Damian Simeonov

Partner
Head of Banking & Finance Practice Group
BIOGRAPHY

Damian has joined the firm in 1994, after graduating from the Law Faculty of the Sofia University, the oldest and most renown university in Bulgaria. He began his career at the firm as an Associate (1994–1999) and has been a Partner since 1999. Over the years, Damian has advised on a variety of transactions and matters, such as privations of major state-owned companies, including the once incumbent state-owned telecom company and the electricity distribution companies in Bulgaria, on private M&A deals, large concession procedures and certain IP related matters. His main focus however is on finance transactions where he plays a pivotal role in the firm. He has advised on hundreds of high-profile financing transactions and financing some of the largest investments in Bulgaria. He is well versed in the LMA loan agreement templates and has worked on adapting them to Bulgarian law for the needs of local finance transactions. He regularly advises banks and other lenders, most recently focusing on financing the transition to green energy.

EDUCATION

  • Faculty of Law, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, MA in Law (1994)
  • Academy of American and International Laws, Dallas, Texas (1998)
RECENT WORK
LANGUAGES
  • Damyan Simeonov has been consistently recognized for his excellence, earning Band 1 rankings in Chambers Europe from 2017 to 2025, inclusion in The Legal 500's Hall of Fame in 2018, 2019, and 2025, and recognition as a Leading Individual from 2017 to 2024, while also being named a Market Leader in Banking by IFLR1000 from 2019 to 2024.
  • "I have a great impression of Damian's work and approach. He is a pragmatic, diligent and trusted advisor."
    Damian Simeonov, Banking & Finance, Band 1, Chambers Europe 2025
  • "He is an excellent negotiator."
    Damian Simeonov, Banking & Finance, Band 1, Chambers Europe 2025
  • "Damian is extremely knowledgeable in negotiations and possible scenarios in dealing with international bank financing agreements."
    Damian Simeonov, Banking & Finance, Band 1, Chambers Europe 2024
  • "He is an experienced leading lawyer and an excellent negotiator. He approaches transactions with both a commercial approach and legal prudence. He is a trusted adviser on the transactions where we have been working together."
    Damian Simeonov, Banking & Finance, Band 1, Chambers Europe 2024
  • "He's very knowledgeable and extremely business-oriented."
    Damian Simeonov, Banking & Finance, Band 1, Chambers Europe 2023
  • "I appreciate the depth of analysis and the advice.”
    Damian Simeonov, Banking & Finance, Band 1, Chambers Europe 2023
  • "Damian is knowledgeable and uses all possible legal solutions to facilitate financial transactions in a commercially optimal manner."
    Damian Simeonov, Banking & Finance, Band 1, Chambers Europe 2023
  • "I admire Damian for his focused and commercial approach. Also, he knows the market very well and could always offer a useful perspective."
    Damian Simeonov, Banking & Finance, Band 1, Chambers Europe 2023
  • Damian Simeonov, Practice Head, has been ranked in The Legal 500 Hall of Fame for 2025. 
  • “Damian Simeonov always comes out with new ideas, and he is focused on finding solutions and move things forward.”
    Damian Simeonov, Banking, finance and capital markets, Rank 1, The Legal 500 2025
  • Damian Simeonov is very knowledgeable, pragmatic, and helpful in finding solutions for his clients.” 
    Damian Simeonov, Leading Individual, The Legal 500 2022
  • “International, good lawyer, good market knowledge.”
    Damian Simeonov, Market Leader,  IFLR1000 2024
  • “Excellent at communicating technical Bulgarian legal issues in English (spoken and written) and understanding the broader context of a transaction and the needs and desires of all commercial and advisory parties involved.  As well as a great technical knowledge of the law and the market. Overall, very good.”
    Damian Simeonov, Market Leader, IFLR1000 2022
  • Damian, as the senior telecoms partner, is very knowledgeable about the practices in the industry. He seeks business solutions, rather than convoluted legal formulations.”
    Damian Simeonov, Market Leader, IFLR1000 2021