It is with profound regret that we announce the passing of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pavel Nicolae, Of Counsel, a distinguished professional whose career was dedicated to law, legal education, research, and public service.
In his capacity as Of Counsel, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pavel Nicolae supported the team through his extensive professional, academic, and institutional experience, particularly in matters of public law.
His academic career included teaching positions at the Romanian-American University and Spiru Haret University.
His professional career also included service as a military magistrate, as well as positions within the Chamber of Deputies, the Ombudsman, and the Government of Romania.
Research and publishing played an important role throughout his career. One of his reference works is the volume Equality of Citizens’ Rights and Non-Discrimination, published by C.H. Beck in 2007.
Between 1990 and 2005, in his capacity as Chief Expert of the Department for Foreign Legislative Information within the Chamber of Deputies, he coordinated and supervised the publication of 38 volumes of Romanian legislation, issued by Monitorul Oficial Publishing House in trilingual editions in Romanian, French, and English.
He also contributed to the preparation and publication of works in comparative constitutional law, including The Constitution of the United States of America, prepared in collaboration with Elena Simina Tănăsescu.
In the final period of his academic activity, he had begun research for his habilitation thesis, dedicated to the right to a fair trial and the principle of equality. Unfortunately, he was unable to complete it.
His passing leaves a profound void, but also the memory of a man who placed knowledge, the legal profession, and the education of others at the center of his life. His legacy will continue through the works he left behind and through the generations he helped educate and shape.
Through his professional, academic, and scholarly activity, Attorney-at-Law, General (Ret.) Pavel Nicolae contributed to the education of several generations of legal professionals and to the development of legal literature. He will be remembered by those who knew him for his seriousness, rigor, respect for the profession, and constant commitment to education and research.
His body will lie in repose on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the Chapel of the Ghencea 3 Military Cemetery in Bucharest. The funeral ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., at the same location, where those wishing to pay their respects may say their final farewell. The funeral ceremony of Attorney-at-Law, General (Ret.) Pavel Nicolae will be held with military honors.
We extend our sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, colleagues, and to all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
May he rest in peace.
“May God rest his soul. He was a remarkable man. He distinguished himself through his qualities and through the impact he had on the education of young students. His publications were of great value to all those working in the field of legal education.”
— Prof. Univ. Dr. Gheorghe Uglean, former President of the High Court of Cassation and Justice
“For me and for our family, he was above all a devoted father, a constant source of support, and an example of dignity, balance, and strength. He inspired me to follow the same path, to become a lawyer, and to pursue an academic career. I took his principles as an example, and his motivation, work ethic, and determination inspired me to become who I am today, a Doctor of Law and attorney-at-law. He loved sharing everything he knew with others, and I have tried to do the same throughout my own academic career. He was not only a successful man, but also an extraordinary father and, more recently, grandfather. I am certain that he will also serve as an example for my son in carrying this tradition forward.”
— Dr. Radu Pavel, Attorney-at-Law, Managing Partner of Pavel, Mărgărit and Associates
“Professor Pavel Nicolae was, above all, a man of great kindness, remarkable nobility of spirit, and exceptional moral and professional integrity. He was a distinguished colleague, a true friend, and a person who inspired respect, appreciation, and admiration through his character and humanity.”
— Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narcis Godeanu
“Professor Pavel was a remarkable man, a true gentleman, an exceptional teacher, and a colleague of great decency. May he rest in peace!”
— Lecturer Bogdan Dumitrescu
“A distinguished professor, colleague, and exceptional friend has departed for the stars far too soon. May your journey among the stars be peaceful; I will keep you in my heart.
Condolences to the family.”
— Prof. Univ. Dr. Lazăr Carjan
“An everlasting memory and forgiveness from the good Lord. A loyal colleague, a dedicated professor, and a trustworthy friend. We will all meet again, there, at home.”
— Prof. Univ. Dr. Tudorel Butoi
Those who knew Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pavel Nicolae and wish to send a message of condolence or contact the family may do so by telephone at +40 21 311 16 16 or by e-mail at office@avocatpavel.ro.
Subscribe to Legal Insights
Get clear, actionable legal updates and strategic business insights delivered directly to your inbox.
PhD. Radu Catalin Pavel is the Managing Partner and Founder of Pavel, Margarit & Associates Romanian Law Firm. Within more than 17 years of sophisticated and diverse business practice, Radu gained an extensive expertise especially in M&A, Corporate and Commercial field, assisting and providing world-class legal services to the firm top clients.