Why DZP?

DZP recognised in Legal 500 international ranking of law firms

A new edition of the Legal 500 EMEA publication and ranking has just been published. We are pleased to inform you that our law firm and experts were recognised again.

Below we present information about the recommended teams along with the publisher's commentary and opinions of the surveyed clients. The criteria for the assessment of lawyers and individual teams were primarily: experience and completed projects, as well as customer relations, whose opinion is one of the most important factors.

Tier 1

Dispute Resolution

Leading Individuals: Paweł Lewandowski

Clients praise lawyers at Domanski Zakrzewski Palinka for their 'comprehensive approach to disputes', with a practice encompassing contentious matters arising from the construction and infrastructure sector, TMT, trade, finance and real estate. The team also has significant investment arbitration experience, appearing before tribunals in Zurich, Brussels and Paris, as well as in domestic proceedings. The department is jointly led by Józef Palinka, who is active in construction and banking disputes; and litigator Paweł Lewandowski. Paweł Paradowski has a varied practice that includes business disputes, white-collar criminal defence and contentious company law issues.

Other key lawyers: Paweł Paradowski; Łukasz Wojdalski; Maciej Orkusz; Krzysztof Stecyk; Rafał Karbowniczek

Testimonials

‘Solid litigators. Comprehensive approach to disputes.’

Energy & natural resources

Hall of Fame: Rafał Hajduk; Leading Individuals: Paweł Grzejszczak

The energy and infrastructure department at Domanski Zakrzewski Palinka is led by Rafał Hajduk. The group assists with greenfield power projects, regulatory and contractual advice, EU regulatory compliance and state aid. In addition, it also has expertise in the CO2 market, particularly in relation to emissions trading allowances. Paweł Grzejszczak, a specialist in energy law and company restructuring, is another key name to note.

Testimonials

‘Very good practice in the field of energy, exceptional experience and knowledge in this very expertise practice, knowledge of all legal aspects and properly adapting it to client’s needs.’

‘The partner managing the practice has outstanding experience and a good business approach.’

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Leading Individuals: Michał Czarnuch, Tomasz Kaczyński; Next Generation Partners: Marcin Pieklak

Domanski Zakrzewski Palinka's life sciences practice is praised by clients for its 'great knowledge in pharmaceutical law and the market situation' and its proactive approach to the client'. The group provides a full service to life sciences sector clients, often acting in an in-house counsel role. The team is noted for providing strategic advice on M&A transactions, compliance projects and issues involving research and development; as well as regulatory assistance. Department head Michał Czarnuch is known for his expertise in healthcare services, including financing, formation and restructuring, as well as issues pertaining to telemedicine. Tomasz Kaczyński is a pharmaceutical law specialist, often handling product registrations and reimbursement, as does Marcin Pieklak, who was promoted to partner in July 2020. Anna Partyka-Opiela advises pharmaceutical companies on compliance.

Other key lawyers: Anna Partyka-Opiela

Testimonials

‘Extremely deep knowledge about market practice, authorities’ approach and the regulator’s attitude.’

‘Readiness to work under challenging time frames and pressure. Practical, creative approach that helps to solve a problem and meet business goals.’

‘Long-term cooperation, knows my company, knows our business environment.’

‘Very practical advice, short reaction time, always ready for discussion with short notice. Great knowledge in pharmaceutical law and the market situation. I recommend them for for life sciences-related expert advice.’

‘A very high level of experience in the pharma industry, people dedicated only to this part of the market, proactive approach to the client; flexible service that responds to the current demand, resulting from increasing the audit activity of Polish Supervision Authorities.’

Private Client

At Domanski Zakrzewski Palinka, the team advises private clients, their families and the companies they control on all aspects of their legal and tax issues, including in relation to family trust funds. The group has extensive experience advising on family businesses, and has recently been particularly active in relation to succession issues. Heading the team are Poznań-based company law and M&A specialist Piotr Andrzejczak; Warsaw-based tax adviser Joanna Wierzejska; and, also in Warsaw, Marek Świątkowski who specialises in M&A, commercial contracts and insolvency issues.

Other key lawyers: Grzegorz Sprawka; Jakub Wieszczeczyński; Damian Szczygielski

Public Procurement

Leading individuals: Katarzyna Kuźma; Rising Stars: Michał Wojciechowski

The team at Domanski Zakrzewski Palinka, which is led by Warsaw-based partners Katarzyna Kuźma and Marcin Krakowiak, has expertise in Polish and European law as it relates to public procurement. It regularly works with foreign contractors bidding for domestic projects and handles both contentious and non-contentious issues. Other clients include government ministries, state-owned companies (Gaz-System) and construction firms (Astaldi, Budimex). The firm is also a founding member of the Public Procurement Law Association, a body that promotes professional ethics and EU standards. Senior associate Michał Wojciechowski provides additional support.

Testimonials

‘What makes DZP unique is that they think about our needs first, not theirs ’

‘I work with Michal Wojciechowski on a day-to-day basis – he understands our business needs, knows the sector well and his advice is always on point (and on time!). I especially value that he always has the bigger picture in mind, thanks to which he gives us good, reliable business advice and helps us avoid risks. Michal supervises the legal services provided to us by DZP. Another individual worth mentioning in Katarzyna Kuzma, who is very business oriented.’

‘Readiness to go beyond the limits of legal advice, ability to judge on the full picture and built a strategy correspondingly’

‘Very practice-oriented, able to explain complicated matters in easy words.’

‘The DZP team has solved successfully for us different issues in Public Procurements. The team was really engaged from the very beginning, looking for different solutions to the different issues.’

‘The individuals were well prepared, with a wide knowledge and with answers to our questions without doubts, showing that they really have the knowledge.’

Tier 2

Construction

Leading Individuals: Tomasz Darowski

The construction team at Domanski Zakrzewski Palinka advises clients on all aspects of the investment process. Specifically, it assists with EPC contracts (including those based on FIDIC standards), design work , project architect supervision and agreements with utilities suppliers. In addition, issues arising from subcontracting and PPPs are handled by a team praised for its 'extensive knowledge' of relevant legislation. Notably, the client portfolio includes substantive players in the transport, energy and sporting sectors. Key names include team leads Tomasz Darowski and Marcin Krakowiak and senior associate Michal Przychoda, who is an 'expert in public private - partnerships'.

Other key lawyers: Michał Przychoda

Testimonials

‘High commitment, excellent communication, propose solutions perfectly tailored to client.’

‘We find their services helpful and efficient due to on-time and accurate responses. The lawyers with whom we cooperate have at their disposal extensive knowledge on the subject. ’

‘Mr Michal Przychoda is an expert in public private – partnerships. His experience and knowledge addresses public sector clients to a great extent. Mr Tomasz Darowski’s commitment as a partner and his personal availability to serve the client is also well perceived.’

Employment

Next Generation Partners: Agata Mierzwa

At Domanski Zakrzewski Palinka, labour and employment issues are led by industrial relations expert Boguslaw Kaplon. Combining expertise in social security, tax, unfair competition and criminal law, the team covers a broad range of work. In particular, it advises on collective work agreements, restructurings, site regulations, retirement schemes and financial issues such as stock option plans. The team also has expertise in safety matters as well as issues surrounding discrimination and the complexities of business immigration. Social security specialist Agata Mierzwa is another key name to note.

Testimonials

‘Fast, accurate, practical and business-oriented advice. Good understanding of the client’s needs and business.’

‘Agata Mierzwa – professional lawyer with a good understanding of local markets.’

Restructuring & Insolvency

Domanski Zakrzewski Palinka's team includes licensed restructuring advisers and regularly handles in- and out-of-court restructuring projects and insolvency proceedings for debtors, creditors and investors in distressed assets. Additional areas of expertise include employment restructuring and state aid issues, as well as the representation of board members in criminal, civil and tax proceedings. The group is jointly led by Bartosz Marcinkowski and Marek Świątkowski, both of whom are specialists in corporate restructurings for domestic and international capital groups. Licensed restructuring adviser and senior associate Michał Cecerko focuses on debt restructurings and bankruptcy issues.

Other key lawyers: Michał Cecerko

Testimonials

‘Good organizational and project management skills, an well as in-depth market knowledge.’

‘Michal Cecerko is outstanding for his deep knowledge of sectors where he specializes and cooperates with us.’

Tax

Leading Individuals: Artur Nowak

Domanski Zakrzewski Palinka's tax department is active in the tax aspects of transactions, tax advisory work and in tax proceedings and inspections. The group is known for its experience in restructuring and tax optimisation issues, where it acts for an impressive client base of domestic and international corporates. On the contentious side, the group is particularly strong for cases involving the fiscal criminal liability of management board members. Co-leading the team are transactional tax specialist Joanna Wierzejska and Artur Nowak, who focuses on tax audits and disputes, and handles the white-collar criminal defence work. Senior tax managers Grzegorz Sprawka and Jan Czerwiński are instructed on direct and indirect tax advisory matters, respectively.

Other key lawyers: Grzegorz Sprawka; Jan Czerwiński; Tomasz Leszczewski

Testimonials

‘Very good understanding of problems, trying to find optimal solution, comprehensive approach, multidimensional perspective, staff really devoted to support.’

‘Out of the box thinking. I’m cooperating with the tax litigation team and they are able to come out with ideas which are very untypical and quite often successful.’

White-Collar Crime

Leading Individuals: Hanna Gajewska-Kraczkowska

At Domanski Zakrzewski Palinka, the 'top-notch' white-collar criminal defence team is regularly instructed on matters of economic and financial fraud, corruption and conflict issues involving public officials, money laundering and cybercrime. The group is highly experienced in crisis situations, with the ability to deploy crisis management services. Department head Hanna Gajewska-Kraczkowska supplements her expertise in criminal business law with knowledge of press and human rights law. Artur Nowak's tax background places him in a good position to assist with fiscal criminal cases.

Other key lawyers: Artur Nowak, Rafał Karbowniczek

Testimonials

‘Very experienced and pragmatic team. Excellent cooperation and solution approach.’

‘All team members are at a top-notch level.’

‘Rafał Karbowniczek is client oriented, very experienced white-collar crime lawyer with huge know-how.’

‘The DZP team is well established in business criminal law, with particular strength in corruption issues, cyber crime and criminal proceedings. It regularly represents clients in local investigations and assist senior management in criminal matters.’

‘Rafal Karbowniczek is a confident, trustworthy advocate, 100% dedicated to clients needs and expectations’

Tier 3

Banking & Finance

Rising Star: Tomasz Kalicki

Domanski Zakrzewski Palinka's financial and capital markets team is most noted for its expertise in securitisations. On the transactional side, the group advises financial institutions on debt financing and restructurings, project finance, equity financing, financial restructuring of capital groups and financial asset acquisitions. The group is also well-versed in financial regulations. Leading the team is Magdalena Skowronska, whose regulatory expertise lends itself to financial institutional M&A. Senior associate Tomasz Kalicki is a securities expert.

Other key lawyers: Andrzej Foltyn

Commercial, corporate and M&A

Domanski Zakrzewski Palinka's team is praised for its 'versatility, availability and commitment', handling transactions including leveraged buyouts, management takeovers, joint ventures, reorganisations and restructurings. The group is led by 'well-connected' Krzysztof Zakrzewski, who is instructed by local and international corporates on investment and acquisition projects on the public and private markets. Marek Świątkowski is recommended for his foreign investment experience, while Piotr Andrzejczak is noted for his work for Polish entrepreneurs.

Other key lawyers: Marek Świątkowski; Piotr Andrzejczak; Bartosz Marcinkowski; Robert Niczyporuk; Przemysław Furmaga; Paweł Pioruński

Testimonials

‘One of the largest and best-experienced multi-practice local teams well connected to legal firms around the globe ’

‘Krzysztof Zakrzewski, very well connected, one of the most experienced M&A lawyers in Poland. Marek Świątkowski, also very experienced, technically strong lawyer with very good negotiation skills’

‘Versatility, availability, commitment, peace of mind, professionalism, patience, ability to explain, finding solutions, listening to expectations.’

‘Knowledgeable, attentive and commercial’

‘Excellent availability. Friendly and personal touch. ’

‘They have experts for all relevant areas, have a proactive approach and able to think strategically’

Data privacy and Data protection

Leading Individuals: Bartosz Marcinkowski

Domanski Zakrzewski Palinka has a well-established data protection group that has substantial experience in GDPR implementation projects and compliance matters. The team is led by Bartosz Marcinkowski, who has an academic background in data protection law and a strong client roster of Polish and international corporates. Based in Wrocław, Michał Kluska advises businesses on the design and implementation of online sales channels and represents clients in contentious data protection matters.

Insurance

Leading individuals: Julita Zimoch – Tuchołka; Rising Stars: Joanna Schubel

Domanski Zakrzewski Palinka's 'strong' insurance team is oriented towards policyholders, with a notable focus on construction companies, which it advises on policies, coverage issues and litigation. Claimant-side contentious expertise includes D&O insurance, product liability and property insurance claims. The department is led by Julita Zimoch-Tuchołka who together with senior associate Joanna Schubel is praised for being 'responsive and giving clear, commercial advice in the specialist product recall and liability field.'

Testimonials

‘International in outlook; understand the insurance market; good value for money.’

‘Pro-customer attitude, openness to comments, high professionalism.’

‘All legal issues in our company are dealt with professionally.’

‘Strong insurance firm, very quickly and very responsive. Good knowledge of the English and German language.’

‘I have worked with Julita Zimoch-Tulcholka, ably assisted by Joanna Schubel. They are responsive and give clear, commercial advice in the specialist product recall and liability field. They also speak excellent English and inspire trust and confidence.’

IP

Led by enforcement and litigation specialist Aleksandra Auleytner, the IP team at Domanski Zakrzewski Palinka is known for its expertise in copyrights (especially in relation to architectural works), computer programs, and in the film and music industries. The group also advises on patents, trade marks and industrial designs. It is a popular choice for clients in the media and telecoms sectors, regularly advising on personal property protection, e-commerce projects, new technologies and internet law.

TMT

Domanski Zakrzewski Palinka's TMT offering is led by telecoms expert Aleksandra Auleytner. The group is best known for its advice on media law, and is particularly active in the areas of publishing, radio and TV, while assistance with game development issues is another sweet spot. The group also advises on advertising, contract negotiations, the drafting of T&Cs and assistance with marketing schemes.

Testimonials

‘What distinguishes the Law Firm is professional staff, trouble-free contact and high personal culture. During my cooperation so far, I could always count on the help and support of the lawyers from the Law Firm.’

‘’It should also be noted that the specialists we work with are people with high personal culture and are the best specialists in their profession on the market.’

Other

Real Estate

Leading individuals: Wojciech Koczara

Please visit The Legal 500 website for details of the Legal 500 EMEA recommendations.

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