Managing Partner Intro roadmap25

In 1950, Fritz Schönherr decided to open a new law firm in Vienna. What began as a one-man start-up in Vienna developed over the next 75 years into an international law firm and the market leader in Central and Eastern Europe, with more than 850 people and 15 offices. This is a fantastic example of evolution in all its aspects. How was this possible and what were the drivers?

In light of our 75^th anniversary, I had the pleasure of speaking with several people who were part of this story from the beginning. I gained a lot of insights and heard stories about every phase of our firm's development, about its constant growth, adaptation and change. This evolution was driven by an entrepreneurial mindset, and the ability of Schoenherr's people to take advantage of emerging market opportunities. This remains a key element of our firm's culture to this day.

This brings us to a very interesting point: while our firm has consistently and substantially grown and evolved over the years, the key pillars of today's culture have been present from the very beginning – result orientation, caring, order and learning. These cultural values can already be found in the early years of our firm.

My favourite example of "learning" is the story of my fellow former partner Guido Kucsko: Guido joined Fritz Schönherr in 1980 as his last associate. On his first day at work, Guido asked Fritz how he could support him and what he should do. Fritz showed him his then "high-tech" telephone with an additional headset and told him that whenever it rang, he should come to him immediately, take the headset and listen to him advising clients. That would be the best way for Guido to learn. Not surprisingly, Guido applied the same principle when mentoring and developing his associates – I was one of them. Needless to say, I have carried on this tradition, and I too call in my associates when my phone (or computer) rings.

This is culture and this is why culture is so important in the evolution of a business. Culture is defined by people — their values, passions and contributions. A firm must foster and nurture this diversity of perspectives. It's like a mosaic: every individual adds their unique piece to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

At Schoenherr, we actively encourage this. By fostering innovation and collaboration, we empower our people to bring their best. This focus on culture is why Schoenherr is not just a law firm but a leader — continuously evolving and thriving in a rapidly changing environment.

In this edition of roadmap, we proudly showcase the results of this culture in action. I invite you to explore it with an open mind and to consider how embracing your own company's culture can unlock its full potential.