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Our Mission

“Our firm's expertise in an array of legal fields allows our team of lawyers to provide clients with all-rounded reliable and experience based legal advice”

David GonziManaging Partner

Gonzi & Associates, Advocates is a business boutique law firm established in Malta specialised primarily in the fields of Financial Services, Commercial Law, Corporate Law and Taxation, Gaming and Telecoms Law, and Intellectual Property Law. This expertise in specific legal fields allows our team of lawyers to provide clients with reliable and experience based legal advice.

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The firm offers its range of legal services to a diversified client base, including well-known local and multinational companies. It has assisted a number of companies to set up, license and maintain their banking, investment services, financial institution or igaming operations in Malta.

Gonzi & Associates, Advocates offers particular value to clients in its ability to offer a highly personalised legal service tailor-made to the client’s business requirements. The firm’s team embraces a number of professionals from the legal, accounting and corporate services sectors and includes lawyers, a legal procurator and associate notaries. Clients prize the individual attention that the business law firm provides.

The firm has a number of associated companies, namely ‘GA Corporate Limited’ providing all-rounded corporate and back-office services and ‘Lexnode’, a licensed VFA Agent. The firm has exclusive alliances with Pangeanet, an international network of independent law firms and Business Network International.

Our People

Senior Partner

Dr Lawrence Gonzi

Areas of Practice: European law, Company law, Employment and Industrial Relations, Financial Services, Maritime and Aviation Registration and Financing

Former Prime Minister of Malta for nine years (2004-2013) while retaining the portfolio of Minister of Finance for the first four years of his tenure (2004-2008). During this period, Malta successfully achieved the Maastricht criteria and was admitted to the Eurozone in January 2008. Dr Gonzi successfully managed Malta’s economy throughout the global financial and economic crisis, achieving consistent economic growth and stable employment levels which exceeded EU averages.

Throughout his tenure, the restructuring of the Maltese economy was accelerated, making Malta an extremely attractive location for foreign direct investment in financial services, information technology, maritime and aviation hubs and high value added manufacturing clusters.

Throughout his political career he was heavily involved in the drafting of major new legislation including the Maltese National Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD), the Employment and Industrial Relations Law and the Equal Opportunities (persons with Disability) Act.

Prior to entering full time politics Dr Gonzi was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of one of Malta’s leading Group of Companies. Throughout his legal career he specialised in commercial law, maritime law, and employment and industrial relations.

Education

1976: Doctor of Laws, University of Malta
1975: Diploma of Notary Public, University of Malta

Professional Experience

2013 – Present: Partner and Senior Consultant, Gonzi & Associates
2004 - 2013: Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Government of Malta
1999 - 2004: Deputy Prime Minister, Government of Malta
1998 - 2004: Minister of Social Policy, Government of Malta
2001 - 2003: Chairman, Task Force for the Restructuring of the Malta Drydocks and Malta Ship Building Companies
1997 - 1998: Secretary General, Partit Nazzjonalista
1992 - 1997: Chairman, Mizzi Holdings Limited
1992 - 1996: Speaker, House of Representatives (Seventh Legislature), House of Parliament, Malta
1987 - 1996: President, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities
1994 - 1995: Chairman, Electoral System (Reform) Commission
1988 - 1992: Speaker, House of Representatives (Sixth Legislature), House of Parliament, Malta
1987 - 1988: Chairman, Malta Pharmacy Board

Professional Memberships

Chamber of Advocates, Malta

Managing Partner

Dr David Gonzi

Areas of Practice: Financial Services, IT Law, Telecoms and Gaming

David Gonzi is managing partner of Gonzi & Associates, Advocates and has more than thirteen years experience in the provision of legal advice in the fields of financial services, IT and gaming.

In particular, David has assisted various companies with acquiring Malta licenses for the provision of investment services, financial institutions, online forex/binary options, emoney, payment services, funds, collective investment schemes and remote and land-based gaming.

He has a Masters (MA) in Financial Services from the University of Malta, a Masters in IT and Telecoms Law (LLM) from the University College of London, a Doctorate of Law from the University of Malta and a Diploma in Taxation from the Malta Institute of Taxation.

Education

2013: Diploma in Taxation, Malta Institute of Taxation
2009: M.A. Financial Services, University of Malta
2003: LL.M (IT and Telecommunication Law), University College of London
2002: Doctor of Laws, University of Malta
2001: Diploma of Notary Public, University of Malta
1999: Bachelor of Arts in Legal and Humanistic Studies, University of Malta

Professional Experience

2002 to present: Founder and Partner at Gonzi & Associates, Advocates
2002 - 2005: Malta Communications Authority, Senior Legal Adviser

Professional Memberships

Chamber of Advocates, Malta
Institute of Financial Services Practitioners, Malta

Partner

Dr Augusto Quintano

Areas of Practice: Financial Services, Corporate, Contractual, Gaming

Augusto Quintano joined the Firm in 2015. He graduated with a Doctor of Laws at the University of Malta after completing his final year of his studies in 2016. He has then furthered his studies by obtaining a Masters in Law in 2020, with a in-depth focus on financial services regulation. Augusto’s main legal focus is in fact financial services law and heads the Firm’s Financial Services Department. He also assists clients in matters of regulatory compliance, contractual law and gaming matters. His expertise leads him to regularly serve on Boards of key market players in the jurisdiction, offering guidance and advice therein.

Augusto’s other interests include planning road trips, movie nights, and playing the violin with various ensembles.

Education

2020: Master of Laws, University of London
2018: Post Graduate Diploma in Laws, University of London
2016: Doctor of Laws, University of Malta
2016: Maltese Financial Regulations, Institute of Financial Services
2014: Diploma of Notary Public, University of Malta
2013: Bachelor of Laws, University of Malta

Professional Experience

2024: Partner, Gonzi & Associates, Advocates
2020: Senior Associate, Gonzi & Associates, Advocates
2017: Associate Lawyer, Gonzi & Associates, Advocates
2015: Legal Trainee, Gonzi & Associates, Advocates

Senior Associate

Dr Sarah Demicoli

Areas of Practice: Civil Law, Litigation, Debt-Collection, Employment & Industrial Relations, Commercial Law, Financial Services, Regulatory Compliance

Sarah Demicoli joined the Firm as an Associate Lawyer in 2021. She graduated with a Doctor of Laws at the University of Malta in 2016. In 2017, she worked with the Department of Justice at the United States Embassy in Valletta where she contributed to training provided by the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law on counter-terrorism, juvenile justice and the rule of law to various legal and judicial professionals in Africa and Asia, gaining practical knowledge in that field. In 2019 she joined a localboutique regulatory advisor where she worked within corporate and regulatory advisory. In 2023 she obtained a Professional Award in Taxation awarded by the Malta Institute of Taxation. Sarah currently undertakes the civil and commercial litigation of the Firm, whilst also providing support to clients on employment law, competition law and corporate law.

Sarah is currently pursuing a master's degree in Financial Services at the University of Malta.

Education

2023: Award in Taxation, Malta Institute of Taxation
2017: Doctor of Laws, University of Malta
2016: Diploma of Notary Public, University of Malta
2014: Bachelor of Laws, University of Malta

Professional Experience

2024: Senior Associate, Gonzi & Associates, Advocates
2021: Associate, Gonzi & Associates, Advocates
2019: Associate, Lecocqassociate
2017: Administrative Assistant, United States Embassy, Valletta

Professional Memberships

Chamber of Advocates (Malta)

Associate

Dr Mark Farrugia

Areas of Practice: Contractual, Intellectual Property, Blockchain & DLT, Regulatory

Mark Farrugia joined the Firm in 2020. He attained a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Malta in 2020, following the submission of the dissertation entitled “Music Copyright Issues Concerning Joint Authorship.” Mark subsequently graduated with a Master of Advocacy from the University of Malta after completing his final year of studies in 2021 and was admitted to the Maltese bar in 2022.

Mark's focus with the law firm is on Intellectual Property Law, assisting clients with the registration and protection of trademarks, as well as Financial Services, amongst which he assists clients with licensing and other regulatory requirements.

Education

2021: Master of Advocacy, University of Malta
2020: Bachelor of Laws (Honours), University of Malta

Professional Experience

2021: Associate Lawyer, Gonzi & Associates, Advocates
2020: Legal Trainee, Gonzi & Associates, Advocates
2020: Junior Legal Assistant, Malta Financial Services Authority
2019: Legal Intern, Malta Business Registry

Associate

Dr Kenneth Xuereb

Areas of Practice: Employment Law, Maritime Law, Commercial Law, Corporate Law

Kenneth Xuereb joined the Firm in 2021. He obtained a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Malta in 2018 which included a dissertation focusing on an analysis of the Media and Defamation Act, which replaced the Press Act, from a Constitutional and Private International Law perspective. He graduated Master of Advocacy from the University of Malta in 2019 and was admitted to the Maltese bar in 2020.

Kenneth’s focus in the law firm is Employment Law, Maritime and Aviation law, as well as assisting in drafting and vetting of commercial contracts. He is currently reading for a Master in International Maritime Law (LLM) offered by the University of London

Education

2019: Master of Advocacy, University of Malta
2018: Bachelor of Laws (Honours), University of Malta

Professional Experience

2021: Associate Lawyer, Gonzi & Associates, Advocates
2020: Private Practice
2020: Prosecutor, Regional Tribunals

Associate

Dr Nicola Mattocks

Areas of Practice: Corporate and Commercial Law

Dr Nicola Mattocks is an Associate Lawyer practising with Gonzi & Associates, Advocates, having joined the Firm in 2012. Nicola graduated as Doctor of Laws from the University of Malta in 2013 and was called to the bar in Malta in 2014. She focuses mainly on intellectual property law, corporate agreements and financial services while also assisting in a variety of commercial matters.

Education

2013: Doctor of Laws, University of Malta
2011: Diploma of Notary Public, University of Malta
2010: Bachelor of Laws, University of Malta

Professional Experience

2013: Associate, Gonzi & Associates, Advocates
2012: Legal Trainee, Gonzi & Associates, Advocates

Professional Memberships

Chamber of Advocates

Legal Intern

Ms Katrina Portelli

Katrina joined the Firm in 2023 as a Legal Intern. She has successfully attained a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) in the same year, after submitting her dissertation entitled: 'An analysis of the Legislative Reform against SLAPP Suits'. She is currently pursuing a Master of Advocacy at the University of Malta.

Outside of her legal pursuits, Katrina teaches ballet to young students at a local dance academy.

Education

2023: Bachelor of Laws (Honours), University of Malta

Corporate Manager

Ms. Tiziana Calleja

Areas of Practice: Corporate Services

Tiziana Calleja joined the team in 2012 and currently occupies the position of Corporate Manager within GA Corporate Limited, an associated company of Gonzi & Associates, Advocates. Tiziana mainly assists in the day to day administrative matters by providing back office services to the firm and also assists in matters related to corporate services.

Education

2017: Foundation Course in Taxation
2012: Master in Arts (MA)
2009: B.A. (Hons) in Sociology

Professional Experience

2012: GA Corporate Limited
2009: Lembex Global Investments Limited

Residency & Corporate Officer

Ms Doriana Busuttil

Areas of Practice: Residency

Doriana Busuttil joined the Firm in March 2021. She assists various client with immigration issues, namely residence and work permits in Malta for both EU and non-EU nationals. She is also responsible for various corporate administrative tasks, ensuring the firm's compliance with it's regulatory obligations.

Professional Experience

2022: Residency and Corporate Officer, Gonzi & Associates, Advocates
2021: Administrative Assistant, Gonzi & Associates, Advocates
2019: Office Administrator, Alan Fiorini CPA
2018: Receptionist & Administrative Clerk, Med Design Associates Ltd

Administrative Assistant

Ms Katia Desira

Areas of Practice: Administration

Katia joined the Firm in 2022 as office administrator and receptionist, managing appointments and meetings whilst ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the office.

Education

2004 – Diploma in Travel and Tourism

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