With preparations for the 2025 CEE Legal Matters Balkan General Counsel Summit in full swing, Djordje Djokic, Senior Partner at Djokic + Partners, shares his thoughts about the upcoming event and what he's looking forward to the most.
CEELM: Why did Djokic + Partners decide to participate in the CEE Legal Matters GC Summit in Belgrade?
Djokic: As a law firm, we greatly value the community that CEE Legal Matters has built over the years, bringing together general counsel and law firms in a forum where experiences and knowledge can be openly shared across diverse legal areas that are integral to shaping companies’ business strategies. We see the General Counsel Summit as particularly relevant, as it creates a rare opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with decision-makers and peers, exchange perspectives on practical challenges, and strengthen the collaboration between in-house and external counsel in today’s fast-changing business environment.
CEELM: What are you most looking forward to at the GC Summit?
Djokic: There are many benefits, but if I had to highlight one, it would be connecting with peers and sharing experiences. In our industry, especially today when things are moving and changing so quickly, it’s critical to stay in touch. Exchanging ideas, learning from past mistakes, and growing together are incredibly important.
CEELM: And what about the discussions themselves — what topics are you most looking forward to tackling at the event?
Djokic: I’m particularly interested in hearing about the practical issues GCs face and how they overcome them. I value discussions on less common challenges, especially in dealing with regulators and authorities. Hearing about interesting cases, innovative approaches, and creative problem-solving is what I most look forward to.
CEELM: Why should General Counsels make sure to attend this summit?
Djokic: From what I see, especially in labor law, both GCs and external counsel face constant challenges. Court practice evolves frequently, and rulings are rarely consistent, even in similar cases. Serbia’s domestic labor law leaves significant room for interpretation, particularly regarding disciplinary measures or contract terminations. It’s very difficult for employers to end employment in a way that is fully compliant, and courts generally take a favorable view toward employees, which places GCs under constant pressure. Add to this the complexities of highly regulated industries such as gaming or gambling, and the challenges multiply. Sharing insights, best practices, and strategies for tackling these issues will be invaluable at the conference.
Of course, AI has now become a daily tool for every GC and lawyer, though the extent of use varies depending on business needs. Still, everyone is using it in some form, so exchanging experiences and perspectives on this dominant trend will also be extremely useful.
CEELM: Finally, what are you personally looking forward to the most?
Djokic: Personally, I look forward most to meeting new people, listening to GCs’ stories, understanding their pain points, and finding common ground. Of course, building new business relationships is also on the agenda, but primarily it’s about the exchange of experiences and identifying which solutions are most needed.
