On Sunday, September 28, 2025, the Bucharest Bar celebrated its 194th anniversary, marking the occasion with a distinguished series of events including a professional conference, a reception, and the awarding of the “Sarmiza Bilcescu-Alimănișteanu” Excellence Prize – a distinction dedicated to recognizing outstanding contributions to the legal profession.

This year, the award was presented to Lorena Samoilă, Senior Associate at act legal Romania, in recognition of her sustained commitment to defending the rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests of the legal profession.

The award, instituted by the Dean of the Bucharest Bar, Av. Dr. Aurel Ciobanu, honors lawyers who exemplify dedication, integrity, and loyalty to the mission of the legal community.

It bears the name of Sarmiza Bilcescu-Alimănișteanu, the first woman lawyer in Europe and the first woman in the world to obtain a PhD in Law. A graduate of the Faculty of Law at the Sorbonne, she became a member of the Bucharest Bar in 1891, standing out as a pioneering figure in the history of the profession. The establishment of this award pays tribute to her legacy and aims to encourage young lawyers with up to 10 years of experience, offering them annual recognition on the occasion of the Bucharest Bar Day.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award, which I see not only as recognition of my professional work, but also as an affirmation of a way of practicing law rooted in responsibility, solidarity, and commitment to the values of our profession. I am grateful to the Bucharest Bar, to Dean Aurel Ciobanu, and to all my colleagues who support me every day. This distinction strengthens my belief that the true essence of lawyering lies in service, loyalty, and courage,” said Lorena Samoilă.

The Bucharest Bar anniversary stands as a significant moment of reflection, celebrating nearly two centuries of tradition while looking ahead to the future of the profession.

act legal Romania proudly congratulates Lorena Samoilă on this prestigious recognition, and extends its appreciation to the Bucharest Bar, its Dean Av. Dr. Aurel Ciobanu, and the Bar Council for their impeccable organization and their constant efforts to advance meaningful debates for the profession. The firm reaffirms its support for the Bar’s mission and activities and conveys its warm regards to all fellow lawyers on this special occasion.