Leading Individuals

Firms To Watch: Employment

CERHA HEMPEL Dezso & Partners‘ employment practice covers due diligence, employee contracts and terminations. Tamás Polauf and Tamás Novák lead the team.
With expertise in the finance, insurance and capital markets sectors, Gárdos Mosonyi Tomori Law Office provides a one-stop-shop employment service. Zsolt Kovács and Dániel Szabó are the key senior contacts.
Led by managing partner Balázs Karsai, the employment team at Nagy és Trócsányi Ügyvédi Iroda has extensive experience in the preparation of employment-related documents. The practice regularly provides support throughout restructurings, outsourcings and redundancies.

Employment in Hungary

CMS

CMS fields a ‘long-established and notable‘ employment practice, composed of a dedicated team of labour law specialists. The practice spans the full gamut of employment matters, from day-to-day support, to representation in international investigations, to HR aspects of outsourcing, restructuring and M&A transactions. Recent growth has seen the team take on new clients from the TMT, manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries. Employment-related data protection matters and GDPR compliance have become increasingly active areas for the group. Practice head Andreas Köhler has over 20 years’ experience working across the CEE region, with a particular focus on employment matters for German, Austrian and Swiss clients. Boglárka Peszeki ‘stands out’, strengthening the team’s international reach with her strong track record in cross-border employment matters, including contracts, policies and litigation. György Bálint boasts almost 20 years’ experience in employment litigation. Gabriella Ormai retired in May 2023.

Practice head(s):

Andreas Köhler


Other key lawyers:

Boglárka Peszeki; György Bálint


Testimonials

‘They provide truly individualised service, they know their clients very well, and also they are great at creating personal connections while still remaining professionals. Their response time is only a few hours, which is very satisfying, and they are very flexible in timing when providing representation as well.’

‘Boglárka Peszeki is responsive, very professional, flexible and she looks at the client’s view and gives us alternatives to choose from to make a good decision. It is easy to build a relationship with her and she is always there to help us.’

‘CMS has a long-established and notable employment practice in Hungary, and we have been working together and I have known the team for several years now. They have robust experience and cover all fields of employment law. What distinguishes them on the market compared to other firms is the size of the team, their sector experience and value-added services. I completely trust their opinion based on their strong background and practical, easy to understand approach and communication.’

Key clients

Marriott Hotels


AMC Networks Central Europe S.r.o.


Infineon Technologies


Johnson & Johnson Kft.


Unisys Magyarország Kft., global technology solutions company


Partner in Pet Food, an international pet food producer


Wise (formerly TransferWise)


AEGON


Becton Dickinson


RTL Group (Bertelsmann Group subsidiary)


Work highlights


  • Advising Microsoft on various employment and disciplinary matters, including assisting with establishment and termination of employment relationships (including at the management level), as well as providing representation in various employment lawsuits.
  • Advising Wise on a range of labour law issues, including terminating employment relationships, engaging freelancers, paying statutory allowances, conducting internal investigations, and drafting policies, as well as providing represention in claims submitted by former employees and relating to the new whistleblowing regulation.
  • Advising AEGON on drafting amendments to a collective bargaining agreement and providing legal support with respect to employment contracts, compensation packages, redundancies (including collective redundancies), terminations and disciplinary matters.

DLA Piper Posztl, Nemescsói, Györfi-Tóth and Partners Law Firm

The employment team at DLA Piper Posztl, Nemescsói, Györfi-Tóth and Partners Law Firm advises on internal policies, trade union matters and various public proceedings. The team continues to expand its client base, advising major new names from the aviation, manufacturing, retail and life sciences sectors, and also noted a recent increase in mandates related to harassment claims. The group provides cross-practice support, assisting with the employment aspects of acquisitions and restructurings. ‘Responsive, pragmatic and trusted advisor‘ Helga Fehér heads the group, with a focus on commercial contracts. Sára Tenke leads the team’s labour litigation practice, with particular expertise in termination of employment cases. Réka Reisz also plays an active role in labour litigation work.

Practice head(s):

Helga Fehér


Other key lawyers:

Sára Tenke; Réka Reisz


Testimonials

‘Maximum focus on the real needs of the client. Transparent risk description and ways to eliminate or minimise risks. Efficient cross-border communication. Ethical solutions always.’

‘Excellent communication – explaining legal terms and finding the right balance between explanations and simplifying alternatives to support decision making.

‘Quick response, excellent ability and empathy to identify the question the client needs answers for, draw attention to unidentified collateral consequences or risks, transparency as to assessing pros and cos of alternatives, accuracy meeting deadlines, excellent language skills, friendly but still super professional cooperation.’

‘The team’s knowledge of local practice is an invaluable tool for multinational corporations. This allows them to understand their clients’ needs and desired outcomes, proving them to be a valuable asset to businesses. I believe they understand my needs and limitations well.’

‘Helga Fehér is my local contact for Hungarian employment matters. She is a very responsive, pragmatic and trusted advisor. I believe she understands my needs well.’

‘Upbeat and friendly, the team is a pleasure to work with and they make solving complex problems seem easy.’

‘The team of Helga Fehér provides top tier employment law and labour relations advice, covering matters of substantive law, support with disputes and litigation, alerts on coming statutory changes, insight into relevant court practice and market standards. We appreciate Helga’s strategic advice and her familiarity with the terms typically applied by HR services firms.’

‘Helga Fehér posesses valuable local and cross-functional knowledge, being well-versed not only in employment law and labour relations topics, but also when it comes to transactions and dispute resolution. This breath of knowledge is a true asset for our company and her practical, business-minded approach towards legal issues embodies exactly the sort of professional disposition that we seek in legal advisors.’

Key clients

Prothya Group


Arconic-Köfém Mill Products


Wizz Air


Nexperia


Emirates


BioBlocks Hungary


UGI / Flaga


Antalis


Verizon


Meltwater


Work highlights


  • Advising Prothya Group, a major provider of services to healthcare organisations and manufacturer of plasma-derived medicinal products, on various employment issues.
  • Advising Arconic-Köfém on employment law issues on an ongoing basis, including providing representation in labour litigation cases.
  • Providing legal advice and representation in Hungary to Wizz Air and co-ordinating the legal advisory work for and from approximately 20 other jurisdictions where the client has operational bases.

Hegymegi-Barakonyi and Fehérváry Baker&McKenzie Attorneys-at-Law

Led by Ákos Fehérváry, the employment team at Hegymegi-Barakonyi and Fehérváry Baker&McKenzie Attorneys-at-Law supports clients throughout the entire lifecycle of relevant projects, regularly assisting with labour law issues arising from cross-border transactions. The team expertly handles labour and compliance investigations, and is well versed in providing representation in legal proceedings. The group’s expertise also covers collective employment and labour-related data privacy issues. Its client base spans multiple jurisdictions, with a particular focus on major players from the automotive, IT and pharmaceuticals sectors. Leveraging his experience as a transactional specialist, Ferenc Dávid advises on the employment aspects of outsourcing, reorganisations and M&A deals, as well as providing day-to-day support from an employment perspective. Nóra Óváry-Papp regularly advises on immigration matters.

Practice head(s):

Ákos Fehérváry


Other key lawyers:

Nóra Óváry-Papp; Ferenc Dávid


Testimonials

‘A professional team that we can turn to in all circumstances. It provides help in a timely and relevant manner.’

‘Their global reputation makes us proud to work with them. Their full range, covering every aspect of legal work, is outstanding. Their employees are fast to react to all our queries and provide the highest level of support.’

‘Their friendly attitude to us, as non-legal experts, makes us feel easy to reach out for legal support. They explain all complicated legal terms while highlighting different possibilities to solve each issue.’

Key clients

Orlen Unipetrol


AbbVie


Grand Automotive


Ford


BP Business Service Centre


Work highlights


  • Advised AbbVie on the integration of the Allergan business in Hungary following AbbVie’s completion of the global acquisition of Allergan.
  • Advised a major commercial real estate company on the labour law aspects of a cross-border multijurisdictional sale of multiple business lines, including assisting with employee transfers.
  • Advised ORLEN Unipetrol on the acquisition of a major chain of 79 petrol stations in Hungary from MOL, assisting with the transfer of employees and transfer of the collective bargaining agreement of MOL.

Lakatos, Köves and Partners

A one-stop shop for clients based in Hungary, across the CEE region, and those with global operations, the employment team at Lakatos, Köves and Partners is regularly instructed by companies from the IT, logistics and automotive industries. The group’s contentious practice spans all employment-related disputes, and is well versed in both litigation and mediation. The group works in tandem with the data protection and privacy departments to advise on social media use and GDPR issues, and regularly advises on the employment aspects of corporate transactions, such as restructurings and M&A deals. Practice head Éva Bognár has over 20 years’ experience in the full range of employment matters, from restructuring schemes and redundancy programmes to labour disputes. Specialising in management contracts and employment litigation, Katalin Losonci brings over 15 years’ experience to the team. Petra Rózsahegyi advises corporations on employment frameworks, including agreements, contracts and TUPE.

Practice head(s):

Éva Bognár


Other key lawyers:

Katalin Losonci; Petra Rózsahegyi


Testimonials

‘Éva Bognár leads a team of very professional and knowledgeable employment attorneys who often team up with tax or data protection professionals from their law firm to efficiently resolve clients’ requests.’

‘Top notch employment practice in Hungary.’

‘Éva Bognár is very responsive and always gives to-the-point and concise answers to sometimes very complex questions.’

Key clients

Mattoni 1873 a.s.


WHSmith


Boston Consulting Group


TUE Manifacturing CO, Inc


Omnipresent Group Limited


Norbit ASA


Toyo INK


Flowserve


VGP Parks


MARS Multisales and Manufacturing entities


ThreeBond


American International School of Budapest (AISB)


Essentra International Limited


KNAUF


Warner Media


Trimble Inc.


Nvidia


Soulbrain


Sinbon


Eurolife


Dynata


Mid-Europa


Work highlights


  • Advising Viterra on the implementation of a management change in Hungary, including the various options relating to executive termination and removals from corporate positions in several group companies.
  • Advised Vodafone plc on the sale of Vodafone Magyarország Zrt. to 4iG Nyrt. and Corvinus Zrt. for a total cash consideration of €1.7bn, which required employment structuring since the HR framework changed from the employment regulation of privately-held companies to party state-owned regulation.
  • Advising Flowserve on the setup of the entire employment framework of its new shared financial services centre, including the standard and executive employment contracts, policies and working conditions.

Szecskay Attorneys at Law

Szecskay Attorneys at Law‘s ‘excellent and deep knowledge‘ of labour law saw the employment team continue to support clients in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, advising on the employee aspects of reorganisations and related regulations. The group fields an established contentious practice, spanning breaches of contract and damages claims. Zoltán Balázs Kovács took over as practice head, following the departure of Hédi Bozsonyik to Bozsonyik-Fodor in March 2023. Kovács’ expertise encompasses the full range of employment law issues, in particular relevant data protection matters.  Judit Szórádi, who works with both Hungarian and foreign clients on local and cross-border employment matters, strengthens the team’s international offering. Adrienn Tar supports clients with their day-to-day operations, while Katalin Grósz focuses on employment litigation. Emil Szabó, Máté Kiss, Dániel Bihary, Viktória Cseh and Bence Molnár are also key names to note.

Practice head(s):

Zoltán Balázs Kovács


Other key lawyers:

Viktória Cseh; Bence Molnár; Judit Szórádi; Adrienn Tar; Katalin Grósz; Emil Szabó; Máté Kiss; Dániel Bihary


Testimonials

‘The team has excellent and deep knowledge of the law. Unique understanding of the client and excellent communication skills in order to find not only the legal way, but also the smart way to finalise the deal.’

‘Timeline, accuracy, accountability and opinion based on deep knowledge.’

‘The firm can manage a wide range of issues.’

‘They have very good experts, with many years’ experience in different areas.’

Key clients

LogMeIn (GoTo Technologies, LastPass)


Reckitt Benckiser


SPS


Marsh McLennan


Arriva


Trelleborg


Kifli


Aalberts


Aegon


Meininger Hotel


Dalux ApS


SungEel


Precision Medicine


Webhelp


Helrom


Formlabs


AKKA


Macquarie


Work highlights


  • Advised Formlabs on a reorganisation and termination of employment.
  • Advising Trelleborg on a review of existing employment agreements, amendment of employment agreements and issues relating to the latest amendments of the Labour Code.
  • Advised Marsh McLennan on issues concerning policies relating to employees’ devices.

VJT & Partners

Composed of ‘experts with a deep knowledge in labour law‘, the employment team at VJT & Partners handles the gamut of contentious and non-contentious matters. The group’s strong contentious practice sees the team represent clients before the Constitutional Court and the Hungarian Supreme Court in matters ranging from terminations to internal investigations and whistleblowing cases. With a growing list of both Hungarian and multinational clients, the practice counts both employers and executive employees among its clientele. András Lovretity leads the team alongside Zoltán Csernus; the latter has over 18 years of experience in the employment sector and is praised for his ‘clear and high quality‘ advice. With over 23 years’ experience, János Tamás Varga counts major companies with operations across Hungary as regular clients.

Practice head(s):

András Lovretity; Zoltán Csernus


Other key lawyers:

János Tamás Varga


Testimonials

‘Clear and concise.’

‘Outstandingly responsive and delivered exactly what the client needed.’

‘Top-notch responsiveness and work together as a team.’

‘Zoltán Csernus’ advice and work product were clear and high quality. He was also very responsive to my questions.’

‘Excellent knowledge and clear communication. Quick and accurate answers. Attention to every detail and aspect.’

‘Mainly we cooperate with Zoltán Csernus on labour law issues. His uniquely diverse knowledge ensures detailed solution options and his exceptional communication skills (clear, exact, polite with good sense of humor) support us to understand every detail. He has the strong ability to underline the most relevant facts and explain the possible effects of each step.’

‘The team is composed of experts with a deep knowledge in labour law and capability to focus on the needs of client and find an appropriate solution. The team and the firm are capable to provide also a full service in the area of corporate governance issues, including necessary representations before governmental bodies. The team is capable to respond to tasks very quickly and give full support also in international transactions.’

‘Excellent knowledge, experience, capability to find solutions and to hear the needs of clients.’

Andrékó Ferenczi Kinstellar

Fielding a roster of ‘high quality professionals’, the team at Andrékó Ferenczi Kinstellar handles the full gamut of employment matters, from employee transfers to labour settlements and disputes. The practice continues to expand its service offering, advising on an increasing number of collective employment, immigration law-related and whistleblowing matters. The group remains an established choice for companies in the industrial and automotive industries, as well as boasting particular expertise in the IT and pharmaceutical spheres. Dániel Péter leads the team and was promoted to managing associate in April 2023. Szilágyi Szabolcs focuses on the establishment and termination of employment, while Ákos Nagy specialises in employee share schemes, a recent area of increased focus.

Practice head(s):

Dániel Péter


Other key lawyers:

Szilágyi Szabolcs; Ákos Nagy


Testimonials

‘Wide range of expertise. Quick, reliable and easy collaboration.’

‘High quality professionals.’

‘Highly professional approach, very knowledgeable and quick in feedback.’

‘Knowledge of both German and Hungarian legislation, bilingual discussions, and very quick feedback, especially from from Dániel Péter.’

‘The team provides very practical answers.’

‘I worked with Dániel Péter from the employment team, who deeply understands how a multinational company works and has a special talent to work out tailor-made solutions with out-of-the-box thinking.’

Key clients

Caterpillar


GrandVision Hungary Kft.


Hamburger Hungária Kft.


People 2.0


HSH Chemie


SK Battery


MET Hungary


E2 Open


Newpush


Eviosys


Forgó, Damjanovic & Partners Law Firm

The employment team at Forgó, Damjanovic & Partners Law Firm provides its clients with ‘exceptional knowledge and attention to detail’. The practice continues to add to its multinational client base, advising a range of foreign investors and Hungarian corporates. Employment-related litigation is another of the team’s focus areas, and the group represents employers as well as senior management in various cases. With over 19 years’ experience in both contentious and non-contentious labour matters, Gábor Damjanovic leads the team. Ákos Balázs also brings extensive experience to the practice, with particular expertise in business immigration matters.

Practice head(s):

Gábor Damjanovic


Other key lawyers:

Ákos Balázs


Testimonials

‘The team is highly technical and all issues, even the most banal ones, they address with utmost attention and knowledge.’

‘Exceptional knowledge and attention to detail and English skills.’

Key clients

Obton A/S


China Telecom


Intersnack Group


ORLEN Unipetrol Group


Allegis Group, Inc.


American Express Global Business Travel


Netcracker Technology


Schwabe Pharmaceuticals


AUTOVISTA Hungary (formerly known as EUROTAX Glass Hungary)


Velox Digital


Haema Plasma


Tavanta Therapeutics


Amer Sport


BIOMAPAS


FIDEL LINDAB


Semeris


Pannon Clinic


Adesso Group


Lighttech


Shonz Ltd.


Scan Global Logistics


Airbus Helicopters


Reckitt


Lila Logistik


Tuttnauer


Work highlights


  • Advising Allegis Group after it set up a new recruitment business in Hungary, including on all relevant and newly introduced regulatory and HR aspects.
  • Advised Velox Digital on acquiring entry permissions and respective quarantine waivers for groups of engineers during the different phases of the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Assisted Scan Global with the acquisition of a target company and handled the Hungarian legal due diligence, including advising on employment-related documents and assisting with employment-related legal matters since the acquisition.

KCG Partners Law Firm

With a recent influx of new clients, the employment team at KCG Partners Law Firm saw an increase in mandates related to international mobility issues and the relocation of employees. The practice handles a variety of contentious matters, and is also involved in collective redundancies and large-scale reorganisations. Levente Csengery and Rita Párkányi jointly lead the group; with over 20 years’ experience in employment law, the former is experienced in the establishment and operation of ESOP programs, while the latter brings extensive knowledge of employee data processing to the team. Borbála Maglai, who joined the team from Lohn Law Firm in April 2023, brings employment and immigration litigation experience to the firm. Eszter Ila-Horváth focuses on TUPE laws, terminations and data protection issues.

Practice head(s):

Levente Csengery; Rita Párkányi


Other key lawyers:

Borbála Maglai; Eszter Ila-Horváth


Testimonials

‘Always responsive and innovative in relation to new challenges. ’

‘Trying to understand the core of the problem and focusing on solutions which are best for the situation and for the client. ’

‘The team is very effective and they focus on the actual needs of the client. They deliver exceptional legal service with their problem-solving approach and in-depth knowlegde of employment law matters.’

Key clients

OTP Bank


LEGO


Deltaplast Kft.


Mediroyal Kft


BimTech Engineering


Oppenheim Ugyvedi Iroda

Oppenheim Ugyvedi Iroda’s employment practice supports banking, construction, manufacturing and telecoms clients throughout the lifecycle of transactions, advising on employment policies and programmes from due diligence to integration. The practice is experienced in collective labour issues, including wage agreements, strikes and employment-related litigation. With over 20 years of experience in employment law, Zsolt Cselédi has built up the team into a one-stop shop, supporting clients across a full range of labour matters and providing representation before the Hungarian Supreme Court. Cselédi is capably supported by Lívia Mihovics.

Practice head(s):

Zsolt Cselédi


Other key lawyers:

Lívia Mihovics


Testimonials

‘Great communication and outstanding response time, handling challenging escalations with confidence.’

‘Humility towards the work and the client, creating a friendly atmosphere never experienced before.’

‘We sought the assistance of a law firm in a very high-volume, in-depth, complex, and extremely sensitive labour case. From the outset, the firm created a suitable atmosphere for listening to our case. The services provided by the firm clearly represented the premium nature of the brand, and we had an exceptional client experience throughout.’

‘We immediately felt the professional attitude and support of the lead labour lawyer. Throughout the entire legal process, the lead labour lawyer was always available and played an outstandingly proactive role in the complete resolution of this challenging case, where disputes and evidentiary procedures were the main concern at times.’

‘We can declare that the lead lawyer approached and helped each of us with great understanding and adaptability, both professionally and on a human level. Thanks to their management, our issue was successfully resolved.’

‘Great team, supporting each other and professionally prepared and up to date.’

‘Excellent, solution-oriented management of the case, very well prepared professionally and excellent stakeholder management.’

Key clients

Procter & Gamble Hungary


Continental Automotive Group


ContiTech Fluid


Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer


Intesa Sanpaolo – CIB Bank Hungary


UniCredit Bank Hungary


Foodora – Delivery Hero


Vodafone Shared Services Hungary


CEVA Logistics Group


Lufthansa Technik


Qualisoft Software Ltd.


Graphisoft Software SE


Nilfisk


Sándor Szegedi Szent-Ivány Komáromi Eversheds Sutherland

Sándor Szegedi Szent-Ivány Komáromi Eversheds Sutherland advises its diverse clientele on the full range of HR and employment issues, covering home office and whistleblowing matters, as well as internal policy and data protection issues. With strong cross-border capabilities, the group offers immigration advice related to the relocation of expat employees. The practice also covers contentious matters, representing clients in both labour disputes and out-of-court settlements. Practice co-head Katalin Varga has extensive experience in HR and data protection issues, and regularly handles termination and collective redundancy disputes. Varga splits leadership of the team with Ágnes Szent-Ivány.

Practice head(s):

Katalin Varga; Ágnes Szent-Ivány


Testimonials

‘The team has an in-depth understanding of not just the legal background and case law, but how to apply these in a practical way when advising their clients, with easy to digest information for HR departments as well.’

‘Katalin Varga is providing an outstanding, client-focused and very proactive service.’

Key clients

Charles River Laboratories


Chep (Brambles)


Chesterton


LyondellBasell


McCain


MTD


Pappas


Red Bull


Ricoh


Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung


Sunrider


Tata Consultancy Services


Turkish Airlines


Virtusa


Yves Rocher


Work highlights


  • Advising a major international automotive company on its negotiations with the local trade union.
  • Advising a major company on the establishment of a European works council and on several termination procedures.
  • Advising a large consulting firm on concluding a service agreement with a customer concerning the provision of a wide variety of outsourced services, covering ARD issues spanning several jurisdictions.

Siegler Bird & Bird Ügyvédi Iroda

From terminations and mass dismissals to internal policies and data handling, the employment team at Siegler Bird & Bird Ügyvédi Iroda advises on the full gamut of both individual and collective employment issues. The practice has strong cross-border capabilities, advising global companies with Hungarian subsidiaries on employee transfers and business immigration issues. The team’s established contentious practice handles labour disputes and litigation, as well as investigations and trade union matters. Practice head Zoltán Tarján is praised for his ‘outstanding problem-solving skills and pragmatic approach‘. Karim Laribi advises multinational companies on cross-border employment matters. As head of the firm’s corporate and M&A practice, Pál Szabó provides support with the employment aspects of significant transactions.

Practice head(s):

Zoltán Tarján


Other key lawyers:

Karim Laribi; Pál Szabó


Testimonials

‘The team provided timely advice in a professional and practical manner.’

‘The Bird & Bird employment practice out of their Hungarian office provides us with outstanding advice and assistance on Hungarian employment law matters. They are up-to-speed on all latest developments, and advice us regularly on contractual, policy and a full range of other matters related to Hungarian employment law.’

‘They have excellent communication skills and a strong customer focus. They always strive to provide the highest quality service, keeping agreed deadlines.’

‘The team has an extraordinarily high level of knowledge in the field.’

‘Zoltán Tarján is very committed with outstanding problem-solving skills and pragmatic approach.’

‘Lawyers of the employment team are specialists in labour issues. They respond quickly and appropriately and offer practical suggestions that work perfectly for our client’s business needs. They always offer a high quality service that is well structured, concise and clean. Their professionalism and responsibility are strong characteristics. Their pragmatic approach always works well in real-world situations.’

‘Thanks to their full-scope knowledge of the economic and market environment, they always provide out-of-the-box, holistic advice.’

‘Zoltán Tarján is a key contact in employment matters. He is a complete lawyer with all the relevant competencies and experience for our needs. Karim Laribi brings a wealth of experience to the team. He always provides innovative suggestions and initiatives to solve the subject matter properly and quickly. We consider both of them a significant support for our HR team.’

Key clients

Central European Development Hub


Bitrise


SEON Technologies


Supercharge


OMV


Thermo Fisher


NIO


Work highlights


  • Assisted Central European Development Hub with setting up its HR function in Hungary, the Czech Republic, the UK, Germany and Italy.
  • Advising on the employment law aspects of Seon Technologies’ acquisition of Complytron, a Hungarian developer of AI-based AML tools.
  • Advising Supercharge on a cross-border relocation matter where one of the client’s employees is temporarily relocating to a different EU country, on their own initiative.

bnt attorneys in CEE

The employment team at bnt attorneys in CEE is known for providing HR advice with a particular focus on multinational companies based in Germany. The group demonstrates sector-specific expertise across the automotive, life science and retail industries and has recently increased its focus on the IT industry. ‘Excellent’ practice head Éva Ratatics is an expert in collective employment matters, including collective bargaining with trade unions and works councils. Ratatics is supported by Katalin Kiss, who comes ‘highly recommended’ by clients, and András Szabó, who advises on domestic and cross-border labour issues, social security and data protection matters.

Practice head(s):

Éva Ratatics


Other key lawyers:

Katalin Kiss; András Szabó


Testimonials

‘bnt attorneys is committed to keeping their clients informed and empowered. Their practice stands out, as they consistently stay up-to-date with the latest legal developments, offering workshops on current law updates and promptly sending informative emails about new legislation and its implications. It’s evident that this firm genuinely cares about its clients’ success, making them a reliable choice for legal counsel.’

‘Working with Katalin Kiss has been a nice experience thanks to her prudence and attention to detail. She makes complex legal matters feel straightforward. Highly recommended for her professionalism and ease of collaboration.’

‘The team has always been extremely professional and helpful. They have kept us informed of all important information and policy changes. We always receive quick and competent advice. They try to organise everything according to our wishes. If the client needs an on-site meeting, they are ready for it. If we wanted an online consultation, it was also possible. They work very flexibly.’

Key clients

TOMRA Collection Hungary Kft.


Fresenius Medical Care


Acasus Europe Kft.


Onespire Zrt.


Euro Metall Öntödei Kft.


Kramp Hungary Kereskedelmi Kft.


Faulhaber Motors Hungaria Kft.


Grant Thornton Consulting Kft


MEWA Textil-Service AG & Co


ADWEKO Consulting GmbH


Budapest Airport Zrt.


Mint East Europe Kft.


LKQ Corporation – Láng Kft.


KION Group AG, Linde Magyarország Anyagmozgatási Kft., STILL Kft.


Work highlights


  • Assisting TOMRA ASA with setting up its business in Hungary, including advising on the implementation of Czech and Austrian employment structures in Hungary and assisting with preparation of full-scale multi-jurisdictional HR policies, bonus policies, and car policies.
  • Providing Grant Thornton Consulting with day-to-day employment law and social security advice.

Deloitte Legal Göndöcz and Partners Law Firm

Three partners head the employment team at Deloitte Legal Göndöcz and Partners Law Firm: Attila Kövesdy, Péter Göndöcz and Brigitta Gál. Göndöcz is noted for his corporate experience, and advises clients from the energy, telecoms and manufacturing sectors on employment aspects of M&A deals and restructurings. As an experienced tax lawyer, Kövesdy bolsters the team’s cross-practice expertise, working in tandem with tax and immigration experts. Gál handles terminations and collective redundancies, as well as HR and data protection policies. Lili Albert focuses on the digitalisation of HR documentation, while Helga Durst advises on cross-border matters, including employee postings and business transfers.

Practice head(s):

Attila Kövesdy; Péter Göndöcz; Brigitta Gál


Other key lawyers:

Lili Albert; Helga Durst


Testimonials

‘Proactive and available.’

‘Collaborative and involved.’

‘We involved the employment practice group in several projects. What I would like to emphasise is the business partner approach and the fast response time. Somebody from the employment team was always available and they provided legal advice within a short deadline.’

‘Their answer was practical, business oriented and they went “the extra mile”: based on our request and the results of the research they gave us practical suggestions and hints for the next steps related to other fields of practice which might be relevant. In a nutshell, they gave us a great and complete legal advice in order to make our project succeed.’

‘Their legal advice was straight to the point and easy to digest and understand. I also find it extremely useful that Deloitte sends very good quality newsletters and organises good professional events. Péter Göndöcz is always available quickly and has a great focus on clients.’

‘I have worked mainly with Brigitta Gál. She has wide experience with many different topics from employment law. What made the difference for me, compared with other legal professionals, was that she had immediately some prompt, good and valid legal remarks and viewpoints, which helped me further in managing the project immediately.’

Key clients

Schaeffler Savaria Kft. and Schaeffler Magyarország Kft.


Chervon Autó Precíziós Technológia (Európa) Korlátolt Felelősségű Társaság


ORBICO HUNGARY Korlátolt Felelősségű Társaság


Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Korlátolt Felelősségű Társaság


FedEx Express Poland sp. z o.o


Duna-Dráva Cement Kft.


LANXESS Central Eastern Europe s.r.o


SCHLUMBERGER LOGELCO Inc Magyarországi Fióktelep


Work highlights


  • Advising ORBICO HUNGARY on a comprehensive risk assessment related to the HR digitalisation and the implementation of an IT solution platform for remote identification and electronic signature, disclosure and retention of HR documents.
  • Advising Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy issues relating to employee posting, especially on the applicable employment law terms of the host country, including the statutory minimum terms as well as the relevant provisions of the applicable collective agreements and the calculation of applicable wages.
  • Advising SCHLUMBERGER LOGELCO Magyarországi Fióktelep on its work scheduling practices.

Dentons

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine, the employment team at Dentons has supported clients with immigration advice and wage subsidiary schemes. More broadly, the practice handles contentious and non-contentious matters, on both an individual and collective basis, from employment agreements to large-scale dismissals and labour disputes. E-commerce has been a recent area of increased focus and the team’s multinational client base includes companies from the automotive, logistics and manufacturing sectors. Practice head Anita Horváth focuses on the employment aspects of M&A transactions.

Practice head(s):

Anita Horváth


Testimonials

‘The team always gives hands-on, pragmatic advice which I appreciate very much. The lawyers do not respond in long legal jargon, but precise and condensed messages, which show they understand what the business needs to make a decision. ’

‘The team of Anita Horváth provides excellent legal support for the HR functions of our business both in relation to office workers and colleagues supporting operations more directly. We particularly appreciate how Anita uses the firm’s multinational network to exploit cross-border synergies for our benefit.’

‘The support of Anita Horváth in managing cross-border regulatory mapping exercises and improving our compliance at the local level at the same time is truly appreciated.’

Key clients

Mercedes-Benz


Nike


Affidea


Franklin Templeton


Abroncs Kereskedőház


Keyence International


Work highlights


  • Providing day-to-day employment law advice to Mercedes-Benz.
  • Providing day-to-day employment law advice to Affidea.
  • Co-ordinated a multi-jurisdictional review for Hoya Lens.

KPMG Legal Tóásó Law Firm

From labour compliance issues, to employment contracts, to workplace disputes, KPMG Legal Tóásó Law Firm fields a comprehensive employment offering. The team is practiced at handling sensitive matters, including internal investigations, mass redundancies and individual dismissals. With a diverse and growing clientele, the practice has expanded its focus to include major names from the pharmaceutical sector. Employment law specialist Boglárka Kricskovics-Béli leads the team, bringing over 15 years’ experience advising on employee benefits, pensions, and global mobility to the role.

Practice head(s):

Boglárka Kricskovics-Béli


Other key lawyers:

Bálint Tóásó


Key clients

Manpower Munkaerő Szervezési Kft.


Hexagon Ammunition Zrt.


Beretta Holding SA


SAS Magyarország Vagyonkezelő Zrt. (Fourseason)


Grafton Recruitment Services Kft. (GI Group)


Kärcher Hungária Tisztítási-Rendszerek Kft.


Trenkwalder Kft.


DANIELLA Kereskedelmi Kft.


SPG Sportcikk Kereskedelmi Kft. / Intersport


ALD Automotive Hungary Kft.


Richter Gedeon Nyrt.


Glastronic Hungary Kft.


dm-drogerie markt GmbH


KNAPP AG


WPG EMEA B.V.


Harvey Norman


Berlin-Chemie/A. Menarini Magyarország Kereskedelmi Korlátolt Felelősségű Társaság


Carl-Zeiss Vision Hungary Kft.


Dataxo Group


Mondi Bags Hungary Kft.


Kometa 99 Zrt.


Cambridge Commodities


BMW Hungary Kft.


Ferro S.A.


Bunzl Magyarország Kft.


Work highlights


  • Assisted Hexagon Ammunition with the preparation of employment contracts for all of its C-level management members.
  • Assisted SAS Magyarország with an internal investigation of a sensitive nature.
  • Advised Grafton Recruitment Hungary on the termination of a C-level employee.

Schoenherr Hetényi Ügyvédi Iroda

Four pillars make up the core practice of the employment team at Schoenherr Hetényi Ügyvédi Iroda: transactional support, day-to-day advice, standalone employment-related projects, and litigation. The team continues to expand its international client base, advising on global restructurings and M&A transactions. With almost 20 years’ experience, Dániel Gera leads the team and assists new entrants to the Hungarian market with employment matters, from compliance to internal reorganisations and terminations. Dorottya Gindl specialises on the crossover between employment law and data protection, advising on the handling of HR-related data, while Dóra Halmosi represents labour and employment clients in disputes. Ákos Kovács is active on workforce agency and general contractual matters.

Practice head(s):

Dániel Gera


Other key lawyers:

Dorottya Gindl; Dóra Halmosi; Ákos Kovács


Testimonials

‘Exceptional knowledge, detail oriented.’

‘Absolutely phenomenal people! ’

‘Quick, reachable, good expert knowledge.’

Key clients

Fressnapf Hungária Kft.


Heidelberg Magyarország Kft.


Globalization partners


B&B Hotels Hungary Kft


Avaya Magyarország Kft.


Tesla, Inc


Aqwise – Wise Water Technologies Limited


Monster Beverage Corporation


Uniper Hungary Kft.


Work highlights


  • Instructed as the general legal counsel to Fressnapf Hungária and its group, advising on all legal matters related to operations and to the new company FN|MZ International Business Services.
  • Advising Heidelberger Druckmaschinen and its Hungarian subsidiary on general employment matters.
  • Advising B&B Hotels Hungary on all employment and HR matters related to the operation of its first hotel, including employment contracts, modifications, terminations, internal policies and employee data privacy matters.

Taylor Wessing Hungary

Taylor Wessing Hungary’s employment team co-ordinates a range of cross-border projects across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The practice demonstrates particular expertise in mobility matters and the international transfer of undertakings, as well as occasional immigration cases. Torsten Braner leads the employment group, advising clients from a wide variety of sectors, from retail, to energy, to logistics and transport. Petra Knall handles workplace investigations and collective bargaining negotiations, bolstering the team’s strong labour litigation practice. Zsombor Lenner is another name to note.

Practice head(s):

Torsten Braner


Other key lawyers:

Petra Knall; Zsombor Lenner


Key clients

Knüppel Csomagolástechnika Kft.


Körber AG


C&A Mode Kft.


EIPA Hungária Kft.


Mango Hungary Kft.


JUNGHEINRICH Hungária Fejlesztési és Tanácsadó Kft.


Präzi-Flachstahl AG


Sophos Ltd.


Twentyone GmbH – Hungarian Branch


achelos GmbH


achelos Hungary Kft.


Kontron Hungary Kft.


CENTRAL EUROPEAN DEVELOPMENT HUB Kft.


LOGICDATA Electronic & Software Entwicklungs GmbH


Uniqa Biztosító Zrt.


Work highlights


  • Advising Sophos Hungary on various aspects of employment law, specifically implementing redundancies and complying with regulations regarding the employer’s duty to cover employment-related expenses.
  • Providing comprehensive legal support to a Hungarian IT company operating in multiple European countries, including assisting with the drafting of employment documents in seven jurisdictions across Europe.
  • Advised LOGICDATA on concluding an asset deal in Hungary, particularly the transfer of employment relationships to the newly established Hungarian subsidiary through a transfer of undertaking.

Wolf Theiss Faludi Ügyvédi Iroda

From employee restructuring and transfer of undertakings to collective redundancies, the employment team at Wolf Theiss Faludi Ügyvédi Iroda advises on the full range of employment matters, as well as handling relevant litigation. The practice has established cross-border capabilities and handles HR projects spanning the CEE and SEE regions, as well as providing business immigration services. Barnabás Buzási heads up both the employment and data protection practices, and regularly advises on employment-related GDPR implementation. Marietta Molnár specialises in employment law across the logistics and transport, banking and finance, and telecoms sectors.

Practice head(s):

Barnabás Buzási


Other key lawyers:

Marietta Molnár


Key clients

IFF


L’Oreal Magyarország Kft.


Work highlights


  • Advising IFF on the establishment of its operations in Hungary.

CLV Partners - Csabai & Partners Law Firm

Marianna Csabai and Anna Katalin Papp jointly lead the employment team at CLV Partners - Csabai & Partners Law Firm. The group’s multinational clientele spans the FMCG, life sciences, technology, construction and manufacturing sectors. The practice handles whistleblowing and harassment investigations, employment termination and disciplinary cases. Another key area of strength is assisting clients with digital transformations.

Practice head(s):

Marianna Csabai; Anna Katalin Papp


Other key lawyers:

Barbara Seregély


Testimonials

‘The team is proactive, quick to respond and eager to find a business-satisfactory solution to all problems.’

‘I have received the answer to our queries quickly and professionally, the problems were reviewed from a wide perspective and always a bigger picture was taken into account to find a satisfactory solution to the query or challenge.’

‘Our direct contacts are Anna Katalin Papp and Barbara Seregély. They are always available for us, we can always count on their cooperative work, they are professionally well prepared. If there are some changes in the legislation, they always draw our attention to them.’

Key clients

Cordia Management Llc


Futureal Shared Services Partnership C.V.


Noerr

With specialist expertise in the automotive and manufacturing sectors, the employment team at Noerr advises foreign investors on employment-related data protection and data processing. Viktor Füzi co-leads the team alongside Edina Czeglédy; the former has specialist experience in employment litigation, while the latter focuses on employment-related agreements, labour safety matters and labour authority investigations. Emese Julia Simon brings specialist experience in temporary employment issues to the group, while Petra Eszter Deli specialises in cross-border employee postings.

Practice head(s):

Viktor Füzi; Edina Czeglédy


Other key lawyers:

Emese Julia Simon; Petra Eszter Deli


Key clients

Peek & Cloppenburg Kft.


SD Worx Hungary Kft.


Arrow Electronics group


Giant Hungary Kft.


thyssenkrupp Components Technology Hungary Kft.


Schwarzmüller Kft.


ZF Hungária Kft.


Diehl Aviation Hungary Kft.


WITTUR-SEMATIC Group


Haribo Hungária Kft.


Marshmallow Financial Services Ltd


Krones Hungary Kft.


Coveris Flexibles Pirtó Kft.


SAIC Motor Central and Eastern Kft.


Work highlights


  • Providing continuous general employment law advice to Peek & Cloppenburg, including preparation and review of warnings and termination notices, agreements and other employment-related documents, and providing support with cross-border postings of employees.
  • Providing general employment advice to thyssenkrupp on an ongoing basis, including advice on daily employment and labour union matters, internal regulations and data protection issues.
  • Advising Haribo on day-to-day employment law issues, including employment contracts and terminations, working hours and wages.

Partos & Noblet in co-operation with Hogan Lovells International LLP

Christopher Noblet leads the employment team at Partos & Noblet in co-operation with Hogan Lovells International LLP in its advice on day-to-day employment matters, from contracts and termination notices to employee share programmes and transfers and internal policies. Employment-related data protection and privacy matters are another focus area, and the team also has experience in collective employment matters and mass redundancies. András Multas handles contentious employment mandates, including out-of-court settlements.

Practice head(s):

Christopher Noblet


Other key lawyers:

András Multas


Key clients

VAJDA-PAPÍR


Louis Vuitton


Texas Instruments


Yves Rocher


LVMH Perfumes & Cosmetics


Work highlights


  • Providing Texas Instruments with full-scale HR and employment assistance, including sensitive termination matters.
  • Providing LVMH Perfumes & Cosmetics with full-scale HR and employment assistance, including sensitive termination matters.
  • Providing VAJDA-PAPÍR with full-scale HR and employment assistance, including employment termination issues.

Szabó Kelemen & Partners Andersen Attorneys

The team at Szabó Kelemen & Partners Andersen Attorneys is noted for its expertise in issues relating to remote and hybrid-working models. With over 16 years’ experience, practice head Szilvia Fehérvári’s expertise ranges from GDPR compliance to collective labour matters and terminations. Domonkos Kiss regularly represents clients in employment-related litigation and mediation, while Eszter Rupnik advises on internal policies and procedures. Ilona Boros supports clients with employee relocation issues, while Dóra Szakács advises on global mobility.

Practice head(s):

Szilvia Fehérvári


Other key lawyers:

Domonkos Kiss; Eszter Rupnik; Ilona Boros; Dóra Szakács


Testimonials

‘Great cooperation, very professional, quick responses.’

‘Szilvia Fehérvári and Dóra Szakács – extremely effective, very professional, always ready to find the best solution to the client’s problems, very quick in their responses, explaining everything in a clear professional way.’

Vámosi-Nagy Ernst & Young Law Office

Working in tandem with the firm’s tax advisors, the employment team at Vámosi-Nagy Ernst & Young Law Office provides a broad service which spans the full range of labour and HR matters. Iván Sefer leads the team alongside Gábor Jagicza, who brings 15 years’ experience in all areas of employment law to the group, and also manages the firm’s data protection practice. Leveraging her extensive corporate experience, Dóra Farkas advises on employment aspects of M&A deals and other transactions.

Practice head(s):

Iván Sefer; Gábor Jagicza


Other key lawyers:

Dóra Farkas


Key clients

Danucem Slovensko a.s.


Eternyze AG


Mikro Kapital Kft.


De Dietrich SAS


Work highlights


  • Assisted Danucem Slovensko with the process of setting up a whistleblowing system.
  • Assisted Eternyze with the process of setting up work organisation.
  • Advised De Dietrich on a restructuring and transfer of employees.