From trainee to partner. Jan Fical from Portos represents clients in disputes worth hundreds of millions

He represented clients in disputes worth hundreds of millions, participated in strategic infrastructure projects, and after eight years became a partner at one of the most prestigious law firms in the Czech Republic. In an interview for Česká justice, Jan Fical from the Portos law firm describes his journey from trainee to partner, explains why large disputes are so demanding, and talks about the digitisation of the justice system and the use of artificial intelligence in legal practice.

When you joined AK Portos, did you expect to become a partner after eight years?

Definitely not. When I joined the firm in 2017 – then still called Císař, Češka, Smutný – I was more concerned about whether I would survive the probationary period. I dare say that I am a modest person, and even then I was aware that I was joining one of the most prestigious law firms, at least in the Czech Republic. So my ambition was to become a valuable member of the firm, learn from more experienced colleagues, develop professionally and, of course, advance my career if I had the opportunity.

However, reality objectively exceeded my expectations, thanks to the opportunities the firm provided me with. For me, this confirms that perseverance and diligence are the path to success, and those who persevere can achieve it. Even if it is not easy.

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