Corporate Services
Support throughout the business lifecycle, from incorporation and governance to transactions, compliance, restructuring, and closure.
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Legal Services
Legal Services in Malta for Individuals and Businesses
Strategic legal advice and representation across civil, commercial, corporate, employment, family, property, data protection, regulatory, dispute, and due-diligence matters.
Areas of support include
- Civil & Commercial Law
- Employment Law & Employee Rights
- Contract Drafting & Review
Initial enquiry
Tell us about your matter
Submission does not confirm acceptance, representation or engagement.
At a glance
Practical Legal Support with Commercial Perspective
Dr Josianne Cardona Gatt provides comprehensive legal counsel in Malta across civil, commercial, corporate, property, and administrative law under Maltese and EU legal frameworks. Services include contract drafting, litigation support, dispute resolution, GDPR compliance, and independent due diligence for local and international clients.
Reviewed by Dr Josianne Cardona Gatt, Advocate (Malta)Last reviewed
Key takeaways
- Over two decades of legal advocacy experience before Maltese courts and administrative tribunals.
- Full spectrum counsel spanning civil litigation, commercial contracts, employment, and real estate transactions.
- Data protection (GDPR) and regulatory compliance advisory tailored to Maltese corporate operations.
- Strict confidentiality and adherence to the Code of Ethics of the Chamber of Advocates Malta.
Legal and Commercial Perspective
Advice shaped around the matter.
Legal advice is tailored to the circumstances and objectives of each client, whether an individual, a family, or an international enterprise operating in or from Malta. The practice combines deep knowledge of Maltese civil and procedural law with commercial insight to deliver sound, actionable solutions.
Support spans advisory, transactional, dispute resolution, and litigation assistance. The focus remains on resolving matters efficiently, protecting client rights, and mitigating legal risk at every stage.
What’s included
Legal matters the practice can help with
Select an area to see the matters it covers. Advice is scoped to the circumstances of each matter.
Civil & Commercial Law
- Civil legal advice
- Commercial legal disputes
- Contractual disputes
- Breach of contract claims
- Debt recovery and payment disputes
- Claims for damages
- Negotiation and settlement of disputes
- Alternative dispute resolution
- Litigation support
- Court representation
- Appeals and procedural advice
Employment Law & Employee Rights
- Employment contract review
- Employer and employee legal advice
- Unpaid salary and unpaid wages
- Unpaid overtime
- Unlawful deductions from salary
- Employer refusing to pay final salary
- Termination of employment
- Unfair dismissal
- Redundancy
- Notice-period disputes
- Discrimination at work
- Harassment and victimisation
- Breach of employment conditions
- Employee claims against employers
- Employer defence and employment compliance
- DIER complaints and employment claims
- Industrial Tribunal matters
- Settlement of employment disputes
Contract Drafting & Review
- Commercial contracts
- Employment agreements
- Service agreements
- Consultancy agreements
- Supplier agreements
- Agency agreements
- Distribution agreements
- Licensing agreements
- Confidentiality and NDA agreements
- Settlement agreements
- Contract negotiation
- Contract termination advice
Property & Real Estate
- Property purchase legal advice
- Property sale legal advice
- Promise of sale (konvenju) support
- Lease agreements
- Commercial leases
- Residential lease disputes
- Landlord and tenant matters
- Property title review
- Property due diligence
- Property-related disputes
Family & Succession
- Wills
- Inheritance
- Succession planning
- Estate administration
- Family agreements
- Family-related legal advice
Data Protection & GDPR
- GDPR compliance
- Privacy policies
- Data processing agreements
- Data-protection reviews
- Data breach advice
- Employee and customer privacy matters
- Cross-border data matters
Administrative & Public Law
- Government authority correspondence
- Administrative decisions
- Regulatory decisions
- Reviews and challenges
- Appeals where legally available
Legal Opinions & Due Diligence
- Independent legal opinions
- Corporate due diligence
- Commercial due diligence
- Transaction review
- Legal risk assessment
- Document review
Reference
Summary of Core Legal Services in Malta
| Legal Domain | Governing Legislation | Key Scope of Service | Competent Body / Forum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil & Commercial Law | Civil Code (Cap. 16) | Contracts, torts, obligations, commercial disputes | Civil Court (First Hall) / Court of Appeal |
| Corporate & Commercial | Companies Act (Cap. 386) | Governance, shareholder rights, director duties | Malta Business Registry (MBR) |
| Property & Real Estate | Civil Code (Cap. 16) / Notarial Acts | Promise of sale (konvenju), title review, leases | Land Registry / Public Registry |
| Employment Law | EIRA (Cap. 452) | Contracts of service, redundancy, termination, policies | Industrial Tribunal / Courts of Justice |
| Data Protection | GDPR & Data Protection Act (Cap. 586) | Privacy audits, ROPA, DPAs, cross-border transfers | IDPC Malta |
A Considered, Systematic Legal Approach
Every legal engagement follows a structured, transparent process focused on clarity and risk mitigation.
Understand the Matter
A preliminary consultation to review the factual background, key documents, and core objectives.
Legal Analysis & Strategy
Thorough statutory and case-law analysis to establish actionable legal options and recommended strategies.
Implementation & Execution
Drafting documents, negotiating terms, lodging official filings, or preparing court submissions.
Ongoing Resolution & Follow-Up
Monitoring matter progression, managing correspondence, and safeguarding client interests through to conclusion.
Matters proceed according to the specific scope agreed upon in the engagement letter.
Start your enquiryWho We Advise
Support for Private and Commercial Clients
Assisting a diverse spectrum of clients navigating the Maltese legal system.
- Domestic and international businesses
- Entrepreneurs and company founders
- Private individuals and families
- Property buyers, sellers, and landlords
- Executive employees and employers
- Foreign investors establishing in Malta
Common questions
Legal Services in Malta: common questions
Short answers about this service and how enquiries are handled. For advice on your own circumstances, contact the practice.
What legal qualifications are required to practise law in Malta?
Advocates in Malta must hold a Master of Advocacy (or equivalent LL.D.) from an accredited university, complete a mandatory period of pupillage in legal practice, and obtain the official Warrant to practise as an Advocate issued by the President of Malta upon recommendation of the Commission for the Administration of Justice.
Can foreign individuals and businesses engage an advocate in Malta for cross-border matters?
Yes. Dr Josianne Cardona Gatt regularly advises international clients on cross-border transactions, Maltese commercial contracts, property acquisitions, and European regulatory compliance.
How are legal fees and engagement terms structured?
Legal services are scoped and agreed transparently in an engagement letter prior to commencing work, based on the nature, complexity, and urgency of the legal matter.
What is the role of an Advocate in Maltese property purchases?
An advocate reviews the promise of sale (konvenju), verifies contract terms, advises on legal obligations, assists with due diligence regarding title searches, and represents the client's interests throughout the conveyancing process.
Official sources
Maltese authorities and sources
Published 15 January 2024 · Updated 15 August 2024 · Reviewed by Dr Josianne Cardona Gatt
- Legislation Malta(opens in a new tab)
State of Malta
Official portal for all Maltese Acts, Regulations, and Subsidiary Legislation.
- Courts of Justice Malta(opens in a new tab)
Ministry for Justice
Administration of the Superior and Inferior Courts of Malta.
- Chamber of Advocates Malta(opens in a new tab)
Kunsill tal-Kamra tal-Avukati
Professional bar association governing advocates practising in Malta.
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Commercial Services
Practical legal solutions for commercial operations, agreements, technology, financing, intellectual property licensing, and cross-border activity.
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Regulatory & Licensing Services
Advice and support for licensing strategy, regulatory approvals, governance, policies, audits, reporting, renewals, variations, and transfers.
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Schedule a Consultation
Contact the practice to discuss your civil, corporate, property, or dispute-related matter in Malta.
