LinkinLegal

About

The firm: TEGOS is a leading full-service commercial law firm in the Baltic States. The firm’s attorneys have an unprecedented experience mix of serving local and international businesses, the public sector, working with the European Central Bank, the European Investment Bank, institutions of the European Union, and collaborating with top-tier international law firms. The firm has been involved in almost all of the major transactions that were completed in the Baltic States since they regained their independence, and is currently involved in the most important strategic energy and infrastructure, corporate and litigation projects in the Baltics. ### Areas of practice Corporate and M&A: the firm gives the full-range corporate and M&A advice from establishments to complex restructurings and local and cross-border M&A transactions to trade and PE clients. The firm’s expertise ranges from real estate, retail and energy to IT and pharmaceuticals. Banking and finance: the firm advises on regulatory issues as well as transactional matters. Its key strengths lie in alternative funding, crowdfunding, payment services and licensing, a sample of which is a pending bank licence for co-operative bank Eesti Ühistupank – a first bank licence in Estonia that is being processed by the ECB. Regulatory: the firm has wide experience in public procurement, its key strengths being dispute resolution and investigation of offences, including violations of EU structural funds. Its expertise in competition law, particularly in disputes and EC proceedings, is outstanding. The firm also advises on all aspects of IP, pharmaceuticals and energy. Real estate: the firm has a full-service real estate and construction team offering advice on infrastructure development projects such as commercial and retail property matters including real estate M&A. The team is well known for seamless service for developers as well as managing highly complex projects such as distressed assets M&A, alternative financing schemes, complex joint ventures and solving dead-locks in construction and development projects. Tax: the firm’s top-tier tax practice handles 30+ tax cases a year. It is especially qualified in tax litigation having been involved in major tax disputes of the region. Dispute resolution: the firm is also well known for its dispute resolution and litigation practices having been involved in some of the most complex and principal Supreme Court cases. Its wide experience extends from tax litigation to corporate, competition, IP, construction, transport and insolvency disputes. Insolvency: the firm is historically known for its outstanding insolvency and reorganisation practice led by name partner Paul Varul who has been involved in drafting all legal acts on insolvency and reorganisation law. The firm advises on 50+ insolvency and reorganisation cases annually, including representing major Scandinavian banks such as Swedbank, Nordea and Luminor. ### Languages - English - Estonian - Finnish - French - German - Latvian - Lithuanian - Polish - Russian ### Memberships - International Bar Association - TerraLex - Estonian Bar Association ### Staffing Figures - 43 Number of partners worldwide

Office locations

Tallinn

Tallinn

TEGOS (Formerly TGS Baltic) Liivalaia 36 Tallinn 10132 Estonia

Tartu

Tartu

TEGOS (Formerly TGS Baltic) Kaluri 2 51004 Tartu Tartu Estonia

Practice areas

Corporate and M&ABanking and FinanceRegulatoryReal Estate and ConstructionTaxDispute Resolution and LitigationInsolvency and RestructuringCompetition and AntitrustIntellectual PropertyEnergyPublic Procurement

Lawyers in this office

Anu Kirss photo

Anu Kirss

Anu Kirss is an experienced lawyer specialising in employment law, corporate law, data protection, and the energy sector. International legal directories recognise her as a “calm and precise lawyer” known for her fast response times and innovative approach. With over 15 years of experience, Anu advises clients on both individual and collective employment relations, including management contracts, business secrets protection, and issues related to mergers, acquisitions, and company restructuring. She has represented clients in complex employment disputes and has been a member of the Employment Law Committee of the Estonian Bar Association since 2017. Anu also has deep expertise in data protection and privacy law, guiding clients through General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance, conducting audits, and delivering training. In the energy sector, Anu has over 10 years of experience advising electricity, gas, and heat companies on energy market issues, price coordination procedures, and disputes with regulators. She has assisted clients with network operator service areas, cogeneration plants, wind farms, and renewable energy issues. Recently, Anu has advised several international gas companies on their activities in Estonia. · Employment

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Chirag Mody

A civil and cross-border disputes expert, Chirag Mody specialises in arbitration, litigation, and complex matters such as board liability, construction, finance, tech, libel, and bankruptcy. Known for his deep legal insight and business-first mindset, he is regularly praised by clients as a “stellar litigator” with “exceptional acumen” (Legal 500). He has acted in major proceedings before domestic and international courts and arbitration panels, and often serves as an arbitrator himself. A respected academic, Chirag has taught civil procedure, contract law, and legal argumentation at the University of Tartu for over a decade. He has also been honoured in prestigious international moot court competitions, including Telders and Vis Moot. · Arbitration

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Dmitri Teplõhh

Dmitri Teplõhh specialises in advising clients on white-collar crime and tax matters. With extensive experience in criminal law, Dmitri previously worked at the Northern District Prosecutor’s Office, where he supervised criminal proceedings as a District Prosecutor and handled cases related to taxation. He advises clients on value-added tax (VAT), customs matters, and represents them in criminal and misdemeanour proceedings related to white-collar crimes. · White Collar Crime

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Erki Fels

Erki Fels leads the public procurement team and has advised on some of Estonia’s highest-value public tenders. His expertise covers defence and security, air, sea and land transport, healthcare, construction, and IT procurements. In 2023, he represented clients in more procurement disputes than any other Estonian lawyer, successfully challenging financial correction decisions and saving clients hundreds of thousands of euros. Erki is an influential voice in procurement policy. He has advised the Ministry of Finance on simplifying procurement procedures and worked with the Ministry of Climate and the Environmental Agency to promote green procurement. Several of his guidelines and training materials are publicly available on government websites. He is a member of the IT and Telecommunications Association’s procurement working group, where he led the drafting of a model software development contract. The international legal index Lexology recommends him in Government and Government Contracts. Erki is also a co-author of the annotated Estonian Public Procurement Act and lectures on procurement law at the University of Tartu. · Public Procurement

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Helmut Pikmets

Helmut Pikmets is renowned for resolving complex tax matters with speed, clarity, and strategic foresight. He advises on all areas of tax law, including M&A, restructurings, and transactions, with clients ranging from Orlen Estonia and Swedbank to Michelin and Turkish Airlines. He has led landmark cases before the Estonian Supreme Court – most notably the Sylvester share transfer dispute, the largest tax case in Baltic history – as well as a constitutional challenge on fuel tax bonds. Helmut also represents clients in criminal tax proceedings and has appeared before the European Court of Human Rights. · Tax

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Indrek Ergma

Indrek Ergma specialises in corporate restructuring and the regulation of shareholder relationships. He has extensive experience advising on market regulations and has handled numerous international corporate law projects, including M&A, share and asset-related transactions, and corporate disputes. Indrek has extensive experience in employment disputes, including contract modifications, collective terminations, and due diligence related to employment. He also advises employers on motivational systems and corporate transitions. Indrek is a published author and a widely recognised speaker on employment law. He has been a member of the Estonian Bar Association’s employment law committee since 2015. · Corporate / M&A

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Indrek Leppik

With litigation experience of over 25 years, Indrek Leppik is a trusted advisor in commercial, administrative, and business disputes. He is known for crafting clear litigation strategies and representing clients in precedent-setting constitutional review proceedings, including the successful repeal of unconstitutional laws. He has advised banks, insurers, and corporates on complex, high-stakes litigation and defends clients in economic and white-collar crime cases. · Litigation

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Jana Tudelep

Jana Tudelep provides expert legal support in both public and private sector disputes. She has been involved in several high-profile cases, including environmental and spatial planning matters. Jana brings solid experience in civil litigation, covering contract, insurance, and bankruptcy matters. She also advises on complex contract law issues and has contributed to major construction, real estate, and M&A projects. Jana holds a Master’s in Law from the University of Tartu, studied at Ghent University in Belgium, and joined the Estonian Bar Association in 2017. · Litigation

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Kadri Kallas

Recognised by Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, Best Lawyers, and IFLR as a leading expert, Kadri is known for her pragmatic, quick, and solution-oriented approach. With extensive experience in commercial and corporate law, M&A, private equity, and venture capital, Kadri Kallas advises strategic investors, private equity funds, and growth companies on investments, joint ventures, mergers, and acquisitions. She has also worked at the London office of a major US-based law firm. · Corporate / M&A

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Karin Marosov

With extensive experience in commercial real estate, Karin Marosov advises clients on all aspects of real estate transactions, focusing on acquisitions, disposals, due diligence, project finance, development, long-term leases, and construction. Known for her effective negotiation and litigation skills, Karin provides clear, practical solutions to complex real estate matters. Her past role as Head of Legal for Maxima in Estonia and her membership on the Estonian Traders Association board deepen her strong grasp of commercial and trade law. Karin has supported numerous businesses in structuring and concluding trade deals and commercial agreements, including distribution, supply, and agency contracts. In addition, she offers strategic advice to management boards on their duties and liabilities, particularly in insolvency scenarios. · Real Estate

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Kedli Anvelt

Kedli Anvelt is a counsel specialising in dispute resolution and insolvency law. She represents clients in complex civil disputes, including bankruptcy, reorganisation, financial litigation, and criminal proceedings related to economic offences. Kedli is recognised for her extensive experience in evidentially complex and precedent-setting cases, making her a trusted representative in high-stakes court proceedings. As the firm’s insolvency law expert, she advises on all aspects of insolvency, including cross-border issues, restructuring, and refinancing. She also plays a key role in the field, serving as head of the bankruptcy committee in Estonia’s first precedent-setting management company insolvency case. Kedli is known for her dedication, cheerful nature, and deep commitment to her work. · Litigation

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Kirsti Pent

Recognised as a leading expert in banking and finance, Kirsti Pent is known for her efficiency and innovative solutions. With 16 years of experience, she specialises in advising financial institutions on regulatory matters, capital raising, and financing transactions. Kirsti’s expertise includes helping clients navigate the Estonian Financial Supervision Authority’s licensing process, responding to regulatory inquiries, and guiding clients through remote and on-site inspections. She is also experienced in drafting standard contracts and providing strategic advice on financing. · Banking & Finance

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Leonid Tolstov

Dr. Leonid Tolstov is an accomplished litigator and corporate advisor, representing clients in disputes related to shareholder relations, management liability, and corporate transactions. He has successfully argued landmark cases at all court levels, including the Supreme Court, and is known for helping resolve complex conflicts through negotiation. A dedicated academic, he lectures on non-contractual obligations at the University of Tartu and has published widely in both local and international journals. His doctoral thesis explored the liability of directors towards company creditors. Leonid also serves on the Supervisory Board of Estiko, a major Estonian real estate developer. · Litigation

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Martti Peetsalu

Martti Peetsalu is a leading expert in shipping and transport law, recognised by prestigious international directories for his practical, diligent, and responsive approach. Clients appreciate his analytical, pro-active, and commercial mindset, comparing his strategic thinking to that of a chess player—always thinking several steps ahead. With extensive experience in shipping law, Martti has litigated landmark cases, particularly in ship arrest issues, shaping Estonia’s reputation for having an efficient legal system and strong maritime case law. He has also handled cases involving road carriers, freight forwarders, forced vessel sales, cargo claims, and issues related to the carriage of goods and passengers by air. Martti has successfully represented clients in significant Supreme Court cases concerning shareholder disputes, company division, and board member liabilities, which have shaped Estonian case law. He has also gained valuable experience in rail carriage and railway infrastructure charges. He has further honed his expertise at Dabelstein & Passehl (Arnecke Sibeth Dabelstein), a law firm specialising in the transport sector. Martti also serves on the national revision committee on national defence law and co-authored analyses on court procedures in a state of emergency. · Shipping & Transport

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Mirko Kikkamägi

Mirko Kikkamägi has extensive international experience and specialises in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, venture capital, and corporate law. He is actively involved in the start-up sector, advising on early-stage investments and supporting founders as they grow their businesses. Mirko has served as in-house counsel at Swedbank and gained international experience at the Frankfurt office of Clifford Chance, where he focused on financing transactions across Central and Eastern Europe, Southeastern Europe, and Turkey. His expertise includes investment-grade deals, leveraged and real estate finance, export finance, and transactions in developing markets. · Mergers & Acquisitions

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Olger Kaelep

Olger Kaelep advises credit institutions, fintech and crowdfunding companies, insurers, payment service providers, and fund managers on a wide range of legal matters. Known for his calm and thorough approach, Olger has played a key role in various major projects, including cross-border mergers in the financial sector. Olger has also advised clients on copyright and intellectual property issues. From experience in a leading bank as a credit lawyer and later in a managerial role, he has in-depth knowledge of credit and collateral contracts, as well as complex financing deals. · Banking & Finance

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Paul Varul

Described by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 as “extremely knowledgeable” and “widely respected,” Paul Varul is often referred to as the father of Estonian bankruptcy law. He advises on all areas of private law, with deep expertise in insolvency and contract law, and has acted in numerous high-profile disputes, including international arbitration in Stockholm, London, and Washington. He is also a respected arbitrator and expert witness in global proceedings. Paul was a principal drafter of the Estonian Bankruptcy Act and chairs the Ministry of Justice’s Insolvency Law Expert Commission. A member of the International Insolvency Institute and INSOL Europe, he also co-authored the European Common Frame of Reference and led the drafting of Estonia’s Law of Obligations Act, Commercial Code, and Civil Code General Part as Chair of the Private Law Commission. · Insolvency & Restructuring

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Peeter Viirsalu

Peeter Viirsalu specialises in intellectual property, insolvency, construction, and real estate law. Recognised by Legal 500 for his professionalism and responsiveness, he is appreciated by clients for his clear, honest advice and swift turnaround. In insolvency, Peeter primarily represents bankruptcy trustees and creditors, advising on bankruptcy proceedings and disputes. He also provides guidance on intellectual property matters, including copyright, trademarks, and licensing. As an experienced litigator, Peeter has represented clients in public interest civil law disputes and construction, commercial, and contract law disputes. He has led several high-profile legal audits, including for Eesti Energia, Port of Tallinn, and the City of Tallinn. Peeter serves as the National Correspondent for INSOL Europe and has published articles on bankruptcy and reorganisation. He has lectured at the University of Tartu since 2010 and given seminars for major companies such as Swedbank, Nordea, and SEB Bank. · Intellectual Property

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Priit Lätt

Priit Lätt is a renowned expert in IP/IT, tax disputes, and public procurement law. He represents both Estonian and international clients, including public institutions, and has extensive experience in landmark disputes, many of which have set legal precedents in the Supreme Court. Notable cases include Estonia’s biggest software dispute and the first bitcoin-related legal regulation lawsuit in Estonia. Priit also successfully challenged key provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure and Government Regulations in a trademark dispute. Priit played a pivotal role in developing Estonia’s first standard contract for the public procurement of software and is recognised for his contributions to the legal field through presentations, articles, and his role as a lecturer in IT law at the University of Tartu. Since 2009, The Tax Directors Handbook has ranked Priit among the top 250 tax attorneys globally, and The Guide to the World’s Leading Tax Advisers recognises him as one of the leading tax advisers worldwide. He is a founder and board member of several professional associations, including the Internet of Things and Estonian Cryptocurrency Association, and serves on the IP/IT commission of the Estonian Bar Association. · Intellectual Property

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Sander Kärson

Recognised as a leading Corporate and M&A expert, Sander Kärson is valued for his forward-thinking, solution-driven approach. As Managing Partner, he plays a key role in the firm’s transactional work and regularly advises local and international investors on cross-border matters. He contributes to legislative development through his work with the Ministry of Justice’s audit committee and has co-authored authoritative commentaries on suretyship and guarantees. He also lectures on contract law, company law, and M&A at the University of Tartu. · Corporate / M&A

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Sergei Jegorov

Sergei Jegorov focuses on corporate taxation, advising clients on tax risk assessments and corporate restructurings. His daily work covers value-added tax, excise duties, and income tax matters, often involving cross-border elements. Sergei has extensive experience representing clients in disputes with tax authorities. He has also been involved in high-profile cases, including proceedings against companies and their directors. He frequently handles complex tax matters with broader legal or constitutional implications. · Tax

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Triin Kaurov

Triin Kaurov is highly praised for her dispute resolution work, both in litigation and at the pre-court stage. With extensive experience in administrative and civil matters, Triin has advised clients on day-to-day business activities and in making strategically important decisions. Her expertise spans various sectors, including electronic communications, electricity, postal services, water regulation, waste management, and public procurement. Triin has represented both entrepreneurs and public authorities, providing legal advice on complex legislative matters, permits, licensing requirements, and enforcement issues. She has notably represented 24 Estonian municipalities in a Supreme Court constitutional review of the Administrative Reform Act and has challenged forced mergers in Estonia. Triin has also drafted key legal analyses, including on the transposition of European Commission directives into Estonian legislation and the constitutionality of the Administrative Reform Act. In employment law, Triin has broad experience, having worked as an HR lawyer and advised on employment contracts, confidentiality agreements, non-competition clauses, and occupational health and safety disputes. She has also represented clients in complex employment-related cases. · Dispute Resolution

Triinu Järviste photo

Triinu Järviste

Triinu Järviste is a leading competition law specialist, praised for her ability to approach antitrust issues from a broader economic perspective. She advises clients on all aspects of competition law, including criminal proceedings, merger control, and competition law claims in civil courts. Triinu has significant experience in state aid matters, representing both grantors and recipients in proceedings before the European Commission and national courts. She has helped several public entities navigate state aid audits and ensure compliance. With deep expertise in regulatory sectors such as electricity, gas, post, water management, electronic communications, and transport, Triinu advises clients on issues including price regulation, renewable energy support systems, and network-related matters. She is a member of the Competition Law Committee of the Estonian Bar Association and lectures on competition law offences at the University of Tartu. · Competition / Antitrust