We educate, network and support the legal community in Slovakia.
The Law Institute is a civic association focused on strengthening the values of the legal community.
We want lawyers in our country to actively participate in and contribute to the development of civil society, strengthen it and help to consistently promote the rule of law, democracy and equality during their studies of law and when they enter the profession.
We educate, network and support the legal community in Slovakia.
The Law Institute is a civic association focused on strengthening the values of the legal community.
We want lawyers in our country to actively participate in and contribute to the development of civil society, strengthen it and help to consistently promote the rule of law, democracy and equality during their studies of law and when they enter the profession.
THE MAIN ACTIVITIES OF THE INSTITUTE
Education
- We educate young lawyers in the Academy of the Law Institute.
- We conduct expert discussions and other educational events for the professional public.
- We are planning further education, trainings, workshops, seminars, trainings for lawyers.
Networking and Cooperation
- We are an association of attorneys and advocates engaged in public interest law, human rights and the rule of law who provide pro bono legal services. We are dedicated to strategic litigation.
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- We work with organizations and individuals from public, non-profit and corporate environments.
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Working with the public
- We want to increase public trust in the legal profession through the organisation of debates, the creation of podcasts and the public appreciation of lawyers and legal practitioners.
Publication activity
- We plan to publish professional articles, books and conduct surveys.
Education
- We educate young lawyers in the Academy of the Law Institute.
- We conduct expert discussions and other educational events for the professional public.
- We are planning further education, trainings, workshops, seminars, trainings for lawyers.
Networking and Cooperation
- We are an association of attorneys and advocates engaged in public interest law, human rights and the rule of law who provide pro bono legal services. We are dedicated to strategic litigation.
-
- We work with organizations and individuals from public, non-profit and corporate environments.
-
-
Working with the public
- We want to increase public trust in the legal profession through the organisation of debates, the creation of podcasts and the public appreciation of lawyers and legal practitioners.
Publication activity
- We plan to publish professional articles, books and conduct surveys.
THE VALUES WE LIVE BY
HISTORY
“We stand on the foundations of the renowned law firm Krivak & Co with a twenty-year history.”
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Founding of the Law Institute
Martin Krivák started organizing discussions on the recodification of civil law and the commercial code. It enabled students and young lawyers to participate in various foreign conferences and various programs.
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Own premises
Premises on Klemensova Street were purchased, which are used for organizing discussions and small forms of debates on societal topics. The goal was to create a space that will be a workshop base and an inspiring place not only for young lawyers.
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Other activities
Martin Krivák became the administrator of the Slovak Advocacy Foundation, where he transformed his experience and activities within the framework of an informal association into meaningful activity. During several years of administration, the foundation supported projects, awarded awards and supported the socially disadvantaged.
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Cooperation with universities
We established cooperation with the University of Trnava and a year later the cooperation was signed. The law institute supported GESAP, a mock legal case competition in which students compete. A year later, cooperation with the Faculty of Law of the Comenius University was established.
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First activities and guests at Klemensova
The first event we organized in the new premises was a memorial meeting on November 17. We also hosted the Socrates Institute during its 10th anniversary celebration. Prince Karel Schwarzenberg introduced himself as the first guest of the discussion for the general public. Later we also hosted Zora and Martin Bútorov, Martin M. Šimečka and Lukáš Jeník.
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Established civic association
We formalized our activities in the form of a civil association on August 2, 2023. In it, we are dedicated to education, networking and support of the legal community and mediation of pro bono services.
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Founding of the Law Institute
Martin Krivák started organizing discussions on the recodification of civil law and the commercial code. It enabled students and young lawyers to participate in various foreign conferences and various programs.
-
Own premises
Premises on Klemensova Street were purchased, which are used for organizing discussions and small forms of debates on societal topics. The goal was to create a space that will be a workshop base and an inspiring place not only for young lawyers.
-
Other activities
Martin Krivák became the administrator of the Slovak Advocacy Foundation, where he transformed his experience and activities within the framework of an informal association into meaningful activity. During several years of administration, the foundation supported projects, awarded awards and supported the socially disadvantaged.
-
Cooperation with universities
We established cooperation with the University of Trnava and a year later the cooperation was signed. The law institute supported GESAP, a mock legal case competition in which students compete. A year later, cooperation with the Faculty of Law of the Comenius University was established.
-
First activities and guests at Klemensova
The first event we organized in the new premises was a memorial meeting on November 17. We also hosted the Socrates Institute during its 10th anniversary celebration. Prince Karel Schwarzenberg introduced himself as the first guest of the discussion for the general public. Later we also hosted Zora and Martin Bútorov, Martin M. Šimečka and Lukáš Jeník.
-
Established civic association
We formalized our activities in the form of a civil association on August 2, 2023. In it, we are dedicated to education, networking and support of the legal community and mediation of pro bono services.
CURRENT PROJECTS
We educate future lawyers in a year-long Academy to strengthen the legal community in terms of values and professionalism. The applicants are invited to apply for the first academic year until May 5, 2025.
In cooperation with the Bystriny civic association, we are preparing a Legal Hub, which will connect civic associations and initiatives with pro bono lawyers and legal practitioners.
Our ambition is to increase public trust in institutions and the legal profession and to strengthen democracy in Slovakia. That is why we organise discussions on current social issues.
We educate future lawyers in a year-long Academy to strengthen the legal community in terms of values and professionalism. The applicants are invited to apply for the first academic year until May 5, 2025.
In cooperation with the Bystriny civic association, we are preparing a Legal Hub, which will connect civic associations and initiatives with pro bono lawyers and legal practitioners.
Our ambition is to increase public trust in institutions and the legal profession and to strengthen democracy in Slovakia. That is why we organise discussions on current social issues.
OUR PREMISES
We are located in newly renovated premises at Klemensová 9 in Bratislava – Staré Mesto. These spaces will be available for rent for various discussions, private events and regular events from June 2025.
We are located in newly renovated premises at Klemensová 9 in Bratislava – Staré Mesto. These spaces will be available for rent for various discussions, private events and regular events from June 2025.
OUR TEAM
Martin Krivák
Executive Director
krivak@pravnyinstitut.sk
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A practicing attorney since 1996, he founded the law firm Krivak & Co. and has since held various roles in the legal profession. His international experience includes internships at Radcliffe College London, King’s College London, Cambridge, and the London School of Economics and Political Science, as well as lecturing on law in the Netherlands and the United States. He has advised the boards of major corporations, represented the state in strategic lawsuits, and currently works as an attorney, negotiator, and mediator. He is also the founder of the Law Institute.
Zuzana Zoláková
Program Consultant
zuzana@pravnyinstitut.sk
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Zuzana holds a degree in Political Science from the Faculty of Arts, Charles University in Prague, and a law degree from the Law Faculty of the University of Pavol Jozef Šafárik. During her studies, she organized discussions focusing on topics in medical law. After graduation, she continued her work as a lecturer for healthcare professionals, specializing in privacy, informed consent, confidentiality, and medical records management. During Slovakia’s presidency of the Council of the European Union, she worked in the public service at the Office for Personal Data Protection of the Slovak Republic, focusing on international relations and the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) after its entry into force. Data privacy and access to information have been her areas of expertise for over a decade, whether working as a lawyer or in-house counsel. She enjoys designing processes and making small changes with a big impact. In addition to these activities, she has volunteered with the Foundation Stop Corruption and mentors in the educational project Socratic Institute.
Jana Ďaďová
Program Coordinator
dadova@pravnyinstitut.sk, +421907739502
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Having completed her studies in International Relations at the University of Economics in Bratislava, which included research stays in Moscow, Warsaw, and Gdansk, she has since held various managerial positions within the civil society sector. Her experience spans working with seniors and young people with disabilities at the Barlička Association, supporting children and youth at the Plusko Association, and leading the Socrates Institute at the Živica Center for Environmental and Ethical Education for nearly seven years. She currently coordinates the core activities of the Law Institute.