With preparations for the 2024 CEE Legal Matters Hungary General Counsel Summit in full swing, DLA Piper Partner and Head of Energy and Procurement in Budapest Gabor Simon shares his thoughts about the upcoming event and what he’s looking forward to the most.
CEELM: Why did DLA Piper Hungary find participating in this event important?
Simon: We saw it as a great opportunity for firms to meet in person with GCs. Events like this have been very successful in the past, which is why we were eager to participate, especially when it came to Budapest. I’ve spoken with a few GCs, and they were genuinely enthusiastic about the opportunity. It’s been a while since we’ve had such chances, especially since COVID-19, as many of us, including GCs, have been working remotely.
A lot of lawyers are still working from home, and there are fewer opportunities for face-to-face meetings. While we stay connected through different video-conferencing tools, nothing beats in-person interactions for building relationships and discussing both personal and professional matters. This event provides the perfect platform to not only catch up but also discover what’s currently on their minds. It’s also a chance to meet colleagues and partners, further strengthening those relationships.
The involvement of CEE Legal Matters also assured us that the conference will be valuable. This year is particularly important for us as it marks the 20th anniversary of DLA Piper Hungary and the 35th anniversary of our firm, making it a significant year where we’ve put a lot of thought into how to celebrate and promote our achievements.
CEELM: What are you most excited about for the Hungarian GC Summit?
Simon: What excites me the most, aside from the planned discussions, is the chance to understand the main focus areas for GCs. While I focus on energy law, I’m also curious about broader topics that are shaping the Hungarian legal scene, which are important for GCs as well. Gaining insights into these topics is crucial, and I look forward to hearing more about them.
Moreover, meeting our partners and clients in person is invaluable, but I’m also eager to connect with GCs we haven’t yet worked with. For DLA Piper Hungary, this event offers a real possibility to start new collaborations.
CEELM: What topics are you interested in when it comes to panel discussions?
Simon: Working in an integrated advisory firm – providing not only legal but tax and business advisory services – I always strive to find a business solution, not only a legal answer to a specific question. That is why I think it's very important to keep the conference engaging, and to address topics that are not only legally relevant but also practical. I’d particularly like to see a focus on methodologies – how GCs can address processes and solve common challenges in managing in-house legal functions. These more methodological discussions are often more compelling and useful than presentations that solely focus on specific pieces of legislation.
CEELM: You said you’ve already been in touch with a few GCs. What would you recommend as the key reasons for them to attend this event?
Simon: When promoting this event, I’ve emphasized that it’s a fantastic platform to hear presentations on the most pressing issues in their work lives. It’s an opportunity to discuss the main challenges they face and to brainstorm solutions with their peers. Another significant aspect is the chance to meet people in person, which is becoming rarer, and to be introduced to others in a relaxed and friendly setting. This will allow for fruitful conversations about the common challenges they face.
The GCs I’ve spoken to have found these selling points very relevant. Many were excited and happy to register, knowing they’d get both valuable insights and the chance to reconnect face-to-face.
The 2024 CEE Legal Matters Hungary General Counsel Summit is sponsored by Jalsovszky, Oppenheim, Schoenherr, Addleshaw Goddard, DLA Piper, and PONTES Budapest and is organized in partnership with the Hungarian Corporate Compliance Society. Find out more about the event here or register to attend here.
