Rankings 2023
Common values generate trust.
Trust generates durable and successful links.
Chambers Europe 2023
TAX – BAND 1
Chambers Review
D&B David si Baias specialises in contentious tax matters and has proven expertise in proceedings before Romanian courts. The law firm handles disputes relating to VAT, corporate income tax and environmental levies for the excess waste. It offers tax advisory services through its strong connection with PwC, assisting with both national and international matters, including double taxation treaties. It represents an extensive array of clients from the real estate industry, as well as the manufacturing and agricultural sectors.
D&B David si Baias assisted Ruris Impex with the tax aspects of a spin-off transaction.
Clients Testimonials:
- “They provide quick and clear answers to all our questions.”
- “D&B David si Baias handle complicated matters. They always respond on time.”
- “They are always up to date with legislative news and have extensive experience with various topics.”
Dan Dascălu (band 1) attracts ample praise for his skills as a tax litigator. He is considered an expert in a range of contentious matters, often concerning corporate income tax, VAT and tax annulment.
Ana Maria Iordache (Up and Coming) enters the rankings based on increased market recognition. She handles contentious and non-contentious VAT matters.
Clients Testimonials:
- “Dan Dascălu is an excellent lawyer and handles extremely complicated legal matters.”
- “He is able to advise on complicated matters.”
- “He’s a very knowledgeable lawyer.”
COMPETITION/ANTITRUST – BAND 2
Chambers Review
D&B David si Baias is noted for its expertise in assisting clients with obtaining competition law clearance for corporate transactions. The law firm also represents clients in Competition Council investigations into allegations of abuse of a dominant position or involvement in a cartel. The team additionally advises on state aid schemes and competition law compliance. Team members also have experience in matters concerning procurement regulations.
D&B David si Baias advised AFV Beltrame on the competition law notification for its acquisition of COS Targoviste.
Clients Testimonials:
- “The team takes a hands-on approach to clarify and break down complex matters into bite-size topics.”
- “The firm is able to offer solutions for all our problems in due time.”
- “The lawyers have very good insight of the matters discussed.”
Eminent practitioner Sorin David is the firm’s managing partner. He has impressive experience in merger clearance mandates. In addition, he represents clients in investigations into vertical agreements and excessive pricing allegations. Sorin David also acts on state aid mandates and compliance programmes.
Clients Testimonials:
- “He is the guru in the competition law practice in Romania.”
- “He has deep knowledge and insights in the relevant topics.”
- “Sorin is very analytic, has an excellent overall image of the matters discussed and is very patient in gathering all the information in order to provide the best solution in the end.”
- “No matter how complicated the situation seems, he never loses his calm and temper, which gives us the impression he always has a solution.”
Lucian Bozian (Up and Coming) has a strong focus on merger clearance mandates. He has further experience representing clients in investigations into allegations of anti-competitive behaviour, as well as advising on state aid matters and competition compliance issues.
Clients Testimonials:
- “Lucian has extensive knowledge and solid experience in competition.”
- “The communication and collaboration with him is very efficient and pleasant.”
- “He pays attention to the detail while never losing the overall picture in mind.”
CORPORATE/M&A – BAND 4
Chambers Review
D&B David si Baias frequently acts for multinationals with headquarters in Romania on their integration with local businesses, including reorganisations and project developments. The law firm routinely assists with the local aspects of cross-border acquisitions, mergers and spin-offs as part of wider reorganisation processes, as well as with corporate regulatory matters. Its lawyers regularly represent clients from the telecom and insurance sectors.
D&B David si Baias assisted Signal Iduna with the acquisition of Ergo Asigurari.
Clients Testimonials:
- “They do a very good job when it comes to project management, I am very happy to have them on board. They are very proactive and don’t leave anything uncovered.”
Anda Rojanschi (band 4) advises domestic and international clients on the acquisition of Romanian companies, as well as representing shareholders in sales. She acts for tech players and clients from the pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries.
Clients Testimonials:
- “She can spot potential issues that may occur, she is also very approachable and takes feedback very well.”
DISPUTE RESOLUTION – ROMANIA – BAND 4
Chambers Review
D&B David si Baias is cited for its experience handling competition disputes and also often handles clients’ complex tax matters. The firm is further known for its strengths in data protection law. Clients of the firm come from the energy, financial services, and agricultural sectors. D&B strongly benefits from its ongoing association with PwC.
Clients Testimonials:
- “D&B are always up to date with legislative news and have extensive experience in various topics. They are also able to count upon the expertise of PwC consultants when needed.”
Dan Dascălu (band 5) is well reputed for his expertise in tax disputes, particularly litigation concerning VAT and tax liabilities. He also represents clients in procurement disputes and appeals against fines.
Clients Testimonials:
- “Dan Dascălu is an excellent lawyer and handles extremely complicated legal matters.”
- “He is able to advise on complicated matters.”
- “He’s a very knowledgeable lawyer.”
FINTECH LEGAL – BAND 1
Chambers Review
The D&B team advises banks and other financial institutions regulatory compliance and authorisation matters. It also works with clients on financings and other corporate mandates, and can assist with data protection issues.
Notable practitioners: Ovidiu Bold is a key contact.
Clients Testimonials:
- “They complement each other and provide coherent, integrated legal advice. They are attentive to details, have a 360-degree approach and cover all possible aspects of the situation presented for their evaluation and advice.”
Chambers Global 2023
CORPORATE/M&A – BAND 4
Chambers Review
D&B David si Baias frequently acts for multinationals with headquarters in Romania on their integration with local businesses, including reorganisations and project developments. The law firm routinely assists with the local aspects of cross-border acquisitions, mergers and spin-offs as part of wider reorganisation processes, as well as with corporate regulatory matters. Its lawyers regularly represent clients from the telecom and insurance sectors.
D&B David si Baias assisted Signal Iduna with the acquisition of Ergo Asigurari.
Clients Testimonials:
- “They do a very good job when it comes to project management, I am very happy to have them on board. They are very proactive and don’t leave anything uncovered.”
Anda Rojanschi advises domestic and international clients on the acquisition of Romanian companies, as well as representing shareholders in sales. She acts for tech players and clients from the pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries.
Clients Testimonials:
- “She can spot potential issues that may occur, she is also very approachable and takes feedback very well.”
Legal 500
EU AND COMPETITION – TIER 1
D&B David si Baias SCA has established itself as ‘one of the most requested law firms in this niche‘; the team handles the full spectrum of competition, antitrust and state aid issues, regularly representing clients in merger control proceedings, as well as competition commission investigations and challenges. In a recent example of a complex EU-level case, the firm secured an exception from the European Commission concerning the application of Romania’s public procurement rules to the oil and gas industry for OMV Petrom. Managing partner Sorin David remains a highly regarded figure in this space, while managing associate Lucian Bozian is singled out as a ‘genuine expert in this subject matter‘.
Leading individuals – Sorin David
Rising stars – Lucian Bozian
Clients Testimonials:
- ‘D&B has a strong team in the EU and competition field. Due to their reputation, they are one of the most requested law firms in this niche.’
Work highlights
Representing OMV Petrom before the European Commission concerning a major decision about the application of public procurement rules.
Representing Dnata Catering in an investigation concerning an alleged vertical restraint agreement with Bucharest International Airport.
Successfully assisted AFV Beltrame Group with a notification to the Competition Council of its acquisition of the functional assets of COS Targoviste, a Romania-based company undergoing judicial reorganisation.
Clients Testimonials:
- ‘Lucian Bozian is the most prominent lawyer in D&B’s competition team and I could say without hesitation that he is a genuine expert in this subject matter, having in mind his past experience in the Competition Council and his contribution to specialised doctrine.’
TAX – TIER 1
D&B David si Baias SCA fields a ‘consolidated team of excellent litigators’ which is able to take ‘creative and challenging approaches to difficult matters‘. The firm is extremely popular with domestic and international clients, on behalf of which it handles direct and indirect tax disputes that regularly reach courts of the highest level, including the ECJ. Practice head Dan Dascălu is singled out as ‘an outstanding lawyer, combining the lengthy experience of a well-versed litigator with extremely extensive knowledge in the field‘. Other highly recommended practitioners include Ana-Maria Iordache, Sorin David and Mihail Boian.
Leading individuals – Dan Dascălu
Next Generation Partners – Ana-Maria Iordache
Work highlights
Representing Petro Ventures Europe in tax litigation which raises the issue of discrimination between national and foreign entities over the differentiated taxation of corporate income.
Clients Testimonials:
- ‘High level professionalism, top notch clientele, top academic acumen.’
- ‘Dan Dascălu is the go-to lawyer in tax litigious matters.’
- ‘D&B is a consolidated team of excellent litigators in taxation matters, with creative and challenging approaches to difficult matters that generated highly valuable results for us.’
- ‘They are flexible and seek to identify and follow our needs and expectations, while at the same time ensuring the highest technical quality of the deliverables. They are always prompt in providing feedback and solutions to urgent matters that are useful and we rely on in taxation matters.’
- ‘Dan Dascalu is an outstanding lawyer, combining the lengthy experience of a well-versed litigator with extremely extensive knowledge in the field, enhanced through his academic work. Dan holds more than the highest range of strengths and soft skills necessary to successfully defend a case in court and he is also a university professor, with an extensive contribution both to the practical aspects of fiscal law and fiscal proceedings and to the doctrinal aspects relating thereto. He is business-oriented and readily available with practical solutions to the most complex problems and it is always pleasant to work with him.’
- ‘Mihail Boian is a smart, hard-working lawyer, who is always there for us.’
- ‘Ana-Maria Iordache is an experienced lawyer, very passionate and knowledgeful, result-oriented and working with her is always easy and enjoyable.’
- ‘Dan Dascălu has always the appropriate team for the matter. He gets involved in cases, knowing them to the latest detail. He allows his team, including associates, to discuss with the client and they always have the right response.’
COMMERCIAL, CORPORATE AND M&A – TIER 3
The corporate lawyers at D&B David si Baias SCA have ‘a great capacity to anticipate the concerns and the hot topics relevant for the other parties‘. The firm has a strong track record for transactional matters, and is particularly adept at assisting companies with post-merger integrations. Added to this is a strong proficiency in day-to-day commercial matters, business launches, and related regulatory and administrative issues, bolstered by a leading competition offering. Anda Rojanschi leads the team, which also includes recommended practitioners Sorin David and managing associate Adina Oprea.
Rising stars – Adina Oprea
Work highlights
Advised Donalam on the acquisition of the functional assets of COS Târgovişte – currently under judicial reorganisation – by means of a transfer of assets, in accordance with the company’s reorganisation plan.
Advising Orange on the integration process of Telekom Romania Communications into Orange.
Advising Shell Romania on the operation of its fuel card business in Romania.
Clients Testimonials:
- ‘Anda Rojanschi, as coordinating lawyer, is a professional with a high level of understanding regarding the client’s concerns and has a solution oriented approach in any context.’
- ‘D&B’s team was a great match for me in our last M&A project. They have a real can-do attitude in relation to the client’s needs and they have a great capacity to anticipate the concerns and the hot topics relevant for the other parties.’
- ‘Sorin David – great ability and willingness to listen, very good legal knowledge, passionate, and very good communication skills, always finishing in advance, and never postponing meetings and contracts.’
- ‘Very competent team, with good understanding of the client’s needs and business objectives, able to manage complex matters and projects, organised, responsive and reliable.’
- ‘High expertise, clear and precise communication and document drafting, constructive and pragmatic attitude, availability and constant effort to have the client’s interests protected to the best possible extent.’
DISPUTE RESOLUTION – TIER 3
D&B David si Baias SCA has an active disputes team; tax and competition-related claims are major areas of strength, but the firm also has a strong track record in broader contractuall disputes. Data protection and public procurement are also core area of focus, and the team has recently acted in a case in the former field before the European Court of Justice. Practice head Dan Dascălu is ‘an exceptional lawyer, for whom successes are an easy job‘. Clients also value the ‘very passionate and knowledgeable‘ Ana-Maria Iordache and ‘smart, hard-working practitioner’ Mihail Boian.
Clients Testimonials:
- ‘Very professional feedback, always on time.’
- ‘Apart from professional advice and being very knowledgeable, we highly appreciated the advice from a practical point of view too, not only from a legal point of view.’
- ‘D&B have once again proved to be great experts in dealing with complex administrative and regulatory issues we have faced recently. Their input is highly valuable and appreciated in identifying a comprehensive strategy for dealing with public authorities and challenging their deeds, as well as for defending us in related contractual matters. In particular we significantly appreciate their technical and strategic input when dealing with issues involving a complex perspective, and their flexibility to discuss with various stakeholders involved in our projects as well with the witness experts. We trust their rationale and judgment and enjoy our collaboration.’
- ‘Dan Dascălu is an exceptional lawyer, for whom successes are an easy job. He is extremely experienced as a litigator, mastering all the practical skills in this regard and he is a very knowledgeable lawyer. Dan has a thorough understanding of even the most technical aspects of a case and he is really business and results-oriented, as well as prompt in his answers and strategy. Last but not least, working with him is pleasant and enjoyable.’
- Mihail Boian is a smart, hard-working practitioner. Ana-Maria Iordache is an experienced lawyer, very passionate and knowledgeable, result oriented and working with her is always easy and enjoyable.’
EMPLOYMENT – TIER 3
For D&B David si Baias SCA, clients include major private and state-owned companies, and the firm has a strong track record in collective negotiations with trade unions. Other areas of focus include large restructuring projects, transfer of undertakings, collective dismissals, and related court litigation. The firm also regularly assists employers with cross-border projects and employment-related tax issues. Dan Dascălu leads the team, with support from several senior associates, including the ‘amazing‘ Sonia Balanescu.
Work highlights
Advised a state-owned company on a complex personnel restructuring process.
Successfully represented a major retailer in the fashion industry in a series of litigations with a former employee.
Advised a major bank on the transfer of employees in the context of a significant merger.
Clients Testimonials:
- ‘Their way of working is professional and they are also fast in answering. The answers received and the possible case outcomes are professionally handled and explained.’
- ‘They are all handling the cases and communication in a professional way.’
- ‘Their ability to communicate with the client, to prepare the necessary documents, and to offer quick feedback.’
- ‘Working with Sonia Balanescu has been amazing, she is a very efficient and communicative lawyer.’
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES – TIER 3
D&B David si Baias SCA is noted for its cross-departmental approach, and fields ‘mixed teams of lawyers specialised in a vast area of fields‘. The firm has an excellent reputation for regulatory, antitrust and taxation-related matters, which extends to advice on significant legislative initiatives, as well as advice on corporate transactions and development projects. Key partners include the ‘very pragmatic‘ Laurentiu Pachiu; of counsel Delia Pachiu, who has ‘expertise built over the years working in a challenging regulatory environment in the energy field‘; managing partner Sorin David, who stands out for his competition law expertise; and corporate expert Anda Rojanschi.
Clients Testimonials:
- ‘D&B shows excellent professional expertise, with mixed teams of lawyers specialised in a vast area of fields that manage to cover even the most complex projects/topics. They are good with keeping deadlines and anticipating client needs.’
- ‘Sorin David is by far one of the brightest legal minds in Romania. It is a pleasure to work with him and continue to learn from him.’
- ‘Laurentiu Pachiu is a very pragmatic lawyer, offers quick solutions including when there are difficult legal issues to be tackled.’
- ‘Delia Pachiu is an excellent lawyer. She has extensive knowledge in many areas of law, expertise built over the years working in a challenging regulatory environment in the energy field.’
REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION – TIER 4
D&B David si Baias SCA brings a broad spread of expertise to the table. The practice provides a key supporting role to the corporate team on M&A deals with a significant property component, as well as offering advice to developers and investors, including major funds, on their acquisitions and projects in the retail, office, industrial and agricultural spaces. Corporate expert Anda Rojanschi leads the team. Competition and commercial law specialist Sorin David is also active in the team. Clients single out managing associate Georgiana Bălan for her ‘ability to develop creative solutions‘.
Clients Testimonials:
- ‘Good knowledge of the Romanian real estate sector.’
- ‘Georgiana Bălan: ability to develop creative solutions.’
IFLR 1000
M&A – TIER 4
D&B David si Baias is a tier 4 law firm in M&A.
Review IFLR1000:
In M&A the firm assisted a mix of domestic acquirers and sellers from the consumer goods and services, healthcare, financial services and pharmaceuticals sectors on a mix of acquisitions and mergers.
Sorin David and Anda Rojanschi are mentioned as Highly regarded lawyers in M&A.
Clients Testimonials:
- “D&B has an experienced M&A team. They have a good business understanding and adapted very well to our requirements. Both the due diligence reports and the contracts addressed our business needs and the specifics of each transaction. They have fantastic project management that makes our life much easier. “
- Anda Rojanschi is known on the market for her experience in transactions, in particular in healthcare. “She has a friendly approach, looks for solutions and understands what is important for us.”
- Romana Petre – “Professionalism, experienced.”
BANKING & FINANCE – NOTABLE
Ovidiu Bold is recognised as a Notable Practitioner in Capital Markets, Banking.
Review IFLR1000
D&B David si Baias is a Notable law firm in Banking and Finance.