DLA Piper Gizinski Kycia sp.k.'s banking and finance practice is distinguished by its strength in real estate finance, project finance and structured finance. The team is highly active in development, acquisition, refinancing and restructuring financings involving office, retail, logistics and residential assets, including student housing and private rented sector projects. Mariusz Hyla sits at the head of the practice and is known for his expertise in real estate finance and asset finance matters. Katarzyna Wacławek is a highly regarded member of the team for her work in the renewable energy sector. Bartłomiej Palusiak is also a name to highlight.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘DLA team is a group of skilled, reasonable, knowledgeable lawyers. They are dedicated and responsive. They use new technology Legatics, Live Diligence, electronic forms of documents where possible. They have a lot of female lawyers and partners. Their billing is always transparent, in case there are overruns we are never surprised, there are heads up and justifications which make it easier to justify and accept. They are experts in real estate finance (PRS, student houses, retail, office, warehouse and malls) but they also have strong expertise in renewables incl rooftop pv combining their real estate and energy expertise (Kasia Waclawek is particularly good address for knowledge and experience in both sectors)’
- ‘Katarzyna Wacławek is an excellent finance lawyer and equally great project manager. She is always one step ahead, highly responsive, reasonable and smart. Having her on our side in negotiations means guaranteed legal comfort and good teamwork in a great atmosphere. Kasia is always hands on and knows all about the deal which we particularly appreciate as it is not common.’
- ‘The DLA team, led by Katarzyna Wacławek, effectively supports the bank in resolving the current transaction. Uses all available tools in collaboration. Otherwise, good communication with the validity and legitimacy of billing remains paramount.’
- ‘Good cooperation with Katarzyna Wacławek and the whole team. I appreciate the quick and professional communication.’
- ‘The banking team takes a hands-on approach and is composed of highly skilled and experienced lawyers.’
- ‘I have collaborated extensively with Katarzyna Jakubiak. She is deeply involved in the transactions she advises on, demonstrating a strong commitment to her clients and their objectives. The quality of her work is consistently outstanding, and she brings a high level of professionalism and expertise to every matter. Katarzyna is also an excellent negotiator, effectively representing her clients’ interests and securing favourable outcomes.’
- ‘The DLA team is a pleasure to work with. They are highly responsive and knowledgeable, with broad experience in multiple areas and legal practices and have provided valuable advice and insights throughout an extensive deal process with respect to complex multi-jurisdiction transactions. I will gladly recommend the team as the go-to point of contact for any client. ’
- ‘DLA's excellent team was led by Klaudia Lorent and Katarzyna Wacławek’
Key clients
- Aareal Bank AG
- Bank Polska Kasa Opieki S.A. (Bank Pekao S.A.)
- Santander Bank Polska S.A. / Santander Corporate & Investment Banking
- BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A.
- Powszechna Kasa Oszczędności Bank Polski S.A. (PKO BP S.A.)
- Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego
- Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
- Econergy Renewable Energy Limited
- ING Bank Śląski S.A.
- European Investment Bank
- European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
- Berlin Hyp AG
- Solas Capital AG
- Mota-Engil, SGPS S.A.
Work highlights
Advised an Asian sovereign wealth fund on the EUR 328 million refinancing of Galeria Katowicka and Gdański Business Center C and D by a syndicate of Asian banks.
Advised two institutional investors on a convertible mezzanine loan for the construction of a 52 MWp photovoltaic farm in Poland by one of the key international renewable energy developers, including its conversion into equity and subsequent senior debt financing by one of the largest Polish banks.
Advised EBRD on a EUR 100 million top-up corporate loan to Resi4Rent for the development of rental housing in major Polish cities, as part of the EBRD’s Resilience and Livelihoods Framework.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Mariusz Hyla
Other key lawyers
Bartłomiej Palusiak; Katarzyna Wacławek; Pawel Turek; Anna Jarczok; Klaudia Odolczyk