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The Czech legal market features a distinctive mix of large domestic firms, international players with Prague offices, and specialized boutiques. Unlike many CEE countries where international firms dominate the top tier, the Czech Republic has produced genuinely world-class domestic firms that compete head-to-head with Magic Circle and Am Law rivals on major transactions. This guide ranks and profiles the leading firms hiring in 2026.
Tier 1: Market Leaders
Havel & Partners
The largest law firm in the Czech Republic and one of the biggest in Central Europe, Havel & Partners employs over 250 lawyers across offices in Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Bratislava, and Pilsen. Founded by Jaroslav Havel, the firm dominates in corporate/M&A, banking and finance, real estate, IT/tech law, and dispute resolution. Their sheer scale means they handle a high volume of transactions, giving associates extensive deal exposure. The firm recruits heavily from Charles University and Masaryk University, typically hiring 20-30 koncipienti annually. Known for a structured training program and competitive salaries starting at approximately CZK 55,000-65,000 monthly for koncipienti.
PRK Partners
One of the most respected firms in the Czech market, PRK Partners has approximately 90 lawyers based in Prague. The firm is consistently ranked in Tier 1 by Chambers and Legal 500 across multiple practice areas including corporate/M&A, competition, banking, and dispute resolution. PRK Partners is known for handling the most complex cross-border transactions in the market and has a deeply international client base. Recruits selectively — typically 8-12 koncipienti per year — and values candidates with strong academic records and international exposure. English fluency is essential.
Kocian Solc Balastik (KSB)
Founded in 1990 as one of the first independent law firms after the Velvet Revolution, KSB is a Prague institution with approximately 50 lawyers. The firm is the exclusive Czech member of Lex Mundi, the world's leading network of independent law firms. KSB is particularly strong in corporate/M&A, banking and finance, competition law, and commercial litigation. Known for a collegial culture and thorough training of koncipienti. Their alumni network is extensive throughout the Czech legal profession.
Tier 2: Leading National and International Firms
BBH (Benes, Blaha, Hradilova)
A full-service Prague firm with around 40 lawyers, BBH has built a strong reputation in energy and utilities law, competition, and regulatory work. Their client roster includes major Czech utilities and industrial companies. BBH's energy practice is among the best in the country, reflecting the firm's deep expertise in advising CEZ Group and other sector players.
White & Case (Prague)
The American firm's Prague office employs approximately 50 lawyers and is one of the strongest international presences in the Czech market. Particularly renowned for banking and finance, capital markets, and M&A, White & Case Prague regularly advises on the largest transactions in the country. Associates benefit from the firm's global network, with secondment opportunities to London, New York, and other offices. Compensation is at the top of the Prague market, with koncipient salaries starting around CZK 65,000-75,000 monthly.
Clifford Chance (Prague)
Another Magic Circle presence in Prague, Clifford Chance focuses on high-end corporate, banking, and capital markets work. The office is lean — approximately 25-30 lawyers — but handles marquee transactions. The firm's global platform provides associates with cross-border experience and international training programs. Among the highest-paying firms in the Czech market.
Allen & Overy (Prague)
The third Magic Circle firm with a Prague presence, Allen & Overy focuses on banking and finance, corporate, and capital markets. Known for structured associate development with international secondment programs. The firm recruits Czech-qualified lawyers with strong English skills and typically looks for candidates who have completed or are completing their koncipient period.
Kinstellar
Formed in 2008 from the CEE offices of Linklaters, Kinstellar operates across multiple CEE countries with a strong Prague office of approximately 60 lawyers. The firm has carved a niche in private equity, M&A, and disputes, combining international standards with deep local knowledge. Offers a genuinely CEE-focused career path rather than a satellite office of a Western firm.
CMS (Prague)
Part of one of the world's largest law firm networks, CMS employs roughly 50 lawyers in Prague. Strengths include real estate, employment, corporate, and technology/IP. The firm's pan-European network gives associates exposure to cross-border mandates, and structured training includes international rotations.
DLA Piper (Prague)
The global giant's Prague office focuses on real estate, corporate, and employment law. With approximately 30 lawyers, the office leverages DLA Piper's vast international network. Particularly strong in commercial real estate transactions and cross-border restructurings.
Tier 3: Strong Specialists and Boutiques
Rowan Legal
A leading technology and IP boutique in Prague with approximately 40 lawyers. Rowan Legal has built a standout reputation in IT law, public procurement, data protection, and telecommunications regulation. A top choice for lawyers interested in the intersection of law and technology.
Dvorak Hager & Partners
With offices in Prague and Brno, this firm of approximately 40 lawyers covers corporate, real estate, litigation, and insolvency. Strong in the Moravian market through their Brno office, they serve both domestic and international clients.
Weinhold Legal
Part of the PwC Legal network, Weinhold Legal has around 40 lawyers in Prague. Strengths in tax, corporate restructuring, and regulatory compliance. The PwC connection provides a steady stream of multidisciplinary engagements combining legal and advisory work.
Glatzova & Co.
A mid-size Prague firm with approximately 30 lawyers, Glatzova & Co. is known for corporate, competition, and real estate work. Consistently recognized in Chambers and Legal 500, the firm offers a more personal training environment than the largest firms.
BADOKH
A newer entrant formed by partners from established Prague firms, BADOKH focuses on corporate/M&A, banking, and dispute resolution. The firm has quickly built a reputation for handling sophisticated transactions and attracting strong talent.
How Czech Firms Recruit
Most major Czech firms recruit koncipienti through a combination of university career fairs (Charles University in Prague and Masaryk University in Brno are the primary sources), direct applications, and summer internship programs. The typical recruitment timeline runs from January to May for September start dates. Key factors firms evaluate include:
- Academic record: Results from Mgr. (Master's) examinations are scrutinized, with most top firms expecting above-average grades
- Language skills: Fluent English is mandatory at international firms and strongly preferred at domestic firms; German is a valuable additional language given the country's economic ties with Germany and Austria
- Prior experience: Summer internships, legal clinics, and moot court participation strengthen applications
- Publications and academic work: Czech firms value candidates who have published in legal journals like Pravni rozhledy or Casopis pro pravni vedu a praxi
Explore current openings at these firms on our Czech Republic legal jobs board and set up job alerts to be notified of new positions.