On the 75th day of 2026, Ganado Advocates marks 75 years of legal practice, reflecting on a legacy that spans generations and looking ahead to the future of legal services in Malta and beyond.
In 2026, Ganado Advocates marks the 75th anniversary of its establishment in Valletta, when its founder, Professor Joseph Ganado, returned to Malta after completing his PhD at University College London and continued the family legal practice from the building that remains at the heart of the firm’s offices today.
While the firm celebrates 75 years as Ganado Advocates, its legal heritage extends even further. The roots of the practice trace back to the mid 1800s, when Justice Luigi Ganado was admitted to the Maltese bar before later joining the judiciary. His son, Justice Edgar Ganado, continued this legal tradition, which was later carried forward by Professor Joseph Ganado.
The firm began to take its more modern shape in the 1970s and 1980s when Dr Philip Bianchi and Dr. Max Ganado joined the practice. Philip and Max, who are Professor Ganado’s nephew and son respectively, played a pivotal role in developing the firm into one of Malta’s leading commercial law practices, supporting both local and international clients.
Throughout its history, Ganado Advocates has been closely involved in Malta’s development as a respected international centre for financial and maritime services. The firm has contributed to numerous legislative initiatives and legal developments across a wide range of sectors, including maritime, ship finance, banking, aviation, trusts, insurance, investment services and, more recently, digital assets and legal technology.
Over the years, the firm has grown alongside Malta’s evolving legal and business landscape. Today, Ganado Advocates brings together a team of more than 120 lawyers and professionals from different disciplines, supported by a dedicated administrative and management team, delivering legal advisory services across a broad spectrum of international commercial and corporate activities.
Integrity, responsibility and loyalty remain central to the firm’s identity, alongside a strong culture of collaboration, mentoring and continuous learning. The firm’s shared ownership structure reflects this collective approach, with associated lawyers working together to deliver pragmatic solutions and meticulous legal analysis for clients.
As Ganado Advocates marks this 75 year milestone, the firm looks ahead with the same spirit that has guided its journey so far, combining legal excellence, academic engagement and forward thinking to support clients and contribute to Malta’s continued growth as an international legal and business centre.