Globalaw - Home
ContactMembers Area
Our social network
Member Spotlight: EMD, Malta
news

Member Spotlight: EMD, Malta

By Julia Holden Davis, Chair, Member Engagement, 26 Mar 2024

Globalaw is kicking off its member spotlight series for its 30th Anniversary celebration. The first member firm, EMD, is from Malta. Recently, I had the pleasure of catching up with EMD's Pierre Mifsud and Lisa Vassallo. From the beginning, you could tell that EMD is a special place, with the kind of lawyers with whom we would all like to work. These are problem solvers committed to relationships, diversity, history and creativity.

As Lisa started talking, I could see the beautiful white tiled vault structure of their offices behind her - an office built into a historical building and located in Valletta, both the capital and one of the historical centres. Lisa's first words were about the clients who had just left - headed to a nearby restaurant to celebrate the project's successful conclusion, with which EMD was helping. EMD's pride in the relationships they build with clients was quickly apparent, as Lisa apologized for being a few minutes late as she'd had to beg off repeated lunch invitations and lots of hugs from that client to be able to make our meeting. As she spoke, the importance of EMD in their relationships with clients -their partnerships with those clients- was striking.

That focus on relationships goes beyond clients. EMD employs lawyers and staff from around the world and celebrates that diversity routinely. Whether through various lunches, where employees cook food to share from their native countries, or planned social events, the group is clearly based on relationships - relationships that allow firm members to work strategically across teams and provide the type of integration that makes legal advice seamless. EMD's substantive prowess is equally impressive. A recent example? Setting up a Ritz Carlton cruise line from scratch. Essentially, EMD has helped launch this entire operation: establishing physical offices for infrastructure support, financing and registering the vessels, providing corporate advice and assistance, drafting contracts, and developing key employment strategies, including work and residential permits. It is a multi-phased project; the first ship sailed last summer, with the next set to deliver in June of 2024 and with more ships to follow.

It is exactly the kind of project that shows the depth and breadth of EMD's lawyers and their ability to work so seamlessly between their varied teams.

And they do so not just in Malta. Given Malta's strategic location between Africa and Europe, it should be no surprise that EMD's lawyers have strong ties in both locations. Recognized by many as an ideal entry point to the European Union, companies from Africa and the Americas find strategic value in locating here. And the opposite is equally true, with EU firms using Malta to be closer to North Africa. EMD is well positioned to assist these companies as they use Malta's strategic location to better connect with both jurisdictions.

While I'm on the call, I'm already considering when I could visit - both to see this incredible island and its history and also to connect with EMD. But Malta is much more than a tourist destination. Malta has a strong local industry that focuses on financial services, shipping, aircraft maintenance, aircraft registration, and pharma manufacturing. I asked Pierre, one of the founding members of the firm (which will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2025), why pharma? When registering their patents, he explained that the major drug companies often skipped Malta as "unimportant." But that meant that Malta became quite significant - essentially the land of opportunities for the generic drug companies to come in, stockpile and manufacture. It became a key entry point for pharma manufacturing in the rest of the world and underscores how a small jurisdiction can become a critical opportunity.

As we neared the end of our time, I asked Pierre if he had any last words of advice for the business person who had not worked in Malta recently. Pierre quickly responded, tying together both the legal and practical advice for which EMD is recognized and pointing to Malta's increased focus on the substance of companies trying to claim Malta as their home. With tax, anti-money laundering, and increased expectations of substantial involvement, things like physical presence, employees, and local board involvement have become increasingly important. And EMD can help sort through all of those issues.

In fact, EMD's creativity has gone beyond just legal services in supporting its clients. It formed a technology company to assist with the implementation, configuration, and maintenance of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. The company also developed its own software suite dealing with payroll and procurement, particularly for Libya (including the deductions and taxes that are required there).

Visit www.emd.com.mt/ to learn more.

Latest News

press
08 Apr 2025

Globalaw Appoints Ángela López Molina as First Executive Director

Globalaw, a global band one Chambers-ranked leading network of independent law firms, has named Ángela López Molina as its first Executive Director. This strategic appointment marks a significant milestone in Globalaw's growth and organizational development, reinforcing its mission to foster seamless legal collaboration among member firms and assist them in delivering high-quality, cost-effective solutions to their clients worldwide.

In this newly created role, López will serve as the organization's chief executive officer, overseeing the strategic vision and leadership, organization management, advocacy and external relationships, marketing and communications strategy, member engagement and development, and financial performance. She will work closely with the Board of Directors, member firms, and external partners to promote Globalaw’s mission and strengthen the organization’s offerings and presence in the international legal landscape.

"The creation of the Executive Director position represents Globalaw's commitment to providing unparalleled support to our member firms as they deliver seamless legal services across international borders," said Globalaw President Peter Brown, a partner at Vancouver-based law firm EKB." Ángela's exceptional background in international law, proven leadership acumen, and deep understanding of organizational and financial strategies make her the ideal candidate to lead our organization into its next chapter of growth."

With over 20 years of international legal experience in Spain and China, López most recently served as a Partner at DS Avocats, General Secretary of the DS Group, and a member of its International Executive Committee. She was also the International Legal Counsel for Grupo San José, a multinational construction company.

"I am honored to join Globalaw as its first Executive Director," said López. "I look forward to working with our member firms to further enhance cross-border alliances, develop initiatives that drive member and client engagement, and strengthen Globalaw's position as a premier global legal network."

Fluent in five languages and a member of the Madrid Bar, López holds a Master's in International and European Law from the Catholic University of Louvain-la-Neuve, a Master's Degree in Law from Universidad Complutense, and a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from the University of Wales.

A recognized leader in the legal field, López was named among the Best Lawyers ranking for Spain in Corporate and M&A Law from 2019-2024, selected as one of the Top 60 Women in the Legal Sector in Iberia by Iberian Lawyer and ranked on Legal 500’s Powerlist of the Most Influential General Counsels in Iberia.

About Globalaw

Globalaw is a global band one Chambers-ranked leading law firm network of approximately 80 independent law firms and 3,000 lawyers in over 60 countries. Our mission is to foster seamless legal collaboration among member firms and assist them in delivering high-quality, cost-effective solutions to their clients worldwide. We take pride in our commitment to excellence, global reach, and innovative approach to legal services. Visit www.globalaw.net to learn more.

Media Contact:

Jaime Luckey

jaime@luckeycomms.com

news
31 Mar 2025

Member Spotlight: hba Austria & Switzerland

Established nearly 50 years ago in Graz, Austria, hba boasts approximately 40 lawyers across five strategic locations: Graz, Vienna, Klagenfurt, and Eisenstadt, Austria, and Zurich, Switzerland.

Partner Dr. Philipp Spatz, LL.M., Partner Sandra Küng, LL.M., and Associate Mag. Markus Koroschetz spoke with Globalaw about the firm’s regional focus, extensive public sector engagement, and ability to provide top-tier legal services across multiple jurisdictions.

Three headshots

Distinctive Cross-Border Presence

Hba is uniquely positioned as the only Austrian-headquartered law firm with an established Swiss presence. In Switzerland, hba has its main office in Zurich and a notary-focused office in Wil. This cross-border structure offers clients seamless legal services across two key jurisdictions in the German-speaking region of Europe.

Practice Areas & Expertise

Hba offers specialized knowledge across numerous industries, including financial services, healthcare, energy, real estate, retail, manufacturing, technology, and the public sector. The firm’s comprehensive legal services include the following specialized strengths that distinguish it in the market:

  • White Collar Crime: Unlike many corporate law firms in Austria, hba maintains a robust white-collar crime practice led by well-connected Partner Johannes Zink, providing access to major Austrian corporations and public sector clients.
  • Public Sector Expertise: Austrian and Swiss practices maintain strong public-sector connections. In Austria, hba works extensively with the province of Burgenland, the city of Vienna, and the Austrian Attorney General’s Office.
  • Corporate & Transactional Practice: The firm handles large corporate transactions, including the high-volume sale of real estate by a prominent Austrian furniture retailer and numerous acquisitions for a leading European tofu company. The Swiss practice recently managed a high-profile acquisition involving The Migros Group, one of the largest retailers in the country.

Supporting Professional Development

Hba offers its associates diverse exposure to different areas of law rather than immediate specialization. This approach provides associates with comprehensive training across multiple practice areas, better preparing them for the bar exam while fostering professional development. The firm also provides year-round law student positions and summer internships.

Leveraging Globalaw’s International Network

As a member of Globalaw, hba leverages this flexible network to serve clients in cross-border matters while maintaining independence. Recent collaborations include working with network members in Germany and the Netherlands on acquisition transactions for Austrian clients. This international capability, combined with their local expertise in Austria and Switzerland, positions hba to deliver sophisticated legal services with regional insight and global reach.

Visit https://www.hba.at to learn more.

news
18 Mar 2025

Highlights From GLARM 2025 in Puerto Rico

The 2025 Globalaw Americas Meeting (GLARM) took place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from February 19 to 22. Many thanks to Globalaw member firm EDGE Legal LLC for hosting a fantastic meeting.

Image

 The meeting began with remarks from Pablo José Hernández Rivera, Resident Commissioner for Puerto Rico, who welcomed Globalaw members and discussed ways to strengthen global and economic connections. This was followed by sessions led by Carlos R. Cobian, Founder & CEO of Cobian Media LLC & Gravital Agency, addressing social media strategies for lawyers, and Jim Cochran of Cochran Client Development, a leading global consultant, speaking on business development. The meeting offered members practical and strategic insights into social media, business development, corporate governance, and an overview of the political and economic outlook in the Americas region.

Image

During a separate track of the meeting, 16 Managing Partners from across the Americas (and Europe) convened for a Leadership Summit. Guided by Jim Cochran, a leading global business development consultant, and Eduardo Arroyo, a top business coach and strategic planner, the Managing Partners focused on law firm success and providing effective client service, beginning with the health and focus of their leadership.  In the words of EDGE Legal, “The summit reinforced how our global partnerships provide unparalleled reach for our clients, combining local expertise with an international perspective.” 

Image

Last but certainly not least, Globalaw continued its tradition of raising funds through the Globalaw Foundation to support a local charity. The highly successful auction of a piece of art created by renowned Puerto Rican artist Jorge Zeno enabled the Foundation to donate $15,000 to Fundacion Banco Popular. This organization seeks to improve the quality of life of Puerto Ricans by promoting access to educational and self-management opportunities that foster excellence, ethics, and civic responsibility.

Image

news
03 Mar 2025

Incoterms and Tariff Mitigation

An increasingly complex landscape for international trade is presenting new challenges for cross-border business. Geopolitical tensions, fluctuating tariffs, and diverging trade policies have introduced significant uncertainty for buyers and sellers internationally. The prospect of increased tariffs disrupts pricing expectations and predictability around international commercial arrangements. In this environment, the mitigation and management of potential tariff risks are paramount for cross-border businesses.

To this end, Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are important tools to help mitigate risks associated with increased costs caused by tariffs. Incoterms are a set of globally standardized contractual terms used for risk and responsibility management between international commercial entities.

While Incoterms do not directly address tariffs themselves, they can be used to allocate cost and payment obligations to minimize trade disruptions caused by tariffs.

BACKGROUND

Originally developed by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in 1936, Incoterms have evolved over time to address the changing demands of global trade. There are currently a set of eleven (11) internationally recognized Incoterms that are used to provide clarity and consistency in international trade contracts.

The latest iteration, Incoterms 2020, has been updated to reflect modern trade realities.

COMMON INCOTERMS AND TARIFF MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Some of the most common Incoterms used in commercial contracts for tariff mitigation strategies include:

1. Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)

In an unpredictable tariff environment, Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) is an ideal Incoterm for use by buyers seeking price certainty and risk protection from fluctuating tariffs.

Under DDP, the seller delivers goods cleared for import and ready for unloading at a named location. The seller is responsible for the costs and risks associated with final delivery, including the payment of tariffs.

DDP can assist buyers in uncertain tariff situations in multiple ways. Firstly, DDP provides price stabilization for the delivered goods by ensuring that the seller covers any import tariffs. This mitigates against price increases necessitated by changes in tariffs in the destination country. DDP also provides predictable costs by allowing the buyer to know the total landed cost before delivery. Finally, DDP can help to shield the buyer from uncertainty around the risk of increased tariffs during the transportation process. These factors make the use of DDP in commercial contracts particularly helpful for buyers by providing predictability around prices and costs.

2. Ex Works (EXW)

Ex Works (EXW) is an Incoterm that can be used by sellers who want to limit their tariff exposure. EXW is also helpful to buyers interested in managing tariff risks by taking advantage of potentially favorable tariff rates, depending on their location.

Under EXW, the seller ensures that goods are available for shipment at their premises, or another agreed-upon location. The buyer then assumes full responsibility for arranging shipment, transport and meeting customs regulations, including paying applicable tariffs in the importing country.

Under EXW, the seller’s responsibilities end once the goods are made available for transport, thereby limiting their tariff exposure. EXW also gives the buyer control to manage tariff risks based on their location. For example, if the buyer is located in a region with favorable tariff rates or subject to a free trade agreement, the buyer can import the goods at a lower tariff rate than may exist in other regions. EXW also presents opportunities for the buyer to arrange shipping routes with advantageous tariff rates.

3. Free on Board (FOB)

Free on Board (FOB) is technically an Incoterm applicable only to inland waterway transport but used commercially for other modes. FOB is particularly beneficial to sellers looking to minimize their tariff exposure throughout the shipping process.

Under FOB, the seller is only responsible for the costs of clearing goods for export and for their delivery onto a vessel for transport at a named port of departure. As soon as the goods are over the ship’s rail when loaded on to the transport vessel, the buyer becomes liable for risks and costs, including import clearance and tariff payment in the destination country.

Using FOB in commercial contracts minimizes the seller’s tariff risk. It also allows the buyer flexibility to take advantage of shipping destinations that may benefit from lower tariff rates and free trade agreements.

4. Free Carrier (FCA)

Free Carrier (FCA) is an Incoterm that provides flexibility to both the buyer and seller to collaborate on tariff mitigation strategies around advantageous delivery points that may benefit from lower tariff regions or trade agreements.

FCA allows the seller to deliver goods to a carrier at an agreed location, that can be chosen strategically to minimize tariffs for the buyer. Once transferred at the delivery point, the buyer assumes responsibility for import tariffs and customs clearance. FCA allows the buyer more control over customs procedures and can facilitate the use of shipping routes that minimize tariff exposure, depending on the agreed delivery point. Under FCA, both the seller and buyer can benefit from tariff risk minimization.

The use of Incoterms provides businesses with the opportunity to be proactive in managing commercial activities in the face of increasing tariff threats. Counsel can assist in identifying and implementing appropriate Incoterms to address specific considerations around optimizing supply chains, leveraging trade agreements and other risk allocation strategies to ensure smooth international transactions in the current global trade environment.