Ellex Partner Anton Sigal receives “Diamond of the Bar 2025” award

The Estonian Bar Association honored Ellex partner and litigation expert Anton Sigal with the prestigious “Diamond of the Bar 2025” award.

The “Diamond of the Bar” represents the highest recognition within the Estonian legal profession, awarded annually to up to three attorneys. This honor celebrates the core values of legal practice – professionalism, ethics, dedication, and humanity – recognizing individuals who embody these principles and whose work has made a meaningful impact both professionally and in society.

Anton has spent years working in international arbitration field that often remains behind the scenes due to confidentiality requirements, yet demands exceptional skills, international experience, and deep legal expertise. The award from the Estonian Bar Association recognized Anton’s work on the Seaplane Harbour case. This dispute arose under the investment protection treaty between Estonia and the United States. The international arbitration proceedings, which concluded in early 2025 with a complete victory for Estonia, involved complex historical and legal issues. Anton Sigal carried the substantive burden of this case, leading the team from Ellex that represented the Estonian state. What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is that Estonia’s interests were successfully defended solely by Estonian lawyers, without involving major international law firms.

Congratulations to Anton, and our gratitude goes to everyone whose work and dedication brings honor to the legal profession!

In previous years, the same recognition has been awarded to Ellex Estonian partners: Martin Mäesalu (2023), Martin Triipan (2018), Jüri Raidla (2017), and Gerli Kivisoo (2016).