We provide legal advice in the following areas:
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 lawyers in pharmaceutical law and competition law by Polish and international rankings of law firms and lawyers, such as Chambers Europe, Legal 500 and Rzeczpospolita. The Chambers Europe 2014, 2015 ranking acknowledged our law firm as the best Life Sciences practice in Poland.
Chambers Europe 2019
Life Sciences: BAND 1
„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.”
"Lawyers are very well connected and are very proactive in finding solutions."
"They understand the business, they listen carefully and are attentive to clients' needs."
Competition/Antitrust: BAND 3
“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."
Chambers Europe 2018
Life Sciences – Band 1
“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.”
"They are very hands-on. They always tailor their advice to our company's needs and work very well within limited timeframes."
Competition/Antitrust – Band 3
“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.”
“They understand our needs and business situation. They are always available.”
“Client emphasises the department's excellent ability to combine legal aspects with business aspects.”
Rzeczpospolita Law Firm Ranking 2018
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – for the fourth time Leader in Pharmaceutical Law
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński - recommended in Competition/Anitrust
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński - recommended in Medical Law
The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa 2018
Competition/Antitrust oraz Dispute Resolution - KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński ranked Tier 4 in Competition/Antitrust and recommended in Dispute Resolution.
Chambers Europe 2017
Life Sciences – Band 1
“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.”
"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."
Competition/Antitrust – Band 3
“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.”
"I decided to work with them as their technical skills and knowledge are extremely good and helpful."
"Nothing to improve! It's my favourite law firm."
The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa 2017
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński ranked Tier 4 in Competition/Antitrust and recommended in Dispute Resolution.
Polityka Insight 2017
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński - Group 1 for the second time in the category of Pharmaceutical Law and recommended in the category of Competition Law.
Chambers Europe 2016
Life Sciences – Band 1
"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".
"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."
Competition/Antitrust – Band 3
"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".
"I'm very satisfied with this team. The lawyers are very responsive, constructive and focused on finding solutions."
"The lawyers are able to objectively evaluate risks and losses. The team is receptive to our needs and operates very quickly."
The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa 2016
Competition/Antitrust oraz Dispute Resolution - KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński recommended.
Polityka Insight 2015 – Life Scienses – KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – Group 1
LMG Life Sciences Awards 2015
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – Law firm of the year – Poland.
Chambers Europe 2015 Life Sciences – Band 1
"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."
"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."
Chambers Europe 2014 Life Sciences – Band 1
"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."
Chambers Europe 2019: Life Sciences: Star Individual
„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.”
Chambers Europe 2018: Life Sciences: Star Individual
„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.”
Rzeczpospolita Law Firm Ranking 2018
Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik - Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik is the leader in this ranking tor the 12th time in Pharmaceutical Law.
Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik - recommended in Medical Law.
Who’sWho Legal 2018-2015 (Life Science) - Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik recommended.
Chambers Europe 2017: Life Sciences: Star Individual
“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.”
Puls Medycyny List of the Hundred Most Influential People in Healthcare 2017
Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik – 61st on the Puls Medycyny List of the Hundred Most Influential People in Healthcare, 2017, which has been published annually for over 10 years.
Rzeczpospolita Law Firm Ranking 2016
Rzeczpospolita Contest Lawyer of the Year 2016 - Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik – precedent case lawyer.
Puls Medycyny List of the Hundred Most Influential People in Healthcare 2016
Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik – 45th on the Puls Medycyny List of the Hundred Most Influential People in Healthcare, 2016, which has been published annually for over 10 years.
Chambers Europe 2016: Star individual
“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.”
Chambers Europe 2015 Life Sciences - Star Individuals
"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."
Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik (position 37: 2013) – (…), co-founder of Lege Pharmaciae foundation, rise from position number 39 (2012).
“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."
Life sciences: regulatory – Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik recommended
Life sciences: competition/anti-trust - Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik recommended
Intellectual Property - Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik recommended
"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."”
Life sciences – overview – Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik recommended
Life sciences: regulatory – Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik recommended
Life sciences: competition/anti-trust - Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik recommended
"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.""
Life sciences: regulatory – Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik recommended
Intellectual Property - Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik recommended
"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.”
Life sciences – Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik recommended
Intellectual Property - Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik recommended
Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik - Life Sciences.
Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik - Life Sciences.
Chambers Europe 2019: Life Sciences: BAND 1
„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.”
Chambers Europe 2018: Life Sciences: Band 1
“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.”
Rzeczpospolita Law Firm Ranking 2018
Ewa Rutkowska - recommended for the 10th time in Pharmaceutical Law.
Who’sWho Legal 2018-2015 (Life Science) - Ewa Rutkowska recommended.
Who’sWho Legal 2018-2015 (Product Liability Defence) - Ewa Rutkowska recommended.
Expert Guides 2018-2015 (Product Liability) - Ewa Rutkowska recommended.
Expert Guides: Women in Business Law 2018-2014 (Product Liability) - Ewa Rutkowska recommended.
Chambers Europe 2017: Life Sciences: Band 1
“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.”
Chambers Europe 2016 Life Sciences - Band 1
“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."
Chambers Europe 2015: Life Sciences: Band 1
"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."
Life sciences: regulatory – Ewa Rutkowska recommended
Life sciences: corporate & commercial - Ewa Rutkowska recommended
"Ewa Rutkowska is also singled out as "a brilliant practitioner.""
Life sciences: regulatory – Ewa Rutkowska recommended
Life sciences: corporate & commercial - Ewa Rutkowska recommended
"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.""
"Both Ewa Rutkowska and rising star Agnieszka Zielińska-Krywoniuk are 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.””
Chambers Europe 2019: Competition/Antitrust: BAND 2
„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".
Chambers Europe 2018: Competition/Antitrust: Band 2
“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.”
Rzeczpospolita Law Firm Ranking 2018
Marcin Kolasiński - recommended in Competition/Antitrust.
Who’sWho Legal 2018-2015 (Competition) – Marcin Kolasiński recommended.
Expert Guides 2018-2015 - Competition/Antitrust – Marcin Kolasiński recommended.
Chambers Europe 2017: Competition/Antitrust: Band 2
“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."
Chambers Europe 2016 - Competition/Antitrust - Band 2
“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.”
Chambers Europe 2015: Competition/Antitrust: Band 2
"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.""
Competition/Antitrust - Marcin Kolasiński recommended
Life sciences: competition/anti-trust - Marcin Kolasiński recommended
“(…) Marcin Kolasiński has “a charismatic personality” and is recommended (…)”
"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"”.
Competition/Antitrust - Marcin Kolasiński recommended
"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."
Competition/Antitrust - Marcin Kolasiński recommended
"Marcin Kolasiński is singled out for showing great promise."
Chambers Europe 2019: Competition/Antitrust: BAND 3
„Natalia Łojko advises pharmaceutical companies on reimbursement issues, clinical trials and regulatory mandates. She also undertakes instructions from manufacturers of medicinal products. Clients point out her solution-oriented approach.”
Chambers Europe 2018: Life Sciences: Band 3
„Natalia Łojko advises pharmaceutical companies on issues relating to reimbursement law, personal data protection and regulatory issues. She is active in representing clients before the administrative and civil courts.”
Expert Guides Rising Star 2018-2015 - Natalia Łojko recommended.
Chambers Europe 2017: Life Sciences: Band 3
“Natalia Łojko has a strong track record assisting pharmaceutical companies with medicinal product matters, such as reimbursement and IP issues. Sources laud her as a "very persuasive and good lawyer." "She is very experienced and helpful," an interviewee reports. She also advises on data protection and distribution questions in the life sciences field.”
Chambers Europe 2016 - Life Sciences – Band 3
“Held out as a real expert in reimbursement law, Natalia Łojko provides ongoing advice relating to pharmaceutical law, IP law and the distribution of medicinal products.”
Chambers Europe 2015: Life Sciences: Band 3
“Natalia Łojko is a highly regarded pharmaceutical lawyer focusing on reimbursement matters. She rises in the rankings in recognition of her experience in the field."
Chambers Europe 2013 Life Sciences: Associate to watch
“Associate to watch Natalia Łojko is the team's rising star and she enters the rankings following a year of increasing prominence in the market, advising a wide range of pharmaceutical bodies on the new reimbursement law.”
"Both Ewa Rutkowska and rising star Agnieszka Zielińska-Krywoniuk are 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.""
Chambers Europe 2019: Life Sciences: BAND 4
„Marek Świerczyński advises healthcare companies on reimbursement law and IP issues. Sources highlight his distinguished academic profile in the area.”
Chambers Europe 2018: Life Sciences: Band 3
“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.”
Chambers Europe 2017: Life Sciences: Band 3
„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.”
Chambers Europe 2016 - Life Sciences – Band 3
„Marek Świerczyński advises pharmaceutical bodies on a broad range of pharmaceutical legislation, with particular strength in clinical trials, reimbursement, advertising, distribution and IP."