Valya Georgieva
London,UK
Summary
Highly skilled and accomplished solicitor with extensive experience in overseeing all aspects of litigation and dispute resolution and delivering favourable outcomes in complex, high-value commercial matters. Solid background in developing effective legal strategies and recommending innovative solutions. Expert in business development, and the use of digital media to promote legal services effectively. Excellent research and analytical skills, allowing for thorough case preparation and persuasive arguments. Adept at leading cross-border litigation, managing jurisdictional challenges, and negotiating settlements. Particular expertise in the issues arising in relation to blockchain and other emerging technologies.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Senior Associate (7 PQE)
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
London
2022.04 - Current
- Manage junior, mid-level associates and trainees and advise on strategy in connection with complex high-value international disputes
- Provide client-centred, cost-effective and practical solutions to complex legal issues
- Actively contribute to team's business development strategy in connection with the legal issues surrounding emerging technology such as blockchain, generative AI and the metaverse
- Represented US-based owner of software integrating with coin counting machines in a £24M claim against a major UK bank for misuse of confidential information, copyright infringement, conversion, breaches of contract, and tortious interference with contractual relations
- Represented a Dubai-based company in a civil fraud claim arising from a fraudulent transfer of approximately $4.5M by client's bank relationship manager from bank account to an account controlled by manager
- Pursued high court proceedings concerning a joint venture for purchase and letting of properties in Berlin, reaching a successful settlement at a mediation
- Represented liquidators of a company in liquidation in connection with a £6.5M claim against company's former solicitors and director
- Advised on transatlantic issues related to enforcement of judgments and cross-border judicial co-operation
- Provided jurisdictional advice to a US-based corporation regarding fraudulent transfer of 1.6K Ether.
Commercial Dispute Resolution Associate
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
London
2019.11 - 2022.03
- Defended defendant in a fraudulent misrepresentation claim worth £5.5M, arising from sale of client's Luxembourg headquartered accountancy practice to a Cayman Islands headquartered financial services provider
- Obtained order to vary terms of a worldwide freezing order, allowing for payment of client's legal fees and living expenses
- Represented a high net worth individual in a successful LCIA arbitration concerning a $3.4M dispute regarding client's entitlement to a management incentive programme that involved phantom options
- Successfully settled a complex international dispute in technology and construction court, involving a $9M project to modernise electricity distribution network in Bangalore, India
- Took an instrumental part in a multi-disciplinary team advising the Facebook Oversight Board on insurance, data protection, regulatory and litigation risk management matters.
Commercial Litigation Solicitor
Blake Morgan LLP
London
2017.03 - 2019.10
- Successfully represented clients in court proceedings and in settlement negotiations in connection with claims of fraudulent misrepresentation, unjust enrichment, breach of contract and shareholder disputes
- Supported a high net worth individual in a $250M claim against a FTSE 250-listed Georgian company in relation to an improperly conducted auction
- Successfully defended an unfair prejudice petition at trial on behalf of respondents
- Achieved success in a commercial court case on behalf of claimants against an AIM listed company, stemming from a tax indemnity agreement
- Assisted a Russian businessman and BVI company in a commercial court claim involving allegations of misappropriation in a significant production business in Russia
- Successfully settled a professional negligence claim against a financial advisor arising from an investment in a fraudulent property investment scheme.
Trainee Solicitor
Blake Morgan LLP
London
2015.09 - 2017.02
- Played an instrumental role in a significant property fraud litigation claim as representative for Claimant, a member of Qatari royal family
- Negotiated favourable terms for a settlement agreement regarding a dispute arising from the non-payment of an agency fee in relation to a failed sale transaction
- Acted as an advocate in interim order review hearings before General Dental Counsel (GDC)'s Interim Orders Committee, securing extensions of interim suspension orders for a dentist and dental nurse pending substantive hearings
- Resolved a boundary dispute through successful mediation
- Handled a caseload of prosecution cases involving dentists and dental professionals, as well as applications for restoration to the GDC register
- Drove significant cost savings for GDC by obtaining an 'unless order' from GDC's professional conduct committee
- Played a key role in an £8M acquisition of a leading UK-based communications technology provider by a specialised American corporation focusing on transportation, defence training, and secure communications
- Contributed to successful sale of UK children's day nursery film to France's second-largest nursery group; participated in £4.5M acquisition of niche financial markets software product business by prominent software and services PLC
- Defended against an application to overturn orders made against Defendant, including a worldwide freezing order, bench warrant, and judgment in default.
Paralegal
Blake Lapthorn LLP
London
2014.01 - 2015.08
- Handled a diverse caseload of cross-border litigation matters, with minimal supervision, including airline claims, personal injury claims abroad, insurance recoveries, and other insurance disputes with international elements
- Provided personalised guidance and advice to insurance clients regarding policy conflicts, such as duplicate coverage and liability for pre-existing medical conditions
- Successfully completed various insurance projects focused on recovering insurance funds from airlines
- Conducted extensive legal research and analysis to develop comprehensive strategies for handling cross-border litigation matters and resolving insurance disputes effectively and efficiently.
Legal & Business Development Assistant
Blake Lapthorn LLP
London
2011.06 - 2013.12
- Organised and coordinated business development events to promote the firm's services
- Researched and analysed complex legal issues related to various areas of litigation, including commercial litigation, property litigation, mediation, professional regulatory matters, travel insurance, clinical negligence, and personal injury, and provided in-house legal advice to litigation department
- Managed implementation of a branded online service and digital media campaign for personal injury cases
- Developed informative presentations and seminars for lawyers to present both internally and externally
- Prepared updates and briefing articles for internal use and client consumption
- Produced monthly reports by analysing website performance and return on investment
- Generated comprehensive case analyses, reports, and articles for both internal and external publication
- Assisted with preparation of legal submissions to chambers and Legal500 by litigation and dispute resolution teams
- Provided training on social media platforms to lawyers, associates, and partners; led personal injury practice group's social media accounts, establishing a strong brand presence and engaging with clients effectively.
Education
Certificate in Blockchain Law, Regulation, & Policy - Blockchain
University of Nicosia
Nicosia, Cyprus09.2021
Postgraduate Diploma in Law - Law
University of Law
Guildford, UK 2013.09 - 2015.06
LLB (Hons) in Law & European Studies - Law
University of Portsmouth
Portsmouth, UK 2009.09 - 2013.07
Skills
- Cross Border Disputes
- Fraud & Misrepresentation Claims
- Technology Disputes & Blockchain
- Contractual Disputes
- Shareholder Disputes
- Commercial Litigation
- Commercial Arbitration
- Team Building & Leadership
- Legal Research & Case Analysis
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Negotiation/Settlement Agreements
Languages
English
Master or proficient
C2
Bulgarian
Master or proficient
C2
Russian
Beginner
A1
Awards
- Best Overall performance on LLB Law & European Studies / LLB Law & International Relations
- Best Dissertation on an LLB Programme
Timeline
Senior Associate (7 PQE)
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
2022.04 - Current
Commercial Dispute Resolution Associate
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
2019.11 - 2022.03
Commercial Litigation Solicitor
Blake Morgan LLP
2017.03 - 2019.10
Trainee Solicitor
Blake Morgan LLP
2015.09 - 2017.02
Paralegal
Blake Lapthorn LLP
2014.01 - 2015.08
Postgraduate Diploma in Law - Law
University of Law
2013.09 - 2015.06
Legal & Business Development Assistant
Blake Lapthorn LLP
2011.06 - 2013.12
LLB (Hons) in Law & European Studies - Law
University of Portsmouth
2009.09 - 2013.07
Certificate in Blockchain Law, Regulation, & Policy - Blockchain
University of Nicosia
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