With preparations for the 2025 CEE Legal Matters Hungary General Counsel Summit in full swing, Baker McKenzie Partner Marton Horanyi shares his thoughts about the upcoming event and what he’s looking forward to the most.
CEELM: Why did Baker McKenzie decide to participate in the CEE Legal Matters GC Summit in Hungary?
Horanyi: Well, for starters, it’s a standout event that brings the legal community together! It allows us to reconnect with clients, many of whom will be there, build new relationships with GCs, and discuss topics of immediate relevance. From our perspective, it’s a great initiative and a natural fit.
CEELM: What are you most looking forward to at the GC Summit?
Horanyi: Meeting colleagues face to face, both in-house and external counsel. The quality of in-person exchanges, especially with such a strong group in attendance, is hard to replicate online. I’m also keen to brainstorm with clients and peers about the most pressing challenges we’re all navigating.
CEELM: What about the panels and the content of the summit themselves – what are your expectations?
Horanyi: Cybersecurity is front and center. Our head of IP & IT, Csaba Vari, will speak on the cybersecurity panel and help unpack this vast, fast-evolving area that’s still taking shape. We’re seeing a clear uptick in compliance-related questions, particularly around the scope and applicability of new rules that seem to pop up almost daily, and we expect that to remain a hot topic, especially for industrial and technology sectors.
In addition, AI is a key theme. I expect GCs will want to explore not only the legislative angles but also day-to-day use: opportunities, pitfalls, and quick wins for in-house teams and external law firms alike.
CEELM: Why should General Counsels make sure to attend this summit?
Horanyi: It’s an excellent forum to meet peers, exchange views and experiences, and see how others are tackling what are, in many cases, shared challenges. That realization, that you’re not dealing with these issues in isolation, is hugely valuable. Add the in-person element, and it becomes a rare opportunity to build practical connections that endure beyond the conference.