Uroš Žigić, Partner at MMD Advokati, foresees significant expansion in legal advisory services related to emerging technologies, M&A, compliance practices, and construction projects in preparation for Expo 2027 in Belgrade. He emphasizes the firm's ability to adapt to clients' evolving needs, highlighting MMD Advokati's business-oriented approach and its readiness to tackle future challenges with a cohesive team of experienced professionals who have been working together for years.

What do you see as the main points that differentiate MMD Advokati from your competitors?

MMD Advokati distinguishes itself through a combination of deep local expertise, extensive international experience, and a client-centric approach. Our legal team, comprising 12 dedicated and highly skilled lawyers, excels in providing tailored solutions across diverse practice areas, including M&A, litigation, employment, real estate, corporate and commercial law, and digital assets. We are renowned for our innovative strategies, proactive problem-solving, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Our strong focus on building long-term client relationships and our ability to seamlessly integrate complex legal and commercial advice set us apart in the Serbian legal market.

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

In the coming 12 months, we anticipate significant growth in our digital assets and fintech practice, driven by the rapid evolution of blockchain technology and increasing regulatory focus on cryptocurrencies and DeFi. Additionally, we expect our M&A and corporate restructuring practice to expand as businesses navigate post-pandemic economic recovery and seek strategic mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their market positions. The ongoing globalization of commerce and the need for robust regulatory compliance will also drive growth in our compliance and data protection practice, as companies strive to adhere to evolving legal standards both locally and internationally.

What's the main change you've made in the firm that will benefit clients?

One of the most impactful changes we have implemented at MMD Advokati is the integration of advanced legal technology into our practice. By adopting state-of-the-art resources management systems, AI-driven legal research tools, and secure client communication platforms, we have significantly enhanced our operational efficiency and the quality of our service delivery. This technological advancement allows us to provide more timely and precise legal advice, streamline complex transactions, and maintain robust, transparent communication with our clients, ultimately leading to better outcomes and higher client satisfaction.

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Absolutely, technology is revolutionizing the way we interact with our clients and the services we offer. At MMD Advokati, we leverage digital tools to facilitate seamless communication and collaboration, ensuring that our clients receive timely updates and can easily access pertinent legal documents. The use of advanced legal research tools and AI-driven data analytics enables us to deliver more comprehensive and strategic legal insights. Automation of routine tasks allows our lawyers to focus on complex legal issues that require human expertise. Overall, technology has enhanced our ability to provide innovative, efficient, and client-focused legal services, fostering stronger client relationships and better outcomes.

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

After successfully conducting M&A transactions for our international clients Beam Global and Mayekawa as they entered the Serbian market, we provided comprehensive advisory services to ensure a smooth transition and compliance with local regulations. Our team meticulously guided these companies through the regulatory landscape, aligning their operations with both local legal requirements and their global business standards. This strategic support enabled Beam Global and Mayekawa to efficiently take over local businesses and continue their operations seamlessly. By facilitating a hassle-free integration and ensuring ongoing compliance, we significantly added value to their business, allowing them to focus on growth and strategic objectives in the Serbian market.

Also, recently we assisted a prominent Austrian real estate development company in navigating a complex acquisition of a large condominium complex at Palic Lake. Our multidisciplinary team provided comprehensive legal due diligence, negotiated favorable terms, and ensured compliance with all pertinent regulatory requirements. By meticulously managing the transaction and addressing potential legal risks, we facilitated a smooth acquisition process. This strategic legal support not only added significant value to the client's portfolio but also positioned them to capitalize on future commercial opportunities in the booming real estate market.

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms - where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Clients increasingly seek stability and strategic direction from their legal partners, and MMD Advokati is dedicated to meeting these expectations. In three years’ time, we envision MMD Advokati as a leading legal force in Serbia and the broader regional market, known for our innovative solutions and client-centric approach. We aim to expand our practice areas, particularly in emerging fields such as digital assets and fintech, and enhance our international collaborations to better serve our clients' global needs. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and leveraging cutting-edge technology, we will continue to deliver exceptional legal services that drive our clients’ success and reinforce our reputation as a trusted legal advisor.