by dr Andrzej Jakubiec - adwokat, mediatorHOW TO FIND THE RIGHT LAW FIRM IN POLAND?
It is a Practical Guide for Foreign Companies. Choosing a law firm in a foreign jurisdiction is never simple. For international companies operating or entering the Polish market, the challenge is even greater: differences in legal culture, language barriers, unfamiliarity with court procedures, and uncertainty about enforcement standards may create real business risk. This guide provides foreign businesses with a practical framework for choosing a reliable, competent, and trustworthy law firm in Poland — particularly in the area of commercial litigation in Poland, dispute resolution in Poland, and cross-border enforcement in Poland. It is based not only on formal criteria, but also on real experience in representing foreign investors and SMEs in complex corporate and dispute matters.
1. English speaking lawyer in Poland
The base is to find an English speaking lawyer in Poland. For foreign companies, seamless communication is fundamental. A Polish lawyer should be able to:
- communicate fluently in business-level English (or German, French, Russian etc.),
- prepare bilingual contracts and pleadings,
- explain Polish legal procedures clearly and without unnecessary jargon,
- represent the client in negotiations and before Polish commercial courts.
A short introductory call is often enough to verify whether the lawyer is truly an English speaking lawyer in Poland, or whether communication will be filtered through intermediaries.
2. Look for Proven Experience With Foreign Investors
Cross-border representation requires more than language skills.
In my practice, I have:
- represented Swiss and UK investors in the acquisition of the Oscar-winning Se-ma-for Film Studio in Łódź,
- served on the supervisory board of Se-ma-for on behalf of foreign investors,
- handled joint venture disputes and shareholder conflicts,
- represented foreign clients (including from Sweden and France) in family-business conflicts involving commercial structures,
- established companies in Poland for German and Ukrainian entrepreneurs,
- structured M&A transactions and investor agreements as a PhD in commercial law.
These matters required not only knowledge of Polish corporate and civil procedure law, but also an understanding of how foreign investors assess legal risk, governance standards, and strategic exposure.
When choosing a law firm, ask for specific examples of cross-border experience — not general declarations.
3. Experience in Commercial Litigation and Shareholder Disputes
Many foreign companies seek assistance only once a conflict has escalated: unpaid invoices, breach of contract, deadlocked joint ventures, or shareholder disputes. Effective representation in commercial litigation in Poland requires:
- strong courtroom experience,
- strategic use of interim measures,
- familiarity with evidentiary rules under the Polish Civil Procedure Code,
- experience in shareholder disputes and corporate governance conflicts,
- knowledge of enforcement mechanisms through Polish bailiffs.
The Mediation and Negotiation Advantage: Litigation, however, is not always the optimal path. In many cross-border disputes, a carefully designed negotiation strategy or mediation process can significantly reduce financial and reputational risk. Early strategic intervention often determines whether a matter escalates into full-scale litigation or is resolved through structured settlement discussions.
I completed postgraduate studies in Negotiations, Mediations, and other Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods at the University of Warsaw: https://wpia.uw.edu.pl/pl/studia/studia-podyplomowe/podyplomowe-studia-negocjacji-mediacji-i-innych-alternatywnych-metod-rozwiazywania-sporow, as well as postgraduate studies in Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology at the University of Łódź: https://www.wpia.uni.lodz.pl/psychiatria. To further refine my strategic approach to conflict, I am currently continuing my professional development at the Behavioral Analysis Studies in Wrocław: https://sie.edu.pl/analiza-behawioralna/#Opis.
I am also a member of the Advocates’ Mediation Center at the District Bar Council in Łódź: https://lodz.adwokatura.pl/adwokackie-centrum-mediacji/mediatorzy/
4. Understand the Real Concerns of Foreign Clients
Foreign entrepreneurs often express specific concerns:
- unpredictability of court practice,
- duration of proceedings,
- litigation costs,
- reliability and accountability of local counsel.
I am personally familiar with these concerns.
Predictability and Timelines
I outline realistic timeframes and procedural stages at the outset of every case. While no responsible lawyer can guarantee the duration of court proceedings, it is possible to explain procedural milestones, likely evidentiary phases, and potential appeal scenarios.
Cost Transparency
I provide a clear cost structure and explain which elements are predictable (court fees, standard procedural costs) and which depend on developments during litigation. Clients receive a structured estimate and ongoing updates to avoid financial uncertainty.
Professional Accountability
As a Polish attorney, I bear personal professional liability. I guarantee the quality, integrity, and diligence of our work with my own name and assets. My professional liability insurance coverage amounts to EUR 2.5 million.
5. Independence and Conflict-of-Interest Procedures
Foreign companies should always request:
- a written conflict-of-interest check,
- confirmation of independence,
- written engagement terms.
Professional dispute resolution in Poland requires strict compliance with ethical and procedural standards.
6. Choose a Firm That Matches Your Scale
In our experience representing foreign SMEs in Poland, the most common strategic mistake is choosing a law firm that is too large — primarily because of brand recognition.
The Risk of Over-Scaled Structures
In such firms:
- the client often pays high hourly rates,
- the matter is delegated to a junior associate with limited courtroom experience,
- the well-known partner signs off but is not deeply involved.
Direct Partner Involvement
For many foreign SMEs involved in disputes or cross-border enforcement in Poland, a specialized boutique firm provides:
- direct partner involvement,
- strategic consistency,
- proportional cost structure,
- real courtroom experience.
Before instructing any firm, ask directly:
“Who will personally conduct representation before Polish commercial courts?”
The answer is decisive.
7. Transparency in Corporate and Transactional Work
As a PhD in commercial law, I have extensive experience in:
- company formation in Poland,
- drafting shareholder agreements,
- structuring M&A transactions,
- preparing investor agreements,
- designing joint venture frameworks.
I place particular emphasis on clarity of contractual provisions and transparent cooperation rules with clients. Many shareholder conflicts originate from ambiguous clauses drafted without anticipating dispute scenarios.
Preventive structuring is often more valuable than litigation.
8. Cultural Awareness in Dispute Resolution
Disputes are not only about statutes and procedural codes. They also concern negotiation culture.
Companies from Germany, Switzerland, the UK, France, Scandinavia, the US or Ukraine often differ in:
- risk tolerance,
- documentation standards,
- approach to settlement,
- internal decision-making dynamics.
Effective dispute resolution in Poland requires understanding these differences and aligning litigation strategy accordingly.
9. Practical Verification Checklist
Before hiring a Polish law firm, consider:
- Does the firm have real cross-border experience?
- Who will personally handle your case?
- Does the lawyer have litigation experience?
- Has the firm handled shareholder or joint venture disputes?
- Are costs and procedural risks explained transparently?
- Is the firm experienced in cross-border enforcement in Poland?
- Is communication direct and structured?
10. Common Mistakes Foreign Companies Make
- Selecting a firm solely based on brand size.
- Assuming all lawyers speak fluent English.
- Not verifying who actually conducts representation.
- Ignoring litigation experience.
- Contacting a lawyer too late.
- Failing to monitor registered address data in the KRS.
- Underestimating enforcement risks.
Avoiding these mistakes significantly improves your position in any commercial dispute in Poland.
Jakubiec & Partners – Your Trusted Partner Across Poland
We support international clients across major Polish business hubs. We offer clear, practical guidance tailored to SMEs investing, operating, or resolving disputes in Poland. Whether you are entering the Polish market, managing a shareholder conflict, or seeking to recover assets, we provide strategic legal representation grounded in experience and analytical precision.
Contact us today to discuss your business objectives in Poland or to schedule a strategic legal consultation. English speaking lawyer in Poland:
📩 kancelaria@jakubieciwspolnicy.pl
📞 536 270 935
You can read more about us here: https://jakubieciwspolnicy.pl/en/cross-border-commercial-disputes-in-poland-jakubiec-partners/
and here you see my text about shareholders disputes in three-person companies: https://jakubieciwspolnicy.pl/en/what-does-j-mearsheimer-teach-us-about-shareholders-conflicts/
FAQ – Foreign Companies and Legal Disputes in Poland
How long does commercial litigation in Poland usually take?
First-instance proceedings often last between 12 and 24 months, depending on complexity and evidentiary scope.
Can proceedings before Polish commercial courts be conducted in English?
Court proceedings are conducted in Polish. Documents in foreign languages require certified translations.
Can a foreign company sue in Poland without a Polish subsidiary?
Yes, if jurisdiction exists under EU regulations or applicable private international law rules.
How are foreign judgments enforced in Poland?
EU judgments are generally enforceable after formal recognition. Non-EU judgments require separate recognition proceedings before enforcement.
What are typical litigation costs?
Court fees are statutory and predictable. Legal fees depend on scope and complexity. A structured cost estimate should always be provided at the outset.
by dr Andrzej Jakubiec - adwokat, mediatorLEGAL SUPPORT FOR FOREIGN SMES OPERATING IN POLAND
We are english‑speaking lawyers in Poland. Jakubiec & Partners is a Polish law firm specializing in cross-border commercial disputes and strategic legal advisory for international SMEs operating in Poland. Based in Łódź, with a strong presence in Warsaw and representation capabilities throughout Poland, we advise and represent foreign entrepreneurs who require not only legal compliance, but also strategic clarity in a complex regulatory and negotiation environment. For 17 years, our founder has worked with approximately 60 foreign companies from, among others, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, France, and Turkey. We support international SMEs both in day-to-day corporate matters and in high-stakes commercial disputes before Polish courts and arbitration tribunals.
Who we help?
We support international SMEs that operate in Poland or are involved in commercial disputes with Polish counterparties.
Commercial Disputes and Strategic Legal Advisory in Poland
Our Practice Focuses On:
- Cross-border commercial disputes in Poland
- Strategic negotiation structuring in complex cross-border business conflicts
- Corporate advisory for foreign investors
- Commercial litigation, mediation, and asset recovery in Poland
- Risk mitigation and dispute prevention strategies
Business Entry, Operations & Growth
We assist foreign entrepreneurs in navigating the complexities of Polish business law, ensuring secure and compliant operations from day one.
Our services include:
Company Formation & Market Entry: Establishing subsidiaries, branches, and representative offices aligned with your long-term strategic objectives.
Corporate & Shareholder Matters: Advising on shareholder disputes, joint ventures, corporate governance issues, and internal restructuring.
Mergers, Acquisitions & Joint Investments: Legal support in negotiations concerning the acquisition of commercial companies, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships.
Commercial Real Estate: Legal due diligence, negotiation, and oversight of property acquisitions and commercial lease agreements.
Employment & Compliance: Drafting employment contracts, advising on HR policies, and ensuring compliance with Polish labor regulations.
We regularly advise foreign clients in payment disputes (claims for receivables), corporate conflicts, and strategic governance matters.
Cross-Border Disputes & Strategic Negotiations
For international companies facing disputes with Polish contractors, suppliers, shareholders, or business partners, we provide a structured and analytically grounded approach. Our firm has extensive experience in complex business negotiations, particularly in:
- Shareholder conflicts and disputes within joint ventures
- Deadlocks in strategic investment projects
- High-value commercial disagreements
Our founder previously served on the Supervisory Board of the Oscar-winning animation studio Se-ma-for Sp. z o.o.: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Se-ma-for, representing a Swiss / British investor. This role required navigating sensitive cross-border corporate dynamics and investor protection issues.
In addition to a PhD in Commercial Law and postgraduate studies in Negotiation and Mediation (University of Warsaw): https://wpia.uw.edu.pl/pl/studia/studia-podyplomowe/podyplomowe-studia-negocjacji-mediacji-i-innych-alternatywnych-metod-rozwiazywania-sporow as well as Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology (University of Łódź), our founder completed the Cycle de Droit Comparé at Université Robert Schuman in Strasbourg: https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Université_de_Strasbourg_III. He is currently undertaking advanced studies in behavioral analysis in Wrocław: https://sie.edu.pl/analiza-behawioralna/#Opis, focused on business and organizational conflict, further strengthening our analytical framework for understanding conflict dynamics.
Dr. Jakubiec is also a Certified Mediator. He is officially registered on the List of Permanent Mediators maintained by the President of the District Court in Łódź (official registry link).
What do we apply?
- Strategic negotiation structuring and conflict de-escalation techniques
- Analysis of counterpart’s behavioral patterns
- Litigation strategy aligned with business objectives
This interdisciplinary approach enables us to effectively manage negotiation stalemates and dispute escalation. We provide a long-term strategic perspective rather than focusing on a purely procedural one.
Our founder regularly publishes on negotiation dynamics, AI in disputes, and behavioral aspects of commercial conflict.
Furthermore, Dr. Jakubiec is the architect of the Coupled Confirmation Bias (CCB) framework. He developed this concept to explain the phenomenon of rapid dispute escalation observed in his practice. Particularly in scenarios where both parties utilize AI to interpret the counterparty’s intentions and design their own strategic moves. You can explore his in-depth analysis of CCB here: The Coupled Confirmation Bias
and CCB Part 2
Litigation, Arbitration & Asset Recovery in Poland
When litigation becomes necessary, we provide rigorous representation before Polish courts and arbitration tribunals.
Commercial Litigation in Poland: Representation in payment claims, contractual disputes, shareholder conflicts, and corporate litigation.
Mediation & Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Strategic mediation support aimed at preserving business value while resolving disputes efficiently.
Securing Transactions & Risk Mitigation: Preventing disputes before they arise through carefully structured contracts and enforcement planning.
Asset Tracing & Recovery in Poland: Identifying, securing, and recovering debtor assets within the Polish jurisdiction.
Enforcement Proceedings: Efficient navigation of enforcement mechanisms under Polish law to ensure successful recovery of claims.
Why International SMEs Choose Us in Poland?
Strategic Approach: Deep understanding of Polish enforcement mechanisms and procedural strategy.
Conflict Resolution: Experience in complex negotiation stalemates, particularly in shareholder and joint venture disputes.
Multilingual Communication Without Intermediaries: Direct legal support in English and French, with additional assistance in Russian.
Global Perspective: Cross-border experience gained through long-term cooperation with foreign investors and international SMEs.
Jakubiec & Partners – Your Trusted Partner Across Poland
We support international clients across major Polish business hubs. We offer clear, practical guidance tailored to SMEs investing, operating, or resolving disputes in Poland. Whether you are entering the Polish market, managing a shareholder conflict, or seeking to recover assets, we provide strategic legal representation grounded in experience and analytical precision.
Contact us today to discuss your business objectives in Poland or to schedule a strategic legal consultation:
📩 kancelaria@jakubieciwspolnicy.pl
📞 536 270 935
FAQ
1. Can a foreign company pursue a commercial claim against a Polish contractor?
Yes. Foreign SMEs can file commercial claims in Poland, and Polish courts regularly handle disputes involving international parties. We represent foreign companies throughout the entire process, from pre‑litigation strategy to enforcement.
2. How long does commercial litigation in Poland typically take?
Most commercial cases take between 8 and 18 months in the first instance, depending on complexity and the court’s workload. Well‑prepared filings and strategic case management can significantly shorten the timeline.
3. Can a foreign judgment be enforced in Poland?
Yes. Judgments from EU countries are enforceable under EU regulations, while judgments from non‑EU jurisdictions may require recognition by a Polish court. We handle both recognition and enforcement proceedings.
4. What documents are needed to start a dispute in Poland?
Typically: the contract, correspondence with the Polish counterparty, invoices, proof of delivery or performance, and any settlement attempts. We assist clients in preparing a complete evidentiary package.
5. Do you provide legal support directly in English or French?
Yes. We offer direct legal support in English and French, without intermediaries. We also provide assistance in Russian through a lawyer with a background in Russian philology.
6. Are out‑of‑court dispute resolution methods effective in Poland?
Yes. Our firm has extensive experience in resolving disputes through mediation and structured negotiation. We also represent clients in arbitration proceedings. These methods help avoid the natural risks of court litigation, reduce procedural costs, and typically lead to significantly faster outcomes.