Wolf Theiss appoints ten new Counsel across its CEE/SEE offices

Vienna, Budapest, Bucharest, Ljubljana, Prague, 1 May 2025 – Wolf Theiss has promoted ten senior lawyers to the role of Counsel, strengthening its regional capabilities and reaffirming its focus on developing internal talent. The newly appointed Counsel are: Sorin Dumitru (Romania), Barbora Malimánková (Czech Republic), Michal Matouš (Czech Republic), Tanja Melber (Austria), Costin Șalaru (Romania), Gergely Szalóki (Hungary), Simon Tecco (Slovenia), Theresia Welser (Austria), Phillip Wrabetz (Austria) and Magdalena Ziembicka (Austria).

These promotions reflect the firm’s strategy of building a highly skilled, regionally integrated team to meet the legal and regulatory challenges facing clients across Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe. They underscore Wolf Theiss’ commitment to developing talent from within and fostering cross-border collaboration to deliver consistent, high-quality legal advice throughout the region.

Sorin Dumitru (Romania) focuses on civil litigation and public procurement, advising both economic operators and public authorities.

“I am proud to take on the role of Counsel at Wolf Theiss. I am excited about this next chapter and grateful for the support along the way.”

– Sorin Dumitru

Barbora Malimánková (Czech Republic) specialises in real estate and corporate law, with a strong track record in construction projects and cross-border transactions involving international developers.

“I am very grateful for this opportunity and excited to take on this new role. I look forward to what’s ahead.”

– Barbora Malimánková

Michal Matouš (Czech Republic) advises local and international clients on corporate, IP, data protection and employment matters.

“I am delighted to have been promoted to Counsel, a milestone that encourages me to continue challenging myself and growing professionally. I look forward to the journey ahead with Wolf Theiss.”

– Michal Matouš

Tanja Melber (Austria) advises on complex real estate, financing and corporate transactions, with a particular focus on the CEE region.

“I am honoured to be promoted to the role of Counsel and remain committed to delivering clear, practical legal advice that helps our clients confidently deal with complex matters.”

– Tanja Melber

Costin Șalaru (Romania) specialises in employment law, with a focus on litigation, redundancies, dismissals, restrictive covenants and discrimination claims.

“I am grateful for this recognition and proud to contribute to a team that supports excellence and trust in every aspect of our work.”

– Costin Șalaru

Gergely Szalóki (Hungary) focuses on banking and financial regulation, including capital markets, insurance and cross-border transactions in the financial sector.

“I am pleased to take on the role of Counsel and am grateful for the trust placed in me. I look forward to continuing to support our clients with high-quality, pragmatic advice across the region.”

– Gergely Szalóki

Simon Tecco (Slovenia) advises on civil litigation, employment law and cross-border internal investigations, drawing on a background in white-collar criminal defence.

“I am honoured by the promotion to Counsel. This milestone reflects the dedication, hard work and results achieved along the way. I look forward to embracing new challenges and continuing to grow in this next chapter of my career.”

– Simon Tecco

Theresia Welser (Austria) focuses on corporate litigation and liability matters, including D&O, auditor negligence and insurance disputes. She also advises on ESG issues such as greenwashing and the EU green bond standard.

“I am proud to take this new step and to continue to do what drives me – advocating for our clients in and out of court. At Wolf Theiss, I am surrounded by a team that brings energy, focus and genuine care to every case. We give it our all – because that is what our clients count on.”

– Theresia Welser

Phillip Wrabetz (Austria) advises on intellectual property, unfair competition and data protection, particularly in digital media, technology and life sciences. He also lectures at the University of Applied Sciences Vienna.

“Being promoted to Counsel at the firm where I began as an intern marks a significant professional milestone. It reflects years of dedication and growth, as well as the invaluable support and mentorship I have received throughout my journey.”

– Phillip Wrabetz

Magdalena Ziembicka (Austria) is an expert in employment law, advising on restructurings, international assignments and employee data protection. She also teaches at the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland.

“I am excited to step into this new chapter of my career. This milestone reflects both the continued support from my colleagues and mentors, as well as the hard work and commitment I have brought to my practice.”

– Magdalena Ziembicka

“We are pleased to announce the promotion of these valued colleagues to the role of Counsel. Their promotion reflects not only their individual achievements, but also the strength of our regional approach and our continued investment in talent that drives long-term value for our clients.”

– Sebastian Oberzaucher, Managing Partner, Wolf Theiss