The FINANCIAL — “Our firm’s biggest asset is our team”, says David Eristavi, Managing Partner of Eristavi Law Group. “We have a group of skilled, knowledgeable and accomplished lawyers with extensive industry backgrounds, both local and international. These individuals are recognized as leaders in the legal profession. Today, the firm is led by five partners, including myself, Revaz Beridze, Kakha Kuchava, Temur Mamasakhlisi and Mikheil Sulakvelidze”.
The first step a foreign investor should take before entering a foreign market is to work together with a local law firm, Mr. Eristavi believes. “That way, the investor will avoid any problems associated with local laws and regulations. This is the rule of thumb for starting a business not only in Georgia, but in any foreign market”, he adds.
“Eristavi Law Group offers unparalleled legal counsel to its clients, covering every area of the law. We provide high-quality and professional services and we are very much client-oriented. Client and client’s interests always come first.
Company has 23 lawyers on staff, including the above-mentioned five partners.
According to Mr. Eristavi 2010 was a very successful year for the company. “It brought many new assets and accomplishments to our firm – new partners, new teammates and winning cases”, he says.
“The quality of our work and the effectiveness of our lawyers give us a clear advantage over the competition. The growing list of our clients is evidence that we have this competitive edge”.
Eristavi Law Group provides legal services to individuals as well as to business entities.
“As far as our business clients, we deal with all types of industries, including construction, banking, transportation, insurance, financial institutions and international organizations, among others. We have quite a large list of permanent clients that have signed up for one of our new service packages. These clients are large companies, both local and international. I’m happy to say that this list is constantly growing. We also have individual and business clients who come to us on a need-basis”.
Company will be opening branch offices in Batumi and Kutaisi in the first quarter of 2011.
Q. What is the advantage of having a partnership with Hall Booth Smith & Slover, P.C., a U.S. law firm?
A. It would be a privilege for any law firm to have a partnership with a firm, such as HBSS. First of all, because of HBSS’ extensive experience, secondly, because of the firm’s involvement in large scale business projects. Moreover, HBSS lawyers are professional and praiseworthy individuals. I’d like to point out that this is the first time that a major foreign law firm is entering the local market to be a partner of a Georgian law firm. We are very proud that after many years of searching for a local partner, HBSS decided to team up with Eristavi Law Group. The partnership between our two firms means a working cooperation, in other words joint provision of legal services in Georgia, the U.S. or anywhere in the world.
Q. What kind of legal advice is most demanded in Georgia?
A. Civil law cases are the most frequent in Georgia and thus legal advice in this area is most in demand. There’s a growing demand for assistance in the area of Corporate Governance in Georgia, which is an indication that the level of business management is improving.
Q. What kind of services do you offer to foreign investors?
A. We provide comprehensive legal services across a wide range of areas. In fact, we cover all areas of the law, including corporate governance and corporate law, international law, maritime and transportation law, administrative and tax laws, civil and criminal laws, dispute resolution, including arbitration and litigation; employment law, construction law, private enforcement, among others. We also assist foreign investors in their dealings with local government agencies.
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