From 28 to 30 May 2026, PR Legal hosted the Legalink Academy 2026, an international programme designed for young lawyers from around the world within the Legalink global network of independent law firms.

This year’s edition brought together participants from numerous jurisdictions, including Germany, the United States, Portugal, France, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Italy, Malta, Sweden, Hungary, Malaysia, Brazil and Serbia, further confirming Belgrade’s position as an important hub for international legal exchange.

The programme was structured to combine professional development with the enhancement of practical skills, focusing on the evolving role of lawyers in public policy processes, corporate advisory work and client communication. Through interactive sessions and presentations, participants explored topics such as the role of lawyers in policy-making, creating value for corporate clients, and developing the communication and presentation skills that have become essential in modern legal practice.

Particularly well received were the sessions dedicated to public speaking, confidence and communication skills, as well as discussions on how lawyers can create greater value for clients by understanding their business objectives rather than focusing solely on legal frameworks. This approach is fully aligned with the perspective that PR Legal has consistently promoted through the Academy programme.

The Academy programme featured presentations and discussions covering various aspects of the contemporary legal profession. Participants had the opportunity to hear from Vladimir Tipsarević, Public Affairs Director at Novo Nordisk, who spoke about the role of lawyers in the law-making process and the relationship between client interests and public policy. Sonia Abraham, Chairperson of Legalink and Partner at Azman Davidson & Co., shared her professional experience and insights gained throughout her international legal career in her presentation, “My Journey as a Lawyer – Personal Experience & Insights”.

The session “Commanding Presence: Voice, Confidence & Communication for Lawyers” was led by Miloš Maksimović, television host and entrepreneur, while PR Legal partners Ivana Ružičić, Milan Petrović and Ivan Todorović presented “Beyond Legal Advice: How to Create Value for Corporate Clients”, discussing the importance of understanding clients’ business objectives and the lawyer’s role as a strategic adviser. The programme was further enriched by a conversation with Ivan Zeljković on creative communication and marketing strategies for law firms in today’s business environment.

An important part of the programme also consisted of informal activities, including speed networking sessions, organised dinners and opportunities to experience Belgrade through cultural and social events, further strengthening connections among participants.

Our firm previously wrote in detail about the Academy’s concept, programme objectives and speakers in a dedicated announcement article available here. A broader perspective on the significance of the Academy and PR Legal’s role within the international network was also presented in an interview with Managing Partner Ivana Ružičić for the Legalink network, where she emphasised that the Academy represents an opportunity to develop the next generation of legal professionals through a combination of technical expertise and practical skills.

By hosting this prestigious event, PR Legal once again reaffirmed its role as a proactive member of Legalink. We extend our gratitude to Legalink for its trust and partnership in co-organising the Academy, as well as to all participants who contributed to making Belgrade, for three days, a centre of international legal exchange, professional networking and shared learning.