This year, Deloitte Legal celebrates two important milestones: 15 years as part of Deloitte and 25 years on the market. These anniversaries provide an opportunity to reflect on the firm's journey over the years. We spoke with Jiřina Procházková, Partner at Deloitte Legal and Head of the Tax Litigation team, about what brought her to the firm fifteen years ago, how client expectations are changing, and why trust matters more than ever.
What brought you to Deloitte Legal fifteen years ago?
I originally worked in the non-profit sector and was somewhat skeptical of law firms. I actually only went to the interview because a friend persuaded me to. In the end, however, I was completely impressed by the firm’s founder at the time, Vladimír Ambruz. He wasn’t interested in testing my legal knowledge or reviewing my CV. Instead, he wanted to understand who I was as a person. His approach convinced me that this was someone I wanted to work for.
And what has kept you at Deloitte ever since?
Above all, the people. I can be myself and work with people I respect and trust. On top of that, Deloitte gives you the opportunity to learn something new every day and come up with new ideas and projects together with colleagues.
Was there a period in your career that was particularly challenging?
Definitely the period when my children were young. Balancing a demanding career with family responsibilities was challenging not only from an organizational perspective but also mentally. Our work requires creativity, energy, and focus, and maintaining all of that was the hardest part at the time. At the same time, I have to say that Deloitte is, in my view, one of the best places to successfully combine these two worlds.
How have client expectations changed over the past 25 years?
The fundamentals have remained the same. Clients have always expected a personal approach, open communication, and genuine interest in their situation. If anything, these qualities are even more important today than they were in the past.
What has changed are expectations regarding outcomes. In the past, clients were often satisfied with a legal opinion and an interpretation of the law. Today, they want to know what specific steps they should take, what the market standard is, and what the best solution to their situation might be. They are not just looking for expert advice. They are looking for a partner who can help them find a way forward.
What makes Deloitte Legal different from traditional law firms?
We have a very open and informal culture. That is reflected not only in our internal relationships but also in the way we work with clients. We speak openly, build trust, and focus on finding solutions that genuinely work.
Does this also apply to tax disputes?
Absolutely. Success today is often about more than legal arguments alone. We need to understand the client’s commercial reality and be able to explain their story clearly and convincingly to judges. The combination of legal expertise, business understanding, and deep knowledge of the client is becoming increasingly important.
Clients today do not just want a legal opinion. They want to know what concrete steps to take and what the market standard is.
How many cases does your team handle?
Our tax litigation team works on approximately 600 proceedings each year. We are a team of around ten professionals and handle a wide range of matters, from smaller cases to court disputes that last several years. Today, we are the largest tax litigation team in the Czech market.
How long does it typically take to resolve a tax dispute?
Usually years rather than months. If a case proceeds all the way to court, it can take between two and five years to resolve. Long-running disputes are far from unusual in our field.
Is there a common stereotype about lawyers that you think is simply not true?
Probably the idea that lawyers spend their time looking for reasons why something cannot be done. In reality, our work is highly creative. Most of the time, we are not looking for obstacles. We are looking for ways to help our clients achieve their goals within the framework of the rules and regulations that exist.
How important are emotions in legal practice?
Empathy is extremely important. Of course, we need to maintain professionalism, but when you truly understand what a client is going through and appreciate their business reality, it helps not only the client relationship but often the outcome of the matter itself.
Where would you like to see Deloitte Legal in five or ten years?
I would like clients to see us not only as legal experts but as trusted advisors who understand their business and help them find solutions. I want us to be the people who help clients find a way forward, rather than the people who explain why something cannot be done. In my view, that is the direction in which high-quality advisory services are heading.
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