claim against the Lithuanian National Health Insurance Fund under the Ministry of Health. Konradas Pabijanskas is experienced in trade mark disputes.
PROJECTS AND ENERGY (tier 3)
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas practice stands out for its work in energy disputes. Illustrative of its strengths in this area, team head Gintaras Balčiūnas is representing Achema in legal disputes against the State of Lithuania and European Commission in national and EU courts. Vaidas Radvila is also recommended for his expertise in energy matters.
REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION (tier 3)
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas ‘efficient and experienced’ team acts on the development and acquisition of ports and energy infrastructure, as well as the development of real estate for residential and industrial purposes. The team is led by Gintaras Stankevičius, who advised KLASCO on the development and construction of a new petroleum and petrochemicals products terminal.
SHIPPING AND TRANSPORT (tier 3)
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas advises start-ups and major companies on a wide variety of shipping and transport matters. Practice head Gintaras Balčiūnas and others provide ongoing advice to Centrinis Klaipėdos Terminalas on its international and domestic operations. The firm also advises AB Klaipėdos jūrų krovinių kompanija on several matters related to shipping and port development. Senior associate Vaidas Radvila is recommended.
TAX (tier 4)
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas advised the International Chamber of Commerce Tax Commission of The Lithuanian Business Confederation over new changes to tax law. Elsewhere, the firm assists other clients with tax issues associated with global restructuring projects and transfer pricing, among other matters. Managing partner Marius Grajauskas, who is the head of the team, is chairman of the board of the Association of the Lithuanian Tax Advisors, and represents its interests in meetings with the Financial Ministry of Lithuania. Senior associate Artūras Liutvinas is noted for his experience of direct tax and VAT matters.
The lawyers of Balciunas & Grajauskas have been recognized among the leading experts in the fields of banking, finance and capital markets, dispute resolution, intellectual property, real estate and construction, shipping and transport and projects and energy, stating the following:
DISPUTE RESOLUTION (tier 2)
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas represents clients across a wide range of industry sectors. Led by Gintaras Balčiūnas and Marius Grajauskas, it is currently acting for Achema, the largest natural gas consumer in Lithuania, in multiple disputes with the state of Lithuania concerning a recently built liquefied natural gas terminal and the resulting levy that has been imposed on all natural gas consumers in the country. Senior associate Gintaras Stankevičius is recommended.
SHIPPING AND TRANSPORT (tier 2)
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas regularly acts on shipping and aviation matters, recently providing assistance to a state enterprise on the construction of the regional air traffic control building. Gintaras Balčiūnas and senior associate Vaidas Radvila are leading the advice to Fitek on the automation of its postal transportation services across Lithuania. Aviation-related public procurement is another area of expertise.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (tier 3 )
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas regularly undertakes contentious IP work; Gintaras Balčiūnas is currently representing Naujoji Rūta in several trade mark infringement cases, as well as providing legal advice to pharmaceutical company Roche on patent production. Practice head Jurgita Najulyte is recommended.
PROJECTS AND ENERGY (tier 3 )
Gintaras Balčiūnas heads the practice at LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas, which advised Achema on regulations related to public service obligations and on a proposed levy on the electricity it manufactures. Managing associate Vaidas Radvila and associate Artūras Liutvinas are also noted. Eesti Energia and Renerga are also clients.
REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION (tier 3 )
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas handles a variety of work, including assisting with marine-related infrastructure projects. Senior associate Gintaras Stankevičius leads the practice group, which advised Klasco on the construction of a new petroleum and petrochemical products terminal in the Port of Klaipeda. Gintaras Balčiūnas is a key figure.
BANKING, FINANCE AND CAPITAL MARKETS (tier 3 )
Led by senior associate Jurgita Najulyte, LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas has expertise in advising insolvent credit unions and assisting in bankruptcy proceedings. Managing partner Marius Grajauskas recently represented the Lithuanian branch of Danske Bank in a dispute with a joint-stock company over the repayment terms of a €43m loan.
COMMERCIAL, CORPORATE AND M&A (tier 4 )
At LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas, Gintaras Balčiūnas leads the team, which is currently advising pharmaceutical company Roche on the operation of its distribution network in Lithuania. Senior associate Vaidas Radvila is also a name to note.
TAX (tier 4 )
Managing partner Marius Grajauskas heads the team at LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas, which specialises in representing domestic corporates and Lithuanian-based multinational affiliates in disputes with the State Tax Inspectorate (STI). Recent highlights include acting for an investment company in a dispute with the STI over the amount of tax to be paid; the first-instance court and Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the client and reduced the amount of tax due to €30,000 from €10m. Gintaras Balčiūnas is a key figure in the department and senior associate Konradas Pabijanskas is also recommended. Clients include the Association of the Lithuanian Tax Advisors.
In 2018, law firm LEADELL Balciunas & Grajauskas has been recommended in the following practice areas:
DISPUTE RESOLUTION (tier 2)
In addition to handling contentious bankruptcy and public procurement cases, the team at Leadell Balčiūnas & Grajauskas, led by Gintaras Balčiūnas and managing partner Marius Grajauskas, is representing Achema in multiple disputes against the state of Lithuania concerning a recently built liquefied natural gas terminal and the resulting levy which was imposed on all natural gas consumers in the country. Associate partner Rytis Paukštė is another notable figure.
SHIPPING AND TRANSPORT (tier 2)
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas handles a range of work concerning shipping, with a particular strength in oil trading matters. Gintaras Balčiūnas and associate partner Rytis Paukštė acted for bankrupt petroleum trader AG Oil in a dispute over undelivered diesel scheduled to be delivered by Edena Investments, a BVI company. Balčiūnas is also advising Klasco on the planned construction of new port terminals. Aviation-related public procurement is another area of expertise.
BANKING, FINANCE AND CAPITAL MARKETS (tier 4)
Leadell Balčiūnas & Grajauskas counts banks and leasing companies among its clients and is advising a number of bankrupt credit unions. Gintaras Balčiūnas advised Achemos Grupė on the financing for the acquisition of the trading business and grain elevators network of Litagra Group and the latter’s Latvian subsidiary. Managing partner Marius Grajauskas and senior associate Kazimieras Karpickis are key team members
COMMERCIAL, CORPORATE AND M&A (tier 4)
Mandates in the energy and agriculture sectors feature prominently in Leadell Balčiūnas & Grajauskas’s M&A workload. It is acting for Agrochema on its acquisition of several of the Litagra Group businesses. Marius Grajauskas and Gintaras Balčiūnas are also advising on a number of wind farm deals.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (tier 3)
Leadell Balčiūnas & Grajauskas’ practice includes managing associate and team head Vaidas Radvila and senior associate Liūnė Storoženkaitė as key practitioners. Gintaras Balčiūnas is also active in the space; he and Storoženkaitė acted for Roche in a patent infringement case and are representing Naujoji Rūta in multiple trade mark infringement disputes.
REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION (tier 3)
LEADELL Balčiūnas & Grajauskas handles a mix of work, with marine-related infrastructure a particular strength. Gintaras Balčiūnas advised Klaipeda Stevedoring Company on developing a petrochemicals terminal in Klaipeda. Other highlights include advice to PK Invest on developing a residential real estate project.
TAX (tier 4)
Leadell Balčiūnas & Grajauskas specialises in representing domestic corporates and Lithuanian-based multinational affiliates in disputes with the State Tax Inspectorate. Additionally, practice head Marius Grajauskas has assisted clients such as Eoltas and Kautra with international corporate tax issues. Gintaras Balčiūnas is key figure in the department.
The lawyers of LEADELL Balciunas & Grajauskas have been recognized among the leading experts in the fields of banking, finance and capital markets, dispute resolution, intellectual property, real estate and construction, shipping and transport and tax, stating the following:
BANKING, FINANCE AND CAPITAL MARKETS (tier 3)
Senior associate Kazimieras Karpickis heads the practice at Leadell Balciunas & Grajauskas and is adept at bankruptcy and insolvency matters. Credit unions, individuals, banks and leasing services instruct the team. Managing partner Marius Grajauskas and Gintaras Balčiūnas are also recommended.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION (tier 2)
Under Gintaras Balčiūnas, the team at Leadell Balciunas & Grajauskas has recently handled contract terminations, lease agreements and public procurement matters, among other disputes. Key figures include managing partner Marius Grajauskas and associate partner Rytis Paukštė.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (tier 3)
Leadell Balciunas & Grajauskas handles copyright and trade mark infringements, as well as registration matters. Senior associates Liūnė Storoženkaitė and Vaidas Radvila are key figures, the latter heading the team.
REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION (tier 3)
Leadell Balciunas & Grajauskas was active in the energy and transport sectors, handling land acquisitions, construction mandates and municipality disputes, among other matters. Senior associate and practice head Gintaras Stankevičius is recommended with managing partner Marius Grajauskas and Gintaras Balčiūnas.
SHIPPING AND TRANSPORT (tier 3)
Leadell Balciunas & Grajauskas has been variously advising on postal services, transport-related corporate matters and construction of an air traffic control centre. Managing partner Marius Grajauskas, Gintaras Balčiūnas and senior associate Vaidas Radvila are key contacts.
TAX (tier 4)
Leadell Balciunas & Grajauskas handled inspections conducted by the STI and also led on customs, VAT and cross-border matters. Managing partner Marius Grajauskas heads the practice and is recommended along with senior associate Konradas Pabijanskas.
The lawyers of Balciunas & Grajauskas have been recognized among the leading experts in the fields of banking, finance and capital markets, dispute resolution, intellectual property, real estate and construction, shipping and transport and tax, stating the following:
BANKING, FINANCE AND CAPITAL MARKETS
Balciunas & Grajauskas’ managing associate Kazimieras Karpickis is ‘the main point of contact’ for matters including bankruptcy proceedings and implementing new finance models. Managing partner Marius Grajauskas and Gintaras Balčiūnas are recommended.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Balciunas & Grajauskas’ recent caseload included shareholder disputes, debt recovery and state aid matters. Managing partner Marius Grajauskas and Gintaras Balčiūnas head the department, which provides ‘great value for money’. Managing associates Gintaras Stankevičius, Konradas Pabijanskas and Kazimieras Karpickis are recommended, as is associate partner Rytis Paukštė.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Balciunas & Grajauskas acted for an alcoholic beverage producer on invalidating a trade mark registration. Managing partner Marius Grajauskas and Gintaras Balčiūnas are recommended, as is associate partner and practice head Rytis Paukštė.
REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION
Managing associate Gintaras Stankevičius heads Balciunas & Grajauskas’ practice, which provides an ‘excellent level of service’. The group advised a real estate development company on developing six multi-apartment houses. Gintaras Balčiūnas is recommended with managing partner and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors member Marius Grajauskas.
SHIPPING AND TRANSPORT
Balciunas & Grajauskas ‘meets the highest standards’ and recently advised a real estate development company on matters related to non-standard freight transportation. Associate partner Rytis Paukštė heads the team, which includes Gintaras Balčiūnas and managing partner Marius Grajauskas.
TAX
Managing associate Konradas Pabijanskas heads Balciunas & Grajauskas’ practice, which includes senior consultant Šarūnas Jazukevičius, managing partner Marius Grajauskas and Gintaras Balčiūnas. The group advised a fuel and oil products company on matters related to the application of VAT.
In 2015, law firm Balciunas & Grajauskas has been recommended in the following 8 practice areas:
– Banking and finance
– Dispute resolution
– EU and competition
– Intellectual property
– Real estate and construction
– Shipping and transport
– Tax
– TMT
In 2014, Balciunas & Grajauskas were recognized in the following areas:
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Gintaras Balčiūnas heads the team at Balčiūnas & Grajauskas, which has a good reputation for construction and financial disputes, and is currently representing Projektų ekspertizė in a civil case regarding a €63m railway project.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Balciunas & Grajauskas continues to advise Traidenis on trade mark issues, and successfully represented the client in a dispute with a competitor, Feliksnavis, over the use of production technology. The group also advised Vitafarma on IP rights protection.
REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION
Marius Grajauskas and Gintaras Balčiūnas co-head the team at Balčiūnas & Grajauskas, which ‘always responds promptly’ and is noted for its ‘huge knowledge and effectiveness. The team advised Danske Bank on a lease of commercial premises in a new financial services centre.
SHIPPING AND TRANSPORT
Balciunas & Grajauskas team is led by Marius Grajauskas. Its recent work includes advising Willenbrock Baltic on matters including the shipping of seaport cranes to member countries of the EU. Gintaras Balciunas is assisting Oro navigacija, the national provider of air traffic services, in relation to its participation in the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) programme.
TAX
Balciunas & Grajauskas recently advised Fair Isaac Services on tax matters relating to its affiliates in the Baltic States, and also acted for Lit-Invest in disputes regarding VAT payments on petroleum products sold to foreign customers.
Balciunas & Grajauskas has been recognized among the leaders in the following areas:
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Balciunas & Grajauskas has a good record in financial and construction disputes. Recent instructions include advising on the recognition and enforcement of a foreign judgement. Gintaras Balciunas heads the team.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Balciunas & Grajauskas recently advised a pharmaceuticals company on EU and national copyright law pertaining to the illegal distribution of medical devices and successfully represented a cleint in a dispute with Microsoft and Symantec over illegal use of software.
REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION
Marius Grajauskas and Gintaras Balciunas lead Balciunas & Grajauskas‘ versatile practice, which covers the full range of real estate matters including transactions, development projects and disputes. A recent highlight was advising an investor on a €23m residential project in Vilnius.
SHIPPING AND TRANSPORT
Gintaras Balciunas heads the team at Balciunas & Grajauskas which advised a wholesaler on transportation agreements and acted for an international freight company in debt recovery proceedings.
TAX
Balciunas & Grajauskas advises local and foreign companies, financial institutions and individuals on taxation matters. The team recently assisted an international corporation with tax optimisation relating to the establishment of a local entity. Senior consultants Konradas Pabijanskas, Gintaras Stankevičius are the main contacts.
A.Tumėno str. 4, LT-01109 Vilnius, Lithuania
Monday – Friday (from 8:30 to 17:30)
Phone +370 5248 7467
E-mail: vilnius@leadell.com
