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    Vilius Bernatonis

    Vilius Bernatonis

    Managing Partner, Chair of the Baltic Board, Attorney at Law
    About

    FCIArb Vilius Bernatonis is the Managing Partner and Chair of the Baltic Board, with over 25 years of legal experience across banking and finance, energy, international arbitration, and corporate law.

    Widely recognised as a leading legal expert in the region, Vilius advises major local and international financial institutions, as well as companies of national strategic importance. He regularly acts as both arbitrator and counsel in complex, high-value international disputes, bringing deep legal insight and sound strategic judgement to each case.

    Vilius work is consistently acknowledged by top-tier legal directories such as The Legal 500, IFLR1000, and Lexology Index which rank him among the leading lawyers in the Baltic region.

    Beyond his legal practice, Vilius is a respected public voice on banking, finance, and economic policy. He is frequently invited to speak or moderate at high-level conferences, industry forums, and policy events, where he shares insights on financial regulation, market trends, and economic developments in Lithuania and the wider region. His ability to engage a broad range of audiences – from business leaders and policymakers to legal professionals – makes him a sought-after contributor to public discourse.

    Vilius also plays an active role in the American Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania, contributing to the improvement of the business environment and promoting transatlantic economic cooperation. He participates in social impact initiatives and in leadership networks such as the Vilnius Executive Club and family-focused educational organisations.

    Outside the office, Vilius enjoys golf, skiing, and wine-tasting trips.

    Practice areas
    Industries
    International desks

    Testimonial

    "Thought‑leader in energy, finance, and arbitration with 20+ years of experience."
    Legal500

    CV

    Professional career
    Since 2018

    Managing Partner, Head of Energy industry group, law firm TEGOS

    2017

    Partner, Head of the Banking and Finance practice group, law firm TGS Baltic

    2009 – 2017

    Partner, Head of the Banking and Finance practice group, law firm Tark Grunte Sutkiene (former Sutkienė, Pilkauskas ir partneriai)

    2008 – 2009

    Member of the Board, national electricity company LEO LT

    2006 – 2008

    Partner, Head of the Banking and Finance practice group, law firm Sutkienė, Pilkauskas ir partneriai

    2003 – 2006

    Head of the Banking and Finance practice group, law firm Sutkienė, Pilkauskas ir partneriai

    1999 – 2003

    Lawyer, state enterprise State Property Fund

    Education
    2018

    IESE Business School, global executive MBA

    2012 – 2013

    The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Diploma in International Arbitration

    2000 – 2012

    A variety of courses and seminars on contract law and international commercial arbitration matters

    2000

    Vilnius University, Faculty of Law, Master of Law

    Memberships

    Vice-Chairman, American Chamber of Commerce

    Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Head of the Baltic States Chapter

    Correspondent of The International Arbitration Institute

    Lithuanian Bar Association

    International Bar Association

    Deals & cases

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    Publications

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