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Romania's Leading Law Firms in 2026
Romania's legal market features a mature ecosystem of powerful domestic firms complemented by major international players. Bucharest is the undisputed centre of legal practice, though Cluj-Napoca is gaining ground as a secondary hub. This guide breaks down the leading firms, their specializations, and how to build a career at each.
For current openings at these firms, visit our Romania legal jobs board.
Tier 1: The Elite Romanian Firms
Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen (NNDKP)
NNDKP is widely regarded as Romania's largest and most established law firm, with approximately 160 lawyers. Founded in 1990 — one of the first private law firms after the fall of communism — NNDKP has been involved in virtually every landmark transaction in Romania's modern legal history. The firm excels in M&A, banking and finance, energy, competition, and dispute resolution.
Career profile: NNDKP recruits 15–20 stagiari and junior avocați annually. The firm offers structured training across departments and values academic excellence, English fluency, and genuine interest in Romanian commercial law. International secondments are available for top performers.
Țuca Zbârcea & Asociații (TZA)
TZA has grown rapidly to become one of Romania's most highly ranked firms in Chambers Europe and Legal 500. With approximately 120 lawyers, the firm is particularly strong in M&A, banking and finance, energy and natural resources, and dispute resolution. TZA has advised on many of the largest transactions in Romania, including major privatizations and cross-border acquisitions.
Career profile: Known for a demanding but rewarding work environment. TZA places strong emphasis on cross-border transactional experience and often works alongside Magic Circle and US firms on large deals.
Muşat & Asociaţii
One of Romania's oldest and largest firms, Muşat & Asociaţii fields approximately 100 lawyers. The firm has traditionally been strong in disputes, government relations, and public sector work, while also maintaining a competitive corporate practice. Its deep relationships with Romanian state institutions make it a go-to firm for complex regulatory matters.
Career profile: Muşat & Asociaţii values litigation skills and public law knowledge. The firm provides significant court exposure for junior lawyers.
Tier 2: Strong National and Regional Firms
PeliPartners (formerly Popovici Nițu Stoica & Asociații)
PeliPartners is an innovative Romanian firm known for its corporate and M&A expertise. The firm has carved a niche in private equity transactions, capital markets, and complex restructurings. It consistently attracts high-profile mandates and is ranked across multiple practice areas.
Filip & Company
Founded by former NNDKP partners, Filip & Company has rapidly established itself as a top-tier player. The firm is particularly strong in banking and finance, M&A, and competition law. With approximately 60 lawyers, it offers a more entrepreneurial culture than legacy firms.
Radu și Asociații (KPMG Legal)
Operating as KPMG's legal arm in Romania, the firm leverages the Big Four network to deliver integrated legal, tax, and advisory services. Strong in tax law, corporate reorganizations, and regulatory compliance.
Zamfirescu Racoți Vasile & Partners (ZRVP)
ZRVP is Romania's leading disputes firm, specializing in complex commercial litigation, arbitration, and regulatory enforcement cases. The firm has a stellar reputation before Romanian courts and international arbitral tribunals.
Schoenherr Romania
Part of the Austrian-based CEE-focused firm, Schoenherr's Bucharest office handles high-value M&A, banking, and real estate transactions with a strong cross-border dimension.
International Firms in Romania
CMS Romania
CMS's Bucharest office is one of the largest international firm presences in Romania, with approximately 50 lawyers. Key practice areas include energy, real estate, and corporate/M&A. The firm benefits from CMS's extensive CEE network.
Dentons Romania
The world's largest law firm by headcount, Dentons' Bucharest office provides cross-border capabilities in corporate, banking, and energy sectors. The office serves as a gateway for international investors entering Romania.
Wolf Theiss
The Austrian-headquartered firm has a well-established Bucharest practice focusing on M&A, banking, and real estate, with strong connections to the DACH region.
Clifford Chance Badea
Operating as a local affiliate of the Magic Circle firm, Clifford Chance Badea handles the most complex cross-border financing and M&A transactions in the Romanian market.
Kinstellar
A CEE-focused firm with offices across the region, Kinstellar's Bucharest office is known for M&A, private equity, and dispute resolution work.
Rankings: Chambers Europe and Legal 500 CEE
| Firm | Chambers Europe 2026 Band | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| NNDKP | Band 1 | M&A, banking, energy, disputes |
| Țuca Zbârcea & Asociații | Band 1 | M&A, banking, energy, competition |
| Muşat & Asociaţii | Band 1–2 | Disputes, public law, corporate |
| PeliPartners | Band 2 | Corporate, PE, capital markets |
| Filip & Company | Band 2 | Banking, M&A, competition |
| CMS Romania | Band 2 | Energy, real estate, corporate |
| ZRVP | Band 1 (Disputes) | Litigation, arbitration, regulatory |
How to Get Hired at a Top Romanian Firm
- Academic excellence is paramount: Top firms recruit from the University of Bucharest Faculty of Law, Babeș-Bolyai University (Cluj-Napoca), and West University of Timișoara. Strong grades in civil law, commercial law, and EU law are essential.
- English fluency is mandatory: All top firms require excellent English for cross-border work. French is a valuable bonus reflecting Romania's Francophone legal tradition.
- Internship experience: Summer internship programmes at top firms are the primary pipeline to stagiar offers. Apply early in your 3rd year.
- Moot court and competitions: Romanian law students who excel in international moot courts (Vis Moot, Jessup, ELSA competitions) are highly sought after.
- Demonstrate sector interest: Energy, IT/tech, or EU law specialization immediately differentiates candidates.
For salary expectations across these firms, see our Romania salary guide. For trainee and entry-level roles, explore our internship guide and the Romania internships board. Foreign lawyers should check our guide on practising in Romania as a foreign lawyer.
Start Your Career at a Top Firm
Romania's legal market combines sophisticated EU-aligned work with one of Europe's strongest growth trajectories. Whether you target the historic prestige of NNDKP, the deal-making intensity of TZA, or the international reach of CMS, opportunities abound. Browse openings on our Romania legal jobs board and sign up for job alerts today.