An in-depth look at Angel Rizov of Kambourov & Partners, 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:
- Kambourov & Partners; Partner; 2021-present
- Kambourov & Partners; Senior Associate; 2016-2021
- Kambourov & Partners; Associate; 2011-2016
- Kambourov & Partners; Legal Trainee; 2006-2011
Education:
- Sofia University; LL.M.; 2006
Favorites:
- Out-of-office activity: Bike riding and traveling
- Quote: “In the end, the truth always wins. Unfortunately, we are still at the beginning.” – Zarko Petan
- Book: I, Claudius by Robert Graves
- Movie: 12 Angry Men (1957)
Top 5 Projects:
- Advising Vivacom, Bulgaria’s largest telecom, on its EUR 1.2 billion sale to United Group
- Advising United Group in its EUR 1.22 billion sale of 100% of its 4,800 mobile towers across Bulgaria, Croatia, and Slovenia to Tawal
- Advising United Group in its acquisition of Nova Broadcasting Group, one of Bulgaria’s top media companies with TV, radio, and digital platforms reaching the vast majority of the population
- Advising Energo-Pro Bulgaria on acquiring hydropower plants with a total capacity of 62.6 megawatts from a competing holding company
- Advising Strabag AG in two court proceedings over unpaid construction works under a public procurement contract, securing full payment through an out-of-court settlement with a Bulgarian municipality, and a successful claim against a consortium member
CEELM: What would you say was the most challenging project you ever worked on and why?
Rizov: The most challenging project I worked on was Vivacom’s sale to United Group in 2019-2020. It was the first big M&A transaction I was involved in, and at the time, I had been working mainly as a litigator at Kambourov & Partners. I was brought onto the deal team because there were several serious litigation-related issues that had to be carefully analyzed and handled. It was an all-hands-on-deck situation, and everything had to be done with precision. The scale of the deal was huge – Vivacom is the biggest telecom in Bulgaria and a former state-owned operator, so naturally, there were many layers to the process. It was high pressure, very intense, and completely outside my comfort zone – but also incredibly rewarding and the reason I am a transactional lawyer today.
CEELM: What was your main takeaway from it?
Rizov: Realizing the difference between litigation and transactional work. In litigation, something’s already gone wrong – you’re dealing with the fallout, and even when you win, it often feels hollow. In deals, you’re building something. You work through tough moments, negotiate, and even clash, but everyone is ultimately working toward the same goal. That sense of creation and collaboration really stayed with me and made me realize that this is the kind of work I want to do.
CEELM: What is one thing clients likely don’t know about you?
Rizov: One thing my clients probably don’t know about me is that I’ve been to over 80 countries. I travel light – just one backpack. It’s not about ticking boxes, it’s about really being there. What I enjoy most is diving into different cultures, meeting people, trying the food, and getting a feel for how life flows in each place. It’s my way of resetting, and it taught me to listen better, adapt quickly, and always stay curious – skills that help me just as much in law.
CEELM: Name one mentor who played a big role in your career and how they impacted you.
Rizov: My mentor is Yavor Kambourov, Founding Partner at the firm where I spent almost half of my life. We met on a rainy autumn day in 2006, and since then, his impact on my development – both professional and personal – has been significant. He has taught me about perspective, priorities, and values. What sets Kambourov & Partners apart is continuity. Many of us have worked together at the firm for a long time, and that naturally shapes how we collaborate. It’s a mix of professionalism, shared history, and a certain rhythm we built over time. There’s space for different styles, but there is a common understanding of how we do things. Yavor set that foundation. He believes in people first, and that’s something I carry with me every day in how I work and how I lead.
CEELM: Name one mentee you are particularly proud of.
Rizov: One mentee I’m particularly proud of is Stefani Bogomilova. She joined Kambourov & Partners seven years ago as a part-time receptionist while studying International Politics. Over time, through her work and exposure to the legal environment here, she decided to study law. She moved into our Business Development team and managed to balance full-time work with five years of law school – she’s now in her final year and preparing to qualify as a lawyer. Her path wasn’t planned, but it grew naturally – something I value in our culture, which recognizes potential and gives people room to find their direction. For me, it’s been especially meaningful to support her growth the way I was supported – through trust, responsibility, and room to learn.
CEELM: What is the one piece of advice you’d give yourself fresh out of law school?
Rizov: Trust your instincts, stay curious, and keep an open mind – even about things that sound strange at first, like crypto.
This article was originally published in Issue 12.5 of the CEE Legal Matters Magazine. If you would like to receive a hard copy of the magazine, you can subscribe here.
