When we talk about what makes a successful law firm, the conversation usually gravitates towards revenue, rankings and reputation. But according to Anna Dąbrowska, Corporate Partner at Wolf Theiss in Poland and Co-Chair of the IBA’s European Regional Forum (ERF), the real differentiator lies elsewhere: in the human experience behind the legal work.
Operating across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), a region experiencing significant growth in sectors such as technology, life sciences, energy and defence, Anna sees immense opportunity for independent firms. But she is clear that technical excellence alone is no longer enough. Culture, wellbeing and the quality of internal relationships are now fundamental drivers of sustainable success.
Wellbeing: From “nice to have” to business critical
For Anna, wellbeing is not a soft HR initiative, it is a strategic imperative. She references the IBA’s global study which described the state of lawyer wellbeing as a “clinical concern”, a stark reminder that chronic stress and burnout are systemic issues within the profession.
Her view is simple but powerful: when people feel supported, heard and psychologically safe, they perform better. Teams become more resilient. Work improves. Clients benefit. As she puts it, fostering communication and mutual support within firms enhances not only the experience of work, but also the quality of client service itself.
Through her work with the IBA ERF Mental Wellbeing Taskforce, Anna champions increased openness around mental health, addressing the stigma that still prevents many lawyers from speaking up. The challenge, she suggests, isn’t just structural – it’s cultural. Firms must create environments where vulnerability is not seen as weakness, but as a step towards strength.
Culture as competitive advantage: The Wolf Theiss approach
Wolf Theiss operates with 400 lawyers across 13 CEE countries, and its intentionally regional focus has become a defining strength. Anna highlights how the firm’s deep roots and collaborative culture make it particularly attractive to international partners seeking expertise that is both highly local and seamlessly coordinated across borders.
Rather than replicating a global mega-firm model, Wolf Theiss leans into its identity. Its lawyers are described as deeply grounded in their markets and highly collaborative across jurisdictions, offering what Anna calls “top quality seamless assistance” to clients navigating complex regional strategies.
In a world where clients want both technical excellence and cultural understanding, this blend of regional nuance and internal cohesion becomes a powerful differentiator.
The IBA as a gateway to meaningful global relationships
For independent law firms competing with international giants who benefit from built-in referral networks, Anna sees the IBA as a crucial platform for levelling the playing field.
Her advice is refreshingly honest: building international relationships takes time. It requires persistence, consistency and genuine connection. The most effective networks are not transactional; they are built on trust and often begin as friendships long before they become sources of work.
The European Regional Forum plays a pivotal role in this ecosystem, offering structured opportunities through its working groups on communication, diversity and inclusion, wellbeing, ESG and Next Gen Law. These spaces allow firms not only to demonstrate expertise, but also to connect over shared values and challenges – a crucial foundation for cross-border collaboration.
A new blueprint for independent firm success
Anna’s message is clear: the future belongs to independent firms that prioritise people as much as performance.
The firms that will thrive are those that:
- Invest in supportive, psychologically safe cultures
- Actively engage in global networks like the IBA
- Build relationships rooted in trust and shared purpose
- Champion wellbeing as a strategic asset, not a side initiative
In a competitive legal landscape, it is no longer enough to be technically excellent. The firms that lead with humanity, connection and culture are the ones shaping the next chapter of the profession.
This article is drawn from our thought leadership report, Navigating Global Growth.
To explore how your independent law firm can strengthen its relationships, international reputation, and internal culture: speak to our team about our global growth toolkit.
Interested in learning how to better harness the power of relationships? Get in touch with James Hayhurst to find out more about our new business development programme.
