Lilia Surgucheva

Associate
Practice areas
Contact
+359 2 8 055 055
l.surgucheva@boyanov.com
BIOGRAPHY

Lilia joined the law firm in 2018 as a Legal Trainee after graduating from the Faculty of Law at Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski. She progressed through the ranks, becoming a Junior Associate in 2019 and an Associate in 2021. Her practice focuses on dispute resolution and gambling law. Lilia very quickly established herself as a knowledgeable and capable procedural lawyer who easily handles difficult procedural situations and successfully works on complex cases from various industry sectors, and involving matters of commercial law, energy, mining, insolvency, etc. In addition, Lilia has developed strong expertise in gambling law. She advises local and international operators on licensing, regulatory compliance, and day-to-day operations under Bulgarian law. She has provided guidance on matters involving online gambling, land-based operations, advertising restrictions, responsible gaming policies.

EDUCATION:

  • Faculty of Law, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, MA in Law (2018)
  • Faculty of Law, Masaryk University, Czech republic, Programme  Erasmus Plus  (2015-2016)
RECENT WORK
LANGUAGES

Ilina Maltzeva

Associate
Practice areas
Contact
+359 2 8 055 055
i.maltzeva@boyanov.com
BIOGRAPHY

Ilina joined the firm in 2012 as a trainee during her education in New Bulgarian University. She became a Junior Associate in 2014 and has been serving as an Associate since 2019. Ilina regularly advises key clients in her practice areas. Her focus is on gaming law and immigration with a keen interest and experience in employment law and dispute resolution.

EDUCATION:

  • Faculty of Law, New Bulgarian University, MA in Law (2013)
LANGUAGES

Alexander Chatalbashev

Partner
Head of Energy & Natural Resources and Gaming & Gambling Practice Groups
Practice areas
Contact
+359 2 8 055 055
a.chatalbashev@boyanov.com
BIOGRAPHY

Alexander has joined the firm in 1997 as an Associate and became a Partner in 2004. He has since advised on a variety of transactions and matters, such as privatisation deals for major state-owned companies in the energy sector, including advising the government on the privatisation of the electricity distribution sector in Bulgaria, advising private clients on the privatisation and divestment of interest in one of the largest thermal power plants in Bulgaria, advising on the projects for building of new nuclear power plant at the Belene site as well as the building of new nuclear units at the Kozloduy  site. He has advised on dozens of high-profile M&A transactions in the renewables sector. He has also handled high profile litigation cases for private clients against the local energy regulator and transmission system operator. Alexander’s area of expertise includes also other regulated industries such as insurance and gaming where he has advised major international players on local licensing procedures, regulatory compliance and disputes and M&A deals. He regularly advises banks and other lenders on financing transactions in the energy sector. Alexander is a member of the International Bar Association.

EDUCATION

  • Faculty of Law, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, MA in Law (1994)
  • Univercidad Internacional de Educacion a Distancia – Madrid, Spain (1994)
  • Academy of American and International Law, Dallas, USA (2000)
RECENT WORK
LANGUAGES
  • "Alexander Chatalbashev is commercially strong, responsive and good to work with."
    Alexander Chatalbashev, Energy, Band 2, Chambers Europe 2025
  • "He offers unmatched energy legislation know-how."
    Alexander Chatalbashev, Energy, Band 2, Chambers Europe 2024
  • "Alexander provided outstanding service throughout and came up with pragmatic solutions to complex issues."
    Alexander Chatalbashev, Energy, Band 2, Chambers Europe 2024
  • ''He is a good specialist in energy law with profound knowledge.''
    Alexander Chatalbashev, Energy, Band 2, Chambers Europe 2023
  • “Alexander Chatalbashev stands out as a lawyer with considerable experience in the field of energy and natural resources. Chatalbashev is responsive, thorough and reliable.”
    Alexander Chatalbashev, Energy and Natural Resources, Rank Hall of Fame, The Legal 500 2025
     
  • "Alexander combines excellent academic knowledge, real-life practice, and a client-oriented approach."
    Alexander Chatalbashev, Highly Regarded, IFLR1000 2022
  • “He definitely knows his stuff. Very responsive and provides detailed answers. Excellent command of English”
    Alexander Chatalbashev, Energy and Infrastructure, Project Development, and Banking, IFLR1000
  • Head of the energy and natural resources department Alexander Chatalbashev is "an excellent energy practitioner" with experience in handling M&A and corporate matters as well. A market commentator reports: "His work in the energy sector is outstanding."
    Alexander Chatalbashev, Chambers Europe
  • "Alexander Chatalbashev's orientation on business focused solutions and good understanding of all transactional details, as well as his availability and responsiveness."
    Alexander Chatalbashev, Tier 1, M&A, IFLR1000 2025
  • "Alexander Chatalbashev is an extremely good listener and adapts very quickly to new situations. He is very responsive and very solution-oriented."
    Alexander Chatalbashev, Tier 1, Project Development, IFLR1000 2025