Portolano Cavallo is ranked in the Legal 500 EMEA 2023 guide with 11 practice areas and 11 professionals:
1. Commercial, Corporate and M&A: Tier 5
2. Compliance: Firms to watch
3. Data Privacy and Data Protection: Tier 1
4. Dispute Resolution: Tier 4
5. Employment: Tier 5
6. EU and Competition Law: Tier 4
7. Healthcare and Life Sciences: Tier 1
8. Intellectual Property: Tier 3
9. IP: Copyright: Tier 1
10. Luxury Goods: Tier 3
11. TMT: Tier 1
“At Portolano Cavallo, Francesco Portolano and Manuela Cavallo co-lead the M&A practice with Antonia Verna leading the venture capital and emerging companies team and Tommaso Foco fronting the corporate reorganisation and restructuring practice. Key points of differentiation for the group include its in-depth knowledge of the TMT and life sciences sectors, as well as its strength in cross-border deals, which form the bulk of the workload.”
Five professionals are also mentioned: Manuela Cavallo, Tommaso Foco, Francesco Portolano and Antonia Verna as “Practice Head” and Luca Gambini as “Other key lawyer” in this practice area.
“Strong expertise, flexibility, reactivity, proactivity. They were able to lead the acquisition project they were hired for. Very good language skills (all the leading team was able to speak luent Italian, English and French).”
“Innovation: one consultant was based in Italy, one in the US, so they had the capacity to be available 24h.”
“Excellent technical skills but also soft skill (project management, good communication).’”
“I really appreciated that they gave the impression of enjoying their job and their work for the client. Clearly client-oriented.’”
“The team is at the forefront of innovation in relation to the use of AI for M&A, in particular in the context of due diligence. They are able to meet deadlines and advise on efficient use of their resources, allowing the clients to take the best decisions between internal and external resources. They are also one of the few law firms that has a permanent digital innovation officer in their team so they try to always innovate in the way the conduct their business.’”
“Francesco Portolano and the team have a unique profile in advancing innovation and improving efficiency at their firm and also by their clients.”
“Portolano Cavallo is often engaged in high-profile disputes and M&A employment-related data protection work. The department’s client roster spans a number of industries with particularly sensitive data considerations, including healthcare, telecoms and e-commerce. Laura Liguori heads the department and frequently advises clients on the legal issues concerning social networks including cookies, employee monitoring and whistleblowing hotlines. Giulio Novellini is often engaged in GDPR compliance programmes and has negotiated several data processing agreements on the customer as well as provider side. Associate Eleonora Curreli provides additional support.”
Three of our professionals have also obtained individual recognitions in this area: Laura Liguori is ranked in the “Hall of fame”, in addition to being mentioned as “Practice Head”; Eleonora Curreli and Giulio Novellini are respectively ranked as “Rising star” and “Next Generation Partner”, further to being mentioned as “Other key lawyers”.
“Very knowledgeable with solid connections to the Italian data protection authority. They give practical advice and are able to tailor advice to the needs of a multi-national organisation.”
“Willing to be available at times that are likely inconvenient for them. Very thorough. Laura Liguori was wonderful to work with.”
“Portolano Cavallo’s dispute team has a particular focus on TMT-specific matters, especially those pertaining to copyright, data protection and hate speech matters. Thanks to close cross-practice cooperation, the group is also proficient in energy, insolvency, antitrust and post-M&A disputes. Headed by Micael Montinari and Martina Lucenti, the team routinely appears in arbitration proceedings. In 2022, Ilaria Curti was promoted to partner and Maria Balestriero joined the firm.”
Three of our professionals are mentioned: Martina Lucenti and Micael Montinari as “Practice Heads”, Ilaria Curti as “Other key lawyer” in this area.
“The team is very collaborative and professional.”
“Professionals always available.”
“The main strength of Portolano as a team is its expertise in different areas and know-how in dispute resolution. Their feedback on practical aspects of litigation in Italy provided an edge in comparison with other law firms in Italy.”
“Martina Lucenti’s expertise in contractual Law and civil litigation provided us with a great understanding of our position in different disputes we were engaging. She stands out as she also delivers that legal expertise with a practical and strategic view, aligned with our interests in the long term.”
“Portolano Cavallo‘s employment team, headed by Andrea Gangemi and supported by associate Tabita Costantino, is particularly active in the media, technology and entertainment sectors. The duo provide advice on the employer side in connection to collective agreements, social security, contractual issues, and privacy matters.”
Two of our professionals are also mentioned: Andrea Gangemi as “Practice head” and Tabita Costantino as “Other key lawyer” in this area.
“I was introduced to Andrea Gangemi who is a partner at Portolano Cavallo in helping to resolve a dispute with a few former employees in our Italy office. Andrea has always been super efficient, available and so knowledgeable about Italian law. I work in the US and have limited understanding but in working with him and the team, I can assure you they are top notch!’”
“Andrea and the team are always available to assist us with any outside counsel. They are personable, knowledgeable and efficient.”
“Andrea Gangemi is a trusted adviser. His responsiveness is second to none. He is also careful not to spent unnecessary time on a matter and is happy to give advice either by email or over the phone to clients.”
“The employment team at PC is very responsive, adept at understanding our requested advice, and provides timely, actionable advice.”
“It is a pleasure to work with Andrea Gangemi and Tabita Costantino. They are professional, direct and concise in their guidance, and patient with our questions which I’m sure often reflect the newness of our operations in Italy.”
“They have a sound understanding of the law and provide practical insights into how to address legal issues.”
“We deal with Andrea who is super practical, available and hugely helpful.”
“The Milan-based EU and competition law practice at Portolano Cavallo is particularly active in regulated sectors, such as TMT, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, fashion, luxury goods, global brands and automotive. Highly experienced EU and competition law practitioner Irene Picciano is a recently elevated partner, while counsel Enzo Marasà is ‘an outstanding professional’.”
Irene Picciano is ranked in this area as “Leading Individual”, further to being mentioned as “Practice head” together with Enzo Marasà.
“The competition practice has brilliant knowledge and extensive experience in handling distribution-related cases.”
“Clients are delighted to work with Portolano Cavallo; in addition to being excellent professionals, the practice’s members have very pleasant personalities, which helps to minimise the stress of legal disputes.”
“Portolano Cavallo is very well known for being an innovative and dynamic law firm.”
“Clients recommend Irene Picciano and her team for their competence in the fields of selective distribution systems and antitrust matters.”
“Irene Picciano’s broad experience and deep expertise in EU and competition law are widely appreciated. She is an excellent professional.”
“Irene Picciano is an exceptionally gifted lawyer, with top-notch skills and experience in the fields of competition law and regulation. She’s an excellent communicator too.”
“Enzo Marasà is a business-minded lawyer, which is highly appreciated.”
“Enzo Marasà is an outstanding professional who is attentive to clients, and focused on both results and the smoothness of the service provided – highly recommended.”
“Portolano Cavallo‘s client base ranges from large pharmaceutical companies to start-ups and spinouts. The group advises on the transactional, contractual, IP, product liability, litigation, compliance and regulatory aspects of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and healthcare services. It also assists with matters in relation to cosmetics, food supplements and pet food. The department is co-led by Luca Gambini, an expert in life sciences-related commercial contracts, and 2021-elevated partner Elisa Stefanini, whose experience includes medicines and medical devices. Laura Liguori advises on consumer law, data protection, IT law, and internet and e-commerce matters.”
Elisa Stefanini and Luca Gambini are ranked as “Next Generation Partners”, further to being mentioned as “Practice Head”. Maria Balestriero, Ilaria Curti, Laura Liguori, Irene Picciano are mentioned as “Other Key Lawyers”.
“Acting for high-level clients, it is able to handle and coordinate complex regulatory topics. The lawyers are also very active in relation to innovative projects – clients really trust them.”
“The team has deep sector knowledge and is always available to assist.”
“A very competent and precise team.”
“The team, led by Elisa Stefanini and Luca Gambini, is particularly skilled.”
“Elisa Stefanini has strong healthcare sector knowledge, and is able to provide speedy solutions and advice.”
“Laura Liguori is pragmatic, approachable, and thinks like a true business partner.”
“Portolano Cavallo’s IP practice is particularly strong in the media, fashion and entertainment industries. Maria Balestriero‘s arrival in February 2022 has attracted clients from the life sciences sector, signalling the firm’s increased activity in patent litigation claims. Lydia Mendola heads the group, and primarily specialises in advising on disputes for violations of trademarks and patents. Chiara Marchisotti is experienced in assisting clients in the film and digital industries on IP issues.”
Lydia Mendola is ranked as “Next Generation Partner” in the Intellectual Property area, further to being mentioned as “Practice head”. Furthermore, Ernesto Apa, Maria Balestriero, Donata Cordone, Chiara Marchisotti and Irene Picciano are mentioned as “Other key lawyers” in the Intellectual Property area.
“Fantastically responsive, helpful, pragmatic and sensible advice, rooted in experience and knowledge.”
“Portolano Cavallo law combines firm knowledge, experience and energy of all its mebers to offer high quality legal advice.”
“I’ve been working for 15 years with Ernesto Apa and I can assure that Ernesto is the best external lawyer you can work with. Ernesto is extremely well-prepared and business oriented.”
“Portolano Cavallo acts for several leading luxury goods companies, particularly overseas-based clients. The team is increasingly active in handling matters involving technology issues, including new online sales channels, and IP enforcement and data protection work. IP practice leader Lydia Mendola is a specialist in disputes relating to trade marks, patents, designs and copyright. Manuela Cavallo‘s practice includes advising foreign funds on fashion sector-related deals. Irene Picciano, who was promoted to partner in January 2022, is also noted.”
Five professionals are mentioned: Manuela Cavallo as “Practice head”; Barbara Corsetti, Lydia Mendola, Maria Cristina Michelini and Irene Picciano as “Other key lawyers” in this area.
“The team is business oriented, very skilled, modern and flexible.”
“Reliable, able to simplify complex issues, flexible, and able to anticipate clients’ needs.”
“Often assisting Fortune 500 companies with data protection and telecoms regulations, the department at Portolano Cavallo also collaborates with start-up technology companies in the media sector. Ernesto Apa advises regional and global clients on regulatory and contractual TMT issues, including advertising, copyright and electronic communications work. Francesco Portolano is a go-to for media, entertainment and digital clients for private equity and joint venture mandates, while Laura Liguori works on cybersecurity and data protection matters. Associate Fabiana Bisceglia is noted for her advertising law and consumer protection capabilities, and counsel Donata Cordone focuses on the digital economy.”
Five of our professionals have also obtained individual recognitions in this area: Laura Liguori is ranked as “Leading Individual”, further to being mentioned as “Practice Head” together with Ernesto Apa and Francesco Portolano, both ranked in the “Hall of Fame”. Fabiana Bisceglia and Donata Cordone are ranked as “Rising star”, further to being mentioned as “Other key lawyers”.
“I appreciate their legal knowledge, style and professionalism. Undoubtedly, Portolano Cavallo has strong expertise in its TMT practice.”
“The main individuals I deal with are Francesco Portolano and Ernesto Apa. I appreciate both lawyers for their legal expertise and for their style, I appreciate Ernesto Apa’s outstanding expertise and professionalism, his seriousness, his transparent behaviour and fair approach.”
“Fantastically responsive, helpful, pragmatic and sensible advice, rooted in experience and knowledge.”
“Ernesto Apa leads a fantastic team. He has a wealth of experience and a level head which makes for a fantastic adviser.”
“Portolano Cavallo is a boutique firm and its professionals have strong expertise and knowledge of the media business and regulatory framework in Italy. They have excellent knowledge of the TMT legislative framework. The team is responsive, have an attention to detail, and they are cost efficient.”
“Ernesto Apa is our key contact at Portolano Cavallo and he advises our company on several media matters for linear and non-linear business. His knowledge of the media business and related regulatory aspects is unrivalled.”
“Ernesto Apa is highly regarded not only by private clients but also by the institutional representatives and independent authorities.’
‘Ernesto Apa is a must have for us in our business when evaluating regulatory matters and the impact these have on our day to day business. He is friendly but also professional.”
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