Event Report

Legal 500’s GC Summit Czech Republic brought together top legal professionals at Hotel Kings Court in Prague for a day of insightful panel discussions and exceptional networking opportunities. The summit provided practical insights into the evolving responsibilities of in-house legal teams and the key challenges they will face in 2025 and beyond.

The opening session, moderated by Robert Pelikán, former Minister of Justice of the Czech Republic and partner at Wolf Theiss, delved into the implications of the recently introduced Class Actions Act. With contributions from Anežka Janoušková of the Czech Ministry of Justice, Jan Pithart of OnlineADR, and Daniel Šimáně of Skanska Residential, the panel explored how businesses can navigate the new regulatory landscape and manage the risks associated with class actions.

The discussion then turned to directors and officers (D&O) insurance, a crucial safeguard for corporate leadership. Tomáš Doležil and Marta Fišnerová of JŠK, along with Michal Jursa of Aon and Erik Macalík of Chubb European Group, provided a comprehensive overview of D&O insurance, highlighting its importance in mitigating investment-related risks and ensuring corporate resilience in an era of heightened regulatory scrutiny.

With AI increasingly shaping corporate operations and governance, the panel on Navigating Compliance in the Age of AI, featuring experts from Sokol Novák tdpA, Siemens Healthineers, and Tesco Stores, addressed best practices for integrating AI responsibly while mitigating compliance risks. The discussion offered practical strategies for in-house legal teams to ensure regulatory adherence and ethical AI deployment.

A special session on the evolving role of the European General Counsel followed, hosted by Kopec & Zaborowski. Joanna Chmielińska, Maciej Trąbski, and Lukáš Krejčí of Škoda Auto examined how GCs can navigate multi-jurisdictional legal challenges, leverage legal project management tools, and enhance cross-border collaboration to drive business success.

The regulatory landscape for AI deployment was a key focus in a dedicated mini-panel discussion led by experts from PRK Partners and O2 Czech Republic. Panellists analysed the implications of the EU AI Act, focusing on risk assessment, compliance considerations, and balancing innovation with legal responsibilities.

The summit concluded with a discussion on foreign direct investments and foreign subsidies regulation. Led by Ivo Janda and Magda Olyšarová of White & Case, along with Veronika Řivánková of EP Group, the panel provided insights into the evolving regulatory landscape, enforcement trends, and strategic considerations for businesses operating within the EU market.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our partners Wolf Theiss, JŠK, Sokol Novák tdpA, Kopec & Zaborowski, PRK Partners, and White & Case for their invaluable contributions in making the event a success. We look forward to welcoming attendees once again for the next edition of the GC Summit Czech Republic.

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