Today, the Chamber of Deputies approved in the third reading an amendment to the Legal Profession Act. The amendment brings a number of significant changes to the practice of the legal profession in the Czech Republic.

The EU’s AI Act, the world’s first comprehensive legislation on artificial intelligence, imposes the bulk of its due diligence obligations on companies that sell AI systems that are particularly risky for people’s health or fundamental rights.

Let’s be honest – most law firm websites aren’t exactly thrilling. In theory, they should exude expertise, professionalism, and credibility. In reality? Many are riddled with outdated designs and buzzword-filled copy that says a lot without actually saying anything. 

On January 16, 2025, competition experts from Moldova, North Macedonia, and Romania, sat down for a virtual round table moderated by CEE Legal Matters Managing Editor Radu Cotarcea to discuss the evolving role of the regulatory authorities in their countries.

In our Looking In series, we talk to Partners from outside CEE who are keeping an eye on the region (and often pop up in our deal ticker) to learn how they perceive CEE markets and their evolution. For this issue, we sat down with Baker McKenzie Stockholm Partner and a member of the firm’s Global Executive Committee Anders Fast.

I have now spent more than 25 years in the legal advisory business world. With my core focus on cross-border M&A transactions for Austrian and international clients and having worked on many deals that also covered the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region, I have witnessed lawyering in CEE register remarkable growth and sophistication over the past years.

In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. This time around we turn our attention to setting up new practices and ask: When launching a new practice, what is your go-to strategy – do you look at internal team members to spearhead it, or are you more likely to turn to lateral hires? Why?

Serbia and France recently deepened their bilateral relations by signing multiple strategic agreements during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Belgrade. These agreements span multiple sectors and are poised to have profound impacts on Serbia’s economy, business environment, and legislative landscape. Doklestic Repic & Gajin Partner Slobodan Doklestic and NKO Partners Partner Petar Orlic look at these agreements and their anticipated effects.

In North Macedonia, gambling is more than just a popular pastime – it’s a major economic driver. Papazoski and Mishev Law Firm Attorney at Law Ivan Mishev, Law office Emil Miftari Attorney at Law Elena Nikodinovska Miftari, and Polenak Law Firm Partner Metodija Velkov discuss the industry’s impact on the economy and the challenges posed by evolving regulations.

North Macedonia has undergone a significant governmental reshuffle following its recent elections. Joanidis Founding Partner Biljana Joanidis-Velichkovska discusses these changes and their implications for the country.

Central and Eastern Europe is increasingly on the radar of digital nomads seeking new destinations. The countries they flock to see their markets impacted – for better or worse – with both opportunities and challenges aplenty. Babic & Partners Partner Marija Gregoric and JPM & Partners Partner Jelena Nikolic analyze these impacts.

Beyond financial indicators, a law firm's performance also depends on operational and client satisfaction KPIs. These metrics enable firms to optimize time management and enhance service quality, directly impacting client loyalty and the firm's long-term growth.

It is without a doubt that, like the economy in general, the legal market was also affected in recent years. Though the economy has been turbulent for a longer period than during the crisis that started in 2008, this time, the number of large disputes has remained constant. Despite the growing legal costs, high-value disputes rarely dropped due to costs. Smaller law firms, however, seem to have more problems when navigating in this economy – there are cases of closing businesses or consolidating to survive. 

Labor shortages have emerged as a pressing issue across CEE, prompting diverse responses from governments, businesses, and the public as they navigate the challenges of workforce gaps and economic sustainability.

In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. As sunny days recede, the fall conference season is upon us, so we asked: How do you determine which Partner attends which events?

Popescu & Asociatii Partner Loredana Popescu and Avellum Partner Maksym Maksymenko look at the current status of agribusiness in their countries – both traditional powerhouses in the sector – highlighting how they are managing to show resilience despite tough years.

Albania’s gambling industry has undergone significant transformations over the past decade, shifting from a thriving sector to one under stringent regulation. Lalaj & Partners Partner Sabina Lalaj explores the evolution of gambling in Albania, the impact of regulatory changes, its current status in the economy, and the future outlook of the industry.

Turkiye has recently witnessed a surge in initial public offerings. White & Case affiliate law firm GKC Partners’ Head of Capital Markets Practice Derin Altan and Kolcuoglu Demirkan Kocakli Partner Hasan Yasar explore this phenomenon and what it means for the wider market conditions.