This chapter examines the dynamic transformation of the legal profession and industry over the past 75 years. We explore the shifting role of legal practitioners, who have transitioned from addressing isolated legal issues to becoming key drivers of business success. From the revolutionary potential of generative AI to the evolving attorney-client relationship, we investigate the forces shaping the future of law. We also examine the significance of culture within international law firms and the progression of IT security from a mere technical requirement to a vital competitive advantage in legal practice.

Legal practice evolving: from solving legal issues to driving business success Gudrun Stangl, Thomas Kulnigg

Generative AI: catalysing transformation at the crossroads of legal tech Andrei Salajan

IT security: from a chore to a game-changing advantage in legal advice Christoph Haid, Thomas Strayhammer, Carolin Desirée Toepfer

From fitting to belonging: the role of culture in an international law firm Marguerita Sedrati-Müller, Paweł Chyb

The Transformation of the attorney-client relationship Miklós Klenanc, Georgiana Bădescu, Nataša Lalatović Đorđević, Jelena Bezarević Pajić

In this chapter, we explore how legal expertise serves as a catalyst for business resilience and innovation during times of change. Topics include corporate restructuring, developments in labour law – such as navigating no-poach agreements and cross-border employee participation – and lessons learned from the FlexCo's strategic initiatives.
We also delve into the evolution of corporate law, tax and benefits planning, and the legal intricacies of mergers.
Drawing on insights spanning various industries and jurisdictions, we highlight the importance of adaptable strategies to overcome challenges, foster growth and secure long-term success.

Shielding investments: the role of corporate restructuring Sebastian Lukic, Sabine Supper

Corporate law in Austria: evolutionary changes Gabriel Ebner, Roland Misic

Year one of FlexCo: strategic insights and lessons learned Niklas Kerschbaumer, Dina Mutevelic

The evolution of cross-border employee participation in Europe Stefan Kühteubl, Florian Reichel

The clash between labour protections and no-poach agreements in Central and Eastern Europe Georgiana Bădescu, Sabina Aionesei, Tereza Shishkova, Teodora Burduja, Ema Stoyanova

Dismissing non-performing managers in Slovakia Peter Devinsky

SPA warranties face a test in Bulgaria Alexandra Doytchinova, Ventsislav Tomov

Structuring Bulgarian law guarantees for foreign credit arrangements Tsvetan Krumov

Scot-free land conversion in Serbia: a cornerstone of accelerated urban development  Andrej Zorić, Nikola Babić 

The evolution of merger proceedings in the Czech Republic and Slovakia Marek Bomba, Jan Kupčík, Michal Lučivjanský, Marek Fuchs

SAFE agreements in Poland: neither simple nor particularly safe Katarzyna Solarz-Włodarska, Szymon Czerwiński

Fringe benefits: a wide range of tax and social security benefits Marco Thorbauer, Tobias Hayden, Nicolas Rotheneder

Pharmaceuticals: challenges in entering Bulgaria's wholesale medicinal market Alexandra Minioti, Hristo Hadzhiiliev, Elena Todorova

The (r)evolution of sports law at the CJEU Bernhard Schmidt

Evolving enforcement priorities: recent trends in Austrian competition law Anna Sofia Reumann

Latest developments regarding registered IP rights Christian Schumacher, Michael Woller

The admissibility and effect of fee agreements in consumer contracts Manuela Zimmermann, Nadja Mihalits-Suitner

Insolvencies in CEE: same same but different? Miriam Simsa, Cvijeta Gavric

This chapter investigates the complexities of regulatory compliance in today's interconnected world. We delve into strategies for resolving antitrust cases, adapting to evolving corporate governance standards, and addressing new regulatory challenges in international transactions, such as foreign direct investment (FDI) and investment screening. Additional topics include the use of AI in compliance processes, managing real estate considerations in cross-border deals, and navigating sustainability-driven legal transformations. From tackling crypto regulations to protecting data in healthcare, we provide insights on how businesses can meet compliance demands while addressing the broader implications of cross-border legal frameworks.

Unlocking antitrust settlements: a strategic guide to resolving infringement cases Matej Črnilec, Špela Lovšin

Romania's evolution to higher corporate governance standards Veronica Das Alexeev 

New regulatory challenges in international transactions: FDI, FSR and outbound investment screening Evelin Hlina, Jan Kupčík

AI in AML and KYC checks: navigating the data protection challenges Carla Filip

Know your asset: understanding real estate implications in share deal transactions in Poland Karolina Samocik

Sustainability and innovation: a new law transforms Hungary's building, design and construction industry Viktória Magyar, Lilla Szepsi Szűcs 

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism: how are Balkan companies affected? Srđana Petronijević, Nina Rašljanin

Managing stagnation of contract partners in long-term service or software contracts Michael Magerl, Marion Schimböck 

Dark patterns are everywhere – and the authorities know about it Krzysztof Witek

New Croatian regulation on Crypto Asset Service Providers: is Croatia a prime EU hub for crypto services? Krešimira Krušlin, Dino Rakić

The Czech Class Actions Act: a potential game-changer for consumer claims enforcement against businesses Natálie Rosová, Kristýna Zmatlíková

Bancassurance in the Czech Republic: navigating high remuneration and conflicts of interest Natálie Rosová, Kristýna Tupá

New EU Directive shields against SLAPPs Verena Schnittler

Recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards in Montenegro: key considerations Vasilije Grgurević

Patients and privacy in Croatia Petra Majher Lončar

On the edge of narcotics: CBD, HHC, Kratom Sarah Rosenthaler, Elena Todorova, Petra Majher Lončar, Monika Voldánová, Ákos Kovács, Paulina Klimek-Woźniak, Oana Grecu, Ionuţ Sava, Peter Devínsky, Manja Hubman, Didem Kara

Will disclosure obligations change the game for Austrian civil proceedings? Sarah Rosenthaler

Amendments to the confiscation and analysis of mobile data carriers in criminal proceedings Oliver Michael Loksa

FinTech frontier: mapping compliance challenges and opportunities in CEE Gábor Pázsitka, Bálint Bodó

Statistical matters in M&A: revisiting Reporting Regulation 1/2022 Stefan Egger

Restrictions on short-term rentals: the end for Airbnb? Clemens Rainer, Yvonne Kraudinger, Petr Korál, Aleš Procházka

Technology and innovation are reshaping industries, and in this chapter, we explore their transformative impact on business. We discuss the legal nuances of AI-generated works, NFTs and electronic documents, alongside challenges in intellectual property and digital compliance. From the harmonisation of EU company law to strategic advice for digitised banking, we highlight the opportunities and challenges of integrating technology. This chapter provides a roadmap for leveraging innovation while navigating legal complexities in an era of rapid technological change.

Licences for local AI models: are they worth anything? Alexander Pabst

Liability for damages: the missing piece of the AI Act puzzle Daria Rutecka, Piotr Podsiedlik

Further digitalisation and harmonisation of company law in the EU Gabor Kulcsar, Nikolaus Stepan

How AI and existing technology are transforming class action and mass litigation Andrei Salajan, Marguerita Sedrati-Müller

Employee-created intellectual property objects in Moldova Andrian Guzun

Licensing agreements over European patents: national validation for Bulgaria Hristo Hadzhiiliev

The intellectual property challenges of artworks turned into NFTs Márk Kovács, Bálint Bodo

Everyday use of electronic documents in Poland Agnieszka Stawiarska, Klaudia Szatan

Challenges facing banks in Poland in the digitalisation era: legal solutions and strategic advice Aleksandra Goławska, Weronika Kapica

A first step towards the Common European Data Space Daria Rutecka, Piotr Podsiedlik

Building AI compliance and literacy in your company Denise Stahleder, Christian Kracher

Building trust in the courtroom: how dispute resolution attorneys can win beyond legal arguments Iustin Armașu

Sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, and this chapter examines the legal frameworks propelling the green transition. We explore renewable energy initiatives, the impact of EU directives on building efficiency and the burgeoning green bond market. Topics include the dual use of agricultural land, ecodesign regulations and the EU Nature Restoration Law. By combining legal insights with environmental imperatives, this chapter offers strategies to help stakeholders align with sustainability goals and capitalise on opportunities within the green economy. In addition, we look back at our first CEE Compass Conference in 2024 – a full-day conference dedicated to "going green".

The European evolution of going green Grzegorz Filipowicz, Karina Krzoska

Overview of renewable energy in Bulgaria Dimitar Kairakov, Milena Gabrovska

Wind and photovoltaics: a perfect match? Bernd Rajal, Christoph Jirak

The impact of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive on cities and municipalities Julia Hausleitner, Laura Zobernig

The evolution of green bond markets in the EU and the Western Balkans Angelika Fischer, Vasilije Grgurevic, Nikola Babić

The EU Nature Restoration Law: ready for take-off? Christoph Cudlik, Julia Kandler, Sarah Wolf, Isabel Bruckmoser 

A transformative gathering: the inaugural CEE Compass Conference

The impacts of the new EU Regulation on Ecodesign Requirements for Products Constantin Benes, Johannes Stalzer

The outlook for the dual use of permanent pasture lands Mădălina Mitan, Florina Chirilă, Vlad Cordea

Greenwashing Update: What you should know before advertising your products as "green", "eco-friendly" or "CO₂ neutral" Antonia Hirsch

This chapter delves into the strategies essential for mastering legal complexities across borders. From data privacy in Türkiye to the evolution of GDPR case law, we analyse critical developments that affect businesses in various jurisdictions. We explore corporate compliance, FDI and cross-border reorganisations while highlighting emerging trends in start-up financing and competition law damages. Drawing on examples from diverse jurisdictions, we illustrate strategies for navigating evolving regulatory frameworks, promoting global collaboration, and ensuring both legal and business adaptability.

German Supreme Court ruling impacts M&A disclosure obligations Gabor Kulcsar, Nikolaus Stepan

FDI in real estate investments: strategic insights for international clients Markus Buchleitner, Rebecca Schretzmayer

Navigating the CSDDD: a game changer for business and human rights Johannes Frank, Danijel Stevanović

From cross-border corporate reorganisation case law to the EU Mobility Directive Stefanie Aichhorn-Wöss, Otakar Fiala, Constantin Maras

The evolution of GDPR case law János Böszörményi

International data transfers from Türkiye Didem Kara

Start-up financing in Central and Eastern Europe Dominik Tyrybon, Thomas Kulnigg

A legal shift in ownership rights under Slovak law Zuzana Hnátová, Tomáš Šilhánek

Becoming an international team player: the evolution of white collar crime lawyers Oliver Michael Loksa

Evolving case law post-CJEU decision on judicial independence Vice Mandarić, Lucija Krznar

The evolution of internal investigations in corporate compliance Rudolf Bicek, Hristo Hadzhiiliev, Ema Stoyanova, Ventsislav Tomov

A new era in NPL regulation Michael Schmiedinger, Martin Ebner, Loredana Barbu

How has competition law damages litigation evolved in Hungary over the past decade? Anna Turi, Márk Kovács

Is there a pilot onboard? Coordinating the application of restrictive measures at the EU's eastern border Szymon Czerwiński, Sergiusz Felbur

This chapter recounts Schoenherr's extraordinary journey from a single-lawyer practice in Vienna to a leading law firm spanning 14 countries. We reflect on the firm's growth, emphasising how strategic foresight, adaptability and a commitment to excellence have shaped its regional dominance. By embracing innovation, nurturing a strong organisational culture and delivering client-centric solutions, Schoenherr exemplifies the transformative power of vision and determination within the legal profession.

From Vienna into 14 countries

From Fritz's vision to an international law firm's legacy