With preparations for the 2025 CEE General Counsel Summit in full swing, PRK Partners’ Partner Roman Pecenka shares his thoughts about the upcoming event and what he’s looking forward to the most.
CEELM: Why did PRK Partners decide to participate in this event?
Pecenka: It’s actually quite simple. We’ve been knowledge partners with CEE Legal Matters for several years now, so we know CEELM very well. All the past events you’ve organized have always been highly professional, ensuring maximum satisfaction for attendees – something that’s very important to us. Plus, the fact that it’s taking place in Prague is a big draw for us. As a firm with a strong focus on international markets and a lot of international clients, it’s a natural fit for us to be part of this regional conference. And, of course, whenever there’s an opportunity to engage with general counsel, it’s always of interest to us. We want to understand their needs, stay on top of current trends, and make sure we’re speaking the same language they expect from us.
CEELM: Since we’re talking about GCs, what kind of discussions are you most looking forward to?
Pecenka: I’ve seen part of the agenda, and from what I’ve heard, it’s similar to past events – focused on understanding as much as possible about the trends and current needs of GCs. We’re also interested in how we can align our services to meet their expectations. It’s become a habit for us to propose solutions that are tailored to their needs, and it’s always great to get feedback on whether we’re hitting the mark or if there’s room for improvement. Whether we’re speaking with Czech or international firm counsels, it’s always valuable to gain that deeper understanding.
CEELM: And what are the main topics you’re looking forward to being discussed?
Pecenka: I expect the topics will cover different business sectors. They’ll likely be a bit more general, focusing on common challenges faced by international global players – things like sustainability, ESG, migration and HR topics, and so on. These are areas of shared interest, and it’s always useful to hear how others are approaching them.
CEELM: What aspect of the event are you most looking forward to, and why?
Pecenka: It’s always great to meet new people and make new connections, as well as reconnect with those we haven’t spoken to in a while. It’s also nice to interact with our clients in a different setting – outside the usual day-to-day. Of course, the program itself is of interest to us, too. We’re always keen to see if our approach and perspective on various topics align with those of other countries and lawyers. It’s reassuring to know we’re on the right track and heading in a good direction.
CEELM: What would you say is the main unique selling point of this event?
Pecenka: The opportunity to meet new people, share ideas, discuss challenges, and exchange best practices and experiences is invaluable. Face-to-face meetings are always the most rewarding – they’re not just productive but often a lot of fun too. I’m also looking forward to the CEE Deal of the Year Awards banquet. There’s something special about the atmosphere when everyone’s dressed up, and it’s a great way to wrap up the conference.
