Interview with: Arnaud Zabaldano, Managing Partner

What do you see as the main points that differentiate [law firm name] from your competitors?

Commitment to excellence combined with forceful litigation. Our accomplished, multidisciplinary team offers our clients a broad range of high-quality dispute resolution services and carefully designed strategies to achieve notable victories in high profile corporate, commercial, civil law and criminal matters with the most feared representation in court.

Our team have acquired extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of Monaco and international law and is also fluent in a range of languages allowing us to work effectively with our international clients.

Our firm stands out from competitors through our dedication to excellence coupled with assertive litigation tactics. With a seasoned, multidisciplinary team, we deliver top-tier dispute resolution services and carefully designed strategies, securing significant wins in corporate, commercial, civil and criminal matters. Renowned for our feared presence in court, we provide clients with unparalleled representation.

Also, our team has extensive knowledge of Monaco as well as of international law, complemented by fluency in multiple languages. This unique blend equips us to effectively serve our diverse international clients, providing them with comprehensive legal solutions tailored to their specific needs and jurisdictions.

 

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

Due to the ever-increasing client base and client needs, we will be extending our Business Criminal Law, Labour law, Real Estate and Construction, Private international law (family, estates and successions) and Corporate departments. The firm has been constantly growing since its inception and will continue its expansion in the coming year.

Criminal compliance matters, especially with respect to increasingly rigorous anti-corruption, anti-Money Laundering and counterterrorist financing sanctions have surged and this practice is likely to continue growing in the coming year especially concerning the freezing of assets.

In response to the growing demands of our expanding client base, we are strategically expanding our business criminal, employment, real estate and construction, private international (family, estates, and successions) and corporate departments over the next 12 months. This expansion aligns with our firm’s ongoing commitment to meet evolving client needs and reflects our consistent growth trajectory since the firm was created, which we aim to sustain in the upcoming year.

The increase in criminal compliance matters, particularly regarding rigorous anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, and counterterrorist financing sanctions, has been notable. This trend is expected to persist, especially concerning asset freezing. Consequently, we anticipate continued growth in this area as we remain dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services to address emerging challenges faced by our clients.

 

What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?

We have improved our Knowledge Management tools so that our gathered expertise can be shared easily within the firm and are exploring which AI technology would be more beneficial.

We are strengthening our Private client, real estate, criminal, corporate litigation and employment departments so thatOur specialized teams can work together to provide clients a full range of legal services providing accurate up to date advice on current legal issues.

The main change we’ve implemented is a comprehensive enhancement of our Knowledge Management tools, facilitating seamless sharing of expertise within the firm.

Additionally, we’re actively evaluating AI technologies to further strengthen our capabilities. These initiatives directly benefit our clients by ensuring that our specialized teams across private client, real estate, criminal, corporate litigation and employment departments collaborate effectively. By connecting our collective knowledge and staying aware of cutting-edge technologies, we provide clients with holistic and up-to-date legal advice, addressing their diverse needs with precision and efficiency.

 

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

We are constantly researching and testing best solutions to assist in our work and make due diligence processes more efficient.

We use tools specifically adapted for law firms and files management.

Our firm is continually exploring and evaluating innovative solutions to enhance our operations and streamline due diligence procedures. We leverage specialized tools for law firms and file management to optimize our interactions with clients and deliver efficient services.

 

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

We assisted a client in defending against legal action to invalidate an authorization to carry out building elevation to his top floor flat in Monaco. We won the proceedings which will enable the client to increase the property worth from €15 million to €50 million.

We successfully defended our client against legal challenges aimed at invalidating their authorization for building elevation in Monaco. This victory not only safeguards their property rights but also unlocks significant financial gains, potentially tripling the property’s value from €15 million to €50 million. Our strategic legal counsel not only protects assets but also provides substantial growth opportunities for our clients.

 

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Clients increasingly seek stability and strategic guidance from their law firms. We are confident that our firm will strengthen its position as a leader in all aspects of white-collar crime, employment law and private client litigation.  We will continue to be the preferred choice for both established corporations and startups seeking top-tier corporate and business counsel.