35 years of shaping the legal landscape in the Baltics

This year, COBALT Estonia proudly celebrates its 35th anniversary. Founded in the spring of 1990, we are the longest-standing and most experienced law firm operating in Estonia. Together with our Latvian and Lithuanian colleagues, we have been shaping the legal landscape of the Baltics, helping our clients navigate complexities, achieve their business goals, and find solutions to their legal challenges for more than three decades.

Over the past 35 years, the legal profession has undergone significant transformation. The landscape in which we operate today is vastly different from the early 1990s, as businesses, regulations, and client expectations have evolved. What once set law firms apart – quality, professionalism, and reliability – has now become the foundation upon which successful legal practices are built. The modern legal environment demands even more: greater flexibility, deep client-centricity, and the agility to respond swiftly to dynamic challenges.

Reflecting on this journey, COBALT Estonia Managing Partner Jaanus Mody remarks:

“35 years ago, small private law firms began to emerge in the Baltics. The legal profession has become more demanding than ever – clients expect immediate, effective solutions, even for complex matters. Larger clients, in particular, cannot afford to wait. Law firms must be capable of mobilizing 10–20 experts for a single transaction within a day to ensure swift and precise execution. Moreover, strong technical capabilities are essential to meet these expectations.”

This milestone is not just a celebration of COBALT’s journey but a recognition of the collective progress made within the Baltic legal sector. We take immense pride in the role we have played in the region’s legal development and remain committed to driving innovation, setting new benchmarks, and delivering exceptional service to our clients.

A strong Baltic presence has been essential in achieving these goals. COBALT Latvia Managing Partner Dace Silava-Tomsone shares:

“The Baltic dimension has been instrumental in COBALT’s growth story. Local businesses operate across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and so do we. The opportunity to align our strategies and best practices, and to share knowledge, keeps us in step with the economy’s development. We feel privileged to work with like-minded partners and to be able to offer our clients an international standard of service together.”

Equally important is staying ahead of evolving client expectations and embracing innovation. COBALT Lithuania Managing Partner Dr. Irmantas Norkus elaborates:

“Clients today expect not only deep legal expertise but also strategic insight and a proactive approach. Innovation drives everything we do at COBALT. Over the years, we have adapted to a faster, more complex legal landscape by embracing new technologies and smarter ways of working. Clients expect agile, forward-thinking solutions – and we are proud to deliver them through close collaboration across the Baltics and beyond.”

A heartfelt thank you to everyone – our clients, colleagues, and partners – who have been part of this remarkable journey. Your trust, collaboration, and contributions have shaped our success, and we look forward to continuing this journey together in the years to come!

Here’s to the next 35 years of excellence in the Baltics!