Meet Lia
Lia is a lawyer with an outstanding academic record and a background in disputes and transactions in Energy & Construction, largely gained working with leading law firms in Paris, France. Her education and experience combine civil and common law, making her a well-rounded professional with a diverse skill set who can advise clients on various complex issues.
After graduating first in the LL.M. class from Georgetown University Law Center in 2019, Lia started her career with the International Arbitration team at Dentons in Paris, France. There, she gained particular experience with international commercial and investment arbitration in renewables.
Lia continued her practice in international commercial arbitration and transactions while working with Motei and Associates throughout 2020, gaining experience with DIFC-LCIA arbitration.
In 2021, Lia joined White & Case in Paris, where she worked with the International Arbitration team on various high-profile international commercial construction disputes. She also worked with the Energy, Infrastructure, Project and Asset Finance team on project development and financing of multiple large construction projects, including hydrocarbons, hydroelectric, and other renewable energy projects.
In 2022, after qualifying as a solicitor in England & Wales, Lia joined the Energy & Infrastructure team at Herbert Smith Freehills in Paris, developing her expertise in English law and corporate transactions in the sphere of Oil & Gas.
Most recently, Lia worked with the boutique law firm PS Legal on corporate and commercial transactions and disputes, particularly focusing on construction and renewables.
Area of Expertise
Lia has extensive experience with international commercial and investment arbitration. She has successfully handled cases across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Latin America under the ICC Rules, UNCITRAL Rules, LCIA Rules, SIAC Rules, ICSID Rules, and others, spanning Construction, Energy, Renewables, Oil & Gas, M&A, and Tax.
Lia’s expertise also includes project development across construction, hydrocarbons, renewable and non-renewable energy, and mining: allowing her to advise on negotiating and drafting complex project contracts (EPC, O&M, PPP, concession contracts, interface contracts, direct agreements).
She additionally advises on issues relating to international construction law, investment law, and public business law, and is well versed in international sales and M&A transactions, including advising on and drafting SPAs, JOAs, JVAs, and others.
Lia speaks Bulgarian, English, French, and Portuguese.
Education & Certifications
- Master of Laws International Law & Relations, magna cum laude – Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”
- LL.M. International Business & Economic Law, International Arbitration & Dispute Resolution Certificate, summa cum laude – Georgetown University Law Center