Interview with: Hassan Barbir, Managing partner

Managing partner Hassan Barbir explains how PBM Attorneys-at-law ltd stand out through its commitment to personalized legal solutions and agility amidst legal changes.

PBM Attorneys-at-law ltd differentiates itself with a team of 20 lawyers in Geneva and Lausanne, offering personalized, agile legal solutions and deep local and international expertise.

 

1) What do you see as the main points that differentiate PBM Attorneys-at-law ltd from your competitors?

At PBM Attorneys-at-law ltd, as a mid-size law firm of 20 lawyers based in Geneva and Lausanne, our differentiation lies in our deep-rooted commitment to personalized legal solutions, our agility in response to legal and regulatory changes, and our unparalleled expertise in both local and international law in multiple fields.

Unlike larger firms where clients may feel one among many, our approach ensures that each client receives tailored advice that aligns with their unique needs and objectives.

Furthermore, as entrepreneurial lawyers, we are aligned with our clients for excellence, building efficient solutions with comprehensive legal advice.

 

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

In the next 12 months, PBM Attorneys-at-law ltd is set to experience significant growth in our Regulatory and Compliance department, particularly with an expansion into the burgeoning field of cryptocurrency. This strategic move is underscored by the arrival of a renowned Swiss expert in the domain in Q2 2024. Additionally, we are enhancing our capabilities in litigation and arbitration as well as information and communication technology (ICT), including specializations in cloud technology, cybersecurity, and cybercrime, with the onboarding of a specialist in these critical areas.

Simultaneously, we are bolstering our Tax department to provide comprehensive tax solutions that address the complex needs of our clients, both individuals and companies.

This year also marks the launch of our business intelligence solution offering, a testament to our dedication to leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver superior business and legal insights and services.

These expansions reflect our firm’s strategic direction towards addressing the evolving legal challenges in the digital age and our commitment to offering innovative solutions to our clients.

 

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

One of the main changes we’ve implemented at PBM Attorneys-at-law ltd is the integration of advanced legal technology tools into our practice. This includes AI-driven legal research, document automation, and client management systems. These tools enhance our efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and allow us to provide more competitive pricing structures. Ultimately, this means our clients benefit from faster, more accurate, and cost-effective legal services.

 

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

Absolutely. Technology is fundamentally transforming our interactions with clients and the services we offer. Our use of technology in legal analytics and predictive modelling enables us to provide clients with more informed advice on potential legal outcomes and strategies. This digital approach not only enhances our service delivery but also aligns with the modern expectations of our clients.

 

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

For a client looking to expand their operations across multiple European countries, we leveraged our membership in the Parlex Network to provide comprehensive legal support across multiple countries in Europe. This collaboration enabled us to offer seamless legal advice across different jurisdictions, ensuring that the client’s expansion was not only compliant with local laws but also strategically aligned with their business goals while mitigating the global budget of our client. By coordinating with our Parlex partners, we were able to navigate complex regulatory environments, secure necessary approvals, and establish a solid legal foundation for the client’s European operations, significantly enhancing their growth potential and market reach.

 

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

Clients indeed seek stability and strategic guidance, particularly in the face of legal and economic uncertainties. Over the next years, PBM Attorneys-at-law ltd aims to further solidify our position as a trusted advisor and leader in innovative legal services. We plan to expand our expertise in emerging legal areas, strengthen our international capabilities, and continue integrating technology to enhance our service offerings. Our goal is to provide our clients with the stability and strategic direction they need to thrive.

These responses aim to reflect the values and strategic objectives that might be highlighted by our law firm, based on general principles of law firm differentiation, growth areas, and the impact of technology on legal services.