Banking & Finance: Poland

Group head Arkadiusz Pedzich is acclaimed by both peers and clients as "the perfect leader," with one client saying: "He has all the attributes you want in a lawyer." His expertise enables him to act on a wide range of high-profile acquisition finance deals. He advised a consortium of banks on a PLN690 million facility to acquire shares in Żabka.

Tomasz Kawczynski continues to hone expertise in the banking and energy sectors. He elicits praise from sources as being "a very shrewd lawyer with significant expertise and experience under his belt." Interviewees regard him as "simply outstanding." Transactions of note include assisting the security and facility agents with the Nowa Sarzyna gas-fired CHP refinancing.

Budapest-based James Graham leads the CEE banking and finance group at the firm, and is praised as "incredibly decisive and quick to respond." He is highly regarded for his expertise in projects and energy, and has recently advised on several transactions with a Polish element.

Grzegorz Namiotkiewicz elicits praise from interviewees as being "one of the top banking and finance lawyers in Warsaw." He juggles his dual roles as office managing partner and departmental head with impressive versatility. Clients appreciate his wealth of experience and cite his wisdom, accommodation and welcoming personality as key attributes.

Anna Biala represents clients in the gamut of financial regulation matters. Clients laud her as "extremely approachable and helpful."

Rafal Zakrzewski leads the English law team in Warsaw and is well versed in corporate finance-related matters.

Client laud Jaroslaw Miller as a lawyer who is unfailingly innovative, commercially minded and able to remain calm during tense negotiations. He is "technically savvy and one of the best in the market," confirmed an impressed interviewee.

UK-qualified counsel Adrian Horne continues to advise on a raft of deals, including acting for Bank Millennium on the restructuring and refinancing of Celsa Huta Ostrowiec.

Mateusz Toczyski continues to be at the forefront of the most complex financing deals and is praised for his openness and masterful organisational skills.

Michał Mężykowski is a significantly experienced practitioner with particular expertise in structured and energy financing. He wins praise from clients as a skilful negotiator.

Group head Wojciech Zielinski boasts a wealth of experience and advises national and international clients alike. He elicits praise for his communication skills and extensive knowledge of banking law.

Interviewees praise Andrzej Wysokiński for his versatility and expertise, and recommend him for banking and finance, restructuring and insolvency, as well as dispute resolution. Recently he assisted CyfrowyPolsat with the PLN1.6 billion financing for the acquisition of TelewizjaPolsat.

Practice head Piotr Zawislak is a highly regarded banking lawyer with particular expertise in property finance and project finance.

Rafal Grochowski maintains a broad practice covering banking and finance, debt capital markets and regulatory advice.

Counsel Bartlomiej Palusiak handles a wide array of banking and finance issues, including project finance, acquisition finance and refinancing.

Anna Tarasiuk-Flodrowska is particularly noted for her insurance and regulatory expertise. 

Department head Grzegorz Dyczkowski is praised for his collaborative working manner and leadership skills. He regularly acts for financial institutions on acquisition, asset and real estate finance matters, as well as securitisation.

Market commentators agree that Agnieszka Stankiewicz is "a highly experienced lawyer with a client-oriented approach." She is also well versed in real estate matters.

Department head Ireneusz Stolarski "really stands out and combines ease and flexibility without cutting corners."

Practice head Malgorzata Chruściak is recommended for her regulatory expertise. She "knows her stuff, gives clear and thoughtful advice, and she is a good business partner," confirmed an impressed client.

A key contact is partner and practice head Jonathan Weinberg, who splits his time between the Prague and Warsaw offices.

Slawomir Szepietowski is praised by sources for his prompt advice, flexibility and outstanding communication skills.

Marek Król is recommended for his long-standing experience in project finance, investment financing and M&A financing in the chemical, petrochemical and power sectors.

Associate to watch Paweł Turek is praised for his availability and insightful knowledge of the industry.

Department head Magdalena Skowronska elicits gratitude from clients who laud the ease with which she translates legal jargon into business advice. She is creative and "really takes the bull by the horns," say sources.

Group head Paweł Grześkowiak has been at the helm of a wide range of deals and is a key contact for the practice.

Agnieszka Kowalska is recommended for her expertise in regulatory issues, as well as structured and secured finance.

Go-to partner Peter Swiecicki elicits praise for being "a significantly experienced banking lawyer."

Artur Zawadowski heads the practice and is the key contact for the practice.