"Ewa Rutkowska is in charge of the life sciences group and handles regulatory, advertising and product liability issues. She is described by peers as an accomplished lawyer with a likeable and easy-going approach.”
The Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński law firm was established by recognised experts in pharmaceutical and medical law - Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik, Advocate, Ewa Rutkowska, Advocate, and competition law - Marcin Kolasiński, Legal Advisor. The law firm comprises an experienced team, which has worked with the founders for a long time.
We all have many years of experience of working in international law firms (including Baker & McKenzie, Hogan Lovells and CMS Cameron McKenna).
We have been regularly recommended as leading law firm and lawyers in pharmaceutical law and competition law by Polish and international rankings of law firms and lawyers, such as Chambers Europe, The Legal 500 and ranking of one of the best known Polish daily papers Rzeczpospolita. Since 2014 the prestigious international Chambers Europe ranking has acknowledged our law firm as the best Life Sciences practice in Poland.
"Front-running boutique law firm well prepared to act for clients in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors. Areas of specialisation include product liability, clinical trials, distribution and medical reimbursement matters. Product recalls also serve as a source of instruction for the firm. Assists with regulatory issues and also handles contentious matters, including disputes with regulators as well as conflicts with competitors. Clients include innovative pharmaceutical companies as well as industry associations."
"Clients rate the practice for its foresight, one suggesting that they know how to deal with challenges and anticipate red flags while maintaining a good business approach."
"A client commends the team for their collaborative style, stressing that they really work together."
"Well-reputed competition and pharmaceutical law boutique covering a wide range of competition and antitrust mandates. Assists with merger control mandates and represents clients in abuse of dominant position and cartel cases, including representing them in dawn raids. Regularly advises businesses on distribution strategies and pricing issues."
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński acknowledged for:
"Front-running boutique law firm well-prepared to act for clients in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors. Areas of specialisation include product liability, clinical trials, distribution and medical reimbursement matters. Product recalls also serve as a source of instruction for the firm. Assists with regulatory issues. Also handles contentious matters, including disputes with regulators as well as conflicts with competitors. Clients include innovative pharmaceutical companies as well as industry associations."
"Clients emphasise the lawyers' attentiveness, one saying: When you pose a question you will get a response very soon, before describing the answers as very pragmatic and business-oriented."
"Another hails the reliability of the team, asserting that it represents what I consider integrity: never failing to deliver on promises to clients and never navigating in the wrong direction."
"Well-reputed competition and pharmaceutical law boutique covering a wide range of competition and antitrust mandates. Also assists with merger control mandates and represents clients in abuse of dominant position and cartel cases, including representing them in dawn raids. Regularly advises businesses on distribution strategies and pricing issues."
"Clients highlight the team's commercial focus, with a source saying: This law firm really thinks about the needs of individual clients."
"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. is a healthcare and life sciences specialist firm, which caters to clients in the pharmaceutical, medical, food and cosmetics sectors. The 'extremely knowledgeable' group is well placed to advise on regulatory, competition and consumer issues, as well as representing clients in disputes with competitors and administrative authorities.
A Client says: This is the strongest, most reputable legal team in the sphere of life sciences in Poland. They have vast experience and know how in this area. They built their reputation through years of advising innovative companies and industry associations."
"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. is focused on providing regulatory and competition advice to entrepreneurs with operations in Poland, with particular expertise in the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors.
Clients say:
Exceptional knowledge of various competition legal aspects and international environment, deep involvement in client matters, solution-oriented approach.
Ability to find an acceptable and balanced solution for every problem."
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – for the fifth time Leader in Pharmaceutical and Medical Law.
"Front-running boutique law firm regularly instructed by clients in the pharmaceutical, medical, food and cosmetics sectors. Areas of specialisation include product liability, clinical trials and medical reimbursement matters. Frequently acts on behalf of clients before regulatory authorities. Also handles contentious matters, such as unfair competition disputes.
A Client says: lawyers are very well connected and are very proactive in finding solutions.
Another Client says: they understand the business, they listen carefully and are attentive to clients' needs."
“Well-reputed competition law boutique covering a wide range of competition and antitrust mandates. Assists with merger control, abuse of dominant position and compliance mandates. Remains a popular choice with pharmaceutical and media companies. Regularly acts for businesses on distribution strategies and pricing issues.
The firm is very specialised in the pharmaceutical sector."
"At Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j., co-founders Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik ('an undisputed leader in the sector') and Ewa Rutkowska are noted for their high degree of specialisation in life sciences and anti-monopoly law. The group is frequently instructed on contentious and non-contentious matters, involving pharmaceuticals, healthcare, food and cosmetics. Other key individuals include 'recognised expert in pharmaceutical law' Natalia Łojko and Agnieszka Zielińska-Krywoniuk, who focuses on clinical trials, distribution safety and product advertising. The impressive client roster includes Polish industry bodies Infarma and the Polish Association of Producers and Importers of Veterinary Medicinal Products."
"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. predominantly advises clients in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors on regulatory and competition law. The group has particular expertise in public procurement and anti-monopoly proceedings. Name partner Marcin Kolasiński leads the team, which consists of seasoned experts with deep understanding of the market and legal environment."
"Healthcare and life sciences boutique Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j., has developed a new technology law practice under the leadership of Marek Świerczyński, which handles the implementation and development of agreements relating to IT systems, service-level agreements and outsourcing contracts. Senior associate Michał Chodorek is another key contact, with expertise at the intersection of pharmaceutical law, IP and personal data."
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – for the fourth time Leader in Pharmaceutical Law.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – recommended in Medical Law.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – recommended in Competition / Anitrust.
“Front-running boutique law firm regularly instructed by clients in the pharmaceutical, medical, food and cosmetics sectors. Areas of specialisation include product liability, clinical trials and medical reimbursement matters. Frequently acts on behalf of clients before regulatory authorities, often in relation to unfair competition claims. Also assists clients with regulatory issues.
A Client says: they are very hands-on. They always tailor their advice to our company's needs and work very well within limited timeframes."
“Well-reputed competition law boutique covering a wide range of competition and antitrust mandates. Assists with merger control, abuse of dominant position and compliance mandates. Also represents clients before the courts and Polish competition authorities. Remains a popular choice with pharmaceutical and media companies.
A Client says: they understand our needs and business situation. They are always available.
Another Client emphasises the department's excellent ability to combine legal aspects with business aspects.”
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński ranked TIER 4 in Competition / Antitrust and recommended in Dispute Resolution.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – for the third time Leader in Pharmaceutical Law.
“Standout boutique providing expert advice to clients from the pharmaceutical, medical, food and cosmetics sectors. Areas of specialisation include product liability, clinical trials and medical reimbursement matters. Skilled in representing clients in unfair competition and advertising disputes with competitors and before regulatory authorities. Also assists clients with regulatory issues.
Clients say: They adopt a tailor-made approach and really adapt to the needs of clients.
They fully understand clients' needs. What is very important for me is that they are flexible in looking for effective and safe solutions for the business."
“Active competition boutique assisting clients with merger control, regulatory and commercial compliance matters. Additionally represents clients in contentious matters, including prohibited agreements and abuse of dominance issues. Advises on EU competition regulation. A strong choice amongst pharmaceutical companies and also popular among clients from the energy and media sectors.
A Client says: I decided to work with them as their technical skills and knowledge are extremely good and helpful.
Another Client adds: Nothing to improve! It's my favourite law firm."
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński ranked TIER 4 in Competition / Antitrust and recommended in Dispute Resolution.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – Group 1 for the second time in the category of Pharmaceutical Law and recommended in the category of Competition Law.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – for the second time Leader in Pharmaceutical Law.
"Distinguished and specialised boutique law firm acting for established clients in the pharmaceutical, medical, food and cosmetics sectors. As well as regulatory issues, it advises on issues within competition law and legal aspects of business-to-consumer relations and public procurement. Also experienced in product liability and product safety issues.
Clients say: This team has very in-depth knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry. The lawyers are the number one specialists and are very responsive and pragmatic.
The lawyers are very good: they are very flexible and very responsive."
"Recently established Warsaw-based competition boutique joins the rankings as a result of strong recognition for its competition and antitrust expertise. Advises on merger control, regulatory and compliance issues. Notably popular amongst pharmaceutical clients, but also advises companies from the energy and media industries.
A Client says: I'm very satisfied with this team. The lawyers are very responsive, constructive and focused on finding solutions.
Another Client adds: The lawyers are able to objectively evaluate risks and losses. The team is receptive to our needs and operates very quickly."
Competition / Antitrust and Dispute Resolution – KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński recommended.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – Group 1 in the category of Pharmaceutical Law.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – Leader in Pharmaceutical Law.
"Market-leading boutique well known for its expert knowledge of pharmaceutical law. Assists international pharmaceutical clients with contentious and advisory matters, including reimbursement, public procurement, regulatory advice, distribution and marketing. Provides additional expertise in competition law and product liability litigation.
Clients say:
It's leading the market in the area of reimbursement.
The lawyers really care for the client and have huge knowledge.
We use the firm for difficult and strategic matters."
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – Law firm of the year – Poland.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – Group 1 in the category of Pharmaceutical Law.
"Market leading life sciences practice highly reputed for pharmaceutical knowhow. Singled out for regulatory work and additionally focused on the medical, food and cosmetics industries. Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik and Ewa Rutkowska recently left Baker & McKenzie with Marcin Kolasiński to set up a regulatory and competition spin-off, Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński. They were joined by other colleagues including Natalia Łojko."
"Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik advises on a range of matters in life sciences, including regulatory issues and disputes, as well as distribution and reimbursement issues. Interviewees characterise her as a formidable presence in the market, one asserting that she is number one in the country for pharmaceutical law, while another deems her a superstar."
"The stellar practitioner Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik assists healthcare and pharmaceutical companies with an array of issues in life sciences, from reimbursement negotiations to regulatory mandates. She is also involved in advising patients' organisations. Her determination is relished by clients, one observing: In the most difficult and exhausting situations she never gives up, supporting clients up to the end."
"(...) Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik is a noted expert in pharmaceutical and healthcare law (...).
A client says: Paulina Kieszkowska Knapik is a strategic thinker, understanding business and the market. Her advice goes beyond classic legal work."
"The stellar Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik is universally hailed as the most renowned life sciences lawyer in Poland. Market sources laud her wealth of expertise, with one remarking: she can be the very person to talk about future trends, reinvestment law as well as the industry in general. She advises on reimbursement law, distribution of medical products and regulatory issues."
"Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik (an undisputed leader in the sector) is noted for her high degree of specialisation in life sciences and anti-monopoly law. She is frequently instructed on contentious and non-contentious matters, involving pharmaceuticals, healthcare, food and cosmetics."
"Star individual Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik receives significant praise from commentators who recognise her very strong market position and endorse her diligence and personal integrity. She advises on pharmaceutical and healthcare law."
"Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik remains the undisputed leader in the Polish life sciences market. A client praises her as the greatest pharmaceutical law expert in Poland, while another appreciates that she is dedicated, passionate about her job and very proactive. She is highly esteemed for advising on legislative changes pertaining to the pharmaceutical industry, particularly the reimbursement of medicinal products."
"A formidable figure who stands out as a leader in the market, Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik earns the admiration of her clients: she's a star, the queen of pharmaceutical law in Poland. She has acted for businesses and industry organisations for many years, advising on issues of pharmaceutical and healthcare protection laws, the Reimbursement Act and the Act on Medical Activity. She also provides pro bono advice for patient organisations."
"Revered by practitioners and clients alike, Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik is considered a star pharmaceutical lawyer. Clients appreciate her quick advice, saying: she is very passionate about what she is doing and always fights to the end. She is renowned for her knowledge of reimbursement and the healthcare system."
"Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik is an acknowledged authority in the sector, particularly for pharmaceutical and healthcare law. One client notes: she has very deep knowledge and is one of the most experienced lawyers in the market."
"Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik is knowledgeable and passionate. Her power is in her expertise – there is nobody out there who understands these matters like she does. She has broad experience of working with all major life sciences companies and institutions in Poland."
"One of the most consistent and militant critics of the Reimbursement Act. Author and co-author of numerous pharmaceutical analyses. Thanks to her personal involvement, last year PricewaterhouseCoopers and IMS Health - a provider of insights into the pharmaceutical market, prepared two large reports summarising the effects of the Reimbursement Act. Her legal opinions have a large impact on the amendment of defective healthcare regulations. She was the first to raise the alarm about the adverse effects on patients’ welfare of the regulations of the Reimbursement Law which banned pharmaceutical companies from donating medicines to hospitals. Last year, the Ministry of Health amended the regulations at issue, and hospital donations were again permitted. Her major success was also bringing about the resolution of the eight-year long court battle to recognise that innovative, research-based producers have a legal standing in assessments of the legality of copies of their pharmaceutical products. As a member of the Batory Foundation’s Civic Forum on Legislation, Mrs Kieszkowska-Knapik fights for the introduction of European law-making standards in Poland. She enjoys voluntary work. She advises patients’organisations pro bono, including the Polish Coalition of Oncological Patients Organisations, the Rak’n’Roll Foundation and the Polish Patients' Federation."
"Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik is singled out for her in-depth and client-friendly approach. I admire her brilliance and business understanding, another source adds. She co-heads the department, focusing on regulatory, competition pricing and reimbursement matters."
"Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik is unequivocally regarded as one of the best advisers in the field and is lauded for her vast knowledge, excellent expertise and agile mind."
"Interviewees agree that Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik is one of the market's standout lawyers: she is extremely knowledgeable in regulatory aspects, widely respected and straightforward with her proposals."
"Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik is well known for taking a global view on cases; clients marvel at her ability to offer a business solution in addition to legal analysis."
"Ewa Rutkowska has a broad caseload, encompassing reimbursement matters, liability cases, distribution and regulatory issues. She is acclaimed by one market commentator as very good in product liability cases."
“Ewa Rutkowska is absolutely fantastic and gains high praise as the best Polish product liability defence counsel and a true leader of the bar.”
"Ewa Rutkowska is well prepared to undertake product liability cases on behalf of multinational pharmaceutical clients. She is similarly able in mandates relating to clinical trials. She is esteemed by clients for her energy which, as one client suggests, can give you a sort of extra power."
"(...) Ewa Rutkowska has developed a strong focus on product liability.
A Client says: Ewa Rutkowska has exceptional knowledge and differentiated, long-term experience in all aspects of the life science sector."
Ewa Rutkowska recommended as Global Leader in 2 catgories: Life Sciences – Regulatory and Life Sciences – Product Liability.
"Ewa Rutkowska at KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński is the go-to person in Poland. One peer effuses: I’ve worked with her for a very long time – the recognition is very well earned.”
"Sources characterise Ewa Rutkowska as very pragmatic, knowledgeable and very specialised. She is highly esteemed for her knowledge of product liability laws, including representing clients in high-profile product liability cases. She also frequently assists pharmaceutical companies with clinical trials.”
"Ewa Rutkowska is noted for her high degree of specialisation in life sciences and anti-monopoly law. She is frequently instructed on contentious and non-contentious matters, involving pharmaceuticals, healthcare, food and cosmetics."
“Ewa Rutkowska is held in high regard by interviewees, who note that she is energetic and ready to work, adding that she is open to new problems and challenges and has a pro-client approach. She has a long track record in advising clients hailing from the pharmaceutical, medical devices and FMCG industries. Her practice also spans healthcare and product liability law.”
“Clients value that Ewa Rutkowska is committed and takes the time to explain complex matters. A highly regarded practitioner, she regularly assists clients from the pharmaceutical, medical devices and FMCG sectors. She is well versed in product liability disputes. She also has a strong reputation in the field of product recall and representing clients in arbitral tribunals.”
“Ewa Rutkowska is a renowned expert who focuses on pharmaceutical, healthcare and product liability laws, with extensive experience in advising domestic and international companies in the pharmaceutical, FMCG and medical device sectors. Her expertise in product liability litigation is evidenced in high-profile cases pertaining to worldwide product recalls, and she receives extensive praise from satisfied clients: She is an expert in this subject, with a very good legal background. She is able to advise taking into account the business aspects of the clients."
"Ewa Rutkowska receives praise from clients for her excellent communication skills. She can easily explain things to non-lawyers, which is very important, comments an interviewee. Another adds: she has a lot of energy and gives good, proactive advice. Ewa Rutkowska has extensive experience in representing pharmaceutical clients in product liability litigation."
"Sources say Ewa Rutkowska has practical knowledge about local and EU law, and is very open to discussion and able to consider difference scenarios. She is particularly active in pharma and product liability litigation."
"Ewa Rutkowska is revered as an efficient lawyer with a brilliant mind and client-friendly approach. She has knowledge of the full range of life sciences law, although she has recently been particularly active in product liability cases. Sources also compliment her clear advice."
"Peers describe practice co-head Ewa Rutkowska as a highly skilled lawyer. She handles regulatory, commercial, product liability and reimbursement matters."
"Ewa Rutkowska is singled out as a brilliant practitioner."
"Ewa Rutkowska is widely respected for her constructive approach: she has a very good attitude, explains things carefully and in depth, and has the patience to push things through to the end without creating animosity."
"Ewa Rutkowska is reported to be excellent at handling highly sensitive situations. Rutkowska is renowned for approaching issues from multiple perspectives and receives the highest of praise from one client, who is adamant that you couldn’t ask for anything more in a lawyer."
"Ewa Rutkowska is in charge of the life sciences group and handles regulatory, advertising and product liability issues. She is described by peers as an accomplished lawyer with a likeable and easy-going approach.”
"Marcin Kolasiński advises many pharmaceutical companies on a variety of competition topics. He assists with compliance, including distribution agreements, and represents companies in antitrust investigations. He is dedicated, a client says, adding: it's a pleasure to work with him."
"Marcin Kolasiński remains the first port of call for pharmaceutical companies seeking antitrust expertise. He handles abuse of dominant position and merger control proceedings, as well as advising on distribution agreements and compliance. He combines analytical skills with excellent presentation skills. He makes our lives easier, a client says, while another source adds: he is capable of dealing with difficult questions."
"Competition, consumer protection and public procurement expert Marcin Kolasiński is noted for his experience in merger control proceedings before Polish and EU authorities.
A Client says: Marcin Kolasiński has exceptional knowledge in various competition legal issues and the international environment."
"Marcin Kolasiński remains a first port of call for pharmaceutical companies seeking antitrust expertise. He has broad experience in handling matters such as abuse of dominant position, merger control proceedings and day-to-day compliance. A client reports that his advice is straight to the point, concise and very focused."
"Name partner Marcin Kolasiński leads the team, which consists of seasoned experts with deep understanding of the market and legal environment."
“Marcin Kolasiński is appreciated by clients for his business acumen and his ability to communicate risks quickly and effectively. One source notes his great knowledge and attitude towards clients. He is adept at handling antitrust investigations, consumer protection issues and abuse of dominant position.”
“Practice head Marcin Kolasiński is a well-established name in Polish competition law, with a solid track record in merger control, antitrust proceedings and regulatory compliance matters. Sources praise his great strategic and tactical mind, with another client adding: I like his approach to problems, whether business or my personal concerns. I can always rely on him."
“Department head Marcin Kolasiński enjoys a long-standing reputation for competition law matters. I like his understanding of customer needs, speed in action and clarity in advice. He weighs the risks and objectively presents the pros and cons, a client says. He has strong practical experience of the pharmaceutical sector in particular.”
"Marcin Kolasiński of Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński is best known for advising pharmaceutical clients on day-to-day competition issues concerning distribution, compliance and advertising. He is recommended by clients as a sharp and experienced lawyer with excellent knowledge of the regulatory environment in Poland."
"Marcin Kolasiński recently left Baker & McKenzie to set up boutique firm Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński Kancelaria Prawna Spółka Jawna with Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik and Ewa Rutkowska. He moves up in the rankings due to excellent client feedback. Impressed interviewees say: he is proactive and very much liked by business colleagues, and he can really explain matters in a way that people can understand. He has almost ten years' experience in advising clients in this area."
"Marcin Kolasiński is noted for his expertise in the pharmaceutical sector. Clients indicate that he is worth every penny and appreciate the way he understands the business and addresses its needs."
"Very professional (…) Marcin Kolasiński heads the practice, and creatively challenges the status quo to find new strategies."
"Interviewees regard Marcin Kolasiński as a creative, solution-driven and extremely knowledgeable practitioner."
“(…) Marcin Kolasiński has a charismatic personality.”
"Marcin Kolasiński is a fantastic lawyer with great understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and the requirements of the competition authorities, say sources."
“Clients praise Marcin Kolasiński’s brilliant mind, analytic personality and pro-business approach."
"Marcin Kolasiński is seen by sources as a dynamic leader of the practice. He is especially well regarded for his abilities in cases relating to the pharmaceutical industry."
"Marcin Kolasiński is singled out for showing great promise."
"Agnieszka Zielińska-Krywoniuk focuses on clinical trials, distribution safety and product advertising."
"(...) rising star Agnieszka Zielińska-Krywoniuk is reported to be excellent at handling highly sensitive situations."
"Marek Świerczyński advises industry associations on reimbursement issues as well as pending regulatory developments such as digitalisation in healthcare. Clients praise him for his broader approach, one recalling how he gave us advice, not only on Polish issues but brought a European perspective. Another client adds: He is a very pragmatic and practical kind of guy."
"Marek Świerczyński advises healthcare companies on reimbursement law and IP issues. Sources highlight his distinguished academic profile in the area.”
"A new technology law practice under the leadership of Marek Świerczyński handles the implementation and development of agreements relating to IT systems, service-level agreements and outsourcing contracts."
“Marek Świerczyński is also noted for his presence in academic circles. He handles a range of mandates, including reimbursement issues as well as IP rights matters.”
"Marek Świerczyński is noted for his publications on pharmaceutical legal changes. He acts for healthcare companies on medical reimbursement and IP matters. He is also active in e-commerce and cyber law issues within the life sciences sector.”
"Marek Świerczyński advises pharmaceutical bodies on a broad range of pharmaceutical legislation, with particular strength in clinical trials, reimbursement, advertising, distribution and IP."
