Portolano Cavallo is ranked in the Legal 500 EMEA 2025 guide with 12 practice areas and 13 professionals:
1. Data Privacy and Data Protection: Tier 1
2. Healthcare and Life Sciences: Tier 1
3. TMT: Tier 1
4. IP: Copyright: Tier 1
5. Dispute Resolution: Tier 3
6. Luxury Goods: Tier 3
7. Commercial, Corporate and M&A: Tier 4
8. Compliance: Tier 4
9. EU and Competition Law: Tier 4
10. Intellectual Property: Tier 4
11. Private Equity: Tier 4
12. Employment: Tier 5
”Portolano Cavallo‘s data privacy and protection team acts in high-stakes disputes and breaches, as well as advising on launches of new initiatives to exploit data, and M&A and employment-related data protection issues. Many of the firm’s current clients are from emerging sectors such as life sciences, healthcare, telecoms, and e-commerce. Internet and data protection specialist Laura Liguori leads the group from Rome. In Milan, Giulio Novellini’s workload covers GDPR compliance programmes, data breach preparedness, and incident responses, and Eleonora Curreli‘s wide-ranging practice covers privacy, cyber security, and data protection.”
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 “Leading associate” and “Next Generation Partner”, further to being mentioned as “Other key lawyer”.
“Clients greatly appreciate working with Portolano Cavallo because they are not only excellent professionals in those areas of the law that are crucial for companies, but they really take care of their clients by sending out alerts (e.g. regarding new laws or deadlines), and making themselves available for calls even on very short notice if needed.”
“Practice is unique for its competence and values that lead to the accomplishment of clients’ aims.”
“Working with these partners is a real pleasure.”
“The team is pro-equal opportunities, and it is clear that technology and ethical and sustainable principles guide both the technologies and pragmatic operations of the practice.”
“Laura Liguori has mastered data protection law – great at listening, business oriented, and always takes into account all aspects before making suggestions, thus making it easier for clients to make good decisions.“
”Luca Gambini and ‘outstanding regulatory lawyer’ Elisa Stefanini jointly lead the team at Portolano Cavallo. The group’s workload consists of a wide variety of mandates arising at the intersection between tech and life sciences, in addition to handling a broad array of IP issues. The team regularly assists health tech, medical device, and pharma clients. Stefanini is well-known for her expertise in pricing and reimbursement, advertising, and market access issues relating to medical devices and medicines, while Gambini is recommended for his broad knowledge spanning the full range of transactional issues within the life sciences sector. Ilaria Curti is a key contact for internal investigations, often with cross-border elements, in addition to advising on whistleblowing. Claudio Todisco is noted for his strong specialism in the regulatory framework governing pharmaceuticals and medical devices.”
Elisa Stefanini and Luca Gambini are ranked as “Leading partner”, further to being mentioned as “Practice head”. Claudio Todisco is ranked as “Leading associate” in addition to being mentioned as “Other Key Lawyer” together with Ilaria Curti.
“The team is very close-knit and collaborative. They work as a sole professional and, thanks to that, they are really able to offer multidisciplinary advice, which is particularly important in the management of complex projects. This is quite unique in the Italian legal market and it makes the difference.”
“The whole team proved to be very attentive to the practical and business aspects of the operation, distinguishing itself from competitors who are instead too focused on theoretical aspects.”
“Elisa Stefanini is the stand-out lawyer. She is an outstanding regulatory lawyer, with wide experience and a deep knowledge of the industry and the relevant regulations. She has a very pragmatic and business-oriented approach and is able to coordinate complex and cutting-edge projects.”
“Elisa Stefanini and Claudio Todisco impress with their regulatory expertise, commercial approach and sector understanding.“
“Portolano Cavallo‘s ’standout TMT practice’ advises clients on regulatory changes affecting telecoms, digital platforms, film production, e-commerce and publishing companies. The firm is well-versed in data protection, telecoms, copyright licensing, competition and M&A matters. Based in Rome, Ernesto Apa and Laura Liguori lead the practice alongside Francesco Portolano, who is based in Milan. Apa specialises in media law; Liguori focuses on privacy and cybersecurity; and Portolano advises clients on M&A transactions in the TMT space. Within the Rome team, Fabiana Bisceglia is an expert on audiovisual regulation and advertising law, whilst Milan-based Donata Cordone adds e-commerce and consumer protection to the team.”
Five of our professionals have also obtained individual recognitions in this area: Laura Liguori is ranked as “Leading partner”, 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 “Leading associate”, further to being mentioned as “Other key lawyer”.
“Portolano Cavallo has a standout TMT practice and a remarkable track record of assisting clients with a comprehensive, all-around approach. This firm has a unique way of handling processes involving innovation.’”
“I appreciate Ernesto Apa‘s outstanding expertise and professionalism, his transparency, his fair approach with public institutions and his independent judgment.”
“Ernesto Apa is known throughout the industry for his uncommon technical skills. But what really sets him apart is his ability to understand the big picture while also identifying the details.”
“Portolano Cavallo has a strong expertise in TMT practice, like few other firms in Italy.”
“Excellent capability to liaise with counterparts to solve or avoid confrontational situations and a remarkable internal organisational climate across the firm and the hierarchical ladder.”
“Very responsive and clear in their advice, they take a pragmatic approach and focus on finding creative solutions.”
“Great service and great knowledge in the industries clients work within, particularly advertising.”
“Portolano Cavallo supports clients in litigation across industries, including TMT, life sciences, retail, infrastructure and leisure. The firm represents clients in both domestic litigation and international arbitration, with expertise in IP, competition, insolvency and M&A disputes. The team is led by ‘excellent strategist’ Micael Montinari and Martina Lucenti, who is an expert in arbitrations concerning corporate and commercial issues.”
Two of our professionals are mentioned: Martina Lucenti and Micael Montinari as “Practice head” of this area.
“Portolano Cavallo is a litigation firm that excels at communication and strategic thinking. Through their extensive experience, they are able to be involved in every step of the litigation, while being in touch with the client.”
“Micael Montinari proves to be an excellent strategist, a very dedicated lawyer, who has gathered a very good team to handle a complex dispute.”
“Martina Lucenti has the great quality to not be a “yes-lawyer”, but to guide you through the best possible choice.”
“Martina Lucenti is simply amazing. She shares valuable insights at every step.”
“Very well experienced, supportive, good communication skills, empathetic and close.”
“A very coordinated and experienced team that works to give the best client service possible, giving confidence and support as much as needed.”
“Portolano Cavallo advises clients across a wide range of matters within the luxury goods field, including corporate and M&A, commercial, administrative, IP and antitrust compliance. The firm is also well-versed in litigation and arbitration and advises clients in the automotive, apparel, jewellery, cosmetic and entertainment industries. Manuela Cavallo leads the team from Rome, advising on M&A transactions and reorganisations. Irene Picciano provides clients with competition law support.”
Two professionals, Manuela Cavallo and Irene Picciano, are respectively mentioned as “Practice head” and “Other key lawyer” in this area.
“Portolano Cavallo fields experts in M&A deals in the digital, media, tech, life sciences and healthcare sectors. The practice’s principal advisers are M&A, private equity and venture capital specialist Francesco Portolano and Manuela Cavallo, an adviser on M&A, reorganisations and joint ventures, as well as Antonia Verna and Tommaso Foco.”
Seven professionals are mentioned: Manuela Cavallo, Tommaso Foco, Francesco Portolano and Antonia Verna as “Practice Head”, Luca Gambini, Daniel Joseph Giuliano, and Chiara Sannasardo as “Other key lawyer” in this area.
“Highly competent professionals. Extensive knowledge of legal issues.”
“Expertise in negotiations and client protection. Use of modern and appropriate technological tools. Close collaboration with the client to identify the most suitable solution.”
“Thorough analysis of issues and a proactive approach to finding solutions.“
“Portolano Cavallo‘s compliance team covers corporate, antitrust, labour, privacy, product, and trade compliance. On the investigations side, the practice is experienced in white-collar crime, antitrust, securities, trade and product compliance. Irene Picciano advises on compliance matters involving the fashion, luxury, life sciences, automotive, consumer, and food and beverage sectors.”
Three of our professionals are mentioned: Irene Picciano as “Practice head”, Ilaria Curti and Gaia Accetta as “Other key lawyer” in this area.
“An excellent competition law practice’, Portolano Cavallo’s team is widely experienced across industry sectors, including the life science, TMT, fashion and automotive sectors. The firm is especially well-versed in antitrust issues that affect IP projects and matters. Practice head Irene Picciano advises clients on cartel and abuse of dominance cases, as well as on merger control and compliance programmes. Fellow practice head Enzo Marasà, regarded as an ‘excellent lawyer’, is an experienced litigator, appearing before higher courts in Italy and European authorities.”
Irene Picciano is ranked in this area as “Leading partner”, further to being mentioned as “Practice head” together with Enzo Marasà.
“The EU and competition practice of the firm has grown in standing and reputation over the last few years.”
“Great competence is often synonymous with coolness and detachment, while the people I work with have enthusiasm and business acumen.”
“Irene Picciano is an outstanding EU and competition law professional also having a deep knowledge of complex regulated markets and proceedings before the Court of Justice of the European Union.”
“Huge experience and knowledge in the sector.”
“Very kind people with professional skills and seniority. Clear explanations of legal issues to people of the company who have no legal background.”
“Enzo Marasa is an excellent lawyer. He is very responsive, and it is always a pleasure to work with him.”
“Enormous expertise in multiple areas, continuously update the client and able to anticipate future scenarios.”
“The IP team at Portolano Cavallo is recruited for its hard and soft IP services in TMT, fashion and luxury, biotech, and pharma, with particular skills in handling the intellectual property aspects of film production. The group, which also houses a German desk, boasts a strong copyright practice that works closely with the firm’s TMT and dispute resolution departments to support multinational and domestic clients. Team leader Lydia Mendola focuses on trade mark, patent, design, and copyright disputes as well as commercial and transactional matters across various sectors, Maria Balestriero ‘s speciality lies in pharma-related work, and Chiara Marchisotti specialises in film, publishing, fashion, and digital matters. Francesca Ellena is another name to note.”
Lydia Mendola is ranked as “Leading partner” further to be mentioned as “Practice head”. Ernesto Apa, Maria Balestriero, Francesca Ellena, and Chiara Marchisotti are mentioned as “Other key lawyer” in this area.
“With respect to the IP sector, the team is very good, being composed of IP-specialised lawyers like Lydia Mendola, Maria Balestriero and Francesca Ellena. They are very smart and have a lot of experience in representing clients in litigation before Italian courts.”
“I like very much working with Maria Balestriero, who is very experienced in IP law and in dealing with patent lawsuits in all the technical sectors.”
“Ernesto Apa always manages to exceed any even high expectations and proves to be a source of ideas for further development of new activities every time.”
“They are well acquainted with the practice of the Unified Patent Court.”
“The briefs and deeds Maria Balestriero drafts are always very clear and straightforward.”
“The lawyers I work with are extremely well prepared and they have an amazing knowledge of the law and of the business sectors I work in. They are always business-oriented, innovative and focused on enabling the company to do business in compliance with the applicable law.”
“Dedicated. Strive for the best possible outcome for their clients.”
“They go above and beyond to seek a good result for you. Very responsive when issues are time-sensitive.”
“Portolano Cavallo has significant sector specialisms in life sciences, healthcare and digital media tech. The firm expanded its practice during 2023 through the recruitment of private equity transaction specialists Gianpaolo Scandone and Andrea Gritti from Gatti Pavesi Bianchi Ludovici and Gianni & Origoni, respectively. Another key figure to note is Luca Gambini.”
Four of our professionals are mentioned: Andrea Gritti and Gianpaolo Scandone as “Practice head”, Luca Gambini and Antonia Verna as “Other key lawyer” in this area.
“The ‘very flexible and prepared’ team at Portolano Cavallo advises on collective agreements, social security issues and contractual disputes. The firm is particularly experienced in the entertainment sector, with both international and national companies instructing it. The practice is spearheaded by Andrea Gangemi, who covers executive contracts, consultancy agreements, collective dismissals and disciplinaries.”
Andrea Gangemi is mentioned as “Practice head” of this area.
“I find Andrea Gagemi to be super responsive and very practical in his advice.”
“Caring about clients’ needs.”
“Very flexible and prepared.”
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