April 2025 – Kinstellar is delighted to announce that József Antal, a highly respected dispute resolution and arbitration expert, has joined the firm’s Budapest as Special Counsel. With over 25 years of experience, József is widely recognised for his expertise in arbitration, litigation, public procurement and commercial matters. His distinguished career in both private practice and in-house legal roles makes him a valuable addition as Kinstellar continues to grow its dispute resolution capabilities across the region.
József has built a distinguished career advising international and domestic clients in high-stake disputes. He spent 20 years at Baker & McKenzie Budapest, where he led the dispute resolution team as a Partner. Over the years, he has represented clients before Hungary’s key courts and arbitral bodies, including the Curia (Supreme Court of Hungary) and major international and domestic arbitration institutions. He also serves as an arbitrator at the Permanent Court of Arbitration attached to the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.. In addition to his private practice experience, József has held senior in-house roles, including Head of Legal and Lead Legal Counsel for multinational companies such as Metro Cash & Carry and Grundfos.
József has been consistently recognized for his legal acumen, with clients and peers praising his litigation strategy, negotiation skills, and technical expertise. He has been highlighted by Chambers Europe, where sources describe him as "a very good negotiator" and "a precise and conscientious lawyer". Another client noted: "József Antal receives exceptional praise for being flexible, competent, thorough, and outstandingly good at litigation strategy." (Chambers Europe).
With József’s arrival, Kinstellar further strengthens its position in dispute resolution, offering tailored, strategic, and practical legal solutions to clients across the region.
We welcome József to Kinstellar and look forward to his contributions in strengthening our dispute resolution practice. His depth of expertise will be instrumental in supporting our clients and enhancing our service offering.
Balázs Sepsey, Managing Partner of Kinstellar Budapest
We are delighted to have József join our team. His deep expertise in litigation and arbitration will be invaluable as we take on increasingly complex and high-profile matters. . With József on board, we further strengthen our capabilities, ensuring that we keep providing our clients with the highest level of quality.
Péter Vörös, Partner and head of the local dispute resolution service line
I am excited to join Kinstellar and contribute to its growing dispute resolution practice. I look forward to working with the talented team and supporting our clients in successfully navigating their complex legal challenges.
József Antal, new Special Counsel at Kinstellar Budapest