Mares & Mares, a 'specialist criminal law practice with significant cross-border experience', has a client list that encompasses multinational and local companies, senior management, and on the individual side, politicians and entrepreneurs, both in Romania and abroad. At the helm of the practice, Mihai Mares, 'an industry leader with huge experience', is a client favourite and leads all major matters for the firm. He is supported by Cipriana Pop, who is well versed advising on corruption offences, money laundering, tax evasion and common law offences; Traian Badescu, who has a prosecution background; and litigator Raluca Mocanu.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Specialist criminal law practice with significant cross-border experience.’

  • ‘Mihai Mares is an industry leader with huge experience.'

  • ‘Mihai Mares - very responsive, well connected, international.’

  • ‘Mihai Mares is a leading criminal defence lawyer in Romania, involved in major cross border white-collar crime cases and corporate investigations. His team at Mares & Mares is one of the best in the country for criminal matters.’

  • ‘Mihai Mares has always been able to offer a clear view on the factual and juridical arguments that had been assigned to him. He is smart, competent and skilled.’

  • ‘The team possesses a blend of experience and talents that synergize effectively, creating a powerful white-collar crime unit dedicated to protecting our company's interests. In my opinion, they stand out as a robust team, demonstrating both depth and prowess, and possess the insight to identify issues that might go unnoticed by others.’

  • ‘Mihai Mares stands out notably due to his meticulous approach and his ability to see fine details that are often overlooked by others. Not only does he possess remarkable insight and persuasive capabilities, but he consistently provides practical and applicable advice, ensuring that projects and initiatives are implemented efficiently and successfully.’

  • ‘One of the very top business crime firms in Romania. Mihai Mares is an absolute delight – exceptionally able and a key litigator in the Romanian and international market place.’

Key clients

  • Comcereal Vaslui
  • Hogan Lovells
  • SIF 5 Oltenia
  • Lion Capital
  • Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis (CBRE) Romania
  • Bristol-Myers Squibb
  • Jiffy Packaging SA
  • Libra Bank
  • CDC Transport Innovation
  • Abbotswood Holding Sal
  • Dac Air SA
  • Toyota Motors

Work highlights

  • Acting for TessPay Inc. / Naomi Hanko (COO) defending a cross-border VAT fraud criminal investigation by the European Public Prosecution Office in Germany and Romania.
  • Assisting Bristol Myers Squibb with an ongoing internal investigation based on the new whistleblower’s legislation in Romania.
  • Acting for Abbotswood Holding Sal in a large fraud criminal case and disputes with the former managers.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Mihai Mares