Gordan Stankovic

The law firm Vukic, Jelusic, Sulina, Stankovic, Jurcan & Jabuka is the largest (25 fee earners) and most reputable commercial law firm outside Zagreb. Outside Croatia, they are probably best known for their prime position in shipping, although shipping is not their only area of practice. The firm is based in Rijeka, Croatia's largest commercial port, and a seat of two major shipyards and one major ship repair-yard.

The firm’s recent activity includes:
• Continuous and all-embracing assistance to two of Croatia's leading shipyards in all aspects of their work.
• Advice to and representation of foreign and domestic banks with regard to shipbuilding financing projects relating to other Croatian shipyards.
• Continuous and all-embracing assistance to a leading ship repair-yard in all aspects of its work.
• Continuous assistance to the Port of Rijeka Authority regarding a major port development project.
• Continuous assistance to the Port of Split Authority with regard to granting of a priority port concession and the disputes arising there from.
• Continuous advice and representation in a large number of seamen death/personal injury cases against foreign companies and insurers.
• Assistance to and representation of victims of two collisions in the Adriatic Sea.
• Assistance to and representation of salvors in a case involving salvage rendered in the Adriatic Sea.

Prof.dr.sc. Gordan Stankovic has a large experience and expertise in all areas of shipbuilding, ship finance and ports/maritime demesne. Mr Zdenko Jabuka is Croatia's leading expert in the fields of death/personal injury of seamen, carriage of goods and admiralty.

Ms Maja Dotlic is most distinguished in the areas of ship finance and port construction projects.

Very few of the firm’s cases are free from an international element. Most of the clients are foreign banks, foreign shipowners, domestic shipyards and domestic seafarers. Foreign clients need understanding of the domestic legal concepts and the ways in which the judiciary, maritime administration and shipping market operate. The domestic shipyards in turn have to cope with the state administration, as they are all still state-owned. The domestic seafarers usually come to the firm in case of illness/injury or unpaid wages. They are usually very vulnerable at such stage, and should be treated accordingly.

The shipping / maritime department has expertise and 15 years of experience in all areas of maritime law. The firm knows it is important to understand not only the law, but also the commercial background of shipping / shipbuilding, and this is how it approaches maritime cases.

Dr Stankovic has contributed in the legislative process by: preparing the draft provisions of the Croatian Maritime Code on judicial sale of vessels and arrest of vessels, and participating in the preparation of the draft provisions on maritime liens and mortgages. He has also contributed to the preparation of the Maritime Demesne and Seaports Act by preparing draft provisions on security instruments on concessions.