Interview with: Dr. iur. Hannes Arnold M.B.L.-HSG, Attorney at Law – Senior Partner

Senior Partner Dr. Hannes Arnold discusses the captivating challenges faced by contemporary law firms and how GASSER PARTNER ATTORNEYS AT LAW perceives the demand for transformation as a favorable prospect.

1) What do you see as the main points that differentiate GASSER PARTNER ATTORNEYS AT LAW from your competitors?

GASSER PARTNER ATTORNEYS AT LAW is one of the largest and most renowned law firms in Liechtenstein. Our reputation has been built over the years and is the result of our dedication and hard work for our clients. It is not only the result of our collective efforts, but is fundamentally underpinned by the cohesion and collaborative spirit that defines our firm. Each team member is an indispensable component that shapes or standing.

We place great emphasis on the selection and training of exceptional legal minds who will enrich our firm on both a professional and a personal level. We believe that a strong and trusting working relationship between younger and more experienced lawyers is the foundation of a vibrant and successful firm. Young lawyers bring new perspectives, mastery of technologies and innovative methodologies to the table. Their energy, combined with their adaptability to new challenges, gives our practice new momentum. Working with our experienced lawyers, who have deep legal knowledge, sharpened judgement and a treasure trove of pragmatic insights, they learn everything it takes to navigate complicated legal situations with confidence and professionalism. This year we are launching a mentoring programme specifically for young women to help them recognise their own skills and find their individual career path.

Our lawyers have a high degree of specialization, be it in the field of foundation law, litigation or financial markets law. This certainly sets us apart from local competitors and enables us to deliver our best work in complex international cases through interdisciplinary teams. We are in a position to offer truly comprehensive legal advice in all areas of Liechtenstein law and to guarantee absolute expert knowledge in every practice area. Furthermore, our many years of activity have enabled us to build up a worldwide network from which our clients benefit.

 

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

We are in the privileged position to provide comprehensive assistance to a wide range of clients in various areas of business law, including litigation, financial markets law and M&A. We are pleased to see that Liechtenstein is continuously growing as a financial center, especially in the areas of fintech, insurtech, and investment funds. We advise a number of international and local financial service providers and institutions and these practices are growing.

It also gives us great satisfaction to see our recently established fiduciary business continue to develop and grow. GASSER PARTNER Trust Reg. has introduced a fresh dimension to our scope of activities and allows us to offer corporate services for handpicked clientele and tailormade structures.

 

3) What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?

We adopt a comprehensive strategy and consistently seek avenues for enhancement. Against this backdrop, we acquired the Liechtenstein fiduciary business from one of the largest Swiss banks in 2022 and expanded our range of services. Given our history of advising families and private clients, especially high-net-worth individuals, in matters of asset planning and inheritance law, this seamlessly aligns with our business model. Clients continue to benefit from our in-depth legal knowledge and experience and receive the same level of quality they are accustomed to by GASSER PARTNER Trust Reg.

 

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

Technological advancements have heightened the operational efficiency of law firms, elevated client services, and equipped legal professionals with the tools needed to deftly navigate the intricate landscape of the modern legal sphere. These advancements are evident in various facets, ranging from the trajectory of legal research to the meticulous management of documents, establishing seamless channels of communication with clients and regulatory bodies, and facilitating the flexibility to work from any corner of the world. Many new ways of interacting with our clients emerge. Strategic planning, comprehensive training, and the implementation of robust security measures allow us to fully harness the benefits of digitalization while effectively curbing associated risks. Despite technological advances, however, personalized service and communication remain central to how we see our profession.

 

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

It’s in the realm of strong, trusted, ongoing collaboration that the best results are achieved, and this is where our strength is. We enjoy working with clients not just on individual projects, but often on a broader journey from the very beginning. This is where our interdisciplinary teams come into play, enhancing the value we deliver. We provide a seamless and consistent service from the early stages of establishing a business, through navigating complex transactions and dealing with contentious issues, to thoughtfully planning for succession. This enables us to understand our clients’ needs and goals better and to not only provide tailored legal solutions, but also to proactively adapt to evolving circumstances.

 

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

In the midst of expansion, the emergence of new areas of activity and the changes that come with them, we remain ever mindful of our duty to each and every client. Our clients seek and rightly expect dedication and reliability. As we look to the future, our focus remains on fostering the sustainable growth of our firm, retaining our exceptionally skilled and motivated team, attracting new talent to our ranks, and continuing to develop and integrate our fiduciary business. We will continue to innovate our business and be a firm anchor for our clients.