Steve Decesare

Steve heads the Transport, Public Procurement and IP, IT and TMT teams of the firm, being the teams responsible for various practice areas including maritime and yachting, aviation, land transport. intellectual property, information technology and technology, media and telecommunications.

In the transport sector, Steve has been very active in maritime, yachting and aviation since joining the firm in 2007. Steve advises on the full spectrum of matters relating to transport, including regulatory aspects, infrastructure-related matters (such as airport marina and port-related matters), acquisitions, finance and leasing, dispute resolutions and enforcement. Steve has advised major international players in these sectors, including operators of transport assets (such as operators of airport, marinas, ports, airlines and shipping companies), lessors (both operating and finance lessors) and financiers.

Steve has also been actively involved in the public procurement sector, in which sector the firm commands a strong reputation locally. Steve has represented stakeholders from both the private and public sector, advising on and assisting with the entirety of the procurement process. Steve has acted as lead counsel on some of the largest Government projects delivered in Malta, including transport projects ranging from infrastructure projects relating to land, shipping and aviation transport such as roads and terminal facilities, to services contracts for airlines and ferry service operators, energy projects and other infrastructure projects. Steve has advised the contracting authorities in connection with the entire procurement process, including selection of the relevant procurement process, drafting of the tender documents, advising on selection and evaluation criteria, drafting of contractual documentation, representation in proceedings before the Public Contracts Review Board and Courts and advising on implementation of contract. Steve and his team also represent entities in the private sector in connection with procurement processes initiated by the Government or Government-entities, including in connection with review of the tender documentation, advice on formulation of tenders and representation before the Public Contracts Review Board and Courts.

The IP, IT and TMT team headed by Steve is responsible for all matters relating to intellectual property, information technology, technology, media and telecommunications, including advising on intellectual property rights and protection thereof, registration of intellectual property, enforcement proceedings, assignment, licensing, sale, mergers and acquisitions, software and hardware agreements, passive and active infrastructure and regulatory matters.

Professional Memberships

• Interlaw
• Chamber of Advocates
• European Maritime Law Organisation (EMLO)
• European Communities Trade Mark Association (ECTA)

Academic Qualifications

• 2009 – LL.M. University of Edinburgh, Scotland
• 2008 – LL.D. University of Malta, Malta
• 2006 – B.A. Legal & Humanistic Studies, University of Malta, Malta