Find out more about the VB Advocates Team
Our People
Meet The Team
Our accomplished team of legal professionals in Malta is dedicated to handling our clients’ most complex legal transactions with the utmost care and expertise. With a wealth of experience and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of excellence, we continuously adapt to provide innovative solutions to evolving challenges. Our client-centric approach ensures that we deliver exceptional results through strategic thinking, effective representation, and a deep understanding of our clients’ unique needs and goals.
With over 20 years of experience advising and assisting high-profile clients, Karl co-founded VB Advocates, bringing his expertise in a wide range of legal specialties to the table.
Karl represents both local and international clients in various commercial, corporate and civil law disputes before the local courts and/or arbitration tribunals, as well as public procurement matters, including review and appeals processes.
Karl’s extensive experience encompasses various areas of law, including Employment Law, Real Estate Law including property, conveyancing and construction Law, Land Transport, Energy, Insolvency, Shareholder Relations, Fiduciary Obligations, Bodily Injuries, Insurance, and Competition. His notable achievements include handling complex multi-million real estate transactions and representing developers in various planning disputes before competent authorities. Karl regularly assists employers, engineers, and contractors in drafting and negotiating construction contracts based on FIDIC and other main industry forms of contract.
Furthermore, Karl advises clients on employment and labour law related matters mainly advising large employers on several contractual issues, employment policies, union recognition and collective bargaining, transfer of business and collective redundancies as well as represents clients in industrial disputes and claims for unfair dismissals before the competent fora.
Karl holds a Doctor of Laws from the University of Malta (2003) and a Magister Juris of Comparative European and Comparative Law from the University of Malta (2004). He was called to the Bar in Malta in 2004. Karl is a nominated member of the Committee for Advocates and Legal Procurators and is a founding member of the Malta Employment Lawyers’ Association (MELA).
With a profound understanding of commercial, corporate, and civil law, Karl’s legal expertise is highly regarded within the industry, making him a trusted advisor to his clients and peers.
Industry praise for Karl Briffa
“It is always a pleasure working with Karl. I particularly like his no-nonsense approach, practicality, deep knowledge, and different perspectives he has on the subjects being discussed.”
“Karl is available, communicative and client oriented.”
“He is knowledgeable and has extensive experience in employment legal matters. He is always available, clever, insightful, analytical, a quick critical thinker, and solution-oriented.”
“Karl Briffa’s wide-ranging skill set, depth of knowledge and attention to detail have made the process far easier for us than would otherwise have been the case.”
“Karl Briffa has expert knowledge in civil and commercial law-related topics.”
Karl Briffa enters the rankings with interviewees describing him as “an excellent litigator who manages to drive the point across regardless of the nature of the opposing counsel.” — Chambers and Partners
“Karl Briffa has been outstanding, in particular his keen perception of a complex technical brief, and his subsequent legal analysis.’” — Legal 500
With over 14 years of experience in the Mergers and Acquisitions and Capital Markets arenas, Luca brings a wealth of expertise to VB Advocates. His strategic vision and commitment to excellence were instrumental in co-founding the firm in 2023, with the goal of providing clients with personalised attention, steadfast accountability, and adherence to the highest ethical standards.
Luca’s notable achievements span a wide range of complex legal matters. He has advised businesses on intricate corporate restructurings, mergers and acquisitions, securities regulations, and financial transactions, ensuring compliance with corporate governance best practices. Luca has negotiated and drafted comprehensive contracts, offering memorandums, and legal documentation for high-stakes matters, including advising public listed companies on debt securities listings on the Malta Stock Exchange.
Furthermore, Luca guides clients through pre-listing formalities, corporate governance restructuring, and ensuring compliance with ongoing regulatory obligations. He serves as a trusted company secretary for Boards of Directors and Audit Committees of publicly listed entities, providing guidance on regulatory requirements, corporate ethics, and best practices.
With extensive experience in large-scale local and cross-border M&A transactions – as well as corporate, commercial, and privatisation matters – Luca’s legal expertise is widely recognised within the industry.
Luca holds a Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Laws from the University of Malta (2007) and a Master’s in International Business Law from University College London (2008). He completed a six-month in-service training at the European Commission Cabinet and was called to the Bar in Malta in 2009.
Industry praise for Luca Vella
“Luca is very composed and knowledgeable.”
“Luca has a gift for explaining complex matters in a very simple way.” — Chambers and Partners
“Luca Vella – dedication and availability, market knowledge.” — Legal 500
Nicole is a key member of VB Advocates’ Civil and Commercial Team, specialising in civil and commercial disputes before local courts and tribunals.
Nicole’s expertise encompasses a wide range of legal matters, assisting individual clients, companies, parastatal entities, and supervisory authorities. Her extensive experience includes handling cases related to Human Rights, Constitutional Law, Public Law, Property Law, Tort Law, Debt Collection, Succession Law, and Family Law.
Nicole has a particular focus on the Safeguarding of Minors and Vulnerable Adults, acting as a legal advisor or member on relevant local boards and entities. Her dedication to these sensitive areas underscores her commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of those she represents.
Nicole holds a Doctor of Laws from the University of Malta (2007) and was called to the Bar in Malta in 2008. Her experience and commitment to her clients make her a vital asset to the firm, ensuring that all cases are handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
Jeanelle specialises in company law practice and assists both local and international clients in complex legal matters within this area.
Jeanelle’s expertise spans Mergers and Acquisitions, Banking and Finance, and Corporate Restructuring. She has extensive experience supervising loan agreements and corresponding local collateral arrangements. Her role involves supporting clients in achieving their objectives, particularly in the mergers and acquisitions field, and she is actively involved in numerous corporate restructuring exercises, assisting large businesses in streamlining operations and optimising structures.
Jeanelle holds a Doctor of Laws from the University of Malta (2011) and studied European Judicial Systems and Anglo-American Company Law during her Erasmus Exchange at Universita` degli Studi Roma Tre in Italy. She was called to the Bar in Malta in 2012 and later earned a Master in Financial Services from the University of Malta (2015).
Katia brings her knowledge and expertise to the team in assisting local and international clients with commercial and financial transactions within her key practice areas.
Katia’s expertise spans Capital Markets, Trusts Law, Corporate Law, and Mergers and Acquisitions. She is highly skilled in drafting contracts and negotiating corporate-related matters, with extensive experience in dealing with capital markets and regulatory concerns. Katia assists public listed companies with pre-listing formalities for securities listings on the Malta Stock Exchange and acts as company secretary to the boards of directors and audit committees of local public listed entities.
Katia holds a Bachelor of Laws with European Studies from the University of Malta (2011) and studied Employment Law during her Erasmus Exchange at Tor Vergata University in Rome, Italy (2013). She earned a Doctor of Laws from the University of Malta (2014) and was called to the Bar in Malta in 2015. Katia further enhanced her qualifications with an IFSP Foundation Certificate in Trusts Law and Management (2016), a Malta Institute of Taxation Foundation Certificate (2017), and a Diploma of Notary Public (2021).
Nicola specialises in Company Law, with a focus on Mergers and Acquisitions, Banking and Finance, Financial Services, and Fintech.
Nicola has assisted clients in local and international transactions in the fields of corporate mergers and acquisitions and banking and finance. She has also supported various local and international companies in attaining licenses from the Malta Financial Services Authority and continues to assist clients with their ongoing obligations post-licensing.
Nicola completed her law degree at the University of Malta and was awarded her warrant to practice as an advocate before the Courts of Malta in 2018. She was conferred a Bachelor of Laws with European Studies in 2014 and a Diploma of Notary Public in 2015. In 2017,
Nicola earned a Doctor of Laws degree, with a thesis titled “The Notion of Permanent Establishment: Developments in the Context of the Digital Economy.” Nicola also spent a semester in Perugia, Italy as part of the Erasmus Programme, where she read European Constitutional Law at the Università degli Studi di Perugia.
Emma joined VB Advocates after gaining invaluable experience assisting clients in local and international transactions within her key practice areas.
Emma’s expertise encompasses Capital Markets, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, and Banking and Finance. She supports clients in both local and international corporate mergers and acquisitions, as well as banking and finance transactions. Her role involves assisting public listed companies with pre-listing formalities and ensuring compliance with admission requirements for the Malta Stock Exchange.
Additionally, Emma advises on ongoing obligations and helps clients meet regulatory requirements post-listing, providing comprehensive support to ensure adherence to regulatory standards.
Emma holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Malta (2019) and a Master of Advocacy from the University of Malta (2020). She further enhanced her legal education through the Erasmus Exchange Programme at Universita’ degli Studi Roma Tre in Italy (2017) and obtained a Master of Laws in International Banking and Finance Law from University College London (2021). Emma was called to the Bar in Malta in 2022.
Emma’s dedication to her profession is reflected in her active involvement as a former Executive Committee Member of the Malta Law Students Society (GHSL). Her legal experience and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset to VB Advocates and a trusted advisor to her clients.
Julia specializes in employment law, real estate and commercial law. Leveraging her multifaceted approach, she provides clients with thorough legal support across various business dimensions, encompassing workforce management and real estate matters. This ensures that clients not only receive comprehensive guidance but are also strategically positioned to achieve their legal objectives amid ever-evolving and dynamic business landscapes.
Julia completed her Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at the University of Malta in 2022 and subsequently earned a Master of Advocacy in 2023. She was admitted to the Bar in November 2023.
During her time at university, Julia demonstrated her commitment to the legal profession by serving as the elected student representative of her cohort within the Maltese Law Society (GHSL), where she honed her leadership and advocacy skills.
Danica’s core expertise lies in general advisory within the field of Commercial Law, with a keen interest in matters relating to Public Procurement.
Danica’s expertise encompasses Commercial Law, Real Estate, and Public Procurement. She acts as an advisor in the field of Commercial Law, focusing on private and commercial leases, real estate, and specialised contracts such as FIDIC. Danica advises and assists clients on all aspects of the public procurement process and represents clients before the Public Contracts Review Board and Courts of Appeal in procurement-related matters.
Danica holds a Bachelor of Laws with European Studies from the University of Malta (2012) and a Diploma of Notary Public (2012). She earned a Doctor of Laws from the University of Malta in 2015, with a thesis on Aircraft Arrest, and was admitted to the Malta Bar in 2016. Danica is a member of the Malta Chamber of Advocates and is fluent in Maltese and English, with a basic understanding of Italian.
Luke forms part of VB Advocates’ civil and commercial team. He specialises in Litigation and Dispute Resolution and regularly advises on matters including Real Estate, Employment, and Commercial Law.
Luke represents local and foreign clients before the Courts of Malta in a wide range of disputes, often with an international dimension, including commercial disputes, cases related to property, and constitutional cases. He also appears in arbitration proceedings and before various tribunals established by law.
Luke graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) in 2021 and a Master of Advocacy in 2022 from the University of Malta. In 2019, he participated in the Erasmus exchange programme, spending a semester at the Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna.
In 2020, Luke submitted his dissertation titled ‘An Analysis of Selected Landmark Human Rights Judgments That Have Had an Impact on Maltese Criminal Law’. He was admitted to the Maltese Bar in September of 2022.
Joseph J. Vella brings over 50 years of unparalleled experience in the commercial and corporate legal sectors to the firm. As a leading figure in Malta’s legal landscape, Joseph has built a prestigious and diverse client portfolio that includes some of the most prominent local and international privately owned companies. His extensive practice encompasses advising on complex commercial, corporate and real estate transactions.
Throughout his career, Joseph has gained considerable expertise in cross-border acquisitions, with a notable focus on the hospitality industry. His involvement in high-stakes international deals has solidified his reputation as a trusted advisor to businesses navigating the complexities of overseas investments and operations.
Joseph’s influence extends beyond legal representation; he is a respected director on the boards of several distinguished organisations, including listed and regulated entities. His strategic insights and governance skills are widely recognised, contributing to his standing as a key figure in corporate Malta. Joseph is celebrated not only for his legal acumen but also for the long-term legacy relationships he has cultivated with clients. His deep understanding of the business environment, combined with his commitment to client service, has earned him a reputation as a pillar of the legal community.
Joseph’s dedication, leadership and unmatched expertise continue to set the standard in corporate legal practice, making him a cornerstone of the firm and a trusted name among Malta’s business elite.
Industry Praise for Joseph J. Vella
Joseph has been repeatedly mentioned over the years as a leading practitioner in prestigious international legal directories.
Clients mention that Joseph J. Vella, who has recently ranked as one of Malta’s Senior Statespeople, is “super connected and a real problem solver” – Legal 500
Joseph Zammit Maempel is a highly distinguished legal professional with a career spanning over five decades. He was called to the Bar in January 1970, marking the beginning of an illustrious journey in both the public and private sectors. From 1987 to 1996, Joseph served as a Commissioner for Justice, playing a pivotal role in upholding justice and the rule of law in Malta. He later became a partner at an established law firm in Malta, where he practiced law from 1998 until 2017.
Joseph’s expertise and leadership have been recognized through his various directorships. He served as a director of MIMCOL and Malta Government Investments Ltd (1990-1993), Malta Development Corporation (1993-1996), Air Malta p.l.c. (1999-2003) and AzzurrAir S.r.l. (1999-2004). In addition, he has held several key chairmanships. He chaired the Purchasing and Tendering Committee at Air Malta p.l.c. (1999-2004), the Healthcare Professions Appeals Board (2004-2008), the Controlled Companies (Procedure for Liquidation) Appeals Board (2002-2006), the Lotteries & Gaming Authority (2003-2008), and the Tenders & Procurement Committee at the Malta Tourism Authority (2005-2014).
Joseph’s contributions to the academic and public sectors are equally noteworthy. He was a member of the Faculty Board of Law at the University of Malta from 1998 to 2003 and served on the Electoral Commission from 2009 to 2021. Joseph’s extensive experience and dedication have made him a decidedly respected figure in Malta’s legal community and beyond.
Cynthia Galea read law at the University of Malta and was awarded her warrant to practice as an Advocate before the Courts of Malta in 2014. She practiced in family law and civil disputes and later joined the firm where she also focuses on insurance matters and is today an ardent litigator in this sector. Cynthia has extensive experience in arbitration, having successfully argued cases during the last decade.
Cynthia retains a deep interest in family law. Her doctoral thesis, entitled “The Legal Implications Relating to the Relocation of the Custodial Parent”, focused on an important aspect in the realm of family law.
Kelly graduated with a Bachelor of European Studies (Honours) and studied at the University of Warsaw as part of the Erasmus Direct Exchange Programme. She is currently in her second year of studies as an LL.B (Hons) student and practices her studies by assisting the legal team with various tasks.
Kelly also supports the administration team with day-to-day office administration, ensuring smooth and efficient workflows within the office. Her commitment to both her studies and her role in the firm demonstrates her commitment to professional growth and excellence in legal and administrative support.
Gail is a dedicated administrative assistant at the firm, where she ensures the smooth operation of the firm’s day-to-day activities. With a number of years of experience in office management and administrative support, Gail plays an important role in maintaining the firm’s efficiency and organization.