Dispute Resolution practice news 2025 | Q4
Confiscated Property will be managed by SPC State Real Estate
Author: Anete Bože, Senior Associate
On January 1, 2026, amendments to the Civil Procedure Law came into force providing that the State Public Company “State Real Estate” (hereinafter – SRE) will ensure handling of property belonging to the state – real estate, movable property, intangible property, as well as confiscated property that can be sold at the request of an EU member state or a foreign institution. The tasks of SRE will also include accounting, storage, destruction, free transfer, sale (except for financial resources and instruments) of property, as well as operations with property in accordance with Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 901 of December 17, 2024 “Regulations on Competent Institutions and Handling of Property Belonging to the State”.
The SRE already manages state-owned land, cultural and historical heritage, ancient and new buildings, state borders, and customs infrastructure.
Previously, the State Revenue Service (hereinafter – SRS) ensured the handling of state-owned property, but upon evaluating the functions of the SRS, it was concluded that this is not typical of the SRS’s operations. In turn, the SRE, considering its competence in real estate management, alienation of movable property, knowledge of employees and internal resources, is suitable to become a competent institution. The SRE is already taking over state-owned real estate from the SRS.
It is planned that the takeover of the state-owned property process from the SRS will be fully implemented by 1 January 2027.
Litigation used for intimidation (SLAPP) and how it will be limited in Latvia
Author: Ints Skaldis, Senior Associate
By 7 May 2026, Latvia will introduce a legal framework aimed at limiting the use of civil litigation as a tool of pressure or intimidation against persons acting in the public interest (the so-called anti-SLAPP framework), through both the adoption of a new law and the introduction of corresponding amendments to the Civil Procedure Law.
The new law adopts a broad definition of “acting in the public interest”. This may include not only journalism or NGO activities, but also publications, commentary, research, advertising and marketing activities, as well as artistic or academic expression, provided that these relate to matters of public importance (for example, the environment, corruption, business activities, public figures, public authorities, courts, etc.).
For businesses, this means that claims relating to reputational harm, publications, criticism, data use, or other matters of public debate will in the future also be assessed from the perspective of the risk of abusive litigation. If a court finds that the primary purpose of a claim is to deter or punish the exercise of public-interest activities, rather than to genuinely protect civil rights, significant negative procedural consequences may arise for the claimant.
In practical terms, this means that the court may terminate proceedings at an early stage; the claimant may be required to provide security for the anticipated litigation costs, the claimant may be subject to a fine and obliged to reimburse all litigation costs in full. Moreover, these consequences may apply even if the claim is later withdrawn, amended, or the amount of the claim is reduced.
In addition, it is envisaged that Latvia will refuse to recognise and enforce foreign court judgments where they result from abusive or manifestly unfounded proceedings brought against a person in connection with their public-interest activities.
From a corporate risk-management perspective, this means that before initiating claims related to public criticism or matters of public interest, businesses should carry out a careful assessment of the legal basis, purpose, and proportionality of the claim. At the same time, the new framework provides effective protection tools for businesses that themselves become targets of unfounded or abusive litigation.
Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer
Author: Nikola Dukule, Associate
On 9 September 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers supported Latvia’s accession to the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer (hereinafter – the Convention), and in October it was signed on behalf of the Republic of Latvia by the Minister of Justice, I. Lībiņa-Egnere.
In March 2025, the Council of Europe adopted the Convention, which was developed with the aim of strengthening the protection of the legal profession and ensuring the right of attorneys to practice independently, without discrimination or undue interference. The Convention establishes common standards aimed at safeguarding the freedom of professional activity, as well as the obligation of the State to protect attorneys against unjustified threats and improper influence that may hinder the provision of legal assistance and the effective protection of individuals rights.
By ratifying the Convention, Latvia would adopt to the standards established by the Council of Europe in the field of the professional practice of attorneys, thereby significantly strengthening the rule of law. Ratification of the Convention demonstrates Latvia’s commitment, as a democratic state governed by the rule of law, to consistently uphold the rule of law as one of its fundamental values.
The signing and ratification of the Convention will have a positive impact on the legal profession by reinforcing its independence and professional protection. A safe and supportive environment will be promoted where attorneys at law and assistant attorneys at law are able to perform their professional duties freely and without undue interference. Consequently, more effective protection of attorneys’ clients’ interests will be ensured, which is an integral element of a state governed by the rule of law.
Considering that actions taken against attorneys by law enforcement authorities on the grounds of their professional activities have become increasingly frequent in recent years, the ratification of the Convention is of particular importance in preventing such practices and in strengthening the protection of the institution of the legal profession.
