A White & Case legacy team has joined corporate boutique Hillbridges in Bratislava from the independent firm formed from the US firm’s spun out Slovakian office. 

Former White & Case partner Zoran Draškovič and counsel Peter Hodál have joined Hillbridges as partners from Aldertree, which was launched as an independent firm in March following White & Case’s decision to part ways with its Bratislava office 

Moving across with them are managing associates Barbora Malík and Lukáš Královič and associate Alex Medek 

Hillbridges said the new arrivals would boost its corporate/M&A, litigation, energy, infrastructure and real estate offerings. The firm was itself launched back in 2008 by a group of ex-Linklaters counsel and associates shortly before the magic circle firm’s CEE offices relaunched as regional powerhouse Kinstellar. 

Hillbridges said the new arrivals’ track records and recognition would help it to consolidate its position in the local market.

‘By combining the experience of the two teams, with all partners originating from Linklaters or White & Case, we are creating not only a very attractive proposition for clients but a strong team which shares common culture and values,’ the firm said. 

Draškovič is a corporate lawyer and brings particular expertise in M&A and the energy to his new firm as well as experience in infrastructure, real estate, finance and regulatory matters. He was at White & Case for 13 years, including three as a partner, and spent four years at Linklaters before that. 

Hodál's practice focuses on experience in litigation, public procurement, project finance, construction law, EU law and administrative law. He represents clients in commercial and administrative disputes, both before Slovak and EU courts, as well as in white collar and cartel investigations. He joined White & Case in 2008 and was a partner at Aldertree. 

Meantime, Malík brings experience in domestic and cross-border mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures, while Královič’s practice focuses on litigation and energy and Medek’s on real estate and construction. 

The team’s arrival brings Hillbridges’ partner count to seven alongside a wider team of 14 associates. The firm is ranked by legal directory Chambers and Partners for its corporate/M&A offering in Slovakia and the team has a strong track record of handling cross-border transactions for international clients as well as general corporate matters for large domestic clients. 

Aldertree is led by White & Case’s former Bratislava executive partner, Juraj Fuska, and works closely with the New York firm under what was described as an exclusive alliance. Following the team’s departure for Hillbridges it will have three partners and a further five counsel and associates, according to its website. 

Aldertree did not immediately respond to a request for comment.