VILGERTS ‘combines deep knowledge of EU law with a pragmatic understanding of the Baltic markets’, often handling cross-border matters in collaboration with its network of offices across the Baltics. Debora Garanča is now the sole practice head, and her practice is notable for its breadth, running the gamut of Latvian and EU competition law issues, including cartel investigations. State aid cases form an integral part of the group’s work, key among which are complex matters in the energy sector. Garanča is ably supported by Charles Clarke, who has appeared before the European Commission and competition authorities across the globe. Former practice head Jūlija Jerņeva joined Cobalt in August 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The team is great. One of the best in Latvia. Very good expertise.
- Gints Vilgerts, Charles Clarke, and Debora Garanca are wonderful lawyers and nice people. They have very quick reactions and great experience and knowledge.
- ‘Vilgerts’ competition law team has a business-focused approach to both contentious and non-contentious Latvian competition matters. They have a rapid turnaround and have an encyclopedic knowledge of competition law rules.’
- ‘Charles Clarke is an expert in complex merger control. He is responsive and high performing.'
- 'Their team are extra milers, with Charles Clarke being an exceptional competition law professional. They provide prompt, specific and client-tailored consultations, which are result focused.'
- 'Responsiveness, readiness to support, excellent knowledge of the regulatory framework.'
Key clients
- Air Baltic Corporation AS
- Cido Grupa SIA
- Dinotrans SIA
- Iepirkumu grupa SIA
- Pasta komersantu biedrība
- Rimi Latvia SIA
- If P&C Insurance, Latvian branch
- Latvian Association of Optometrists and Opticians
- Latvijas Valsts Meži AS
- Latvijas Mobilais Telefons SIA
- CCN ALTYAPI YATIRIMLARI VE İNŞAAT ANONİM ŞİRKETİ
- Moller Baltic Import SE
Work highlights
Advising Merks SIA on its appeal of the imposition of a cartel fine (€2.69 million) by the Latvian Competition Council.
Advising Moller Mobility group on a series of follow-on damages claims as a result of the finding of an intra-brand cartel agreement in 2014 by the Latvian Competition Authority and imposed a €7.6 million fine.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Debora Garanča
Other key lawyers
Charles Clarke