December 4, 2010 ... POP PEPA Attorneys-at-Law is pleased to announce that Ms. Elena Manole has joined the firm as Counsel and the new head of the Banking & Finance Practice.

Ms. Manole is a graduate of the Faculty of Law, University of Bucharest, obtaining her LL.B. in 2001.  In 2000 she obtained her DEUG Droit, in 2001 the Licence en Droit and in 2002 the Maitrise en Droit Européen from Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne University, as well as her Diploma of Licentiate in Law (LL.M. equivalent) from the University of Bucharest in 2002.

Prior to joining POP PEPA, Ms. Manole was the Head of the Corporate Banking Department / Legal Division of the largest bank in Romania, Banca Comercială Română (a member of the Erste Group).

Ms. Manole has extensive experience in the representation of senior lenders and borrowers in connection with investment finance, trade finance, project finance and real estate finance; all in accordance with LMA standard.  She has particular expertise in insurance and leasing from the perspective of a major commercial lender.  Prior to her former banking position, Ms. Manole practiced in top-tier Romanian law firms with a banking and corporate commercial focus.

Commenting on the appointment, managing partner Steven Pepa said: "I am most pleased to have the opportunity to work with Elena.  She truly fills out the team and brings the department to the next stage in its development.  I look forward to working with her in years to come and developing a truly tier-one banking & finance practice on the Romanian market in accordance with what one should expect."

About POP PEPA

POP PEPA is a leading law firm based in Bucharest. Our clients include industry and business leaders in all segments of the market and at various stages in the growth of their businesses. We build our reputation on our commitment to our clients’ success and the experience, expertise and collaborative approach for which we are recognised.