Awards and Recognitions

Mamo TCV a top-tier law firm in The Legal 500 2022 rankings

We are proud to announce that The Legal 500 (EMEA) have once again awarded Mamo TCV Advocates top-tier rankings across a number of practice areas.

Complementing the firm’s excellent rankings is the recognition of some of our top performers including:

– Prof. Andrew Muscat (Hall of Fame – Commercial, Corporate and M&A and Leading Individuals – Banking, Finance & Capital Markets)
– Dr. Katya Tua (Leading Individuals – Investment Funds)
– Dr. Joseph Camilleri (Leading Individuals – Dispute Resolution)
– Dr. Antoine Camilleri (Leading Individuals – Intellectual Property)
– Dr. Frank Testa (Leading Individuals – Real Estate)
– Dr. Claude Micallef Grimaud (Next Generation Partners – Intellectual Property).

 

The 9 practice areas in which Mamo TCV has been ranked are:

Commercial, Corporate and M&A (Tier 1)

“Mamo TCV Advocates is a popular choice for private and public companies, financial institutions, insurance companies, investment funds and public authorities. The group frequently acts on privatisations, M&A transactions, cross-border structured financings, syndicated loans and restructurings. The practice’s leadership is split between project and M&A financing expert Andrew Muscat and Michael Psaila, whose expertise spans capital markets products, insolvency law and M&A deals.”

Practice heads: Andrew Muscat and Michael Psaila

Dispute Resolution (Tier 1)

“Local and international clients from a wide range of industries regularly turn to the experienced team at Mamo TCV Advocates, which is noted not only for its excellent track record in the Courts of Justice, but also before various administrative tribunals and boards. Recently, the firm has been involved with an increasing number of high-value disputes relating to corporate law and financial services, often involving cross-border elements. ‘Outstanding all-rounder‘ Frank Testa, real estate and asset repossession expert Joseph Camilleri and experienced arbitrator Stephen Muscat are the key senior practitioners.”

Practice heads: Joseph Camilleri, Frank Testa and Stephen Muscat

Other key lawyers: Maria Lisa Buttigieg

Intellectual Property (Tier 1)

“Mamo TCV Advocates continues to be widely recognised for its ‘first class‘ contentious anti-counterfeiting work, in which it regularly represents leading global brands from a range of sectors. On the advisory side, the firm assists with a vast number of trade mark and patent registrations; in recent times, these have increasingly included EU as well as domestic filings. Antoine Camilleri and Claude Micallef Grimaud are the key names to note.”

Practice heads: Antoine Camilleri and Claude Micallef Grimaud

Aviation (Tier 1)

“Mamo TCV Advocates is well-versed in all aspects of aviation law, including asset financing, acquisitions and disposals, liability claims, and aircraft repossession and arrest. The practice is noted for its strong expertise in complex corporate structures involving the ownership and operation of aircraft. On the policy front, the group is sought after to advise on the implementation of laws and regulations. Co-head Nicholas Valenzia typically advises lessors, banks, and operators on asset management and financing transactions. Co-head Joseph Camilleri is a key contact for litigations related to asset recovery, and aircraft repossession and arrest.”

Practice heads: Nicholas Valenzia and Joseph Camilleri

Other key lawyers: Joshua Chircop (Associate)

Real Estate (Tier 1)

“Mamo TCV Advocates’ team advises on a full spectrum of real estate projects from large-scale mixed-use real estate developments, historic buildings to yacht marinas. It also assists with the drafting of complex inter-related agreements, along with framework agreements, land transfer, and contracts of residential developments. The team is led by Joseph Borg Bartolo, Joseph Camilleri, and Frank Testa.”

Practice heads: Joseph Borg Bartolo, Joseph Camilleri and Frank Testa

Other key lawyers: Michael Camilleri and Dorita Cardona

Investment Funds (Tier 2)

“Under the leadership of Katya Tua, Mamo TCV Advocates‘ team has vast experience in retail open-ended or closed-ended funds, along with alternative investment funds and professional investor funds structuring and licencing. It also focuses on regulatory compliance issues related to passported and non-passported activities for the multi-national investment management companies.”

Practice head: Katya Tua

Banking, Finance and Capital Markets (Tier 2)

“Mamo TCV Advocates is a popular choice for domestic and international credit institutions, asset managers, investment and private debt funds, as well as corporates. Its seamless integration with the firm’s compliance, regulatory and investigations, corporate and restructuring, and litigation teams means that the practice is well positioned to handle complex mandates. In the corporate lending space, the team acts for both lenders and borrowers on syndicated credit facilities. On the international front, the group regularly works alongside international firms to assist clients with cross-border restructurings. Practice head Andrew Muscat is a key contact for corporate, capital markets, insolvency and banking matters.”

Practice head: Andrew Muscat

Shipping (Tier 2)

“The team at Mamo TCV Advocates can handle all aspects of maritime law from ship registration and ownership structures to maritime litigation. Nicholas Valenzia and his team has assisted major financiers and providers in the lease financing of yachts. Joseph Camilleri handles maritime litigation and transactional work.”

Practice head: Nicholas Valenzia

Fintech (Tier 3)

“Mamo TCV Advocates‘ fintech offering comprises specialists with financial services, banking, corporate and intellectual property expertise. The firm is equally adept at assisting with regulatory and transactional issues, and is thus instructed by clients from a range of major industry sectors, including leading local banks, pharmaceutical companies, domestic telecoms service providers, and multi-national software corporations. Katya Tua heads up the practice.”

Practice head: Katya Tua

Chambers Global recently published its 2022 guide and once again recognised Mamo TCV as one of the leading law firms in Malta. The firm was ranked as a Band 1 Firm for “General Business Law” – which was the only practice area in which Maltese firms were ranked.

Chambers described Mamo TCV as “a stellar law firm with an acclaimed corporate and dispute resolution practice. The team often represents clients in commercial litigation, real estate disputes and contentious debt collection and credit recovery proceedings. Mamo frequently acts for clients on corporate restructurings and M&A transactions. The firm also offers notable strength in financial matters, assisting clients with acquisition financing, capital markets issuances and investment funds regulations. The team additionally advises clients on compliance with white-collar crime legislation.”

Three Partners were recognized as notable practitioners in their fields for their depth of experience and the exceptional market and client feedback received:

Andrew Muscat (Star Individual – Corporate/Commercial) remains a top choice for corporate restructurings and transactions, including mergers and share transfers. He also has considerable experience assisting with the introduction of new legislation.

Katya Tua (Band 2 – Financial Services) frequently assists clients with investment funds matters. According to one client, “Katya Tua is friendly, technically smart and responsive, and it is a pleasure dealing with her.”

Michael Psaila (Band 3 – Corporate/Commercial) has considerable experience advising clients on the implications of new legislation introduced in Malta. A client describes him as “hugely experienced and a trustworthy pair of hands.”

Following from our success in the Chambers Global 2022 guide, Chambers Europe has also recognised Mamo TCV as a “Band 1” law firm in Malta within “General Business Law”.

Following multiple interviews with local and foreign firms as well as clients, Chambers concluded that Mamo TCV is “a stellar law firm with an acclaimed corporate and dispute resolution practice.”

One client enthused that “Mamo is definitely one of the best law firms locally.” while another client reported that “We have relied upon Mamo for clarity when dealing with complex situations.”.

Chambers explained: “The team often represents clients in commercial litigation, real estate disputes and contentious debt collection and credit recovery proceedings. Mamo frequently acts for clients on corporate restructurings and M&A transactions. The firm also offers notable strength in financial matters, assisting clients with acquisition financing, capital markets issuances and investment funds regulations. The team additionally advises clients on compliance with white-collar crime legislation.”.

Six team members were recognized as notable practitioners in their fields:

Andrew Muscat (Star Individual – Corporate/Commercial) remains a top choice for corporate restructurings and transactions, including mergers and share transfers. He also has considerable experience assisting with the introduction of new legislation.

Katya Tua (Band 2 – Financial Services) frequently assists clients with investment funds matters. According to one client, “Katya Tua is friendly, technically smart and responsive, and it is a pleasure dealing with her.”

Joseph Camilleri (Band 2 – Dispute Resolution) acts for clients on commercial and financial disputes, as well as representing them in real estate litigation. An interviewee reports: “I have a good impression of his technical ability and knowledge.”

Frank B Testa (Band 2 – Dispute Resolution) advises clients on real estate and financial disputes, including credit recovery claims. He also has experience in international arbitration and white-collar crime proceedings.

Michael Psaila (Band 3 – Corporate/Commercial) has considerable experience advising clients on the implications of new legislation introduced in Malta. A client describes him as “hugely experienced and a trustworthy pair of hands.”

Annalies Muscat (Associates to watch – Corporate/Commercial) has experience advising clients on commercial agreements and competition law matters.

(Tier 1) COMMERCIAL, CORPORATE AND M&A

The ‘knowledgeable, responsive, client-oriented’ team at Mamo TCV Advocates, led by Andrew Muscat, has been kept busy handling a range of work relating to company set up, as well as drafting complex articles and shareholder agreements. The team has been retained as external counsel to Steward Healthcare to advise on a number of matters, Michael Psaila has led on this work. The firm has seen an increase in wind-up and insolvency work as a result of the pandemic as well as an increase in activity in the insurance sector.

Practice head(s): Andrew Muscat

Other key lawyers: Michael Psaila; Joe Borg Bartolo; Zammit Laferla

Testimonials

‘They are one of Malta’s top tier law firms and well exposed in dealing with international clients, they have always addressed our needs and have proved to have a wide range of legal expertise. ’

‘We mainly work with Michael Psaila (Partner) and Maria Mulvaney (associate). They always have performed their work in a professional manor, highlighting all risks, and were always available when needed. ’

‘Team is practical and reachable. Deadlines set are met and urgent matters are tackled on time’

‘Their technical knowledge and practicality. ’

‘Mamo TCV Advocates is one of Malta’s leading law firms. It is highly regarded in all sectors of the community. In my experience its unique strength is in commercial and corporate law, where one of the senior partners, Andrew Muscat, is regarded as the country’s leading expert.’

‘My main contact with the firm has been with Andrew Muscat who, apart from clearly being a world class subject matter expert, is very attentive and very focused on the detail.’

‘Knowledgeable, responsive, client-oriented’

‘I have positive working relationships with them and they have helped us on a number of matters. They are well-respected in the Malta and their reputation is well deserved. ’

‘Mamo-TCV has always engaged top professionals in its ranks.’

‘It has been a leading law firm for many years, especially in the field of commercial law’

‘Mamo-TCV is selective in its choice of personnel. Overall the firm can give a comprehensive legal service of a high quality. Their culture is a healthy one based on competence not bluster.’

 

(Tier 1) DISPUTE RESOLUTION

The practice at Mamo TCV Advocates handles a variety of contentious matters, including those relating to family law, general commercial law, insurance, public procurement, bank finance, environment and planning, ship and aircraft arrests, employment law and the enforcement of foreign judgments in Malta. The team has seen a shift in the market towards more cross-border work and is well positioned to handle financial services and corporate disputes from local companies involved in larger deals. The department is led by Frank Testa, ‘a lawyer who really cares about his clients’, Joseph Camilleri and Stephen Muscat.

Practice head(s): Stephen Muscat; Joseph Camilleri; Frank Testa

Other key lawyers: Nicholas Valenzia; Maria Lisa Buttigieg

Testimonials

‘I have been using this practice for commercial dispute resolution for a number of years. In my opinion, the practical way they handle disputes, avoiding the hassle of protracted lawsuits, but always keeping that option in mind, is very good. The breadth of experience in the team is also a very big plus. In comparison to other firms, this firm is the ‘first amongst equals’ in this field.’

‘Frank Testa – A lawyer who really cares about his clients, who listens, and who does not let the grass grow under his feet.

‘Maria Lisa Buttigieg – A lawyer whose technical expertise, coupled with dogged research of caselaw, is outstanding.’

‘The company has a number of experts and so it is great to be part of this team!’

‘Joseph Camilleri is a great person to work with – he makes himself available and also takes client concerns very seriously. He is the lawyer that you always want on your side. ’

‘Very well prepared and the practice houses a very wide spectrum of expertise in various sectors’

‘Well informed and always available to help’

‘I find working with the lawyers within this firm to be a breath of fresh air. They are unique, in that they are very practical / pragmatic and are not time wasters’

‘The advice given by Dr. Frank Testa, is very professional, to the point and measured. It really is a pleasure to work with him.’

‘Practical, flexible and solution driven approach.’

‘Frank Testa is a lead in terms of litigation lawyers in Malta. Nicholas Valenzia is a lead in terms of maritime litigation in Malta.’

‘Thorough knowledge of all areas of law coupled with the availability that one would expect of an in-house / solely dedicated team of lawyers make MAMO TCV an exceptional legal services provider. Definitely the go-to choice for business in Malta.’

‘Partner Joe Camilleri is an exceptional individual who matches a wide and deep understanding of the law with a hard work ethic. Always available for assistance and pragmatic in his approach.’

 

(Tier 1) INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Mamo TCV Advocates’ advice spans all aspects of intellectual property law, but it is particularly notable for IP prosecutions. The team ‘knows the counterfeit business in Malta’ and has worked on numerous anti-counterfeiting cases for world leading brands in the sportswear, tobacco, fashion and electronics industry. Practice head, Antoine Camilleri is an expert in IP litigation, and an active member of several intellectual property associations. Claude Micallef Grimaud joined the partnership this year.

Practice head(s): Antoine Camilleri; David Tonna; Claude Micallef Grimaud

Testimonials

‘Mamo knows the counterfeit business in Malta and accommodates to the client’s strategy.’

‘Antoine Camilleri is very client oriented.’

 

(Tier 1) INVESTMENT FUNDS

The team at Mamo TCV Advocates is experienced in the structuring and licensing of retail open-ended or closed-ended funds as well as alternative and professional investor funds. Led by Katya Tua, the team has recently advised on Maltese regulatory matters for several investment management companies including Futura Investment Management, The Macro Fund and The ARP Funds.

Practice head(s): Katya Tua

Testimonials

‘Knowledgeable ’

‘Katya Tua is always available.’

 

(Tier 1) REAL ESTATE

The team at Mamo TCV Advocates is regularly engaged on a full scope of real estate matters. It is experienced in working on a variety of projects from large-scale mixed-use real estate developments to historic buildings; the practice has assisted with purchasing and lease agreements, drafting and negotiating complex contracts and dispute resolution. Joseph Borg Bartolo, an expert on immovable property transactions, and experienced litigator, Frank B. Testa are the practice heads.

Practice head(s): Joseph Borg Bartolo; Frank B. Testa

Testimonials

‘The quality of the partners and their availability is what makes this firm unique. Also the open discussion and the industry knowledge of both the partners and the associates makes it easier to deal with real estate legal matters.’

‘Dr Joseph Camilleri is always available, knowledgeable about any matter/question we raise, efficient in delivering the request and has a very good approach even with harder matters.

‘Dr Joe Borg Bartolo has given us good guidance in negotiations and also have a very good approach in negotiating with third parties.’

(Tier 2) AVIATION

The team at Mamo TCV Advocates offers clients a complete service when it comes to aviation matters. It has been engaged by the Maltese government to act as the legal adviser on legislative matters and regularly acts for major financiers. Nicholas Valenzia and Joseph Camilleri head the practice.

Practice head(s): Nicholas Valenzia; Joseph Camilleri

 

(Tier 2) BANKING, FINANCE AND CAPITAL MARKETS

Led by Andrew Muscat, the banking and finance practice at Mamo TCV Advocates is a popular choice for both local and international financial institutions. It has worked on a variety of financing projects as well as regulatory work. The team has advised several issuers from a variety of sectors on listings on capital markets and has been retained as counsel to various credit and financial institutions operating in Malta. Simon Pullicino was recently promoted to the partnership.

Practice head(s):Andrew Muscat

Other key lawyers: Simon Pullicino

 

(Tier 2) SHIPPING

The team at Mamo TCV Advocates can handle all aspects of maritime law from ship registration and ownership structures to maritime litigation. Nicholas Valenzia and his team has assisted major financiers and providers in the lease financing of yachts. Joseph Camilleri handles maritime litigation and transactional work.

Practice head(s): Nicholas Valenzia; Joseph Camilleri

 

(Tier 3) FINTECH

The team at Mamo TCV Advocates offers advisory and transactional services to a range of clients from banks to telecoms providers to software companies. It has assisted clients in setting up a VFA exchange and advised on obtaining a license under the new virtual financial asset framework. The team is led by Katya Tua, who is experienced in investment services.

Practice head(s): Katya Tua

(Band 1) General Business Law Department

What the team is known for:  Stellar firm with an acclaimed corporate and dispute resolution practice regularly retained by local and international clients spanning the banking, pharmaceutical and real estate industries, as well as public sector clients. Strong capital markets department with a focus on securities issuances. Assists clients with corporate acquisitions and restructurings, as well as complex real estate transactions. Frequently advises investment fund managers on regulatory and licensing matters. Leading litigation team particularly strong on real estate and financial disputes, as well as representing clients in arbitration.

Notable practitioners

(Ranked as Star Individual) Andrew Muscat is revered as “the eminent expert on corporate law in Malta.” A client comments that Muscat is “very competent technically and is held to be an authority on the Companies Act,” while another describes him as a “walking book for all legal aspects in Malta.” Muscat assists clients with rights and securities issuances, as well as corporate restructurings.

(Band 2) Katya Tua is considered by a client to be “very efficient in relation to funds business and investment services.” An interviewee praises her client service: “She provides a very personable approach. She engages with clients and has a good touch.” Tua advises fund managers on regulatory matters, including passporting.

(Band 3) Michael Psaila is highly praised by interviewees, who comment: “He is a joy to work with and an excellent lawyer,” while one source highlights that “he is very thorough and provides very comprehensive advice.” He advises clients on commercial agreements, as well as assisting public and private sector clients with regulatory changes.

(Band 1) General Business Law Department

The Department is known as a stellar firm with an acclaimed corporate and dispute resolution practice regularly retained by local and international clients spanning the banking, pharmaceutical and real estate industries, as well as public sector clients. Strong capital markets department with a focus on securities issuances. Assists clients with corporate acquisitions and restructurings, as well as complex real estate transactions. Frequently advises investment fund managers on regulatory and licensing matters. Leading litigation team particularly strong on real estate and financial disputes, as well as representing clients in arbitration.

Strengths Clients consider the firm one of the best in Malta, with one interviewee commenting: “They have a wide area of expertise and they are a one-stop shop for us legally. They are the best.”

A client considers the firm’s dispute resolution practice to be “excellent” and describes the service as “precise, efficient and effective.”

Another commentator highlights that the firm “offers sound advice and support services on any aspect of commercial law.”

Work highlights Acted for Brait as issuer on a bond buy-back and convertible bond and rights issue.

Notable practitioners

(Ranked as Star Individual) Andrew Muscat is revered as “the eminent expert on corporate law in Malta.” A client comments that Muscat is “very competent technically and is held to be an authority on the Companies Act,” while another describes him as a “walking book for all legal aspects in Malta.” Muscat assists clients with rights and securities issuances, as well as corporate restructurings.

(Ranked as Associates to watch) Annalies Muscat advises clients on commercial agreements. She also assists clients with competition law matters. One client reports: “She is very thorough, with very good legal drafting skills, and is knowledgeable on competition law.”

(Band 3) Frank Testa usually represents clients in local and international debt recovery procedures, as well as in commercial disputes. A client says: “His view is a very comprehensive one and he sees the full picture.”

(Band 2) A source describes Joseph Camilleri as “a down-to-earth person who is intelligent, extremely capable and hard-working,” and goes on to say: “He always seeks to solve an issue in a practical manner, with a view to limiting expenses as well as avoiding unnecessary litigation.” He represents clients in real estate and debt collection mandates.

(Band 2) Katya Tua is considered by a client to be “very efficient in relation to funds business and investment services.” An interviewee praises her client service: “She provides a very personable approach. She engages with clients and has a good touch.” Tua advises fund managers on regulatory matters, including passporting.

(Band 3) Michael Psaila is highly praised by interviewees, who comment: “He is a joy to work with and an excellent lawyer,” while one source highlights that “he is very thorough and provides very comprehensive advice.” He advises clients on commercial agreements, as well as assisting public and private sector clients with regulatory changes.

(Band 3) Shipping

The department is know for Experienced team offering maritime transport operators, yacht service providers and public service bodies corporate and regulatory advice on the arrest of vessels and maritime litigation.

Strengths A client appreciates that “their services are always timely and consistent.”

Notable practitioners

(Band 2) Nicholas Valenzia – Described by one client as “the most passionate person about the maritime sector,”

Nicholas Valenzia comes highly recommended by an interviewee for “his knowledge on shipping law matters.” Valenzia assists shipping companies with chartering and corporate restructuring mandates.

(Band 4) FinTech Legal

What the team is known for: A respected Maltese firm, Mamo TCV has developed an able and integrated FinTech practice assisting traditional financial institutions with the digital development of their businesses. The team is depended upon by a number of banks for advice in relation to data protection, IT outsourcing and IP matters, and by various FinTech entities in obtaining Malta’s Virtual Financial Assets licence.

Strengths: “They did not shy away from guiding us and enabling us in a very diplomatic manner with strong combined expertise.”