An in-depth look at Aleksandra Jemc Merc of Jadek & Pensa, covering her career path, education, and top projects as a lawyer as well as a few insights about her as a manager at work and as a person outside the office.
Career:
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Jadek & Pensa; Senior Partner; 2023-present
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Jadek & Pensa; Managing Partner; 2021-present
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Jadek & Pensa; Head of the Advisory Unit; 2015-2022
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Jadek & Pensa; Partner; 2005-2023
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Jadek & Pensa; Associate; 2003-2005
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High Court of Ljubljana; Trainee; 2002-2003
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Jadek & Pensa; Junior Associate; 2000-2002
Education:
- Faculty of Law, University of Ljubljana; LL.B.; 2000
Favorites:
- Out-of-office activity: Family holidays – especially those rare moments when the boys are busy being kids but managing to keep their behavior in check!
- Quote: “Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.” – Napoleon Hill
- Book: Lessons in Chemistry
- Movie: Night on Earth
Top 5 Projects:
- Advising on the demerger of Lek and creation of Novartis Slovenian subsidiary during the global separation of Novartis and Sandoz;
- Advising on the enforcement of second medical use patents in Slovenia relating to Novartis’ top product in a factual and legal context where, at the time, the applicable provisions provided limited support for enforcement;
- Advising Lek on the defense against patent enforcement, which included various types of exemptions, such as Bolar and research exemptions, manufacturing waiver – important but rarely litigated provisions – focusing on early-stage generic product development and balancing patent protection with legitimate generic market entry;
- Advising Hella Saturnus relating to claims based on job-related inventions;
- Advising Poland-based INELO Group on its acquisition of CVS Mobile – a Slovenia-based leading specialist in telematics solutions for heavy transport.
CEELM: What would you say was the most challenging project you ever worked on and why?
Jemc Merc: The most challenging project I worked on was the global separation of Novartis and Sandoz – the largest project our firm has handled, as it involved a EUR 10 billion global manufacturing business with Slovenia in focus as a main manufacturing jurisdiction. The project had both local and international dimensions, requiring coordination across multiple jurisdictions and legal systems. We dealt with a unique mix of legal issues – balancing the regulatory demands of a large, well-established, and heavily regulated local company within a multinational group, while also addressing challenges typically faced by newly formed entities. The work involved numerous legal fields, including corporate, regulatory, employment, and competition law, and required intense collaboration with colleagues across practice areas and jurisdictions. The scale, legal complexity, and high visibility of the matter made it a true test.
CEELM: What was your main takeaway from it?
Jemc Merc: My main takeaway was the vital importance of attention and flexibility. The project grew far larger and more complex than initially expected, spanning wider areas and requiring constant adaptation. We took an active role in helping to set up frameworks to address further legal aspects, supporting comprehensive processes and unforeseen complications. Being able to follow the project as a whole, not just isolated tasks, was key to delivering consistent, high-quality guidance. The project showed me the value of staying agile in large, evolving matters.
CEELM: What is one thing clients likely don’t know about you?
Jemc Merc: My interest in the legal profession took hold early and grew naturally. Before it, I was connected to the pharmaceutical world through my mother, who was a pharmacist. As a child, I spent countless hours exploring pharmacy shelves, watching machines blending medicines, and listening to all the “pharma talk.” Although I chose a different path, that early exposure stayed with me, and I always felt drawn to the sector. This personal background shapes my passion for the industry today.
CEELM: Name one mentor who played a big role in your career and how they impacted you.
Jemc Merc: While never a formal mentor, Boris Kikelj (one of Slovenia’s pioneer entrepreneurs in the IT sector and co-founder of SRC – a major IT services player in Slovenia) had a profound influence on my professional growth. Incredibly wise, calm, and a man of total integrity, he balanced compassion with a straightforward approach that deeply resonated with me. His advice was always thoughtful, often humorous, and sometimes tough – but it consistently pushed me to think more broadly, sharpen my perspective, make clearer decisions, and trust my instincts. His guidance expanded my understanding of business and helped me approach challenges with a more well-rounded view. It also played a key role in developing my leadership skills, encouraging me to lead with confidence and clarity.
CEELM: What is the one piece of advice you’d give yourself fresh out of law school?
Jemc Merc: Believe that you belong in every room you enter – you are there for a reason. Quiet confidence and genuine curiosity will take you further than you can yet imagine.
This article was originally published in Issue 12.6 of the CEE Legal Matters Magazine. If you would like to receive a hard copy of the magazine, you can subscribe here.
