Dr. Emil Lukaev
Combines a deep knowledge of and ability to navigate complex legal frameworks with a strong academic background
Emil brings over 12 years of experience advising multinational and domestic businesses, honed at Bulgaria’s top-tier law firms and working closely with premier law firms across the US and Europe. Over the years, Emil has advised international and local corporations, investors, executives, SMEs and high-net-worth individuals on a wide spectrum of commercial matters, cross-border transactions, reorganisations and market-entry strategies. He has hands-on experience in a range of sectors such as retail, FMCG, technology, e-commerce, construction and financial services. Emil represents businesses in acquisitions and restructurings, as well as advises portfolio companies on corporate governance and day-to-day operations, leveraging his in-depth understanding of the legal, regulatory and commercial landscape.
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Emil’s deep knowledge and ability to navigate complex legal frameworks across jurisdictions is further shaped by a strong academic background and a cross-border outlook. He holds a PhD in Commercial Law from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and a Postgraduate Diploma in EU Competition Law from King’s College London. His doctoral research is focused on non-possessory pledges and the protection of pledgees.
Emil is a regular contributor of articles on complex legal topics – including corporate governance, securities and compliance – published in specialised local outlets.
Prior Experience
Emil previously worked at the international law firm Kinstellar, where he leaded the firm’s Anti-Money Laundering practice and was a member of the Corporate and M&A team. He advised multinational and domestic businesses, investors, executives, and SMEs on complex commercial matters, cross-border transactions, corporate restructurings, and market-entry strategies.
Before joining Kinstellar, Emil worked at Trace Group Hold, first as a legal advisor and subsequently as Of Counsel, providing legal support for the group’s public procurement and infrastructure projects in Romania and Greece.
Earlier in his career, Emil spent nine years with Penkov, Markov & Partners, one of Bulgaria’s leading full-service law firms, where he developed extensive expertise in Corporate, M&A, and regulatory matters.
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