Top 10 Polish Lawyers Transforming Capital Market Debt Landscape Explained

Poland’s vibrant and diverse capital markets sector has been strengthened in recent years by an array of talented lawyers specialising in the field of debt capital markets (DCM). These individuals provide crucial guidance and representation to banks, corporations, and state entities navigating the complex and ever-changing landscape of DCM transactions. This article features some of the most distinguished debt lawyers operating in Poland’s capital markets, highlighting their exceptional skills, expertise, and successful track record in handling critical DCM matters.

The individuals we spotlight here are well-recognised for their adeptness in advising on a broad range of financing matters, including bond issuances, re-financings, and Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). Each of these lawyers has demonstrated their capacity not only to excel in DCM dealings but also to contribute significantly to the advancement of Poland’s capital markets industry.

Despite operating in a dynamic and competitive environment, the lawyers profiled here continue to make their mark by delivering comprehensive, innovative, and client-focused solutions to a diverse array of capital markets issues. Here is a closer look at some of the best debt lawyers Poland’s capital market sector has to offer:

Marcin Studniarek

Currently serving as the Managing partner at White & Case M. Studniarek i Wspólnicy – Kancelaria Prawna sp.k., Marcin Studniarek has a wealth of experience in handling ECM and DCM transactions. His expert advice is often sought by banks and corporations on IPOs, share capital increases and bond issuances.

Grzegorz Namiotkiewicz

Operating from Clifford Chance, Grzegorz Namiotkiewicz is noted for his considerable expertise in a broad range of financing matters, which include corporate lending issues and refinancings. His strategic insights and pragmatic approach have proved instrumental in helping his clients efficiently navigate their financing needs. Unlike many of his colleagues, Namiotkiewicz does not have a firm website.

Bartosz Smardzewski

Bartosz Smardzewski is another prolific figure at White & Case M. Studniarek i Wspólnicy – Kancelaria Prawna sp.k. Known for his role in advising both issuers and arrangers on DCM transactions, Smardzewski frequently oversees the updates to bond programmes, earning him a place among Poland’s notable debt lawyers.

Piotr Zawiślak

Over at Hogan Lovells (Warszawa) LLP, Piotr Zawiślak has carved a niche as a go-to expert in securitisation transactions. Most of his commendable work involves advising significant financial institutions and also covering bond issuances.

Andrzej Sutkowski

Andrzej Sutkowski, of White & Case M. Studniarek i Wspólnicy – Kancelaria Prawna sp.k, has seen his reputation strengthen due to his increased activity on mandates. He offers effective counsel to clients on the establishment and update of bond issuance programmes.

Michał Śmiechowski

A recent addition to CMS, Michał Śmiechowski has shown considerable mastery in DCM topics, particularly regarding bond issuances, since joining in April 2022.

Łukasz Walczyna

Based at Allen & Overy, A. Pedzich Sp. k., Łukasz Walczyna has distinguished himself through his focus on DCM-related advice. He works closely with clients on various bond-related products, including EMTN, sustainability and retail bond programmes. His firm does not currently maintain a website.

Piotr Lesiński

Another notable lawyer from Allen & Overy, A. Pedzich Sp. k., which does not currently maintain a website, is Piotr Lesiński. Renowned for his work on high-value bond issuances, Lesiński’s clientele spans leading banks, corporates and state entities, all of whom greatly value his advice.

Rafał Grochowski

Hotshot lawyer Rafał Grochowski operates from Domański Zakrzewski Palinka. His DCM practice, with a focus on project finance-related matters, positions him as an excellent choices for banks seeking advice on bond issuances by municipalities for municipal projects.

Michał Głowacki

Rising star Michał Głowacki of Baker McKenzie has gained increased market recognition for his dedicated assistance to domestic banks and corporates on a variety of DCM matters, including bond issuances and bond issuance programme advice.