CMS Hungary Partner Katalin Horvath and CMS Austria Partner Stefan Paulmayer discuss the implications of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and the evolving landscape of digital payments in Europe.
Guest Editorial: Moving Forward in a Growing Regional Market
Over the past three decades, Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has experienced significant economic progress, which has catalyzed the development and sophistication of the legal profession within the region. As most economies in the region transitioned from centralized models to more market-driven frameworks, there arose a complex array of legal needs spanning corporate law, international trade regulations, intellectual property rights, environmental law, and others. This economic transformation has facilitated the growth of robust national law firms equipped to manage both the opportunities and challenges inherent in a rapidly expanding market environment.
The Slow Roast of Summer Months
Summer is traditionally a slower period for many, including the legal sector, but, if used right, the time can pay dividends for law firms.
The Corner Office: Onboarding Clients
In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. With managing firm clients being a critical aspect of firms’ operations, we asked: What are the three most important elements when onboarding a new client?
The (not so) Little CEE Engine that Could: Romanian Economic Stability
Romania’s economic landscape has shown both growth and resilience this year, driven mostly by public and private investments and domestic consumption. Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii Managing Partner Florian Nitu, Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen Partner Gabriela Cacerea, and Tuca, Zbarcea & Asociatii Managing Partner Gabriel Zbarcea report on the pulse of the Romanian economy, focusing on key sectors, such as infrastructure, energy, IT, and automotive, that are leading this growth despite challenges like inflation, labor shortages, and geopolitical uncertainties.
Deal Expanded: Interview with Slaughter and May on 2023 DOTY for Hungary
Slaughter and May’s Victoria MacDuff, Richard Hilton, and Adam Sriskandan Talk About the Deal of the Year in Hungary.
Deal Expanded: Interview with Your Legal Partners on the 2023 DOTY for Greece
Your Legal Partners’ Katerina Politopoulou, Maria Golfinopoulou, and Prokopis Linardos Talk About the Deal of the Year in Greece.
Guest Editorial: Consolidation in the CEE Legal Market: A Necessary Trend or Mere Fashion?
In the dynamic Central and Eastern European legal sector, the trend of law firms merging and consolidating has become increasingly prominent. This trend is driven by a quest for synergies, expanding the client base, achieving cost savings, and gaining a competitive edge in the war for talent.
Dissecting CEE Disputes
ACI Partners Managing Partner Igor Odobescu, Nagy es Trocsanyi Founding Partner Peter Nagy, Kinstellar Partner Radovan Grbovic, Law Office Vujacic Partner Sasa Vujacic, and Tuca Zbarcea & Asociatii Partner Robert Rosu discuss recent litigation trends across CEE, driven by the impact of economic shifts and regulatory changes in their jurisdictions.
The Corner Office: Essential Checklist for Partner Departures
In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. As partner departures are inherent to the workings of any law firm, and likely demand clear strategies for navigating, this time around we asked: What are the three most important items on your checklist when a Partner leaves your firm?
The Inside Track: Team Critical Skill
In The Inside Track, General Counsels across CEE share the nuances of their roles, challenges, and strategies for success. In the dynamic landscape of modern businesses, where adaptability and innovation are paramount, this time around we asked GCs: What is the one critical skill that you’re investing time and energy in to develop within your team, and why?
Prague-matic International Law Firms
Since the early 1990s, following the fall of the Iron Curtain, international law firms have established and expanded their presence in the Czech Republic, creating a dynamic legal market alongside burgeoning local firms. Deloitte Legal Czech Republic Managing Partner Martin Bohuslav and CMS Prague and Bratislava Partner Helen Rodwell explore the strategic entries, exits, and endurance of these firms amidst evolving market conditions and economic challenges in the region.
Guest Editorial: A Decade-Long Journey Through the CEE Legal Landscape
Ten years have passed since the day I picked up my diploma and embarked on my professional journey as a lawyer. Right from the start, I’ve been working for law firms deeply rooted in the region, offering continuous opportunities to collaborate with colleagues from different areas, engage in cross-border projects throughout CEE, share experiences, and, most importantly, observe the landscape in which we operate. While the past decade has shaped my own growth, it’s also been – in my view – a period of remarkable transformation for lawyering in CEE.
Oil & Gas in CEE: A CEE Legal Matters Round Table
On February 29, 2024, energy experts from Bulgaria, Croatia, Moldova, Turkiye, and Ukraine sat down for a virtual round table moderated by CEE Legal Matters Managing Editor Radu Cotarcea to discuss the key developments in the field of oil & gas over the past few years.
The Corner Office: Client Relationship Dealbreakers
In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. While in the legal field maintaining client relationships is vital, there are occasions when law firms must end engagements. To explore some of the reasons that might lead to this, we asked: After accepting mandates, what have been the main reasons for which you ended up having to drop clients?
Hungary’s Automotive Sector: Keeping an Eye on the Road
Heralded as a cornerstone of the national economy, the Hungarian automotive sector faces significant challenges but also promising opportunities. Baker McKenzie Partner Zoltan Hegymegi-Barakonyi, Lakatos, Koves & Partners Partner Adam Mattyus, Szecskay Senior Partner Judit Budai, and Kinstellar Sector Head and Senior Counsel Akos Nagy take a deep dive into the sector’s status amidst a backdrop of labor shortages, geopolitical shifts, and the government’s concerted efforts to continue growth and maintain global competitiveness.
New Government, New Priorities in Slovakia
Following the recent election in Slovakia, the newly formed government has shifted its legislative focus. CLS Cavojsky & Partners Partner Peter Cavojsky and Taylor Wessing Partner Andrej Leontiev explore how the government’s priorities have changed in terms of public spending, criminal justice reform, and relations with non-governmental organizations.
Navigating New Terrain: Slovakia’s Judicial Reform
Slovakia has undertaken a comprehensive reform of its court system. Peterka & Partners Partner Andrea Butasova and Ruzicka & Partners Partner Sarlota Stosova explore the ambitious restructuring and its consequences, the challenges encountered during its implementation, and its far-reaching implications for legal professionals and the justice system of Slovakia.