The white-collar crime, regulatory and compliance group at Clifford Chance in Warsaw is led by defence counsel Marcin Ciemiński, who is noted for his ‘deep and broad knowledge of the subject matter and true international experience’. The team advises across a wide range of white-collar criminal law matters, including conducting corporate investigations in Poland and in the CEE region (which is helped by the firm’s international footprint), advising on compliance issues and anti-corruption measures, defending corporate and individual clients in criminal proceedings, and representing companies which have been victims of criminal behaviour. Counsel Paweł Pogorzelski is strong in conducting domestic and cross-border investigations, and senior associate Monika Diehl is active in internal investigations and regulatory matters.
White-collar crime in Poland
Clifford Chance
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Paweł Pogorzelski; Monika Diehl; Michał Magdziak
Testimonials
‘They are very responsive.’
‘This is an experienced, high-quality team that is flexible, concrete, and reliable. They are trusted partners for us.’
‘You work with a team of people but you never feel that that you are alone in front of a big company. Approach is customised.’
‘What I appreciate most about Marcin Cieminski is his attitude and professionalism. He always has time to discuss matters and I’ve never felt that he is in a rush. He always provides the highest quality of service or discussion.’
‘Marcin Cieminski has deep and broad knowledge of the subject mater and true international experience, which means that he is able to liaise with both in-house players and non-Polish outside counsel without anything being “lost in translation.”’
CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang Posniak i Bejm sp.k.
CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang Posniak i Bejm sp.k. advises clients in the financial services, life sciences, energy, environment, construction and infrastructure sectors on a wide range of business-related criminal law. This includes both domestic and cross-border anti-bribery and corruption issues, anti-money laundering and connected criminal proceedings. The team also supports clients during forensic investigations, as well as on compliance and ethical issues. Arkadiusz Korzeniewski heads up the practice and is praised by clients as 'one of the top lawyers' in this field. He also leads the CEE corporate crime group. Senior associates Maciej Kópczyński and Mariusz Minkiewicz are also names to note.
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Testimonials
‘Approachable and professional partners. In depth knowledge and understanding of the business environment. Open and trustful cooperation.’
‘The practice is unique for its professional team and creative legal precedence and achievements. They always return with the right answer and solve problems.’
‘The first and most important thing is that the Team has wide extensive experience in specific matters, it creates comfort in discussions and improves the communication and collaboration.’
‘One of the first and one of the leading White-collar crime practices in the country. Agile and persistent.’
‘Arkadiusz Korzeniewski is always available, always ready, always insightful. Mariusz Minkiewicz is thorough and calm. Maciej Kopczynski is innovative.’
‘Arkadiusz Korzeniewski showed an extraordinary understanding of the subject, was flexible, accessible and the subject was taken care of.’
‘Our company cooperates with Arkadiusz Korzeniewski, and his high standards of personal culture, competences and approach to clients makes the cooperation effective and pleasant.’
‘Arkadiusz Korzeniewski is one of the top lawyers; he has expertise in legal knowledge and works with all his heart and spirit. He is special because he will not stop until he will achieve the goal.’
Linklaters
Linklaters' white-collar crime department has been developing its crisis management offering to assist clients in unexpected dawn raids, and its client roster primarily includes banks and investment funds. This is in addition to its already broad capabilities, which are aided by the team’s access to the firm’s global office network. Of particular note is the group’s advice to GetBack as the injured party regarding a criminal investigation into alleged fraudulent activities of former management board members. Tomasz Manicki is head of the white-collar crime team, and Cezary Wiśniewski leads the dispute resolution group in which Manicki’s team sits.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Very professional service. All lawyers show their client-friendly approach.’
‘Special praise should go to Mr. Tomasz Manicki, who with his knowledge, experience and professional approach to the client provides cooperation and service at the highest level. And what is most important, when dealing with the most difficult issues, you can trust Mr. Manicki anytime and with anything.’
Key clients
Polski Fundusz Rozwoju
GetBack
DNB Bank Polska
DNB Assets Holdco
Work highlights
- Representing Polski Fundusz Rozwoju in criminal investigations conducted by Regional Prosecutor’s Offices and Police Offices.
- Representing GetBack in a criminal investigation concerning alleged fraudulent activities of the former management board and dishonest counterparties dealing with the former management.
- Representing DNB Bank Polska in criminal and associated civil proceedings in connection with a large, multimillion-euro brokerage fraud case.
Raczkowski
Raczkowski handles both domestic and multi-jurisdictional white-collar crime matters, including criminal proceedings, complex internal investigations and enforcement. The team is led by ‘outstanding partner’ Janusz Tomczak, who has expertise in advising clients on fraud, corruption and money laundering investigations, as well as representing clients in criminal proceedings. Łukasz Kuczkowski is based in Poznan and is strong in employment-related internal investigations, while compliance specialist Damian Tokarczyk and Ewelina Rutkowska, who has experience in crisis management, are also core members of the team.
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Testimonials
‘What makes Raczkowski impressive to me is the great mix between young associates and senior partners, providing a flexible, efficient and top-quality service to the client. Their managing, translating and serving documentation to clients is also impressive.’
‘The team has a good scope of experience – practical not theoretical, good breadth of thinking, analysis from all points of view, ability to prioritise, flexibility and availability.’
‘Perfect approach to new clients. They clearly present potential risks.’
‘Janusz Tomczak has wide knowledge and huge experience, is open minded and ready for challenges and nothing is impossible.’
‘Damian Tokarczyk presents his thoughts in a perfect way before a court. His arguments are clear and convincing.’
‘Janusz Tomczack is the outstanding partner of the firm. He is present and much appreciated in all the most important legal international associations in the world. In managing clients, especially in cross-border matters, he always maintains a very calm approach, and he is able to explain and manage even the most delicate issue under pressure without losing balance. For sure, he is the point of reference for criminal law matters in Poland.’
Soltysinski Kawecki & Szlezak
The white-collar crime department at Soltysinski Kawecki & Szlezak handles defence matters and major investigations, covering corruption, fraud and tax fraud, actions to the detriment of companies and creditors, cybercrime, money laundering, and construction and labour law offences. The team is also adept in advising on mitigating and preventing criminal liability and implementing compliance systems and procedures. The practice benefits from the firm’s strong tax, competition, employment and IP departments, allowing a multi-disciplinary approach. Compliance expert Tomasz Konopka leads the practice and is active in representing clients before the Polish courts. Katarzyna Randzio-Sajkowska has substantial experience in handing internal investigations. Senior associate Michał Opala specialises in business crime and cybercrime.
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Testimonials
‘SK&S white collar crime team is the one to be trusted in both purely criminal matters and compliance issues. When approaching the matter they combine knowledge, experience and business approach. They are very capable in complex projects which they manage in a smooth and communicative way, able to present complicated issues in a clear and informative way, very supportive in decision-making process. They provide excellent service and confidence for the client.’
‘Katarzyna Randzio-Sajkowska has very good judgement and is proactive in addressing the needs of the client presenting practical solutions. Responsive and communicative.’
‘Michał Opala is a creative lawyer with a practical approach, someone to be watched in the coming years.’
Key clients
Microsoft Corporation
Work highlights
- Advising Microsoft Corporation in fighting cybercrime and cooperating with law enforcement authorities regarding cybersecurity.
Wardynski & Partners
Wardynski & Partners is active in internal and governmental investigations, representing clients in criminal trials predominantly regarding fraud, bribery, money laundering and bid rigging. Cyber incidents are also within the team’s capabilities (and a area of expertise for Jakub Barański), as is advice on criminal compliance. The group is also recognised for working with major domestic human rights NGOs on pro-bono cases. Litigator Łukasz Lasek leads the department, with support from Bartosz Troczyński, who handles internal investigations. Vice-chair of the human rights committee of the Polish Bar Council Artur Pietryka is also a name to note in criminal law matters, alongside economic crime specialist Jakub Znamierowski and compliance expert Maria Kozłowska.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Jakub Barański; Artur Pietryka; Jakub Znamierowski; Maria Kozłowska; Bartosz Troczyński; Aleksandra Połatyńska
Testimonials
‘The firm has real expertise and extensive experience. I was impressed by the responsiveness and rapidity of intervention. A multilingual team too.’
‘Wadrynski’s team won me over with their interdisciplinary approach to our business sector. Everyone seemed interested in what we do and were keen to find a solution. All of these together create a good chemistry and allow the client to open up.’
‘Wardynski helped us find a solution that would allow us to progress the social responsibility goals we have towards our customers and limit our risk exposure at the same time. All of this on a truly global scale. The recommendations we got are clear, logical and easy to use.’
‘I highly recommend Łukasz Lasek and his team.’
‘Jakub Barański has the holistic and laid back mindset necessary to work with clients from our industry. Focused on finding a pragmatic and practical solution to your problem.’
‘Maria Kozłowska is a great criminal law specialist focused on fulfilling client’s goals and keen to learn the specifics of the client’s business activities. She dealt with a complex matter for us and presented results that were easy to implement moving forward.’
Work highlights
- Representing a bank in regulatory enforcement proceedings before the Polish Financial Supervision Authority, part of global regulatory enforcement and a governmental investigation concerning alleged non-compliance with AML laws.
- Assisting a video games maker in legal actions in Poland and overseas aimed at mitigating the consequences of a data breach.
- Representing a number of foreign multinationals who fell victim to business email compromise cyber frauds and ransomware attacks.
B2R Law Jankowski Stroinski Zieba
In June 2020, Zieba & Partners and JS Legal Jankowski Stroiński I Partnerzy merged to form B2R Law Jankowski Stroinski Zieba. The team undertakes criminal litigation as well as cases involving political and human rights disputes. Co-founder, advocate and arbitrator Bartlomiej Jankowski is head of the practice, and has substantial experience in advising clients on all aspects of anti-corruption related issues, including FCPA matters. Counsel Anna Grochowska–Wasilewska handles criminal and compliance matters.
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Work highlights
- Represented an individual in a high-profile case concerning criminal proceedings brought against him on charges of spying.
- Representing a client as an aggrieved party in criminal proceedings regarding CIA “Black Sites” in Poland
- Representing an individual in criminal proceedings regarding alleged negligence in public service.
Dentons
The white-collar criminal law practice at Dentons sits within the litigation and arbitration department and assists clients in a range of business-related criminal proceedings before the Polish authorities regarding cybercrime, fraud, corruption and asset stripping. Other areas of focus include compliance, corporate liability issues, anti-money laundering matters and risk management. The practice is led by Anna Maria Pukszto, who is supported by senior associate Joanna Kornaszewska, who is notable for her expertise in criminal litigation.
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Testimonials
‘The team has very broad and long-term experience in white collar crime matters. Team includes a former judge whose experience adds another dimension, especially in respect of litigation strategy and planning. The team is part of a large litigation practice involving specialists in different areas which particularly helps in complex matters.’
‘Team members are very helpful, provide tailored, focused and business-oriented advice.’
Key clients
Echo Investment
Boehringer Ingelheim
Philips Medical Systems Nederland
FMC Agro
Prins Autogassystemen
White Star Real Estate
Creamfinance
Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa
PZU Finanse
Ardagh Glass
Work highlights
- Advised a global medical devices manufacturer in conducting a large-scale internal investigation into possible corrupt practices within the client’s local subsidiary, against the backdrop of US FCPA proceedings.
- Advised a global investment bank in conducting an internal review in connection with a criminal investigation into an acquisition in the Polish infrastructure sector.
- Represented an automotive-sector company in parallel criminal and civil litigation relating to fraud and asset stripping against a former local distributor.
DLA Piper Giziński Kycia sp.
Former prosecutor Tomasz Rudyk leads the corporate crime, investigations and compliance practice at DLA Piper; he specialises in fiscal cases, with extensive experience in internal investigations into violations of anti-bribery laws. More generally, the group is adept in handling compliance issues, anti-bribery matters, internal and external investigations and cybercrime cases, and also acts for clients in tax-criminal proceedings. Situated within the global firm, it is also equipped to advise on due diligence projects involving the FCPA and UKBA. Senior associate Dominika Wolf-Jezierska acts as a defence attorney and prosecutor, while senior associate Piotr Falarz focuses on investigations, compliance, anti-bribery and anti-corruption matters.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Dominika Wolf-Jezierska; Piotr Falarz; Magdalena Dec; Paweł Matej
Testimonials
‘Practical approach to complex legal issues and designing strategies to achieve the best possible result.’
‘DLA Piper (Poland) provides us tailor-made solutions in all aspects that we need them to.’
‘DLA Piper’s team helps their clients in criminal and compliance matters. The team is always up to date with the recent developments in law such us Whistleblowing Directive or changes to Polish criminal law.’
‘The lawyers, acting as defence attorneys, were very innovative and demonstrated outstanding experience concerning representation in the course of the criminal proceedings. They were committed to their work from the very beginning. In my opinion they are hard-working, open-minded and well-organized. I really appreciated their involvement and professionality. We’re cooperating since many years, but every single case and year brings us new challenges, easily manageable by the team of WCC DLA Piper Poland.’
‘Tomasz Rudyk, Partner of WCC team, has extensive experience in criminal and criminal-fiscal cases. Tomasz is a highly respected lawyer with more than 20 years on the market. He has comprehensive knowledge regarding criminal, criminal-fiscal law as well as compliance issues and he knows how to deal with unsolved cases. Dominika Wolf-Jezierska, Piotr Falarz and Magdalena Dec are also recognised specialists in terms of WCC cases on the Polish market.’
‘Tomasz Rudyk is a highly skilled lawyer with pragmatic approach and always dedicated to find best solutions to the arising problems during the trial. Dominika Wolf-Jezierska is very experienced in managing criminal cases and provides sound legal advice during the ongoing proceedings. She is always available, responsive and very devoted. I consider them as top specialists in this field of expertise. The great advantage of working with this team is their openness and communicativeness. They are both very honest in their opinions and advice.’
‘Tomasz Rudyk and Pawel Matej are highly professional and supportive partners.’
Domanski Zakrzewski Palinka
The white-collar crime practice at Domanski Zakrzewski Palinka acts for corporations, banks and government agencies, representing presidents of the boards and management teams in cases concerning criminal allegations, in addition to representation in tax crime cases and advising on the management of crisis situations. Practice head Hanna Gajewska-Kraczkowska has notable expertise in the criminal liability of business entities, penal fiscal cases, protection of personal rights and press law. Tax expert Artur Nowak and senior associate Rafał Karbowniczek are also key contacts.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Artur Nowak ; Rafał Karbowniczek
Testimonials
‘Highest level of client service, 24/7 contact, quick response for client’s needs and questions, proactive approach and real counselling that makes you feel comfortable with your case.’
‘Direct contact, proactive approach to solve the case and unlimited availability.’
‘An unconventional approach to the matter, 100% focus on success searching for all possible solutions to win court cases.’
‘Criminal law experience of Professor Hanna Gajewska-Kraczkowska coupled with business and tax law acumen of her colleagues (particularly Mr Artur Nowak).’
‘DZP is renowned for experienced leadership in white-collar crime matters; particularly that of Professor Hanna Gajewska-Kraczkowska.’
Work highlights
- Advised a government agency employee concerning an allegation of corruption.
- Advised a publishing house on its liability under the Tax Crimes Code for organising a lottery as a gambling service.
- Represented a public company specialising in financial services for the healthcare sector in criminal (pre-trial) proceedings.
Greenberg Traurig Nowakowska-Zimoch Wysokinski Sp. k
GREENBERG TRAURIG Nowakowska-Zimoch Wysokiński sp.k.s white-collar crime department sits within the firm’s global practice, and is equipped to handle criminal and regulatory matters as well as investigations. The team advises clients on local anti-corruption laws in addition to representing and defending foreign investors in criminal proceedings. Paweł Pietkeiwicz is head of the litigation and arbitration department, with support from key counsel Antoni Libiszowski.
Practice head(s):
Paweł Pietkiewicz
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent work in a transnational investigation involving three countries.’
‘Paweł Pietkiewicz is highly committed.’
Key clients
CEDC International sp. z o.o.
Assa Abbloy Mercor Doors sp. z o.o.
Work highlights
- Represented an individual in criminal proceedings in which he was detained and his home and law firm were searched by the prosecutor.
- Representing CEDC International in a court action to set aside and resist enforcement of the UNCITRAL arbitration award granted in a case concerning an M&A in the context of an alleged fraudulent carousel VAT scheme.
- Representing Assa Abbloy Mercor Doors in various civil and criminal proceedings against former employees of its subsidiary in Poland for acts of unfair competition.
Laszczuk & Partners
The business crime practice at Laszczuk & Partners is chaired by litigation expert Jan Rysiński. The team’s capabilities include advising both domestic and international clients on criminal proceedings regarding fraud, especially identity theft, as well as handling cases for the protection of rights infringed due to criminal offences to recover lost funds and assets. Criminal liability of board members and tax offences are also within the department’s capabilities. Justyna Szpara is another key contact.
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Work highlights
- Representing an American client active in the real estate industry in a USD 60m fraud case.
- Representing a Polish company active in the blockchain industry in criminal proceedings concerning an EUR 2.5-3.5m fraud.
- Counselling a German company in a USD 1.5m fraud case.
Rymarz Zdort
Rymarz Zdort Maruta‘s white-collar crime team acts for clients (both individuals and corporates) in all phases of litigation and investigations, acting on behalf of both the injured party and those charged with committing a criminal offence. The practice also benefits from the firm’s strong banking and finance, commercial, corporate and M&A departments, which it often collaborates with. Karina Aust-Niewiadomska and Krzysztof Sajchta jointly lead the practice, with support of senior associate Maria Szczepanska.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Maria Szczepanska
Testimonials
‘We established cooperation with the firm due to its reputation, experience and recommendations from other business entities. With the benefit of hindsight, I can say that choosing the customized services the firm offers was most definitely right and beneficial. In my opinion Rymarz Zdort Maruta team’s strengths are: knowledge, experience, the way they communicate with the client, their approach to problem solving, commitment, availability, in-depth analysis of every case and creating diverse possible scenarios of dealing with a given issue. The quality of services provided by the firm is of the highest level.’
‘They have a very hands on approach, they are very responsive, open to help and discuss with you every detail of the case any time.’
‘The team is highly specialized in multiple areas of law, hence offering clients a comprehensive, holistic approach to legal advice – including but not limited to criminal matters. Their expertise is not limited to white collar crime, but encompasses other areas of law, such as corporate law or corporate governance, relevant to the effective case management in criminal cases. All lawyers are emphatic and work well under pressure, which is of utmost importance from criminal clients’ standpoint. The team is also unique because of its mostly female composition, providing a fresh perspective and definitely standing out from the still male-dominated legal industry.’
‘Karina Aust-Niewiadomska is an experienced criminal lawyer. She is more than capable to find ways to solve even the most complex legal issues. Karina Aust-Niewiadomska has the ability to argue her cases in a most persuasive way. She is always open to differing legal arguments and thus able to effectively cooperate with any type of lawyer, as well as client. Therefore, she is able to build cross-firm teams, tailored to each case. She has exceptional managerial skills.’
‘Krzysztof Sajchta and Maria Szczepanska create a well-integrated team of professionals who work really hard, are very responsible and superb in finding innovative solutions. They were fully committed to every project they were working on for my company. Their knowledge is outstanding.’
‘Krzysztof Sajchta is experienced both in criminal and civil (commercial) litigation, which enables him to provide a wider – and invaluable – perspective on white collar cases.’
‘A senior associate to notice is Maria Szczepanska. She has out-of-the-box thinking, making her approach to handling legal problems unique. Often, her way of thinking enables her to efficiently tackle such obstacles which other lawyers consider insurmountable.’
‘Karina Aust Niewiadomska tells me about every detail of the case and keeps me up to date with every event. Maria Szczepanska keeps all the documents and events of the case in great order, is very responsive and explains every detail of the case when needed.’
Key clients
Eurolot S.A. in liquidation
Work highlights
- Representing Eurolot S.A. in liquidation as the injured party in court proceedings before the Regional Court in Warsaw, in which the former management board members of the company have been accused of acting to the detriment of the company.
- Representing Eurolot S.A. in liquidation as the injured party in court proceedings before the District Court for Warsaw-Śródmieście, in which the former president of the board of the company’s contractor has been accused of hindering the satisfaction of the company’s claims by removing assets that were at risk of being seized.
Kondracki Celej
Under the guidance of experienced litigator Marcin Kondracki, the team at Kondracki Celej offers an ever broadening range of criminal defence services to both private and corporate clients. Financial institutions, investment entities, real estate developers, industry associations and companies in the pharmaceutical, distribution, and construction sectors regularly instruct the group. June 2021 saw the firm strengthened further at senior associate level, with Kacper Oleksy joining from B2R Law Jankowski Stroinski Zieba.
Practice head(s):
Marcin Kondracki
Other key lawyers:
Adam Domański; Kacper Oleksy
Key clients
Marek Chrzanowski
Verdant Nature LLC branch in Poland
Teleskop sp. z o.o.
Work highlights
- Representating Marek Chrzanowski, a former president of the Polish Financial Supervision Authority, in criminal proceedings concerning alleged acceptance of private financial gain, in exchange for favourable treatment of one of the biggest banks on the Polish financial market.
- Representing Teleskop as an injured party in criminal proceedings against its former CEO, who is accused of mismanagement and abuse of trust.
- Providing ongoing compliance and regulatory advice to the Polish branch of Verdant Nature.
act BSWW legal & tax
The white-collar crime team at act BSWW legal & tax handles cases related to business transactions, including fiscal cases and criminal liability for workplace accidents. This incorporates providing advice to executives facing allegations of economic crime, such as corporate bribery. The department is jointly led by managing partner Piotr Wojnar and Piotr Pośnik. Senior associate Piotr Giżyński is also building a strong white-collar criminal law practice.
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Testimonials
‘act BSWW legal & tax is well-positioned to assist on complex matters related to criminal law. They have advised on numerous white-collar crime mandates, many of which were widely publicised.’
‘BSWW can boast of a large team of specialists in various areas of law. The BSWW team is characterised by great commitment, availability and professionalism.’
‘The team gives the client very wide business and industry knowledge.’
‘act BSWW legal & tax is a highly-skilled and experienced team advising on complex matters related to criminal law. The law firm provided us with comprehensive legal services, including development of a defence strategy.’
‘We cooperate with Piotr Pośnik in all matters. Piotr Posnik has extensive knowledge in the field of law, he is committed, available, he can listen to the client, and also criticise not the best ideas.’
‘Mr Piotr Posnik has excellent knowledge, experience and knows a variety of industry sectors.’
‘Piotr Pośnik is our trusted advisor. We have been working with him for years. We value him for impressive experience, energy and proactive approach. He always thinks ahead to be able to react in advance. He advises clients from many different sectors on high-profile criminal procedures and he has numerous successes in this field of law.’
‘I would like to recommend Piotr Pośnik. He is a seasoned professional, perfectly skilled in dispute resolution and white-collar crime cases. He stands out for his engagement and effectiveness. I value his solution-oriented approach.’
Work highlights
- Representing a client in a matter where criminal charges have been pressed against managers acting for and on behalf of a company from the energy sector.
Chmielniak Adwokaci
Boutique firm Chmielniak Adwokaci specialises in litigation, white-collar crime and regulatory and compliance matters and represents both individuals and entities. In particular, the team stands out for its advice to executive managers, such as members of management boards and directors. Founder and managing partner Łukasz Chmielniak in Katowice and managing partner Robert Gniezdzia in Warsaw co-lead the group; both have expertise in criminal and fiscal disputes.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘The Team is dedicated and focused on client’s needs. Achieving it by very careful listening, asking relevant tailor-made questions and being “present”.’
‘The team has extensive experience from their everyday support across Poland. They go everywhere to meet their clients: custody, prisons, prosecutor’s office, police, administrative bodies, courts. They are available everyday no matter if it’s weekday or weekend. I rely on their knowledge and experience for many years.’
‘Fees are accurate, and sourcing is accurate too. Chmielniak Adwokaci support not only in litigation and white-collar crime cases but also in ongoing corporate matters and public procurement. If we talk about white collar crime, they are excellent and trustworthy. Team is at the highest level of quality.’
‘Excellent team with huge experience and knowledge in dispute resolution and white-collar crime. I personally admire their passion to run such difficult and sensitive cases. They are full of ideas, very active in media, I can often see their comments and articles in press. Fees relevant to the budget and team’s engagement and availability 24/7.’
‘Robert Gniezdzia is a practitioner worth mentioning, very patient, friendly, makes difficult situations smoother. He advises on white collar crime and affiliated corporate and financial matters. Big experience from the previous positions at the banks (top management).’
‘Robert Gniezdzia is an extraordinary expert in his area. He acts pro-actively, transparently, very openly and honestly, listing risks. Robert has a unique ability to talk and explain complex law aspects in a very clear and logic way.’
‘Robert Gniezdzia and Łukasz Chmielniak are excellent and my first choice. I do not search for other law firms when they support me and my company. They are both very fluent in litigation matters and white-collar crime matters and offer full support every day, every time. They never leave me and my staff without response, are very proactive and initiate the ideas and brainstorms, then construct their trial strategy.’
‘Łukasz Chmielniak is a star and well-known to peers. He is an efficient defence lawyer, always ready to help. He tries to settle the case in pre-trial procedures or settlements if possible. In courts he is a lion. He is very confident about his strategy so I trust him too, and the effects are always spectacular.’
Crido Legal
Crido Legal is adept at defending clients in criminal matters, where it is active in corporate, criminal and fiscal-penal liability and regulatory enforcement matters through implementation of compliance procedures. Counsel Katarzyna Witkowska heads the practice, with a particular focus on real estate and capital markets. Sebastian Zieliński is also a name to note, with experience in white-collar criminal law and compliance.
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Testimonials
‘Very good knowledge, competence and engagement.’
‘Crido is able to provide comprehensive legal assistance in preparing complex compliance, tax and AML procedures. Crido assures in-depth and detailed analysis of entrusted issues and searches for tailor-made solutions that would be compliant not only in legal or tax aspects but also meet business expectations and rules of daily operation of the company.’
‘The individuals I work with demonstrate extended knowledge on white-collar crime issues and are able to prepare tailor-made preventing solutions and efficient compliance or AML procedures taking into account rules of daily operation of the company.’
‘The company’s lawyers have very impressive litigation experience. They are very thoughtful and conscious about the search and selection of evidence, as well as about the development of a strategy for judicial protection. The quality of the lawyers’ work fully justifies the price of the services.’
‘The team has good knowledge, commitment, and punctuality.’
‘I would like to mention the entire team of lawyers of the company with whom I have worked, specifically Katarzyna Witkowskal; she is a great professional in her field. I also have to note that she is very competent and tactful in communication.’
DeBenedetti Majewski Szczesniak Kancelaria Prawnicza Sp. K.
DeBenedetti Majewski Szczesniak Kancelaria Prawnicza Sp. K. advises domestic and foreign clients (both individuals and companies) on civil and business disputes before public administration bodies and courts, and law enforcement authorities and common courts. The practice is led by co-founder Jaroslaw Majewski and is supported by Janusz Strankowski, who was promoted to partner in 2020.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘DMS Law Firm’s team is distinguished by its full professionalism as well as innovative and unconventional approach to conducted cases. It is very committed to the client’s matters and effective in its actions.’
‘DMS have a very in-depth practical knowledge of the Polish judicial system and court proceedings. They are perfect at anticipating the dynamics and logic of a court case.’
‘A very experienced team with personal touch to the client.’
‘Good personal touch, knowledge and involvement.’
‘The team is led by prof. Jaroslaw Majewski – a criminal law professor and an active advocate with excellent practical knowledge of criminal law and procedure.’
‘Mr Majewski has Deep experience and legal skills.’
‘Professor Jaroslaw Majewski is distinguished by his professionalism and extensive legal knowledge, thanks to which legal services are provided at the highest level, with great attention to client’s interests.’
‘Professor Jaroslaw Majewski is by far one of the most prominent Polish lawyers specialising in criminal law, with a particular focus on white-collar crime.’
Key clients
Elliot Management Corporation
Vienna Insurance Group AG
Nationale Nederlanden Life Insurance
Nationale Nederlanden Pensions
Nationale Nederlanden Financial Services
Nationale Nederlanden Non-Life Insurance
Compensa Life Insurance
Compensa Non-Life Insurance
Ryszard Podkulski
Johnson & Johnson
Elliot Management Corporation
Work highlights
- Representing Ryszard Podkulski in a case concerning the alleged inflicting of damage to the company.
- Representing a financial institution from the insurance sector as an injured party in a procedure concerning the inflicting of damage to the company.
- Representing a private individual in a procedure concerning the alleged crime of managing the kidnapping of another person in relation to financial operations.
DWF Poland Jamka Sp.k
The white-collar and criminal compliance team at DWF Poland Jamka Sp.k is led by Maciej Antoniak, who is supported by senior associates Lukasz Gembis and Michał Szumbarsi. The group advises clients from the mining, construction, telecommunications, aviation and entertainment industries on crisis management and internal investigations, as well as representing companies acting as injured parties in criminal proceedings, implementing anti-corruption rules, and acting as defence counsel.
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Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘DWF’s whole team proves extremely available and flexible in providing their legal advice. I believe their ability to listen to the client, understand the need and the context and adapt the offer to the situation (even when urgent and complicated) is a key aspect of their practice which we appreciated very much. They are always very reactive and pragmatic, which is key in complex situations.’
‘We worked with Maciej Antoniak and appreciated very much their availability. His knowledge of the sector as well as his expertise and communication skills were very much appreciated.’
‘Professional approach to each case as well as great knowledge and experience.’
Key clients
Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa S.A.
Lubelski Węgiel Bogdanka S.A.
Orange Polska S.A.
Orlen Koltrans S.A.
STK S.A.
PZL Mielec Sp z o.o.
Xella Polska SP. z o.o.
Ocado Group
GEO Renewables S.A.
Dobra Energia dla Olsztyna Sp. z o.o.
Flugger A/S
Polskie LNG S.A.
Work highlights
- Representing Orange Polska in criminal proceedings related to contracts for development and operations of two fibre optic networks in Poland.
- Represented STK as a proxy of auxiliary prosecutors in a criminal court dispute regarding the collision of two trains.
- Represented PZL Mielec in criminal proceedings regarding potential irregularities in a public tender proceeding.
Kopec & Zaborowski
The criminal law team at Kopec & Zaborowski is jointly led by Maciej Gustaw Zaborowski, Michał Grodzki and Marcin Chodkowski, who assist clients in proceedings before courts, tribunals and public administration agencies, including in pre-trial negotiations and mediations. The practice handles a range of white-collar crime matters, including conducting investigative audits at companies to detect insider fraud. Its client roster consists of both large Polish private and state-owned companies and Polish entrepreneurs, journalists and politicians.
Practice head(s):
Maciej Gustaw Zaborowski ; Michał Grodzki; Marcin Chodkowski
Key clients
Czartoryscy Foundation
The PGE (Polish Energy Group) Capital Group
PKN ORLEN S.A.
RECMAN Sp. z o. o.
MLEKOVITA GROUP
Work highlights
- Advising The Czartoryscy Foundation as the agent of the injured party in the case of suspected sale to the state treasury, by the managers of the Foundation, of the collections of one of the oldest museums and the library in Poland, to the detriment of the Foundation.
- Advised a client who was accused of tax fraud, falsification of documents and money laundering.
- Acting for a client in a case concerning potential significant property damage.