Interview with: Régis Bergonzi, Lawyer

Maître BERGONZI, Lawyer in Monaco for almost 20 years, describes his approach to the profession:

 

1) What do you see as the main points that differentiate REGIS BERGONZI Law firm from your competitors?

I consider the legal profession to be a craft profession- a vision I share with my team. In that sense, we try our best to provide personalized and even tailor-made legal services to each of our Clients, whether we assist an individual or a prestigious institution. This requires having a team that is available and highly attuned to its Clients’ needs. We are dedicated to avoiding the industrialization of the profession, instead focusing our resources on personalizing our legal services.

 

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

Every economic, geopolitical and health context brings a new trend of litigation and the legal sphere always reflects the evolution of the society. For example, the Covid health crisis led to a large civil liability new type of litigation. Clearly, the sanctions affecting Russia and its citizens are also giving rise to a new, hitherto unprecedented area of litigation (banking issues, litigation related to the lifting of sanctions, etc).

Also, changes in local legislation  can often lead to new business opportunities.  For instance, the recent legislation on  financial activities in Monaco, has altered the authorized practice for foreign companies, thereby opening up new business opportunities for them.

Finally, we’ve noticed a more significant practice regarding pre and post-nuptial agreements, for which we also provide our assistance. Although these tools are not (yet) formally recognized by the Monegasque legislation, the practice is becoming increasingly common and must be adapted in Monaco.

 

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

First of all, this year, our Firm is pleased to welcome Maître Violaine RAPAIRE, as a new Lawyer at the Monaco Bar Association, following her successful completion of the Bar exam in 2023. This addition is highly valuable as Lawyers have exclusive ability to provide certain legal services, in comparison to associates.

Our Firm has experienced significant growth  since 2023 and now consists of 15 professionals. This expansion enables us to provide our services through specialized departments with dedicated teams,  tailored to the subject matter of the litigation and the required  language proficiency.

 

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

I am eagerly aware of  the recent technology advancements. While many tools may facilitate our work, the profession of a lawyer, hopefully, cannot be replaced by bots… Each case is unique and deserve a tailored approach. In our interaction with clients, we use a software that provides each of them with  an online portal  to access their files  at any time.  This saves us time and it is environmentally friendly, considering  the number of documents involved in each case.

 

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

This question does not really apply to litigation practice. However, as a general comment, I would say that, nowadays, Lawyers, have a duty to encourage amicable settlements when it’s possible and appropriate. Indeed, delays in the justice system and court congestion are leading us to turn to alternative dispute resolution methods, which in some cases can be far more efficient and satisfactory for the parties. This can be a real added value that a Lawyer can bring to his Clients.

 

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

I hope I will be able to continue my activity as long as possible, along with my Team and to keep growing. I already have long years of collaboration with some of my Clients, both individual and institutional and I’m honoured by such long-standing trust. Although Clients seek strategic directions, in Monaco, they are anything but ‘stable’! Monegasque litigation involves complex situations with several international aspects that must be integrated. Our job is to successfully navigate this integration.