Employment: Czech Republic

THE FIRM PRK Partners continues to enjoy a tremendous reputation in the labour law field. The team of five is experienced in advising on matters such as remuneration of employees, collective bargaining issues, and transfer of employees. Its diverse client base includes banks, pharmaceutical companies and production plants. The team recently advised Ceska Posta and the Office for the Protection of Competition on employment law questions.  

Sources say: "This large and experienced team is very strong in labour law matters."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jaroslav Skubal heads the Czech and Slovak employment departments. Sources describe him as a "very strong practitioner in this area." Amongst other matters, he advises clients on contracts under the Labour Code and the secondment of employees.

Tereza Erényi worked at Ius Laboris before joining PRK, and she is also a member of the European Employment Lawyers Association. Her practice covers labour law, collective bargaining, transfer of employees, and restructuring.

THE FIRM This outstanding local firm receives strong market praise for its highly specialised employment practice, and is well known for its ability to advise on a wide range of issues. A member of Ius Laboris, it represents clients in various matters including collective dismissal, employment law projects across jurisdictions, and designing new working hour systems. Given the continued impact of the recession, the team has also undertaken many mandates on the transfer of employees as companies increasingly look to outsource their work. 

 Sources say: "A dedicated employment law practice." "They have a very broad commercial perspective and understand the challenges that we face." "Quick, efficient, and proactive."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Natasa Randlová is said to have "the best name in the Czech Republic for employment law matters." She is the head of the firm, and is lauded by peers for her "dedication to this practice area." Described as "the leading individual in labour law," she is said to be an "empathetic and capable practitioner. She deals with problems effectively and offers a variety of applicable commercial solutions."

THE FIRM This international firm is increasingly visible in employment matters. It handles both contentious and non-contentious cases, and advises clients from a wide array of sectors, including IT and pharmaceuticals. The team provides representation in projects ranging from employee contracts and transfers to trade union and work council matters.

Sources say: "What we like about the lawyers is that they respond immediately to e-mails and calls, which is very important on due diligence mandates." "Strengths include size, depth of experience, and international exposure."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Karin Konstantinovová heads the labour law group and advises on a broad range of matters under Czech and EU law. Clients say: "She is both knowledgeable and able to give very practical advice," adding that she is "always available and a pleasure to work with."

THE FIRM Glatzová & Co is highly experienced in advising on employment contracts, internal regulations, employment termination, and company restructuring. The team often handles contentious claims in this area, working closely with its dispute resolution team. Highlights include representing a major Czech heat producer in the country's first labour law dispute regarding sexual discrimination during the recruitment process. It has also advised Travelex on the transfer of employees.

Sources say: "It tackles the problem as people who respect and understand the business." "For me they feel like colleagues – they really engage themselves in our company."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Marie Jansová heads the labour law department and advises on arbitration and litigation proceedings, as well as day-to-day employment matters. Clients report that "she has excellent communication skills and always presents us with a very thorough assessment of all the options."

THE FIRM One of the largest labour law groups in the market, the team at Havel, Holásek & Partners handles large, complex mandates. It covers a comprehensive range of employment law areas including employee remuneration, the employment of foreigners, and liability in labour law relationships. Clients include ICG Commerce, LG Electronics, and Porsche. Recent mandates include advising Sensata on the restructuring of companies in the country, covering transfer of employees to China.

Sources say: "The team offers a sophisticated insight into the labour market, and is very upfront in providing updates and advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Petra Sochorova is said to be a "very supportive, fast, and responsive adviser." Her practice covers collective bargaining, transfers of employees, and personal data processing.

THE FIRM The labour law team at Weinhold Legal is comprised of four dedicated employment practitioners and its clients include prominent names such as Bacardi, Citigroup, and Ernst & Young. It handles employment contracts, remuneration agreements, and internal regulations. The group recently assisted both Komercni Bank and Lekkerland with various employment disputes. Other highlights include representing NedRailways in the implementation a new programme of statutory representatives in the Czech Republic.

Sources say: "The firm is very reliable, precise, and has great knowledge of employment law."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Milan Polák oversees all labour law issues at Weinhold Legal. He specialises in corporate law, as well as litigation and arbitration. 

Tereza Kadlecová has risen in the rankings as a result of excellent feedback. Sources say she "has a strong name in the labour law market."

THE FIRM White & Case advises on both domestic and multinational labour law issues and works closely with its regional employment and benefits group. The team has grown in size with the addition of three new members, bringing it to seven in total. Recently it advised US cosmetics producer Mary Kay on the transfer of employees' personal data. The firm also represented Celestica in labour-related issues including employee transfer, hiring out of labour, and collective redundancies. Further key clients include AVAST Software, Koch Chemical Group, and Komercni bank.

Sources say: "The lawyers' sharp business thinking, coupled with their knowledge of our company, is impressive."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers say that Ladislav Smejkal "certainly stands out" as one of the leading practitioners in the market. "When the risks are high, he is the person to turn to," says one market source. 

THE FIRM This well-established firm is known for providing employment law advice to media and technology companies. Dell is one high-profile client, and the firm also advised Provident Financial on a range of employment issues, including representation in several disputes.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lenka Knopová and Pavel Beranek co-head the team and the key contacts for employment matters. 

THE FIRM This compact firm has a regional outlook and draws experience from its broader network to strengthen its labour law practice. Covering a wide range of mandates, the group recently advised Tyco International on large-scale redundancy regulations and collective agreements. The team was also instructed by Holmes Place on employment and service contracts.

Sources say: "It takes a good problem-solving approach and offers practical, high-quality advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Radek Matous receives strong praise from clients, who say "we value the quality of his advice and his responsiveness."

THE FIRM This local player operates as part of the bpv LEGAL alliance, which is active in the region. As a result, it advises both domestic and international clients on a wide range of employment issues. The team recently advised the E.ON group on both the outsourcing of IT work and a joint venture agreement. The firm was also instructed by OTIS in relation to collective bargaining agreements.

Sources say: "The firm knows what we want and how we work, and it tries to adjust to our needs."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Firm head Arthur Braun is the main contact here.

THE FIRM The five-strong labour team at this local outfit advises on a broad spectrum of employment law matters. Recently, its work has focused on directors' employment contracts following new case law from the Czech Supreme Administrative Court. The team was also mandated by Sandvik Chomutov Precision Tubes in connection with employment termination, parental leave issues, and the restructuring of engagement structures for top directors. Notable clients include ISS Facility Services, Mondi Štětí, and Fendi.

Sources say: "The lawyers really help you solve the problem, rather than simply explain what it is." "We appreciate their open and professional attitude."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Tomas Prochazka wins praise for being an "excellent speaker," and for his "ability to get into the detail."

THE FIRM Peterka & Partners offers a highly regarded labour law practice. It recently advised Veolia on foreign employees' labour law agreements, and also represented Tetra Pak in connection with executive employment contracts. Other clients include Boiron and Louis Vuitton.

Sources say: "We are very happy with their work as they offer us the best solutions."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ondrej Dusek heads the department and is the first point of contact for this area. He is qualified at both the Slovak and Czech Bar, and is fluent in English, French, and Russian.