Employment: Poland

THE FIRM Market sources consistently praise this Krakow-based employment law practice for its first-class work. It is singled out for its expertise in collective bargaining, negotiating with trade unions and anti-discrimination matters. The team predominantly represents employers active in the telecoms, construction, metallurgical, tobacco and food industries. It also offers clients training on labour law issues, including working time.

Sources say: "One of the most active teams in the Polish market." "Deservedly in Band 1."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources commend founding partner Arkadiusz Sobczyk for his "extensive knowledge and excellent advice." He is also praised for his negotiation skills, with one client adding: "Working with him is a great experience." In addition to his legal practice, Sobczyk also lectures on labour law at the University of Krakow.  

THE FIRM This outstanding employment boutique continues to impress both clients and peers with its unparalleled expertise and dedication to labour matters. Its client base is exclusively composed of employers, and it is regularly seen on both domestic and international instructions. The firm is a member of Ius Laboris, and its offering ranges from day-to-day advice on HR matters to advising on negotiating with trade unions.

Sources say: "My favourite firm in Europe." "Great teamwork."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Commentators admire Bartlomiej Raczkowski's "exceptional business approach and reliability." He is a highly experienced labour law adviser, as well as a member of the European Employment Lawyers Association. 

Patrycja Zawirska rises in the rankings thanks to enthusiastic market praise. Clients especially value her "accuracy and in-depth knowledge."

Since publication, Patrycja Zawirska has joined K&L Gates

THE FIRM This department is valued for its cross-border expertise and strong CEE network. It advises many clients in the energy, financial services and TMT sectors, including BT, GE and Electronic Arts. In a recent highlight it assisted Metlife with employment matters relating to its merger with Amplico. It continues to advise Talisman Energy on developing its employment policies in the Polish market.

Sources say: "Outstanding international expertise." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources describe practice head Katarzyna Dulewicz as "an exceptional adviser." She focuses on labour law disputes, and also co-ordinates the firm's CEE employment law practice.  

THE FIRM This practice is lauded for its broad employment law expertise and full-service capability. It advises on a wide range of matters, including labour disputes, mobbing, and discrimination. The group also assists with restructuring and transfer of workplaces, as well as employee shareholding programmes.

Sources say: "Excellent practice with extremely strong lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Sławomir Paruch is valued for his "strong determination and extensive experience." He specialises in individual and group dismissals, working time matters, and remuneration and benefits. 

Since publication, Sławomir Paruch has joined RACZKOWSKI I WSPÓLNICY

THE FIRM This sizeable group preserves its strong position in the local market. Standout mandates include advising Polish railway company PKP Cargo on negotiations with trade unions regarding its privatisation. The team also acted for Sara Lee Household and Body Care Poland on the transfer of employees resulting from the sale of its air care and body care business to Unilever and Procter & Gamble. 

Sources say: "I would definitely recommend them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Szymon Kubiak is acknowledged as "one of the strongest employment advisers." He has extensive experience in employment restructuring and European labour law.

Practice head Agnieszka Lisiecka receives praise for her "client-oriented" approach and thorough knowledge of the employment law area. 

THE FIRM This Polish firm is a well-established name in the labour law market. It is highly regarded for its expertise in collective employment and pension issues, recently acting for a client on setting up a DC pension scheme. Prominent clients include 3M, Lotte Wedel, DB Schenker, Ericsson and Total.

Sources say: "Excellent capability in the field." "One of the strongest practices in the Polish market."

KEY INDIVIDUALS A founder of the firm, Marcin Wojewódka is hailed by interviewees as "an extremely efficient and significantly experienced practitioner."

THE FIRM This compact team is highly recommended for its employment expertise, and has extensive experience of advising on labour disputes. In a recent highlight it advised VF Polska on its reorganisation and related mass-layoffs.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources describe department head Piotr Rawski as "well organised and detail-oriented." He is also a member of the firm's European employment steering committee.

THE FIRM Clifford Chance is well reputed for its ability to handle assignments on high-end projects. Its employment practice is a core part of its corporate department, delivering a full-service approach. Highlights include advising PZU on the second stage of its significant employment restructuring, including redundancies and changes in the terms of employment.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients praise Anna Hałas' "reasonable approach and accessibility." She was a key member of the team advising Innova Capital on the employment restructuring plan regarding its bid to acquire TP Emitel. 

THE FIRM This relatively young firm rises in the rankings this year, having been praised for the quality of its employment offering. It adopts a full-service approach, but is singled out for its expertise in labour law disputes and social security. Sources also rate its expertise in representing individuals.  

Sources say: "An extremely strong practice." "Well recognised in the market."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Waldemar Gujski advises on both contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Sources describe him as "a solid adviser with extensive experience."

THE FIRM This Krakow-based employment boutique fields a four-partner team and is especially well versed in handling disputes. It is noted for its expertise in negotiations with trade unions and also offers expertise in employee rights to information and consultation. Clients include Tesco Polska, IKEA, PGE, PKO Bank Polski and Unilever Polska.

Sources say: "They take an individual approach to their customers." "Always available and communicative."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Daniel Ksiazek has an excellent reputation among clients for his "open-minded and solution-oriented" approach.

Wojciech Bigaj is valued for his "comprehensive and practical advice." He has notable expertise in occupational safety and health regulations.

THE FIRM Linklaters has an excellent reputation for offering pragmatic and commercial employment advice. The group has expertise in a wide spectrum of labour law matters, including employee transfers and discrimination and dismissal issues. Clients include BP, RBS Polska, Banco Santander, Mid Europa Partners, ArcelorMittal and GDF SUEZ Energy Europe.

Sources say: "Quick and accurate." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Agnieszka Maj-Zuk is the main point of contact for clients in this practice area.

THE FIRM This compact team is valued for its high-quality output. Key mandates include assisting Danfoss with the transfer of employees and post-merger unification of terms of employment, and assisting another client with the transfer of employees following a restructuring.

Sources say: "Solution-driven." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Ewa Lachowska Brol is noted for her "down-to-earth approach and significant experience." She is well versed in contentious matters. 

THE FIRM The labour law practice at this local firm continues to advise on significant matters, assisting with collective bargaining, disputes, and social benefit packages. A key highlight is its work for EDF, advising on employment issues such as social packages and relations with trade unions regarding the restructuring and merger of three power and heating companies. 

Sources say: "It always offers more than one solution."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Group head Agnieszka Fedor is renowned for her "significant experience and customer-focused approach." She advises on both individual and group employment matters.

THE FIRM This newcomer to the rankings is valued for its prompt advice, and is often seen on instructions relating to corporate matters. In a recent highlight it acted for Banco Santander on the employment issues related to the acquisition of BZ WBK. The team also advises on employee-related tax matters.

Sources say: "The team follows tight deadlines and gives advice that accommodates our needs and business model."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Agnieszka Lechman-Filipiak heads the department and is praised as "a responsive, pragmatic and thorough lawyer." She has written many publications on labour law matters, and is particularly experienced in advising on the transfer of employees.

THE FIRM This able group is noted for its significant track record in contentious employment matters. Key highlights include representing Lidl in an appeal against the Social Security Institution’s decision to increase industrial injury insurance contributions.

Sources say: "We value them for their customer-focused approach, prompt advice, and in-depth knowledge."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Poznan-based Boguslaw Kaplon is valued for his "proactivity and extensive experience." He specialises in employment restructuring.

A newcomer to the rankings, Katarzyna Dobkowska receives excellent feedback from clients for her "client-friendly and highly responsive" approach. She predominantly advises foreign investors on their employment questions.

Since publication, Katarzyna Dobkowska has joined RACZKOWSKI I WSPÓLNICY

THE FIRM This employment practice is popular among local clients. The group offers wide-ranging expertise in time management, collective bargaining and personal data protection of employees. It is also known for handling organising training programmes related to topical labour law issues. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Grzegorz Orłowski is the key point of contact for this practice area.