Interview with: Mag. Luka Zupančič, Managing Partner

What do you see as the main points that differentiate LAW FIRM ZUPANČIČ Ltd. from your competitors?

Our main focus is to provide our distinguished clients integrity, specialized knowledge and expertise through many legal areas.

Maintaining strong relationships with our clients enables us to understand their particular needs and provide them with tailor-made solutions and client service. Embracing legal knowledge and staying updated on legal trends allows us to demonstrate innovative and out-of-the-box legal solutions.

Our attorneys come mainly from multilingual environments and communicate effectively in multiple languages. Our international focus and presence is growing stronger by being proud and exclusive member of an international network of independent law firms. That way we assist not only international clients in Slovenia but also provide our domestic clients a one-stop-shop legal support in their business activities and endeavours abroad.

 

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

From my perspective there are several growing and prospective legal practices which are driven by Slovenia’s economic activities, regulatory changes, and broader European Union directives. Generally, it is safe to say that both businesses and individuals in Slovenia will increasingly rely on specialized legal expertise to effectively navigate very dynamic legal areas. Such key legal areas include:

1. Corporate and M&A Law: Increased foreign investment, post-pandemic economic recovery and strategic consolidations within the European market enables businesses to expand through mergers and acquisitions, requiring robust legal support for due diligence, regulatory compliance and contract negotiation.
2. Real Estate and Construction Law: Rising demand for residential and commercial properties, coupled with significant infrastructure projects and urban development are the main drivers upon which it is expected to see heightened activity in legal services related to property transactions, zoning, construction contracts, and dispute resolution in the construction sector.
3. Banking and Finance Law: Financial sector reforms, the rise of fintech, and evolving regulations around banking and financial services will increase demand for legal services related to regulatory compliance, financial transactions, and innovative financial products.
4. Technology and Data Protection Law: The rapid digital transformation of businesses, increased reliance on e-commerce and stringent data protection regulations under the GDPR have and will continue to have significant impact on higher demand for legal expertise in compliance with data privacy laws, cybersecurity and the legal aspects of technology implementation.
5. Environmental and Energy Law: EU Green Deal initiatives, national commitments to renewable energy targets and increased environmental regulations are becoming an integral part of legal activities, so specializing in environmental compliance, renewable energy projects and sustainability practices will be crucial for guiding businesses through evolving regulatory landscapes.
6. Employment and Labor Law: Changes in labor laws, remote working policies and workforce restructuring due to economic shifts, especially as the pandemic aftermath, drive a higher demand for legal advisory on employment contracts, workplace disputes, and compliance with new labor regulations. This scope of legal work will be essential for both employers and employees navigating the changing work environment.
7. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration: Commercial relationships and disputes are becoming increasingly complex thus also strengthening the need for efficient resolution mechanisms outside traditional court systems. Not only the complexity but also the growth in number of commercial disputes is triggering the growing preference for arbitration and mediation as quicker, more flexible alternatives to litigation. However, such ADRs can only be successful if the mediators are experiences in corporate and commercial law.

 

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

We have implemented several strategic changes that significantly benefit our clients and generally revolve around improving service quality, enhancing client experience and ensuring efficient and effective legal solutions. Such changes include:

• Client-Oriented Culture: We nurture a culture that prioritizes client needs and expectations. By doing so, our clients receive legal services tailored to their specific needs and preferences, improving overall satisfaction and long-term relationships.
• Technology Integration: It is simply inevitable. We have invested in legal technology, including case management systems, research tools and secure client communication platforms, thus enhancing efficiency, faster turnaround times and improved accuracy in legal work, leading to cost savings and better outcomes for clients.
• Professional Development and Training: We are commited to continuous learning and professional development. Our clients benefit from the latest legal expertise, innovative solutions, and high standards of professional service.
• Process Optimization and Efficiency: By optimizing internal processes we have eliminated inefficiencies and reduced overhead, resulting in in faster service delivery and reduced costs, ensuring our clients receive timely and cost-effective legal assistance.
• Enhanced Communication Channels: We have established multiple communication to keep clients informed and engaged. Our Clients experience better access to information and more responsive service, leading to greater confidence in our firm’s handling of their matters.
• Strategic Partnerships and Alliances: We are a proud member of MSI GLOBAL ALLIANCE as a pronowned international alliance of independent law firms. Together with our alliance partners we can provide comprehensive solutions and assistance in cross-border cases and projects, thus enhancing the value of services received.

 

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

Yes, absolutely. Additional key factor was also the COVID-19 pandemic which accelerated many of these changes, leading to our adoption of various technological solutions. The benefits of integrating technology into our legal practice has led us to a more permanent shift in how we operate and interact with clients, thus enhancing our efficiency and accessibility but also improving client satisfaction and competitive edge in the vibrant legal market.

Some of the technology implementations we have made are the following:

1. Video Conferencing: tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Webex became essential for client consultations, distance meetings and even out of court mediations. This allowed us not only to maintain client interactions despite lockdowns and social distancing measures, but has made the whole process more effective, especially cost-wise.
2. E-Signatures: Services like DocuSign and Adobe Sign have facilitated the signing of legal documents without the need for physical presence, expediting processes and being environment friendly.
3. Flexible Working Arrangements: The pandemic proved us that certain legal work can also be effectively performed remotely. This has led us to a more flexible working environment.
4. Enhanced Security Measures: Hand in hand with flexible working arrangements and remote work, we took care of strict cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive client information.

 

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

We offer our clients several strategic legal services, which from our perspective and experience often not only help our clients avoid legal pitfalls but also contribute to their strategic growth and operational efficiency, ultimately adding substantial value to their businesses. Our key moto is simple – Better safe than sorry.

Here are a few examples:

1. Strategic Legal Advice: Especially in Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management. Making sure the businesses comply with all relevant laws and regulations can prevent costly fines and other legal issues (healthcare is one good example). We also Identify potential legal risks in business operations and develop strategies to mitigate them, including reviewing contracts, employment practices or data privacy policies.
2. Contract Management: Drafting and reviewing contracts in early stages is essential to crafting well-structured business relationships that protect our client’s interests and minimize potential liabilities. This includes supplier contracts, employment agreements and customer agreements. We are also very active at negotiation support assisting our clients in negotiations to secure favorable terms in business deals, partnerships or mergers and acquisitions.
3. Corporate Structuring and Governance: We are advising our clients on the best legal structure for a new business, whether it’s a corporation, LLC, sole proprietorship or other partnership, considering factors like liability, taxation, and funding. It is also very important to provide guidance on setting up effective governance structures, including board composition, bylaws and compliance with corporate laws.
4. Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Conducting thorough due diligence in M&A transactions to uncover potential liabilities and ensure that the deal is in the best interest of the client is key. Through Transaction Support we structure deals to maximize tax benefits, streamline operations and ensure smooth integration post-acquisition.
5. Intellectual Property Protection: We are helping our clients secure patents, trademarks and models to protect their innovations and brand identity, thereby increasing their market value. We are also advising on how to leverage intellectual property to generate revenue through licensing or litigation.
6. Effective Dispute Management: Not only representing our clients in litigation, arbitration or mediation to resolve disputes efficiently and favorably, we are very much focused on implementing preventive legal strategies, policies and practices that reduce the likelihood of disputes arising, such as comprehensive employment handbooks and clear contractual terms.
7. Employment Law Guidance: We are not only handling issues related to employee termination and workplace disputes to minimize disruption and legal exposure, but also advise on the creation and implementation of workplace policies that comply with labor laws and promote a positive work environment.
8. Real Estate Transactions: We are assisting our clients with the negotiation and drafting of lease and purchase agreements to ensure favorable terms and compliance with legal requirements. To facilitate property development and use, it is also very important to provide advice on zoning laws, land use regulations and environmental compliance.
9. Tax Planning: It is of great importance to ensure that our clients’ businesses adhere to tax laws and regulations, thereby avoiding penalties and reducing tax liabilities. Furthermore, identifying opportunities for tax savings through various strategies such as deductions, credits and appropriate entity structuring is a valuable add-on.
10. Environmental and Sustainability: We help our clients’ businesses navigate environmental regulations and develop sustainable practices to avoid legal issues and enhance corporate responsibility. Furthermore, advising our clients on the legal aspects of implementing sustainability initiatives (green certifications, renewable energy projects, etc.), we assist our clients to avoid legal pitfalls and contribute to their strategic growth and operational efficiency, ultimately adding substantial value to their businesses.
11. Data Privacy and Compliance: Last but not least, ensuring our clients’ businesses comply with data protection regulations (GDPR, etc.) helps them avoid hefty fines and reputational damage.

 

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

Clients are indeed increasingly seeking both stability and strategic direction. This demand has grown as businesses navigate complex and rapidly changing legal landscapes, driven by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and global economic shifts. The prerequisite of a modern law firm has to be proactive legal advice as clients expect their law firms to anticipate potential legal issues and advise on preventive measures. Legal strategies that we align with our clients’ business goals can drive growth and innovation. Our strategic guidance helps our clients adapt to new regulations, technological changes and market conditions.

Being a mid-size law firm, helps us to quicker embrace technological advancements, specialize in niche markets and provide strategic, client-centric and personalized legal services to meet the unique needs of each client. By offering stability and strategic direction to our clients, we are positioning ourselves as trusted advisors, helping clients navigate the complexities of the modern business environment. In three years time, I see our law firm thriving by adapting to changing client expectations and leveraged technology in order to maintain and constantly improve high-quality, efficient and innovative legal services.