An in-depth look at Luka Popovic of BDK Advokati covering his career path, education, and top projects as a lawyer as well as a few insights about him as a manager at work and as a person outside the office.
Career:
- BDK Advokati; Senior Partner; 2023-Present
- BDK Advokati; Partner; 2017-2023
- BDK Advokati; Managing Senior Associate; 2013-2017
- BDK Advokati; Senior Associate; 2012-2013
- Hidroterm a.d.; Executive Director; 2007-2011
- ETG Group; Head of Legal; 2006-2007
Education:
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Law; LL.B.; 2006
Favorites:
- Out-of-office activity: Hiking
- Quote: “Missing a train is only painful if you run after it.”
- Book: Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- Movie: Fight Club
Top 5 Projects
- Advising the Government of Montenegro as the majority shareholder of the national electric utility EPCG, on the exit of Italian company A2A from its shareholder structure (the transaction was valued at EUR 230 million)
- Advising the Turkish company Net Holding on their entry into the casino and hospitality markets in Montenegro, including the development of the five-star Merit Starlit hotel and casino
- Advising Abu Dhabi Capital Fund on the EUR 55 million sale of the premier business and residential complex Capital Plaza, to BIG CEE
- Advising Alcazar Energy on the acquisition of the local project company and the further development of the 118-megawatt Bijela wind park
- Advising Turkish Global Ports on acquiring a majority stake in one of the leading commercial ports in Montenegro, Port of Adria, through a privatization process launched by the Government of Montenegro
CEELM: What would you say was the most challenging project you ever worked on and why?
Popovic: I would say it was the representation of Tara Resources in the acquisition and development of the Brskovo zinc and lead mine, a promising and strategically important project for the economic development of northern Montenegro. Despite its potential, the project faced significant challenges, including a lack of planning documentation and opposition from local activists citing environmental concerns. Political instability and frequent changes in government further complicated the situation, as the state’s position shifted and initial support diminished. The project attracted considerable media attention and became a highly contentious issue for the administration. Despite our concerted efforts alongside the client to defend the project and address all concerns, the result was the effective suspension of the project and the termination of the underlying concession agreement by Montenegro. The epilogue is yet to come.
CEELM: And what was your main takeaway from it?
Popovic: Things are not always as they appear. I would prefer not to elaborate further.
CEELM: What is one thing clients likely don’t know about you?
Popovic: I initially wanted to pursue an acting career and even attempted to enroll in an acting academy. Fortunately, I didn’t pass, which led me to shift my focus to law. During my law studies, I had a minor role in a student film.
CEELM: Name one mentor who played a big role in your career and how they impacted you.
Popovic: I have a (good) habit of observing what others do well and using that to improve my own skills. I have learned something valuable from each of our partners, but the greatest influence on my practice has come from Tijana Kojovic, our Managing Partner. Her meticulous approach to legal work, manner of breaking down complex legal situations into their components, analyzing each in detail, and drawing logical and well-articulated conclusions, have shaped the way I do my work. She was the first person I met at BDK, and her impact on my approach to lawyering has been significant.
CEELM: Name one mentee, you are particularly proud of.
Popovic: Her name is Bisera Andrijasevic. While not directly my mentee, as her expertise primarily lies in competition law, which does not overlap with my practice, she is a member of the Montenegrin BDK team that I have been leading. She has consistently demonstrated excellence as a lawyer, reliability as a colleague, and an impeccable work ethic. Her outstanding qualities and contributions have propelled her through our ranks, resulting in her becoming a partner in our firm, co-head of our competition practice, and head of our life sciences & healthcare sector.
CEELM: What is the one piece of advice you’d give yourself fresh out of law school?
Popovic: Many things in life happen randomly. Keep learning. Acquire new skills. Build your network. And don’t take life too seriously.
This article was originally published in Issue 11.12 of the CEE Legal Matters Magazine. If you would like to receive a hard copy of the magazine, you can subscribe here.