Chambers Europe: 24 experts in 15 specialisations

An expanded, i.e. European, part of the Chambers and Partners ranking has just been published. The Europe Guide is a supplement to the Global Guide results published in March and also distinguishes DZP and its experts again.

We are recommended in the following categories:

BAND 1

• Life sciences - Marcin Matczak (1), Michał Czarnuch (2) and Tomasz Kaczyński ("Up and Coming")
  [Sizeable practice group with a strong reputation for advising on a broad range of pharmaceutical and biotechnology matters. Boasts notable strength in the areas of clinical trials, the advertising and distribution of medicinal products and IP-related questions. Prominent domestic and international pharmaceutical companies feature in the department's client list.
  Clients are deeply impressed by the firm's strength in this area, describing the team as "first choice for pharmaceutical law" while another client says: "They are one of my top choices".
  Interviewees also underline that the firm has "a good reputation for life sciences matters". Clients mention the firm's activity in reimbursement mandates, with one saying: "The team is involved in shaping the new medical reimbursement law”.]

• Projects & Infrastructure - Katarzyna Kuźma (4), Magdalena Zabłocka (4) and Marcin Krakowiak ("Up and Coming")
  [Leading team best recognised for its expertise in infrastructure and energy projects. Assists with all aspects of projects, including regulatory advice. Regularly handles mandates from private and public clients. Also highly skilled in the transportation and waste management sectors.
  Clients frequently praise the team's business acumen: "They always have a close approach to business, highlighting how to face risks and how to mitigate them". Sources also appreciate that the lawyers are "very reliable, with very comprehensive knowledge and expertise".]

• Public Procurement - Wojciech Hartung (2), Katarzyna Kuźma (4) and Tomasz Michalczyk ("Associates to watch")
  [Highly regarded firm with an excellent track record assisting international and Polish clients with public procurement matters. Recognised for its work on behalf of contracting authorities, the group also regularly acts for contractors on tender proceedings. Highlighted for its notable expertise in infrastructure, rail and energy projects.
  Clients commend the department for its commercial approach and for giving "specific solutions tailored to the situation" before saying: "The team is very firmly rooted in the realities of business, proactive and willing to co-operate". Satisfied interviewees also highlight the lawyers for "understanding the needs and the client".]

BAND 2

• Tax - Artur Nowak (2) and Joanna Wierzejska (2)
  [Well-regarded tax team at a large domestic firm, predominantly advising Polish companies and private individuals on a broad scope of tax issues. Assists with tax optimisation and day-to-day matters. Notable tax litigation practice, spanning refund disputes, excise duty and corporate income tax. Serves clients from a range of industries including pharmaceuticals, energy and financial services.
  Sources praise the litigation capacity of the team, saying: "We have done several litigation projects together and we appreciate their proficiency and expertise".
  A client rates the commerciality of the team, noting: "What I particularly appreciate is their responsive approach and a can-do attitude".]

• Corporate/M&A - Krzysztof Zakrzewski ("Eminent Practicioner") and Marek Świątkowski (4) 
  [Leading Polish firm assisting clients from a wide array of industry sectors, with particular experience in the life sciences and infrastructure sectors. Also acts for clients in the energy, TMT and real estate industries. Handles complex M&A and private equity transactions, including LBOs. Regularly co-operates with international law firms and also represents Polish corporates investing abroad. Houses Spanish-speaking lawyers.
  "They are very commercially oriented. They understand their clients' business and do not just provide a legal perspective". "I can rely on them in complex matters". (Quotes mainly from clients).]
  
• Dispute resolution - Józef Palinka (2) and Paweł Lewandowski (3)
  [Highly respected Polish firm covering the full range of commercial litigation and arbitration matters. Particularly active in construction and infrastructure disputes as well as conflicts related to the financial services and insurance sectors. Active in international and domestic arbitration and has a strong track record in white-collar crime issues.
  "They not only know how to negotiate with the counterparty but they also give good advice. They know procedures extremely well and offer a good strategy. I appreciate that they can explain different strategies". (Quotes mainly from clients).
  "Very customer-oriented, flexible and engaged".]
• Environment - Daniel Chojnacki (3)
  [Rises in the rankings thanks to impressive feedback and continuing good work. Solid practice group with considerable expertise in matters including gas emissions, soil quality and environmental permits. Particularly renowned for its handling of waste management questions. Represents clients before the courts and public administrative authorities. Advises companies and public sector institutions.
  Interviewees appreciate the team's proactive approach. "They are always timely and proactive" clients report.]

BAND 3

• Real Estate with Construction - Lech Żyżylewski (4) and Tomasz Darowski (4)
  [Best known for advising on construction matters. Has developed niche expertise in real estate rights restitution and reprivatisation. Developers, contractors and construction companies feature on the team's client list.]

• Energy & Natural Resources - Paweł Grzejszczak (3) and Rafał Hajduk (1)
  [Well-regarded team assisting international and domestic corporates with energy contracts between business customers. Notable in energy-related PPP projects, including construction of energy-generating facilities. Offers regulatory assistance.
  A client praises the department's "very good knowledge of the energy market" while another client reports the team is "very helpful with commercial contracts".]

• Banking & Finance - Magdalena Skowrońska (3) 
  [Mainly represents creditors. Best known for its expertise in financial services regulatory matters. Magdalena Skowrońska is a key contact at the firm.]

BAND 4

• Employment - Bogusław Kapłon (4)
  [Compact team providing clients with expert advice on collective work agreements, negotiations with trade unions and employment-related litigation. Expertise also encompasses discrimination matters, employee benefits and immigration.]

IP - Aleksandra Auleytner (4)

White-Collar Crime - Hanna Gajewska-Kraczkowska ("Senior Statesment")

TMT - Wojciech Dziomdziora ("Associates to watch") 

Capital markets ("Recognised Practitioner")

The full ranking for DZP can be found at: http://www.chambersandpartners.com/europe/