Kochanski & Partners | View firm profile
We know how to change the world for the better and inspire others to take action
There is a lot of talk about corporate responsibility these days. But how can we ensure that ESG is more than just a catchy slogan in a company’s strategy presentation, and instead becomes a pillar of its everyday operations?
The best way is to showcase and promote positive examples. This will make sustainable business a solid everyday practice — the sum of the small and big decisions we make as individuals, teams, and entire organisations.
The Responsible Business Forum effectively achieves this in its report, “Responsible Business in Poland. Good Practices 2024”. This year, three of our projects were included. This is a great honour for us and a clear signal that our work is important. It shows that we are doing the right thing.
Three important projects that can inspire others
I believe that, as members of the legal profession, we are obliged not only to be proficient in law, but also to work for the common good. Our role is to build a better reality and a better world. This is primarily achieved through wise and responsible actions and by setting an example for others to follow, says Piotr Kochański, Managing Partner.
When a small oak tree becomes a symbol of the future
The problem: Climate change is no longer just a theory. The Kampinos Forest has been suffering from a real drought for many years. Add to this the mindless mowing that destroys hundreds of young trees before they have a chance to grow, and the problem becomes very apparent. You could just shrug and watch this happen. But you can also take action.
Our solution: “Let’s plant the trees saved from the Kampinos Forest together”
Rather than standing by and doing nothing, we rolled up our sleeves and took action, saving several hundred small oak trees that were at risk of dying in the drought or being cut down by lawnmowers. Each tree was carefully dug up and secured.
Some were returned to the forest, while others were given to people who wanted to plant them in their gardens and look after them.
We provided everyone with instructions on how to care for the young trees, giving them the chance to grow into beautiful, mighty oaks.
Why is this important? Because we believe that the future of the planet depends on our actions here and now. That’s why we’re committed to offsetting our carbon footprint, supporting biodiversity, and demonstrating that even small gestures can have a huge impact when repeated.
When the cinema screen opens your eyes to human drama
The problem: The war in Ukraine continues, and those who have fled its horrors now live and work alongside us. Their drama, though so close, has become the backdrop to everyday life for many. It is easy to forget the injustice, poverty and fear they have experienced.
Our solution: “Atmospheric Film Evenings: Let’s Talk About Human Rights”
We wanted to create a space for reflection and empathy. To this end, we organise cycles of meetings during which we watch documentaries that tackle challenging subjects, such as the lives of refugees and the struggle for fundamental human rights. Open discussions are held after each screening.
This is not just a cinema. It is a place where:
- We give a voice to those who are not heard on a daily basis
- We build bridges of understanding and sensitivity
- We fulfil our commitment to building a world free from prejudice and inequality
Why is this important? Because without empathy, law is just a set of abstract rules. We cannot forget about the war raging right next to us; we cannot become indifferent to what is happening around us. We must understand the human context behind every problem. These meetings teach us to see the bigger picture.
Creating a space where women can spread their wings
The problem: For years, the worlds of business and law have been dominated by men. Although times are changing, women still encounter barriers along the way, both visible and those hidden in the culture. We know this because we listen carefully to what women have to say.
Our solution: Kochański & Partners Women’s Club
We have created a unique, safe space where women working at our law firm can socialise, find inspiration and support each other. It’s so much more than just coffee meetings.
- Mentoring programme: Experienced female leaders share their knowledge with younger colleagues to help them build their careers
- Competence development: We organise workshops and training courses that respond to the specific professional and personal needs of participants
- Integration and spending time together
- Real empowerment: We were the first Polish law firm to join the global Women’s Empowerment Principles initiative, committing ourselves to the systemic empowerment of women
Why is this important? Because we believe in the power of diversity. We know that teams in which women have an equal voice are more creative and innovative, and have a better understanding of the needs of a diverse world. By investing in women’s development, we are investing in a better future for our organisation as a whole and for our clients.
Responsibility is not an add-on. It is the foundation of our work
These are just three of the forty-plus projects we completed in the area of ESG last year. The quantity and quality of these projects are indicative of our commitment to sustainable business.
The same philosophy guides us in our daily work:
- Long-term thinking: Just as we plant trees for future generations, we develop strategies for our clients that ensure stable and sustainable growth
- Deep understanding: The empathy we cultivate enables us to better understand not only the business but also the human aspects of the issues facing our clients and business partners
- The power of diversity: By embracing diverse perspectives within the firm, we can offer more comprehensive and innovative legal solutions
We would like to thank the Responsible Business Forum for this significant recognition. It motivates us to do even more. We believe that businesses which take responsibility for the world around them are the only ones with a future.
You can download the full report here https://odpowiedzialnybiznes.pl/aktualno%C5%9Bci/957-sposobow-na-odpowiedzialnosc-raport-odpowiedzialny-biznes-w-polsce-dobre-praktyki-2024-juz-dostepny/