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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 Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500, and IFLR1000, 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.

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 (formerly TGS Baltic)

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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