On April 5, 2022, leading lawyers from across all of CEE will be coming together for the Dealer's Choice Conference and Deals of the Years Awards Banquet. Leading up to the event, we spoke with Silvije Cipcic-Bragadin of Cipcic-Bragadin Mesic and Associates to learn what they are looking forward to the most.
CEELM: To start, it's been quite a while since lawyers in the region have had a chance to get together in person for quite some time. What are you most excited about?
Cipcic-Bragadin: The Dealer’s Choice Awards and DOTY events are certainly one of the most interesting events in the legal landscape that bring lawyers from this region together. The fact that we didn’t have a chance to meet together during these strange times adds to the excitement. I really look forward to hanging out with
colleagues, meet new people, and explore potential collaborations in one of my favorite cities.
CEELM: Why did your firm find it important/useful to support this event?
Cipcic-Bragadin: I find this event to be of great value to our business since it adds to our visibility in space and we usually make some good connections and friends. Informal gatherings are as useful as formal ones.
CEELM: Which of the sessions of the Dealer's Choice conference are you looking forward to the most? Why?
Cipcic-Bragadin: Besides Gala dinner? My favorite part is probably the panel about building referrals. Our firm has around 85% of international clients and most of them came through referrals from international law firms. We are the #1 referred-to law firm in the Nextlaw Referral Network by Dentons for the Croatian market. In recent years, we found that we are also able to refer clients to other colleagues and started building projects together. It’s always good to know colleagues who can handle international projects smoothly or that have specific knowledge about some sector.
CEELM: Would you like to place a bet on which one deal you believe will win the CEE (regional) DOTY award? Why would you bet on that one?
Cipcic-Bragadin: As being one of the jurors I have my favorites but I will refrain from specifying them here. Obviously, each firm and each deal are great and it was hard to choose out of so many equally good options. Each one of them deserves the prize.
CEELM: On the lighter side, when was the last time you were in London, and what is one thing you'll make sure to tick off while in town?
Cipcic-Bragadin: Last time I was in London was just before the pandemic started but I usually go there quite often since we have many clients and collaborate with many law firms that are UK-based. I will take this opportunity to meet them as well. After all, London is a special place for me since I’ve studied there.
