Interview with: Floran Pustina, Managing Partner

Floran Pustina explains how the firm is adapting to clients’ changing needs.

 

What do you see as the main points that differentiate Tashko Pustina from your competitors?

One of the key differentiators for our law firm is our experience and our deep expertise in several key industries, where our team members have a proven track record of successfully handling complex cases.

We believe that what truly sets us apart in the client approach is our unwavering commitment to our clients, to deliver tangible results and exceed expectations. We prioritize clear communication, provide personalized legal solutions, and go the extra mile to ensure our clients feel supported throughout the legal process.

Our track record speaks for itself. With numerous successful projects in renewables, infrastructure, fintech and M&A, we have consistently delivered favourable results for our clients in the last 3 years. Our commitment to excellence is also evident in the numerous accolades and positive client testimonials that we have received.

Our diverse and collaborative team is a driving force behind our success. With team members who bring a range of perspectives and skills, we foster an environment that encourages creative problem-solving and ensures comprehensive support for our clients.

 

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

In the coming 12 months, we forecast significant growth in our renewables, infrastructure, fintech and competition practice, driven by several factors such as regulatory changes, market trends, or emerging client needs.

Our analysis indicates a rising demand for legal services in the energy sector due to increased demand for generation from both developers and offtakers, a shift to a liberalised market  and new legislative package aimed at promoting RES production. Clients are increasingly seeking expertise in this area, and we are well-positioned to meet that demand.

A similar analysis would probably apply to payment services. Since the entry into force of a new law based on PSD2, fintech companies and investors have shown a strong interest in payment and electronic money services. The open banking rules expected to go live in 2024 and the untapped potential of payment services & electronic money in Albania will lead to a dynamic sector and we expect an increase of legal services from both local and international clients.

Internally, we have strategically expanded our team with seasoned professionals in energy and fintech sectors, bolstering our capabilities to address the growing needs of our clients. Our commitment to ongoing training ensures that our attorneys are well-versed in the latest developments within this practice.

 

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

The main change we’ve made in our law firm is the implementation of a client-centric communication platform that ensures more transparent and real-time interaction throughout the legal process. Clients will benefit by having real-time access to case updates, important documents, and a direct channel for communication with their legal team. This ensures a more collaborative and informed partnership throughout the legal proceedings.

 

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

Absolutely, technology is playing a transformative role in how we operate as a law firm. We recognize its potential to enhance client interactions and improve the overall quality and efficiency of the services we provide. We’ve adopted advanced communication tools and platforms that allow for more seamless interactions with our clients. Video conferencing, secure messaging systems, and collaborative platforms have become integral to maintaining open and effective communication throughout the legal process.

The integration of technology has allowed us to streamline internal workflows, leveraging automation and legal-tech tools. This not only enhances our efficiency but also enables us to provide more cost-effective and timely services to our clients.

 

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

With a wealth of experience in handling restructuring and M&A transactions, our firm has played a pivotal role in advising clients on various aspects of corporate transformation. We take pride in guiding our clients through the intricacies of restructuring, providing strategic counsel to create synergies and streamline costs, ensuring that our clients not only weather challenging situations but emerge in a stronger competitive position.

Our commitment to comprehensive support goes beyond conventional areas. In the rapidly evolving landscape of fintech, we have been at the forefront, providing clients with tailored solutions from the inception to the operational phase of their businesses. We assist in organizing companies efficiently, drafting internal protocols, and ensuring strict adherence to legal requirements without imposing a significant financial burden. This approach is particularly crucial as it allows our clients to concentrate on product development while navigating the licensing process seamlessly and within a reasonable timeframe.

 

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

Many of our clients place a premium on stability and seek strategic direction from their law firm partners. We recognize that a considerable number of our clients are not just looking for legal services; they are seeking enduring partnerships built on trust, reliability, and a deep understanding of their business needs. As a testament to our commitment to long-term relationships, a significant portion of our client base consists of clients who have been with us for an extended period.

Our firm acknowledges the pivotal role our legal assessments play in shaping the strategic direction of our clients. We understand that the legal landscape is intricately linked to broader business strategies. By providing insightful legal assessments, we aim to empower our clients to make informed decisions that align with their overall business objectives.

Looking ahead, we envision our firm continuing to be a trusted partner for our clients, providing not only exceptional legal services but also strategic guidance that contributes to their sustained success. In the next three years, we aspire to further strengthen our client relationships by consistently delivering high-quality legal assessments and by adapting to the evolving legal and business environments. We anticipate expanding our capabilities to better serve our clients’ changing needs and remaining at the forefront of legal innovation.