Iulian Popescu

EDUCATION

• Postgraduate Diploma in EU Law, King’s College London (2010)
• LL.M in Maritime Law, Maritime University (2008)
• LL.M in Business Law, Ovidius University (2005)
• Law Degree, Romanian – American University (2002)

CAREER

• Experience within Muşat & Asociaţii: 15 years
• Deputy Managing Partner, 2018 – to date
• Partner, January 2012 – 2018
• Managing Associate, 2009 – 2012
• Senior Associate, 2004 – 2009

LANGUAGES

• English, French and Romanian

A selection of Iulian’s recent relevant mandates includes advising/assisting:

• One of the major US-based worldwide telecommunications companies and its Romania-based subsidiary with respect to ongoing corporate and regulatory issues regarding the localization of its global services agreements.
• The largest worldwide search engine provider in relation to a wide spectrum of IT&C, corporate, contacting and data usage and protection matters, including the localization and implementation of various products and services for Romania.
• A US-based worldwide software development company and its Romanian subsidiary with regard to various legal issues in connection with software development agreements and regulatory matters related to its development activities in Iasi.
• One of the world’s leading companies in consulting, technology and outsourcing in connection with the opening and operation of its outsourcing center in Romania. Also assisting the client in the structuring and implementation of a merger process of their several subsidiaries in Romania.
• The leading network operator in Italy in relation to general telecommunication regulatory requirements, as well as to the operation of its Romanian subsidiary.
• A worldwide US-based computer chips producer on all corporate matters involved in the opening of its subsidiary in Romania.
• The largest worldwide mobile communications manufacturer in relation to the launch of various services in Romania.
• The international consortium retained by the Romanian Government to conduct the sale of one of the top three telecom operators in Romania, including providing legal assistance throughout the entire sale process, performing a due diligence exercise on the target, drafting the sale strategy and performing all other actions necessary to carry out the privatization process to a successful transaction.
• A leading international provider of facilities solutions to the oil & gas production and processing industry, in connection with the negotiation and implementation of a production enhancement services agreement for several oil deposits of the largest Romanian oil and gas group.
• The Romanian subsidiary of a leading French financial institution in connection with the off–market and regulated transactions in Romania under European Union Emissions Trading Scheme concerning greenhouse gas emission allowances.
• A leading Australia-based mining company with a focus on copper on its EUR 200 million attempted acquisition (via privatization) of a leading Romanian mining company.
• The Romanian subsidiary of the largest European household appliances maker in connection with the environmental liabilities entailed by the sale–purchase of a land property affected by historical contamination.
• One of the world’s leading companies in the water treatment field with respect to complex legal matters related to the permitting requirements regarding water waste disposal, further to the acquisition of the operation, maintenance and refurbishment of two water waste treatment plants in Romania.
• An important investor in green energy projects in connection with various environmental issues related to the development of a wind farm project in Romania, including providing legal advice for implementing the project, as well as day to day legal assistance.
• A Romanian metallurgic producer in connection with the temporary suspension of the production activity with due regard to the company’s integrated environmental authorization and permitting requirements.
• A leading chemical industry international player specialized in the manufacturing of high value aroma chemicals, with respect to their Romanian chemical plant and especially their compliance with the environmental regulatory framework.
• A leading real–estate developer in relation to environmental related issues concerning the development and operation of various real estate projects, including the requisite permitting, and handling of disputes related to alleged excess of noise, vibration and emission levels, together with the monitoring of the relationship with the competent authorities.
• One of the leading real-estate developers in the mediation proceedings concerning a claim related to a design and services agreement for the implementation of one of the largest retail parks in Bucharest.
• A world leader in the iron ore market and a global mining company in connection with its trade operations through Constanta seaport.
• The global leader in the manufacture of aerospace products on various legal matters related to its facility for production of aluminum components for the aerospace industry located in north western Romania.

• Romanian Bar Association (Admitted 2003)
• Union Internationale des Avocats
• Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (ACIArb)
• Panel of Authorized Mediators, Mediation Council

• Leading individual – TMT (Legal 500, 2020)
• Leading individual – Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions (Legal 500, 2015)

• Clients report that the firm offered “very good legal support,” underlining that the lawyers are “very helpful and very responsive,” and also highlights the firm’s strength in procurement matters. Source: Chambers Europe, 2020
• He’s been proving to the market that he can handle the projects division of the firm.” Source: Chambers Europe, 2020
• Praised as “the strongest energy and natural resources practice locally” by one client, Muşat & Asociaţii is “prompt, knowledgeable” and possesses “a wealth of highly skilled individuals”. Source: Legal 500, 2019
• “Very happy with these lawyers – they have strong knowledge of environmental requirements and compliance issues, and give very practical and prompt advice.” Source: Chambers Europe, 2016
• “Muşat (…) has been immensely helpful in understanding and assessing various risks in respect of the Romanian legal and regulatory environment relating to solar power projects.” – Source: International Financial Law Review 1000 (IFLR 1000), 2015
• Muşat & Asociaţii’s “high-performance lawyers“ are routinely involved in large projects and have “exceptional” public sector expertise. Source: Legal 500, 2015
• An “exceptionally professional firm”, Muşat & Asociaţii stands out for its expertise in energy sector M&A and finance. Source: Legal 500, 2015
• Iulian Popescu is highlighted as a “detailed-oriented” lawyer. Source: Legal 500, 2015“
• Musat & Asociatii is “among the best in town” for energy matters. Source: Legal 500, 2013
• “I can really recommend this team. It is available and responsive.” Source: Chambers Europe, 2013
• “[…] profound legal knowledge and practical way of solving problems”. Source: Legal 500, 2011
• Musat & Asociatii has a “very good’ PPP practice and is “clearly one of the top law firms in Romania”. Source: Legal 500, 2010

• Contributor to the Romanian Arbitration Review
• Contributor to Doing Business in Europe
• Contributor to yearbooks and newsletters for various directories and law guides
• IEL-SEERIL International Oil and Gas Law Conference, 2011 (IBA Association)
• Vienna Arbitration Days, 2012 (ICC Austria, VIAC, ARB/AUT)