Prague, 5 November 2024 – ROWAN LEGAL has once again confirmed its excellent position on the Czech market by winning three victories in the Law Firm of the Year 2024 competition, including a new first place in the “Competition Law” category. In addition, as last year, it was awarded in the categories of Information Technology Law and Corporate Compliance.
The prestigious Law Firm of the Year award was presented for the seventeenth time this year, and the gala evening associated with the announcement of the results took place, as in previous years, in the representative premises of Prague’s Žofín Palace. EPRAVO.CZ, in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice of the Czech Republic and the Czech Bar Association, announced the winners in a total of 21 professional and 5 special categories. This year, ROWAN LEGAL won in three of them and was rated “Highly Recommended Law Firm” in 15 other categories.
Winning the competition a great success
For ROWAN LEGAL, winning in the “Competition Law” category is a great achievement, where it has reached the top position for only the second time, the last time in 2019. The firm’s team dedicated to this issue has worked for several major corporate and other clients, whom it has helped, for example, with representation before the Office of Competition Authority and the European Commission, in court proceedings on private enforcement of competition rules or implementation of competition compliance. ROWAN LEGAL was also one of the actors in the notification that resulted in the introduction of state aid in the form of price caps on electricity and gas for Czech industry during the crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine.
“I have been working in this field of law, which is not called ‘competition’ for nothing, for over 20 years and it is fascinating to see its development. Competition law and the role of all counsel and regulators must constantly and fundamentally adapt to the evolution of the business environment, so there is intense competition but also a rare collegiality among lawyers in this field. To be truly the best, you need to be constantly on your toes. The fact that the expert jury and our clients have rated us as the best is a great honour, and I hope that we will continue to be at the top in future years,” comments Vilém Podešva, attorney-at-law and partner at ROWAN LEGAL, on the award.
IT Law for the fourteenth time
ROWAN LEGAL won two more victories in categories where it traditionally ranks at the top. In the category “Information Technology Law” the firm triumphed for the thirteenth time. ROWAN LEGAL’s IT law specialists handle complex projects focused on modern challenges, such as preparing clients for the NIS2 cyber security directive, digitizing HR processes, negotiating license agreements or setting up rules for the use of generative artificial intelligence.
“In IT law, more than anywhere else, it’s true that you can’t sleepwalk through time. The digital world is literally changing under our hands and perhaps no year is complete without a new disruptive technology that sparks debate. This poses a challenge for both legislators and those who must follow these rules. I think if you want to succeed in IT law, you have to enjoy it. Winning this category for the 14th time is, in my opinion, a clear proof that all members of our broad team really enjoy this work,” notes Josef Donát, partner of the firm and one of the leading Czech experts in IT law.
Corporate Compliance category again after one year
ROWAN LEGAL’s latest win from this year’s Law Firm of the Year came in the “Corporate Compliance” category. Here, too, it is a defense of last year’s first place. The firm’s team is made up of experts with extensive experience in compliance management and internal investigations, who have focused on topical issues such as whistleblowing and ESG in recent years.
“Until a few years ago, companies considered compliance as something to have but not necessarily necessary. This has changed significantly, especially with the huge legislative activity in this area by the EU, but also with the tightening of approaches by some regulators and law enforcement agencies. Whatever you think of current trends from a business perspective, the fact is that you cannot do business today without compliance. I am extremely proud of the fact that our multidisciplinary team can advise clients on a wide range of topics – from anti-bribery and fraud prevention to data protection and cybersecurity, to ESG. And I believe that defending the victory is a confirmation that we are doing it right,” says Michal Nulíček, Compliance Partner at ROWAN LEGAL.
ROWAN LEGAL is one of the most successful law firms in the Law Firm of the Year competition. It has won over 120 awards since 2015, including a special Pro Bono/CSR Award in 2020. Its traditionally strong categories in which it is also recognised include Telecommunications and Media, Litigation, Public Contracts, Intellectual Property and a large number of others. The firm is currently led by 13 partners who manage the operation of two offices in Prague and Brno. More than 90 legal experts work in these offices.
For more information contact:
Petr Podzimek
Head of PR & Marketing
ROWAN LEGAL
Tel.: 725 032 147
Email: podzimek@rowan.legal
