Ivanov & Partners

Ivanov & Partners is Bulgaria’s leading law firm based in Varna. Founded in 2004 on the belief that professionalism is the basis of strong and lasting client relationships, the firm has established a reputation for providing expert legal advice in areas including litigation, dispute management, real estate, construction law, corporate & commercial law, insurance, personal injury law, administrative law, tax, and maritime law. Working from offices in Varna and Sofia, the firm has cultivated a diverse client base, representing national and international entities operating in Bulgaria, including multinationals, real estate and construction organisations, government agencies and municipalities, financial institutions, SMEs, private investors, and individuals.  

Areas of Practice:  

Litigation & Dispute Management:  One of a handful of law firms in Bulgaria that is engaged for administrative disputes by both businesses and government entities, the firm also provides persuasive advocacy and strategic consultancy services for dispute prevention, litigation, appeals, and out of court settlement negotiations on behalf of domestic and foreign corporate and commercial clients in a number of industry sectors including insurance, real estate, and construction. Partner-led representation, specialist dispute resolution advice and a reputation for sound judgement and swift action in litigation due diligence, case strategy and advocacy in court proceedings has enabled the firm to succeed consistently in a range of complex cases. 

Real Estate:  Ivanov & Partners has extensive knowledge of Bulgarian real estate law, planning and development, spatial planning law, commercial real estate, and complex real estate disputes. The firm is regularly engaged by a variety of stakeholders including government agencies, developers, private investors, corporations, financial institutions, design professionals, luxury hotel chains, real estate owners, property management companies, and professional associations to provide technical legal advice and representation, supporting asset growth, and to help clients to comply with national and EU legislation while avoiding contentious local issues. 

Construction: Working closely with property developers, architects, contractors, engineers, builders, and landowners, the firm provides multidisciplinary construction services relating to planning law, administrative law, finance, corporate and commercial law, compliance, tax law and accounting, and in litigation and dispute management. The firm guides clients through all phases of construction with in-depth knowledge of all construction contracts used in Bulgaria, supporting clients through to the completion of significant and complex projects including luxury hotels and leisure facilities, commercial property, tourism focused real estate, industrial buildings, educational facilities, and residential and mixed-use developments. 

Insurance Law: Ivanov & Partners offer expert legal counsel in a range of claim and non-claim insurance services for policyholders, brokers and insurers operating in Bulgaria. The firm advises insurance organisations on insurance law and regulation and provides services ranging from policy drafting, representation in payment claims and other disputes such as accusations of professional negligence, and portfolio litigation management. The firm also represents a range of policy holders from start-ups and SMEs to major corporations in claims against insurance companies and has a leading Personal Injury practice helping individuals with claims and actions against insurance companies.

Corporate & Commercial:  Ivanov & Partners provide a wide range of innovative corporate and commercial services that are cost-effective and specifically tailored to clients' needs, helping them to achieve efficient operation and growth in Bulgaria. Our experienced team provide clients, including foreign and domestic entities, start-ups, investors, business owners and listed organisations from the real estate, construction, tourism, manufacturing, supply chain, insurance, and other sectors, with a range of strategic corporate advice that helps to achieve the commercial utilisation of assets including leasing of real estate to sale transactions, contracts, commercial project structuring, M&A, disposals, employment matters, restructuring and reorganisations. The firm navigates the Bulgarian legal framework to protect clients’ interests, working to avoid commercial and regulatory risks and, when conflict is unavoidable, litigating effectively. 

Administrative Law: Administrative law is a main branch of public law in Bulgaria that often requires qualified legal assistance. Ivanov and Partners actively maintains strong relationships with the Bulgarian administration and is ideally placed to assist a range of clients, including real estate organisations, corporates, multinationals, and government agencies, with obtaining various administrative permissions, compliance with domestic laws and EU regulations, and representation in regulatory proceedings, including guidance through the timely initiation of the appeals process. The firm identifies legal risks for clients and the government policy decisions that affect their businesses and help to prevent them from becoming legal problems. When all avenues have been explored, and all other potential resolutions have proved ineffective, Ivanov & Partners will litigate, representing clients in a range of administrative disputes that the Bulgarian legal framework can be prone to. 

Tax Law & Accounting: Ivanov & Partners provide invaluable tax advice to local and international organisations including real estate and construction companies, private investors, start-ups, and corporates from a range of industries. The firm helps clients to achieve efficiency in their Bulgarian business activities by providing integrated tax advice. Our multidisciplinary tax team comprises qualified professionals experienced in tax law, accounting and financial management, litigation, and auditing. By delivering an integrated service, the firm gains a unique understanding of clients’ risks and exposure and a full overview of their finances and tax position. 

Maritime Law:  Headquartered in Varna, Bulgaria’s largest and busiest seaport, Ivanov & Partners is experienced in representing commercial ship owners and operators, shipping agents, sea farers, and yacht and other luxury vessel owners, in a range of maritime legal needs. The firm’s work involves providing corporate and commercial services such contract management, and advice on shareholder issues, marine insurance, and transactions, as well as employment law, debt recovery, regulatory and compliance issues, and dispute resolution. Ivanov & Partners represent clients in Ship Arrests and Release procedures in Bulgaria and can call upon an international network of maritime legal experts to assist clients with Ship Arrests in other jurisdictions.