In the latest edition of BBJ’s “The Most Influential Legal Executives in Hungary 2025” Zoltán Kozma, Head of Intellectual Property and Technology at DLA Piper Hungary shared his thoughts on the impact of the EU AI Act, and how AI and technology are shaping the future of law firms.
AI IS DISRUPTING THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT. HOW HAS YOUR FIRM BEEN ADAPTING TO THIS TRANSFORMATION TO HARNESS THE ADVANTAGES OF THE TECHNOLOGY?
At DLA Piper we have a comprehensive AI strategy. As part of this strategy, we have introduced several generative AI solutions and created a suite of applications, guidance, and governance frameworks to support our clients. We use AI specifically designed for legal tasks, as well as “general” AI applications, to improve efficiency and streamline workflows.
In our Budapest office, an AI working group brings together lawyers from different practice areas to oversee the integration of our AI tools into our daily work. The group develops best practices and contributes to the testing and refinement of AI solutions, while closely monitoring market innovations
and attending trainings on the technology behind AI.
Background
Zoltán Kozma heads the Intellectual Property and Technology (IPT) practice group at DLA Piper Hungary. Zoltán has over 20 years’ of experience of helping clients with technology, media and telecommunication matters. He is also focusing on intellectual property (trademarks and copyright law), as well as data protection. Outside his professional career, he enjoys working in his family orchard and spending time with his wife and two daughters.
HOW DOES THE WIDESPREAD USE OF DIGITALIZATION AND AI AFFECT YOUR HEADCOUNT AND REVENUES?
While digitalization and AI can increase productivity, we do not anticipate them to upend the legal profession in the next few years. We do expect, across the many businesses and services that major law firms offer, that a wide range of systems and solutions will be developed, individually eating into traditional ways of working and cumulatively bringing a bigger shift in the legal landscape. The routine, process-based, repetitive work will most likely be taken on by AI systems. This will challenge the different professional tiers and traditional hierarchy within the law firms, which will affect headcount and revenues as well.
WHAT IMPACT IS THE EU AI ACT GOING TO HAVE ON THE HUNGARIAN LEGAL LANDSCAPE AND THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS OF YOUR CLIENTELE?
The AI Act imposes various obligations on those developing and implementing AI Systems, accordingly, it will certainly
have an impact on the day-to-day operations of our clientele. These obligations differ depending on the risk category assigned to the AI System. In some cases, they may vary based on whether the organization or individual has developed the AI System and is considered a “Provider,” or whether they are simply using the system and are considered a “Deployer.” The AI Act also imposes certain transparency obligations on all AI Systems it regulates. For instance, in many circumstances the Act requires that AI Systems disclose to users that they are interacting with AI, while in other circumstances the creation of technical documentation is required. Our role will be to help clients implement governance frameworks, conduct risk assessments, and ensure their AI solutions align with the EU regulations. The Act will also shape contractual relationships, liability frameworks, and compliance obligations, making legal guidance crucial.
WHERE IS THE LEGAL MARKET HEADING? IS THERE MORE CONSOLIDATION ON THE HORIZON, OR DO INDEPENDENT BOUTIQUE FIRMS HAVE A CHANCE TO MAKE IT BIG WITH THE HELP OF CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY?
I believe both trends are shaping the legal market. Boutique firms, if they quickly adapt and leverage technology, now have
more opportunities in specialized practice areas. However, international law firms cover a broader range of practice areas and offer integrated services that closely align with the client needs.
HOW DO YOU RATE THE INCOMING TALENT POOL OF FRESH GRADUATES? MANY COMPLAIN IN GENERAL THAT THIS NEW GENERATION IS DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH.
It is undeniable that the new generation brings different expectations and skill sets to the workplace. It is important to realize that while we provide them with extensive experience and professional guidance, we also have the opportunity to learn from their fresh perspectives and quick adaptation to new technological solutions. Employers who are able to attract and retain the best and brightest of the next generation will also reap the rewards in terms of engagement, productivity, and overall employee satisfaction. We can say that we continue to see many hard-working and talented young lawyers joining our firm every year.
Source: BBJ – Top Executives | The Most Influential Legal Executives in Hungary 2025
Zoltán Kozma
Head of Intellectual Property and Technology
Zoltán Kozma
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