We proudly announce that, thanks to our clients’ reviews, WKB law firm has been distinguished in the prestigious ranking by Chambers and Partners publisher ‘Chambers Europe 2020’. 11 of our teams have been recommended and 17 of our lawyers have been individually ranked.

Andrzej Wierciński has become one of the Statespeople in the Corporate/M&A category, the most experienced lawyers who have  greatly contributed to the development of the law market and specialisation. Four of our partners – Jerzy Baehr, Jakub Pokrzywniak, Jan Roliński and Aleksander Stawicki – have been deemed one of the best professionals on the market inside their specialisations (Band 1). Amongst the ranked individuals is also Agnieszka Wiercińska-Krużewska – for the first time in the TMT practice area (Band 4). Our congratulations also go to all the other ranked lawyers: Bartosz Turno (Band 2),  Sergiusz Urban (Band 2), Bartłomiej Jankowski (Band 3), Agnieszka Chwiałkowska (Band 4), Jakub Jędrzejak (Band 4), Tomasz Kwieciński (Band 4), Maciej Szambelańczyk (Band 4), Marcin Smolarek (Band 5) and Michał Kalicki (Associate to watch).

We are also glad that two teams – the Competition/Antitrust and Public Procurement – have been ranked among the best in Poland (Band 1). Moreover, in the 2020 edition, the Projects & Infrastructure practice has been promoted (Band 3), and the Employment practice (Recognised Practitioner) has also appeared in the ranking.

We have always considered our presence in Chambers Europe to be a remarkable distinction. Beside congratulating the teams individually, first and foremost we would like to thank our clients – for recommending us and for the trust they repose in us every day.

WKB has been recommended in the following practice areas by Chambers & Partners:

  • Competition/Antitrust: Band 1

They are open to clients’ needs and expectations. They have outstanding practical knowledge and broad experience.” One of the clients pointing out: “They perfectly know and understand the specifics of the operations of the Polish competition authorities as well as the European Commission. They know how and who to talk to and react quickly when the situation requires it.”

Ranked individuals: Aleksander Stawicki (Band 1) and Bartosz Turno (Band 2).

 Aleksander Stawicki is ” a brilliant lawyer, with a great understanding of antitrust law. He is very responsive and knows our industry and business,” a client says, while another praises his open-minded approach, adding: “He is very experienced and very nice to work with.”  One client points out that Bartosz Turno ” is experienced and focused on clients’ requirements.”

  • Public Procurement: Band 1

The team is valued by clients for its attentiveness, one casting it as “always on time and always perfectly prepared.” Another source deems it “creative, open to ideas, reliable and punctual.”

Ranked individuals: Jan Roliński (Band 1) and Agnieszka Chwiałkowska (Band 4).

Jan Roliński garners praise for his “very pragmatic” approach. Agnieszka Chwiałkowska`s drive as a lawyer is reputed among peers, one extolling her as “hard-working.”

  • Energy & Natural Resources: Band 2

Strong department, well known for handling regulatory issues, and assisting with both compliance and transactional matters, including investments and acquisitions. “They offer a more practical approach and they are very experienced.” 

Ranked individuals: Jerzy Baehr (Band 1) i Maciej Szambelańczyk (Band 4). 

Jerzy Baehr “is a senior lawyer with a lot of regulatory experience,” a source confirms.  Another client  says that  Maciej Szambelańczyk  knows the needs of the clients, and his knowledge of the market and its technical aspects is very strong,while another adds: “He is very efficient and practical, he is easy to work with.”

  • Environment: Band 2

Notable track record in assisting with the development of renewable energy projects, particularly wind farms.  Provides expert advice on matters ranging from waste management and gas emissions to soil quality and environmental liability.

Ranked individual: Sergiusz Urban (Band 2).

Sergiusz Urban  is noted for his knowledge of environmental law, including the related EU policies. Sources also highlight his academic background.

  • Dispute Resolution: Band 3

Clients recognise the team’s dedication: “Their commitment has been there without any questions. Their fast responses outside of standard office hours have been much appreciated,” an interviewee says, adding: “The team has worked very hard to deliver quick results.” Another client notes: The team is capable of working remotely in a clear and fast manner, which allowed me, on the one hand, to be fully informed and, on the other, to avoid unnecessary meetings.”

Ranked individuals: Bartłomiej Jankowski (Band 3) and Tomasz Kwieciński (Band 4).

Bartłomiej Jankowski`s considered style receives commendations from clients, one praising him for his “level-headed and commercial approach to the various legal options opening up along the way.”  One market commentator mentions Tomasz Kwieciński`s  “friendly, open attitude,” going on to call him “a gentleman worth recommending in cases which might cause tensions. He can manage relations between clients and lawyers.”

  • Restructuring/Insolvency: Band 3

Clients praise the team for its meticulous manner, one saying: “They always come prepared,” adding: “They are always ready to tell you what the risks are.” Another highlights the team’s “excellent communication skills.”

Ranked individual: Andrzej Wierciński (Band 3)

Andrzej Wierciński is reputed among market commentators for his abundant experience in restructuring issues, one describing him as “one of the first experts on bankruptcy law.”

  • Projects & Infrastructure: Band 3

The timeliness of the team’s counsel is rated by clients, one labelling it “fast working,” while another appreciates the team’s “respect for deadlines.”

  • Banking & Finance: Band 4  

The firm’s insurance standing attracts particular praise, with a client saying: “We can safely present their opinion in front of a regulator as an important argument,” and adding: “We are very happy with what they’re doing because they’re very open to our ideas and to finding solutions.” Clients also flag up the team’s innovative approach, dubbing it “open-minded and creative.”

Ranked individuals: Marcin Smolarek (Band 5) and Michał Kalicki (Asoociate to watch).

Marcin Smolarek is helpful in finding solutions to the clients’ problems,”  further specifying that “he was very diplomatic and really sound in settling and easing concerns.”
Michał Kalicki  is descibed by source as “very good in handling the client and managing expectations.”

  • Corporate/M&A: Band 4

The commercial awareness exhibited by the department is cited by an interviewee who says: “They understand the business and are capable of bringing solutions to complex issues quickly, effectively, whilst understanding clients’ needs.” Interviewees note the team’s ability to quickly adapt to the working style and requirements of its clients.

Ranked individuals: Andrzej Wierciński (Senior Statesperson) and Jakub Jędrzejak (Band 4). 

Andrzej Wierciński  is widely respected for his long-standing expertise in corporate law and M&A transactions. He is also noted for his academic work.   Jakub Jędrzejak is well practised in high-stakes, cross-border M&A transactions, for clients as wide-ranging as e-payment providers and manufacturers. “He’s always responsive and combines the knowledge with a business-oriented approach,” a client says, while another source describes him as “technical and devoted.”

  • Private equity: Band 4

A client cites the team’s “deep knowledge of how private equity transactions are performed and concluded.” Others appreciate the team for its adaptability, one calling it “very flexible, very open and able to adjust to a changing environment during the transaction.”

Ranked individual: Jakub Jędrzejak (Up and coming)

His tact as a lawyer is emphasised by clients, one acknowledging him for being able to manage the entire transaction in very efficient way, with clear communication and proactive advice.”

  • Employment: Recognised Practitioner

 

Morover, individual recommendations have also received:

Jakub Pokrzywniak is one of the best insurance practitioners in Poland. Sources note his strong academic background and client-focused approach.

Agnieszka Wiercińska-Krużewska is a TMT practitioner, assisting with mandates spanning e-commerce and cryptocurrencies to media regulatory compliance. She advises governmental bodies as well as international companies.

 

Detailed results are available on Chambers’ website.