Your are interested in your services. What next?
The easiest way is to send me an-email in order to schedule a free consultation during which we will discuss your needs, possible solutions for your transactional issue, which steps will get us there and under which terms. I recommend you to write a short description of your case already in that first e-mail, so I can prepare for the consultation. I will reply to you as soon as possible (usually within 24 hours) with a suggestion of two or three time slots during which we can chat via phone or online. We can also communicate only via e-mails or meet in person, how you wish. I will also give you a price estimate for the desired service. If you decide to cooperate with me, I will ask you to send me a simple order and I will start working on your matter. I will stay in contact with you to make sure the contract I will be preparing for you really matches your needs, specifics of your business and the given transaction. If you authorise me as your proxy to negotiate the terms of your transaction, we will first talk about our negotiation strategy and limits beyond which you cannot go. If you seek me out to resolve an already existing dispute with your business partner, customer or a third person, I will ask you about the history and details of the conflict and after its review, we will agree on the next steps. Those usually involve getting into contact with the other party and if the conflict cannnot be settled through negotiation, we will commence the most appropriate legal proceeding for your case.
Where can you meet me?
As a true international business lawyer, I am professionaly active in more countries. I live in the capital of the Alps, Innsbruck, Austria, but you can find me anywhere between Zurich, Munich, Prague, Vienna and Milan. I travel also to other destinations (including overseas) if needed and, of course, I am always available to meet with you online. Just call me or send me an e-mail and we will discuss where is the best place to meet up.
How fast can I write you a contract?
It depends on the type of contract you are looking for and kind of business you are engaged in. But unless the case is quite unique or there is still an on-going negotiation about basic conditions of the cooperation between you and the other party, I usually deliver a tailored agreement for your needs within a week or two after receiving the necessary information from you.
Do I represent clients during negotiations personally?
Yes. I am happy to accompany my client whereever needed. I also do virtual negotiations through video-conferences. And it is always me, personally.
Do I represent clients at court proceedings and arbitrations?
There is a big difference between these two. Only attorneys registered at the country where the given court is situated, can represent their clients during court hearings. I am Czech registered attorney, so I can represent my clients only at Czech judicial authorities. Courts apply their national procedural law, that might be unfamiliar to one or both parties, sometimes they apply a foreign substantial law, which is usually unknown to the judges and the proceeding can be become of substantial length and doubtful quality. Therefore, much more common and effective is to solve international commercial disputes before specialised arbitration courts, like the International Court of Arbitration of International Chamber of Commerce, London Court of International Arbitration or Vienna International Arbitration Center. These arbitration courts have their own procedural norms and are directly designed to resolve conflicts in international commercial transactions. The arbitrators are professionals who understands specifics of international business and the outcomes of these proceedings (arbitration awards) are usually delivered much faster than judgments by the national courts, at lower costs and of higher quality. Another interesting and a very effective way how to resolve international conflicts is mediation, when one or more mediators help the parties to find a settlement for their issue. Basically any experienced lawyer can represent you during arbitration or mediation, the decisive factor is his experiences and knowledge, not the country of registration. So to answer the question- I represent my clients before arbitration courts or during mediation processes.
Do I charge upfront?
No, unless we have not worked together before and the price estimate for our first case is higher than 1.000 EUR. Then I will ask you for 25% in advance.
Do I charge for communication?
No, if it is within reasonable/standard limits. You will pay only for the agreed result.
Do I do video conference calls?
Of course. Usually, I use MS Teams or Zoom but we can discuss any type of virtual communication.
Do I work in other languages besides English?
I am a Czech native, so I can, naturally, write and speak fluent Czech. I understand German but not enough to write or revise legal agreements. But I am working on it :). In any case, it is not a problem to get any contract translated by a professional translation agency.
What is the best way to contact me?
Send me an e-mail or click on the free consultation button. I will get back to you as soon as possible, usually within 48 hours and offer you at least three available times when we can discuss your case and outline the cooperation.