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Mihai Jiganie-Serban
Partner

Mihai Jiganie-Serban

Head of the Criminal Law Practice

Languages
  • English
  • Romanian
Social media

With over two decades of distinguished experience in criminal law, Mihai Jiganie-Șerban leads the Criminal Law Department at CMS Romania, one of the foremost international law firms. As a partner, Mihai is recognised for his strategic leadership, deep sector knowledge, and unwavering commitment to achieving results that align with clients’ objectives.

Mihai specialises in criminal law, regulatory matters and compliance, with a particular focus on anti-corruption, economic crime, money laundering, and complex fraud cases, including those arising in the capital markets and pharmaceutical sectors. His expertise extends to advising both national and international corporations on the intricacies of the Romanian legal framework, conducting internal investigations, and providing robust representation before all levels of public authorities, including the police, prosecutors’ office, and courts.

Throughout his career, Mihai has successfully guided clients from a broad spectrum of industries—such as oil and gas, banking and finance, leasing, insurance, energy, construction, media, and advertising—through high-stakes criminal and regulatory matters. His approach is defined by a strategic legal mindset, exceptional coordination skills, and a steadfast focus on delivering practical, client-centred solutions.

Mihai’s leadership ensures that the CMS criminal law team consistently delivers high-quality, results-driven advice, tailored to the unique needs and challenges faced by general legal counsels and their organisations.

Awards & Recognitions
01
  • Quote
    "Objective oriented. Client friendly and cost-effective approach. Great background. Mihai Jiganie-Serban - longstanding experience and effective approach of every issue."
    Legal 500, 2025
  • Quote
    "Mihai has proven to be an excellent coordinator of projects and teams of attorneys, with outstanding professional skills, of which the clients (especially corporate) have always been very satisfied."
    Legal 500, 2025
  • Quote
    "Mihai Jiganie-Serban is one of the best white collar crime lawyers on the market. Mihai is always business-oriented, he knows how to think outside the box and choose the best strategies for his clients."
    Legal 500, 2024
  • Quote
    "Mihai Jiganie-Serban is one of most experienced Romanian criminal defense lawyers. Not only his long-lasting case file recommends him but also his capacity to react quickly and to coordinate various branch of legal departments in order to provide efficient assistance in high stakes criminal cases."
    Legal 500, 2024
  • Quote
    A “leading individual” for white collar crime practice in Romania.
    Legal 500, EMEA

Relevant experience

  • A global leader in sustainable energy on a criminal investigation into allegations of forgery of private documents related to US visa applications.
  • A global agribusiness leader on a sensitive internal investigation into allegations of EUR 30 million fraud committed by former management, followed by criminal proceedings initiated by DIICOT.
  • A major electronic payments corporation on compliance with criminal law restrictions regarding public servant status and corporate hospitality.
  • An EU leader in construction and infrastructure in a DIICOT investigation into tax fraud and money laundering related to a railway rehabilitation project in Romania.
  • A global IT leader on a DNA investigation into allegations of abuse of office in relation to the public acquisition of an IT solution valued at over EUR 26 million.
  • A Big Five US IT leader in multiple DIICOT investigations and court proceedings concerning organized crime and cybercrime targeting its e-commerce platform.
  • The Romanian branch of a Big 4 auditing firm in a criminal investigation into allegations of embezzlement related to the second pensions pillar.

Memberships & Roles

  • Member of the Bucharest Bar Association.

Education

  • 2003 - B.A. in Law from the West University of Timisoara, Romania.

Insights by Mihai

Navigating criminal liability risks for generative AI companies

23 Jan 2025 4 min read

CMS wins strategic victory in front of the Ploiesti Court of Appeal on the Law on the organisation and functioning of DLAF

06 Mar 2024 3 min read

Whistleblowing Directive transposed -  constitutionality exam or confirmation from the President?

01 Jul 2022 2 min read

Romanian High Court rules on DNA's jurisdiction to investigate abuse of office crimes

16 Nov 2021 2 min read
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