INTERVIEW OF THE MONTH: ROKAS

WE STRIVE TO OFFER WELL-ROUNDED LEGAL SUPPORT THAT’S TAILORED TO THE NEEDS OF EACH CLIENT AND SECTOR

Mirjana Mladenovic Paripovic, Attorney at law in Rokas Belgrade 

"Over the past four decades, Rokas has built a strong international presence through a network of independent law firms and business consulting companies across Europe. This network enables us to support clients across multiple jurisdictions while remaining attuned to local legal and business environments. Our services cover a wide range of practice areas — from corporate and commercial law, dispute resolution, and energy law, to insurance and reinsurance, banking and finance, and intellectual property. Beyond legal services, through our affiliated partners, we also offer strategic business consulting, which is especially valuable in complex cross-border transactions and international projects."

During the last four decades, Rokas has developed an extensive international network of independent law firms and business consulting companies in Europe. Can you tell us more about your services and the international commercial presence?
Over the past four decades, Rokas has built a strong international presence through a network of independent law firms and business consulting companies across Europe. This network enables us to support clients across multiple jurisdictions while remaining attuned to local legal and business environments.
Our services cover a wide range of practice areas — from corporate and commercial law, dispute resolution, and energy law, to insurance and reinsurance, banking and finance, and intellectual property. Beyond legal services, through our affiliated partners, we also offer strategic business consulting, which is especially valuable in complex cross-border transactions and international projects.
At the core of what we do is the commitment to act as a reliable partner for our clients, helping them navigate both local and international challenges with confidence and clarity.

Rokas has a lot of experience working with Greek companies. What are the most common legal disputes that companies from Greece have in Serbia and the region?
Yes, that’s absolutely true. Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to work closely with many Greek companies operating in Serbia and across the region. In our experience, the most common legal disputes they face typically arise in areas such as commercial contracts, real estate, and cross-border enforcement of claims.
Disputes often involve issues related to contractual performance — for example, breaches of supply agreements or distribution contracts. Additionally, since many Greek companies have invested in real estate or construction projects in the region, legal challenges related to property rights, permits, or zoning can also be quite frequent.
Another important area is debt recovery and enforcement of foreign judgments or arbitral awards. Navigating local procedural rules in these cases can be complex, and that’s where having experienced legal support becomes crucial.
Overall, while the types of disputes may vary depending on the industry, what we consistently see is a need for clear legal strategy that bridges both local law and international business expectations.

You have been working in Rokas for already 10 years.  What do you consider to be the biggest challenges and success during this period?
Yes, it’s been a very rewarding journey over the past 10 years. Being part of Rokas has given me the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally, and I’m grateful for the trust and support I’ve received throughout the years.
One of the biggest challenges — but also one of the most interesting aspects of the job — has been working across different legal systems and cultures. Supporting clients who operate in multiple jurisdictions requires not only deep legal knowledge, but also a strong understanding of business practices and expectations that can vary significantly from country to country. Balancing those elements and finding solutions that work in practice has always been both a challenge and a motivator.
As for success, I would say that helping to strengthen and expand Rokas’ presence in the region, and building long-term relationships with clients, has been incredibly fulfilling. Seeing the results of our work — whether it’s a successful transaction, a resolved dispute, or a client returning for continued support — is always the most meaningful measure of success for me.
On a personal level, working at Rokas has also brought me many friendships that I truly value. I’m very grateful for the chance to work with such inspiring and supportive clients and colleagues, and for the connections I’ve made over the years.

What type of legal assistance is most commonly offered by Rokas and what would you highlight as your personal expertise?
At Rokas, we offer a broad range of legal services, with particular focus on corporate and commercial law, dispute resolution, employment related matters, real estate, energy, and regulatory matters. We support both local and international clients throughout the full scope of their business activities — from establishment and operations to compliance and complex legal disputes.
Our team brings together diverse expertise, allowing us to provide clients with comprehensive legal support across a wide range of sectors. While we are all experienced in various fields of law and often work across disciplines, our primary focus areas remain clearly defined.
My personal focus is on labor law and employment matters, advising both domestic and international clients on everything from compliance with local regulations to restructuring and employment-related disputes. Over the years, I’ve also been deeply involved in corporate and commercial matters, particularly in transactions and regulatory compliance, which has given me a well-rounded understanding of business law. Additionally, I provide legal support in immigration matters — especially in relation to work and residence permits for foreign nationals, which has become increasingly relevant in today’s globalized business environment.
Jelena Pejović specializes in commercial and corporate law, with extensive experience in structuring complex transactions, drafting and negotiating high-value agreements, and advising clients on corporate governance matters. Her deep understanding of both domestic and international business environments makes her a trusted advisor in cross-border transactions.
Suzana Pavlović focuses on real estate and energy law — two sectors that are not only heavily regulated but also critically important for economic development in the region. She regularly advises clients on regulatory compliance, project development, real estate acquisitions, and licensing procedures. Her ability to navigate the intersection of legal requirements and practical implementation is highly valued by clients involved in large-scale investment and infrastructure projects.
Together, we strive to offer well-rounded legal support that’s tailored to the needs of each client and sector.

Rokas is one of the founding members of our Association. What does the Association represent for you, and as an active member of the HBA, are you satisfied with its work?
We’re very proud to be one of the founding members of the Hellenic Business Association, and over the years, it has become a truly valuable platform for connecting Greek businesses operating in Serbia. For us, the Association represents not only a professional network, but also a community that fosters cooperation, mutual support, and knowledge exchange.
As an active member, I can say we’re genuinely satisfied with the work the Association is doing. It has played a key role in promoting the interests of its members, facilitating dialogue with institutions, and organizing events that bring real value — whether through business insights, regulatory updates, or simply by strengthening ties between members.
What I especially appreciate is the openness and engagement of the HBA — it’s a space where ideas can be shared, concerns can be voiced, and collaborations can be built. That kind of environment is essential for long-term success, especially in a dynamic and evolving market like Serbia.