English-speaking lawyer in Italy

01 · Civil law

Civil disputes, contracts and property matters

A contractual dispute or an unpaid debt in Italy needs a strategy based on the documents, the evidence and the practical objective. We help foreign clients assess their position and understand the options for negotiation, settlement or proceedings.

• Contract drafting and review, performance disputes and termination issues.
• Debt recovery and assessment of enforcement options.
• Property, tenancy and ownership disputes, with relevant technical or notarial input where necessary.
• Civil liability, compensation claims and disputes involving more than one country.

At the outset, we examine jurisdiction, applicable law, deadlines, available evidence and the potential costs of pursuing or defending a claim. Any required preliminary procedure and the practical prospects of enforcement form part of that assessment.

For the first discussion: identify the parties, the agreement or event, the amount or asset involved and any formal notice received. Preserve the original documents and the dates of receipt.

02 · Criminal law

Criminal defence and assistance for victims in Italy

Being questioned, investigated or involved in criminal proceedings in another country requires clear communication and an informed legal response. The Studio assesses requests for defence assistance and representation of victims in Italian criminal matters.

• Advice following police contact, a summons or notice of investigation.
• Defence strategy during investigations and court proceedings, within the agreed mandate.
• Assessment of detention-related measures, challenges and procedural deadlines.
• Assistance with reporting an offence and protecting a victim’s interests, including relevant compensation options.
• Coordination where the facts, evidence or proceedings involve another jurisdiction.

English-language communication with the Studio helps you understand the matter. It does not change the language of the Italian proceedings or replace formal interpretation and translation where required. Relevant language rights must be assessed for the stage of the case.

03 · Inheritance & succession

Italian inheritance and cross-border estates

An estate involving Italy may raise questions about heirs, wills, assets, debts, applicable law and tax filings. We assist clients abroad in understanding what needs to be established before they take steps concerning an inheritance.

• Review of wills, family circumstances and the law potentially governing the succession.
• Assessment of inheritance rights, reserved-share issues, estate debts and acceptance or renunciation options.
• Coordination concerning Italian property, bank assets and the documentation required to establish entitlement.
• Estate disputes, division between heirs and relevant settlement options.
• Coordination with notaries, tax advisers and foreign counsel where their involvement is required.

An Italian asset does not, by itself, settle every question of applicable law. Cross-border succession may involve habitual residence, nationality, a valid choice of law and the scope of the relevant international rules. Tax obligations and property-registration formalities require separate examination.

For the first discussion: provide the date of death, the deceased’s residence and nationality, the countries where assets are located, and whether a will is known to exist. Ask for advice before taking steps that may affect your legal position as a potential heir.

04 · Corporate law

Italian corporate counsel for international businesses

For overseas investors and companies, Italian legal support should connect the commercial objective with the corporate structure, contracts and responsibilities needed to pursue it. We assist with the legal assessment and coordination of business matters involving Italy.

• Company and ownership structures, governance and shareholders’ agreements.
• Review and negotiation of commercial contracts and business relationships.
• Legal due diligence for proposed investments or acquisitions within the agreed scope.
• Shareholder and director disputes, corporate decisions and related litigation.
• Coordination of Italian corporate work with relevant banking, accounting and international tax advice.

We identify the legal work to be performed, the role of any notary or other adviser, the required documents and the conditions that may affect completion. Regulatory permissions, bank acceptance and tax treatment are assessed separately from incorporation.

For projects involving foreign structures, explore our international company formation, foreign banking and international taxation services.

Planning an acquisition? Read our guide to buying an Italian company, covering ownership, liabilities, regulatory screening and contractual protection for foreign investors.

05 · Legal consultations

Speak with an English-speaking lawyer in Italy

A focused consultation can help you decide whether to proceed, respond to a document, negotiate or investigate further. We organise consultations in English for clients who need a clear initial assessment of an Italian legal question.

• Initial legal assessment based on the facts and documents supplied.
• Review of a proposed contract, a received notice or an existing legal position.
• Discussion of options, material risks, required information and next steps.
• Written advice or a defined document review where expressly included in the engagement.

Appointments may be arranged by telephone, video or in person in Ferrara, according to the matter and availability. An initial consultation and representation in proceedings are distinct assignments: we explain which services are included before the work starts.

Foreign law firms and professional advisers may also contact the Studio to discuss an Italian-law instruction, local procedural requirements or the coordination of a matter for an international client.