International Lawyers Alliance
We Are Lawrope
A lawyers and law firms association based in Europe with a worldwide presence.
We are dedicated to helping members’ clients access premium legal professional services far and wide.
Trust, excellence, courtesy, credibility, reliability, and responsiveness are the foundations that our group, its members and our members’ clients are proud of.
Our members form a committed, dynamic, foward-thinking, reliable and skillful alliance.
Why Lawrope?
Austria
Andreas Foglar-Deinhardstein
Lawyer and Partner at Foglar-Deinhardstein
“Our law firm has always been focused on transnational legal work. This made it especially important for us to find like-minded and trustworthy law firms in other jurisdictions for cooperation.
In the past we have cooperated with different law firms on a purely informal level, but at the early 2000 decade we were looking for a formal network of law firms with the aim to strengthen our international cooperation. Thus, after some research, we decided to join Lawrope, having come to the conclusion that joining this international law firms network has been the best fit for us.
Lawrope’s principles as a network covering not only the most important jurisdictions, but also the main areas of business law, captivated us. At the same time Lawrope’s size called our attention since personal contact matters, as much as it matters being able to rely on each members law firm’s quality standards. Important to highlight is that Lawrope is now developing further in order to better accomplish the demands of the members’ law firms. We are thrilled to continue cooperating in this successful network!”
France
Arnaud Fleury
Lawyer and Partner at Foglar-Deinhardstein
“Défis Avocats’ clients are companies of all sizes and they need support, in France and abroad, for both advice and litigation.
The network of Lawrope enables to respond to these same transnational issues, relying on competent and reliable lawyers in complete confidence.
The members of the network of Lawrope can also recommend non-member lawyers based in other countries, increasing this way opportunities for our clients.”
United Kingdom
Barry Stanton
Lawyer and Partner at Boyes Turner
“Boyes Turner joined Lawrope almost 20 years ago. We joined so that we would be able to establish and grow firm links with a Europe-wide group of like-minded lawyers who recognised the need to be able to stretch their advice beyond national boundaries.
The reasons for joining Lawrope then and remaining a member have not changed, indeed they are now more pressing than ever.
During our membership of Lawrope we have worked with the group’s members to resolve our client’s problems across Europe and further afield.
Being able to work with colleagues whom we know well and trust, having met them on a regular basis over the years, is crucial to us in being able to provide an efficient service to our clients.”
Italy
Federica Odello
Lawyer and Partner at Odello – De Capitani
“Since the beginning of my career as a lawyer, I have always believed that an international positioning was necessary to broaden my professional perspective and benefit my clients.
What I found in Lawrope was the best technical know-how guaranteed by its members along with strong personal relationships that make working side by side always an enriching experience.
This mutual cooperation supported by a deep understanding of the local environment creates a safety net for prospect clients who want to cross borders and make business or solve issues where they don’t have the proper resources to do so.”
Mexico
Gonzalo Arrangoiz
Lawyer and Partner of ARRANGOIZ & ASOCIADOS, Business Counsel
“We are very proud to be part of Lawrope, a league of committed and capable lawyers, creating new business possibilities for our clients, for potential clients and for our respective offices, in a reliable and safe environment. By working together like a team we make a difference.”
Netherlands
Hans de Crom
Lawyer and Partner at Rijppaert & Peeters Advocaten
“As one of the founding partners of Lawrope, we have experienced the development of Lawrope into a strong and personal group of lawyers.
Lawrope allows us to provide and facilitate our clients with high quality legal services around the world and to welcome new clients and their legal issues from our reliable and trusted partners within Lawrope.”
Spain
Jordi Rovira and Francisco Lacasa
Lawyers and Partners at AGM Abogados
“The professionals that make up Lawrope have proven to AGM Abogados on numerous occasions their expertise, client orientation, excellent practice, and results.”
United States of America
Michael L. Kabik
Lawyer and Partner at Kabik Law
“There are numerous international legal networks with vast ‘phone book’ directories filled with unknown names. Lawrope is different. What truly sets Lawrope apart from these other ‘pay-to-play’ international legal networks are the direct personal relationships, camaraderie, and esprit des corps among its members.
Over 18 years as a Lawrope member, I have experienced Lawrope as a unique blend of preeminent international legal talent where members actually know one another, meeting in person to develop bonds and synergies, building the trust, confidence, and reliability necessary to collaborate and seamlessly support clients’ international legal needs across borders.
Lawrope is small enough where everybody knows your name, yet with members’ vast national legal experience and resources to provide diverse, top-tier, cross-border legal support to meet clients’ business and personal objectives in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner, all while focusing on the strength of members’ deep, one-on-one relationships.”
Portugal
Ricardo Gonçalves
Lawyer and Partner at Ricardo Gonçalves
“l joined Lawrope in 2004 because I wanted to internationalize my activity as a lawyer and I wanted to do it in a way to assure the protection of the interests of my clients abroad.
The high quality of the legal services provided by all Lawrope colleagues for over almost 20 years allows my office not only to maintain but also to expand the number of clients, besides contributing for the creation of an excellent network of contacts.
I had the honor to be President of Lawrope between 2018-2022 and getting to know in person the representatives of each Lawrope member made me realize that, beyond the excellent group of professionals, there is a friendship established which lasts and convey confidence to current and new members.”
Brazil
Robertson Emerenciano
Lawyer and Partner at Emerenciano, Baggio & Associados
“Being part of Lawrope is an important aspect of our business because since it is an international lawyers network it empower us to offer our clients global legal service coverage and to welcome foreign companies doing business in Brazil.
l had the opportunity to lead Lawrope from 2010 to 2012 and specially during that time I was able to see how the exchange of experiences and knowledge about different cultures and legal systems contributes to the technical development of our own teams in a collaborative work environment.
The growth of Lawrope’s network with coverage in different jurisdictions has increasingly expanded our ability to think globally.”
Become a Member of Lawrope
Your Lawrope membership ensures access to our member firms and its lawyers who provide specialized legal advice to individuals and companies from different jurisdictions, greatly expanding your ability to meet your clients’ needs, both nationally and internationally.
News & Insights
Explore the lastest news and insights to find out what our members are experiencing globally.
Article
June, 2026
Lawrope AGM 2026
On June 4, 2026, Lawrope successfully held its Annual General Meeting in Istanbul, Türkiye. While combining on-site presence with virtual attendance, leadership outlined the alliance’s milestone achievements over the previous year and detailed the strategic roadmap for the upcoming term.
Navigating the Future: Excerpt From the Lawrope Chairman's Address
"It is my great pleasure and honor to welcome all of you to Lawrope AGM 2026. The meeting this year it's being held in-person in Istanbul, Türkiye, and virtually for those joining remotely from different parts of the world.
First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our local member, AVK - Lawrope's newcomer. We are truly delighted to hold Lawrope AGM 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye, and to have the opportunity to experience the hospitality, professionalism and friendship of AVK.
Meanwhile, I would like to extend a special thank you to Mr. Haluk Avci, Chairman and Founder of AVK. Through his vision, leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, he has built one of the most respected legal firms in Türkiye. We are honored that he has welcomed Lawrope to his country and graciously accepted to host Lawrope AGM 2026.
My sincere thanks also goes to Mr. Varol Senel, Senior Partner of AVK, whose commitment, dedication and tireless efforts made the integration of AVK into our network possible. From the very beginning, Varol demonstrated a genuine belief in the value of international cooperation and in the opportunities that Lawrope creates for its members.
I would also like to recognize Mrs. Türkan Avci and the entire AVK team. Organizing an international event of this nature requires an enormous amount of work behind the scenes and their efforts in coordinating the logistics, operations, and countless practical details, have been instrumental in making this meeting possible. We are deeply grateful for their support and hospitality.
As Chairman of the Board of Directors of Lawrope for the 2025/2027 term, I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to my fellow members of the Board of Directors. The responsibilities entrusted to me could not be fulfilled without their valuable contributions, experience, guidance and unwavering support. Working alongside colleagues from different jurisdictions, legal traditions and cultures is a daily challenge, but it is also one of the most rewarding aspects of our organization. Our diversity broadens our perspectives, enriches our discussions and ultimately makes Lawrope stronger.
I would additionally like to offer a special word of thanks to Marta Guimarães. Throughout the preparation of this annual meeting and all long the last year, Marta has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment, ensuring that every detail was carefully planned and coordinated. This year's meeting is being hold in a hybrid format, combining both in-person and virtual attendance, which adds additional layers of complexity to the organization. Her efforts, along with the support of many others, have been essential to the success of Lawrope AGM 2026.
Furthermore, I would also like to thank all the members who have traveled to Istanbul, Türkiye, to ensure their physical presence reflecting the importance placed in the relationships we continue to build together. At the same time, I also want to acknowledge and give thanks to those who have reserved time in their busy schedules to participate virtually since, for for numerous reasons, they were unable to attend in person. Regardless of where we are physically located today, we are united by the same commitment to the continued growth and success of Lawrope.
Our annual meeting represents one of the most important moments in the life of our organization. It is an opportunity not only to review our achievements and challenges over the past year, but also to define our priorities for the future. Our work includes discussing strategic initiatives, membership development, business opportunities, marketing and communication projects, financial matters, governance issues and the continued evolution of our network. All this while upholding the importance of the business and social moments planned by AVK within Lawrope AGM 2026.
I encourage all of you to participate actively, share your ideas openly and contribute constructively to our discussions. The strength of Lawrope has always come from the engagement of its members and from our willingness to learn from one another.
I am confident that the diversity of perspectives, experiences and cultures represented physically in the meeting room - and virtually - will lead to thoughtful debate, practical solutions, stronger professional relationships and meaningful decisions that will help positioning Lawrope for continued success.
Thank you once again for being here, whether in Istanbul or virtually. I wish all of us a productive, inspiring and successful annual meeting, filled with meaningful discussions, valuable connections and decisions that will help shape an even stronger future for Lawrope.
Welcome to Lawrope AGM 2026! Let us begin!"
On June 4, 2026, Lawrope successfully held its Annual General Meeting in Istanbul, Türkiye. While combining on-site presence with virtual attendance, leadership outlined the alliance’s milestone achievements over the previous year and detailed the strategic roadmap for the upcoming term.
Navigating the Future: Excerpt From the Lawrope Chairman's Address
"It is my great pleasure and honor to welcome all of you to Lawrope AGM 2026. The meeting this year it's being held in-person in Istanbul, Türkiye, and virtually for those joining remotely from different parts of the world.
First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our local member, AVK - Lawrope's newcomer. We are truly delighted to hold Lawrope AGM 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye, and to have the opportunity to experience the hospitality, professionalism and friendship of AVK.
Meanwhile, I would like to extend a special thank you to Mr. Haluk Avci, Chairman and Founder of AVK. Through his vision, leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, he has built one of the most respected legal firms in Türkiye. We are honored that he has welcomed Lawrope to his country and graciously accepted to host Lawrope AGM 2026.
My sincere thanks also goes to Mr. Varol Senel, Senior Partner of AVK, whose commitment, dedication and tireless efforts made the integration of AVK into our network possible. From the very beginning, Varol demonstrated a genuine belief in the value of international cooperation and in the opportunities that Lawrope creates for its members.
I would also like to recognize Mrs. Türkan Avci and the entire AVK team. Organizing an international event of this nature requires an enormous amount of work behind the scenes and their efforts in coordinating the logistics, operations, and countless practical details, have been instrumental in making this meeting possible. We are deeply grateful for their support and hospitality.
As Chairman of the Board of Directors of Lawrope for the 2025/2027 term, I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to my fellow members of the Board of Directors. The responsibilities entrusted to me could not be fulfilled without their valuable contributions, experience, guidance and unwavering support. Working alongside colleagues from different jurisdictions, legal traditions and cultures is a daily challenge, but it is also one of the most rewarding aspects of our organization. Our diversity broadens our perspectives, enriches our discussions and ultimately makes Lawrope stronger.
I would additionally like to offer a special word of thanks to Marta Guimarães. Throughout the preparation of this annual meeting and all long the last year, Marta has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment, ensuring that every detail was carefully planned and coordinated. This year's meeting is being hold in a hybrid format, combining both in-person and virtual attendance, which adds additional layers of complexity to the organization. Her efforts, along with the support of many others, have been essential to the success of Lawrope AGM 2026.
Furthermore, I would also like to thank all the members who have traveled to Istanbul, Türkiye, to ensure their physical presence reflecting the importance placed in the relationships we continue to build together. At the same time, I also want to acknowledge and give thanks to those who have reserved time in their busy schedules to participate virtually since, for for numerous reasons, they were unable to attend in person. Regardless of where we are physically located today, we are united by the same commitment to the continued growth and success of Lawrope.
Our annual meeting represents one of the most important moments in the life of our organization. It is an opportunity not only to review our achievements and challenges over the past year, but also to define our priorities for the future. Our work includes discussing strategic initiatives, membership development, business opportunities, marketing and communication projects, financial matters, governance issues and the continued evolution of our network. All this while upholding the importance of the business and social moments planned by AVK within Lawrope AGM 2026.
I encourage all of you to participate actively, share your ideas openly and contribute constructively to our discussions. The strength of Lawrope has always come from the engagement of its members and from our willingness to learn from one another.
I am confident that the diversity of perspectives, experiences and cultures represented physically in the meeting room - and virtually - will lead to thoughtful debate, practical solutions, stronger professional relationships and meaningful decisions that will help positioning Lawrope for continued success.
Thank you once again for being here, whether in Istanbul or virtually. I wish all of us a productive, inspiring and successful annual meeting, filled with meaningful discussions, valuable connections and decisions that will help shape an even stronger future for Lawrope.
Welcome to Lawrope AGM 2026! Let us begin!"
by Robertson Emerenciano from Brazil
Article
May, 2026
Right of First Refusal for Public Authorities
As is currently the case in the canton of Zurich and the cities of Lausanne and Lucerne, several cantons and cities already have a right of first refusal in place or are planning to introduce one for the benefit of the public sector. In doing so, they are influencing the real estate market – in some cases selectively, but increasingly also in a more comprehensive manner
Definition and Purpose of the Right of First Refusal
The local authority’s right of first refusal enables local authorities to acquire land on a priority basis when it is put up for sale, in order to fulfil public duties such as housing construction or infrastructure projects. It serves the purposes of land policy and urban development.
Practical Examples
In the city of Lucerne, the right of first refusal has been incorporated into the housing policy debate. The City Council intends to create or commission the construction of additional, and above all, social housing in the coming years. Preparations are currently underway in the political arena to introduce a municipal right of first refusal for properties. The City Council’s counter-proposal to an initiative by the SP City of Lucerne provides that the city may enter into the purchase contract in the event of sales of larger properties, particularly where the vacancy rate is 1.5% or lower. The referendum on this will take place on 14 June 2026. If approved, the right of first refusal would take on significantly greater importance in the city of Lucerne in future.
The city of Lausanne already has concrete experience in this area: there, the right of first refusal has been exercised in at least 14 cases to date. Even if this figure appears small in relation to around 500 transactions, it shows that the local authority can use it to influence the property market. In the cases concerned, private or commercial prospective buyers were also bypassed.
Right of First Refusal in Private Law
In private law, too, the right of first refusal is a well-known security instrument in connection with the acquisition of real estate and residential property. It may be agreed by contract and must be notarised to be valid (Art. 216(2) of the Swiss Code of Obligations). The right of first refusal may be exercised if the property is sold or if a legally equivalent transaction takes place (Art. 216c para. 1 CO).
Impact on the Property Market
Given current developments, the right of first refusal is taking on greater significance. Its introduction can have a lasting impact on existing market and power dynamics in favour of the public sector. The fact that only a few public bodies can exercise the right of first refusal and that these possess considerable financial resources gives them a clear advantage. Given the ongoing housing shortage and political initiatives to promote affordable housing, the already challenging competitive situation in the property market is being further affected.
For any questions relating to the sale or purchase of a plot of land or a flat, and in particular regarding rights of first refusal, the attorneys-at-law of Pilatushof AG will be happy to assist you.
by Adrian Schmid from Switzerland
Article
May, 2026
Who Makes Decisions for Me if I No Longer Can?
To ensure that, in the event of incapacity, the Child and Adult Protection Authority does not appoint an unknown person as a guardian, a lasting power of attorney can be drawn up to stipulate that decisions – such as the sale of a property – are to be taken by a trusted person of one’s own choosing
Legal Situation Without a Lasting Power of Attorney
In the absence of a lasting power of attorney, the right of representation generally lies solely with the spouse. However, this covers only day-to-day decisions, such as opening the post, paying bills or completing tax returns. Actions going beyond this – such as increasing a mortgage or selling a property – are not covered by the statutory right of representation. If such decisions are nevertheless necessary and there is no lasting power of attorney, the Child and Adult Protection Authority intervenes. It appoints a guardian to represent the person lacking capacity in matters that go beyond the spouse’s powers.
The situation is different for unmarried couples: there is no statutory right of representation. Without a lasting power of attorney and the relevant powers of attorney, a cohabiting partner can neither act legally on behalf of the person lacking capacity nor obtain information about their state of health. In such cases, the Child and Adult Protection Authority is obliged to appoint a guardian.
To be able to make decisions on behalf of a cohabiting partner who lacks capacity, it is advisable to draw up a lasting power of attorney.
Lasting Power of Attorney
A lasting power of attorney ensures that, in the event of a person becoming incapable of making decisions, the Child and Adult Protection Authority does not appoint an unknown person as their guardian. Instead, it specifies who is to act on their behalf.
The appointed person makes decisions regarding personal, medical and financial matters and acts on behalf of the person concerned in dealings with authorities and third parties. The lasting power of attorney only comes into effect when the person concerned is no longer able to make decisions for themselves. The lasting power of attorney is then reviewed and validated by the Child and Adult Protection Authority. Upon successful validation, the appointed representative is granted the right to make decisions in the best interests of the person lacking legal capacity and can identify themselves accordingly to authorities and third parties.
The content of the lasting power of attorney can be determined on an individual basis, and specific instructions can be given to the appointed person, for example regarding a preferred care facility. It is also recommended to appoint a substitute in case the appointed person is unable or unwilling to carry out the role in whole or in part.
Forms of a Lasting Power of Attorney
For a lasting power of attorney to be legally valid, certain formal requirements must be met. It may either be drawn up in one’s own hand (in the same way as a will) or be officially certified.
If drawn up in one’s own hand, the lasting power of attorney must be written entirely by hand, dated and signed. Alternatively, the lasting power of attorney may be officially certified by a notary.
Other Useful Documents
In addition to a lasting power of attorney, it may be advisable to grant each other powers of attorney so that you can act on behalf of your partner even whilst you are still of sound mind. You can grant a general power of attorney or, for example, a power of attorney specific to banking matters. These powers of attorney remain valid as long as you are of sound mind and they are not revoked.
A living will is also recommended. This sets out how you wish to be treated medically should you ever be unable to express your wishes yourself. It can also specify which individuals are authorised to receive information about your state of health.
For any questions regarding advance planning and the preparation of a lasting power of attorney, the notaries of Pilatushof AG will be happy to assist you.
