Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik

The Legal500 EMEA 2024

Healthcare And Life Sciences - Tier 1

"Hailed as being ‘absolutely unique in the Polish market‘, Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. acts for a diverse client base of healthcare providers, medical device producers, and biotech companies in the full range of sector-specific matters. Practice co-head Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik advises a number of industry associations and pharmacies on distribution structures, co-operations between pharmacies and online platforms, and the reimbursement of orphan drugs and medical products. Fellow co-head Ewa Rutkowska assists both Polish and global corporates across the pharmaceutical and medical devices industries with public consultations, as well as acting in product liability disputes. Michał Chodorek is noted for his expansive expertise in drug development and manufacturing projects, in addition to regulations governing the division of IP rights to discoveries. Michał Tracz‘s primary areas of focus are food supplements and biocidal products, and he was promoted to partner in February 2023. Bartłomiej Sasin is another active team member."

Testimonials

‘The law firm is characterised by extensive knowledge. They answer quickly and thoroughly. They are very meticulous and at the same time are businesslike. They provide great support on a daily basis, as well as in emergency situations.’

‘I would like to highlight three people, Katarzyna Kęska, Justyna Nowak, and Monika Kupis, for their exceptional knowledge and support. These are three exceptional lawyers. They have a very insightful approach, are able to present various ideas, indicate individual risks and mitigate these risks.’

‘KRK is absolutely unique in the Polish market. They combine in-depth knowledge in life sciences, regulatory and antitrust matters with a top quality and business-oriented approach.’

Competition/antitrust - Tier 3

"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. is described by one client as ‘the most qualified and experienced legal office supporting the pharmaceutical and life science sectors in competition law’. The team also has experience representing clients before the Polish Competition Authority, the European Commission, and domestic and European courts. Marcin Kolasiński heads up the practice, and he is praised by one client as a ‘renowned expert in competition law."

Testimonials

‘Leading experts in life sciences. Experienced, highly motivated, and proactive.’

‘Unique commercial knowledge of how big companies operate and make strategic decisions; pragmatic approach to building the recommendations; and deep understanding of current authorities’ focus and novelties from local and European cases.’

‘Marcin Kolasiński is a top-notch expert who is focused and determined.’

Dispute Resolution - Tier 4

"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. frequently represents clients in disputes with their competitors, customers and administrative authorities before civil and administrative courts. A strong area for the group is defending corporates in product liability claims, as well as contractual disputes. Ewa Rutkowska is the practice head and her expertise extends across product liability claims and disputes in the pharmaceutical sector, and she regularly appears in both arbitration and litigation proceedings."

Chambers Europe 2024

Life Sciences - BAND 1

"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński is a front-running boutique law firm well prepared to act for clients in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors. Areas of specialisation for the leading legal practice include product liability, clinical trials, distribution and medical reimbursement matters. Product recalls also serve as a source of instruction for the law firm. Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński assists with regulatory issues and also handles contentious matters, including disputes with regulators as well as conflicts with competitors. The legal practice's clients include innovative pharmaceutical companies as well as industry associations."

Competition - BAND 4

"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński often assists clients from the life sciences sector with competition law issues. The law firm has a particular focus on advising clients on the competition law compliance aspects of distribution strategies. The team also assists with merger control mandates and represents clients in behavioural cases, including assisting them with dawn raids."

Law Firms' Ranking 2023 by the Polish daily newspaper Rzeczpospolita 

KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – leader in Pharmaceutical and Medical Law.

The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa 2023

Healthcare and life sciences – TIER 1

Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. fields a team of „seasoned experts” who have extensive knowledge of the pharmaceutical, medical, food and cosmetic sectors. As well as receiving instructions from national and global industry leaders, the firm also counts the Employers’ Union of Innovative Pharmaceutical Companies among its clients. Alongside its advisory work, the group frequently handles contentious mandates. Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik and Ewa Rutkowska oversee the department; the former regularly advises on reimbursement issues, while the latter is a particular specialist in product liability work. Michał Tracz is another key name to note.
Practice head(s):
Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik; Ewa Rutkowska

Testimonials:

‘‘Exceptionally competent team demonstrating very good knowledge of the relevant laws in combination with their practical implementation.”
‘‘The lawyers demonstrated deep knowledge of law and practices of local authorities which enabled them to provide bespoke, client-oriented practical advice. The team was easily available and demonstrated a sense of urgency.‘”
‘‘Smart, open-minded, experienced, positive thinking, focused on problem solving.”

Competition / Antitrust – TIER 3

Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. is differentiated by its focus on matters at the intersection of competition law and life sciences; this „unique specialisation” is much lauded by clients, and ensures that the firm is instructed by a sizeable roster of leading names from the healthcare sector. Distribution agreements between market players, merger control issues and abuse of dominance cases are the key areas of activity. Marcin Kolasiński leads the team of „seasoned experts.”

Testimonials:

‘‘‘Smart, open-minded, experienced, positive thinking, focused on problem solving.”
‘‘This law firm really works as a team! The resources are allocated to tasks based on experience but also allowing younger members to learn. However, it is without any drawback for the client.”
‘‘The team has a solution-based approach and are always interested in how things work in practice. Moreover, certain members of the law firm are also engaged in discussions about shape of the laws in various committees so from the very beginning they are aware of upcoming changes and possible results.”

Dispute resolution – TIER 4

Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. represents leading names from the gamut of industry sectors in disputes with competitors, consumers, and adminstrative authorities. Contractual issues and product liability claims are the core pillars of the practice; team lead Ewa Rutkowska‘s in-depth knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry remains instrumental in maintaining the firm’s reputation in the latter sphere.

Testimonials:

‘‘Smart, open-minded, experienced, positive thinking, focused on problem solving.”
‘‘Able to successfully perform as experts / professionals / advisors / business partners all at the same time.”
‘‘The team is commercial and highly expert. The turnaround time is impressive and excellent value.”

Chambers Europe 2023

Life Sciences - Band 1

"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński is a front-running boutique law firm well prepared to act for clients in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors. Areas of specialisation for the leading legal practice include product liability, clinical trials, distribution and medical reimbursement matters. Product recalls also serve as a source of instruction for the law firm. Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński assists with regulatory issues and also handles contentious matters, including disputes with regulators as well as conflicts with competitors. The legal practice's clients include innovative pharmaceutical companies as well as industry associations."

Strengths

"They have very strong knowledge and great experience in the life sciences industry."

"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński offers an exceptional level of service and responsiveness."

"They have a high level of responsiveness, practical approach and easy communication. We also appreciated their business acumen."

"The lawyers at Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński have a very good understanding of the pharmaceutical sector."

"It is an experienced team of advisers who practically support clients' business activities through legal advice."

Competition/Antitrust - Band 4

"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński often assists clients from the life sciences sector with competition law issues. The law firm has a particular focus on advising clients on the competition law compliance aspects of distribution strategies. The team also assists with merger control mandates and represents clients in behavioural cases, including assisting them with dawn raids."

Strengths

"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński has a very dynamic, competent and caring team."

"The lawyers provide very responsive and relevant analysis to the questions asked."

Law Firms' Ranking 2022 by the Polish daily newspaper Rzeczpospolita 

KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – leader in Pharmaceutical and Medical Law.

KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński acknowledged as Pro Bono Law Firm.

The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa 2022

Healthcare and life sciences – TIER 1

"The healthcare and life sciences department at boutique firm Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. supports businesses operating in regulated markets, such as the pharmaceutical, medicinal, food and cosmetic sectors. The team also increasingly advises on mandates regarding new technology such as AI and e-Health. Paulina Kieszkowska Knapik and Ewa Rutkowska jointly lead the team. The team has undergone changes with the addition of senior associates Michał Tracz, who has expertise in food and cosmetic law (...) in September 2020, and Bartłomiej Sasin, who specialises in pharmaceutical and medical law, (...) in April 2021. Michał Chodorek was promoted to partner in June 2021. 

Testimonials: 

Diversity is a very strong asset of the team. This is a boutique law firm, with great specialists in place. I think that what makes it special is also their pro bono work, especially for patients and patient organisations. The team is full of energy with a business approach.

KRK law firm has a number of seasoned legal experts that have deep understanding of the market and legal environment makes this law firm special in the field they operate in. The expertise coming from KRK is based on a very practical approach to the cases they work on, deep legal expertise and excellent understanding of the market dynamics.

We have worked with KRK for many years for the simple reason that this is one of the best Healthcare practices in the Polish market. They are real experts in the field, very flexible, professional and open-minded. They promptly respond to our requests. We can rely on them; we simply trust their legal and business-based solutions. Last but not least, they are very pleasant to work with."

Competition / Antitrust – TIER 3

"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. advises on regulatory and competition issues to clients in the FMCG, financial services, media and pharmaceutical sectors. Of note is the team's assistance with competition law issues relating to distribution and cooperation agreements and cases of abuse of a dominant position. Marcin Kolasiński heads the practice and is able to draw on his previous role in the Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection. 

Testimonials:

Very responsive and they treat you as their only client. Always help, even after hours.

The team is very dedicated to their duties and the needs of the customers. Additionally, the lawyers understand the business specifics, and this is what makes them special and different to other law firms. I always get the feeling that they are deeply engaged in each and every problem that we face."

Dispute resolution – TIER 4

"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. is a boutique focusing on medical and pharmaceutical law. As such, the dispute resolution group, has an impressive product liability and personal injury practice, particularly in relation to clinical trials and issues surrounding medical products. The department is led by founding partner Ewa Rutkowska, whom clients praise as a superb lawyer with a very sophisticated understanding of the relevant science and law. Promoted to counsel in 2021, Ewa Auleytner is regularly instructed by Polish and international medical industry clients to defend product liability claims and assist with crisis situations.

Testimonials:

I work with the firm primarily on pharmaceutical litigation matters, and the lawyers are incredibly knowledgeable about the relevant scientific issues as well as of course the substantive, procedural, and strategic components of Polish law."

Chambers Europe 2022

Life Sciences – BAND 1

Competition / Antitrust – BAND 4

Law Firms' Ranking 2021 by the Polish daily newspaper Rzeczpospolita 

KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – leader in Pharmaceutical and Medical Law.

KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński acknowledged for pro bono support for Polish health service during Covid-19 pandemic.

The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa 2021

Healthcare and life sciences – TIER 1

"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. is a life sciences boutique focusing on advising clients in regulated markets, including the pharmaceutical, medical, food and cosmetics sectors; offering a unique combination of ethical approach and pro-business solutions. In addition to non-contentious regulatory advice, the group is also highly experienced in product liability cases. The team also advises industry bodies, including Infarma, on issues such as the Reimbursement Act and pharmaceutical law. Co-leading the team are founding partners Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik (a legend of the practice) and Ewa Rutkowska, whom clients rate for product liability disputes. Patent and trade mark attorney Piotr Zawadzki's arrival in March 2021 bolsters the firm's IP offering to clients operating in the healthcare and life sciences space.

Testimonials: 

Wonderful team, 100 % dedicated to the life sciences practice. Very knowledgeable. On the top of every development, it is the best life sciences practice in Poland.

Ewa Rutkowska is my main contact. Very nice to work with, very responsive, very knowledgeable. I also work from time to time with Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik who is also on the top of the HLS practice.

Vast experience in life sciences, practical approach to problems, able to perform reasonable risk assessment: a good mix of theory and practice, perfect understanding of customer’s needs due to expertise about external and internal environment."

Competition / Antitrust – TIER 3

"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j.'s competition and antitrust practice is well-placed to handle matters arising from the life sciences sector, which is the focus of the wider firm. The main contact is former deputy director of the competition protection department at the Polish competition authority Marcin Kolasiński, whose expertise spans competition, consumer protection and public procurement law and is praised for his 'ability to clearly define what is the key legal issue and also to explain it to members of business organisations. 

Testimonials:

Practical approach, solutions oriented, very deep understanding of pharmaceutical sector, advice based on analysis of legal risks resulting from practice of National Competition Authority.

Advice is very practical, which is possible only because team members know the pharmaceutical market and competition law concerns that are discussed inside and out."

Dispute resolution – TIER 5

"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. is a healthcare and life sciences boutique, and its dispute resolution department reflects this specialism; representing clients in disputes involving unfair competition and advertising, consumer protection, as well as regulatory disputes before the administrative authorities. The group also has substantial experience representing pharmaceutical clients in reimbursement disputes regarding decisions of the ministry of health and the national health fund. Co-founding partner Ewa Rutkowska heads the team and is particularly adept in product liability cases. Senior associate Ewa Auleytner focuses on contractual disputes, often arising from the performance of civil contracts.

Testimonials:

This team is agile, in addition to being highly skilled and motivated."

Chambers Europe 2021

Life Sciences – BAND 1

Competition / Antitrust – BAND 3

Law Firms' Ranking 2020 by the Polish daily newspaper Rzeczpospolita 

KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – leader in Pharmaceutical and Medical Law.

KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński acknowledged for:

1. pro bono support for Polish health service during Covid-19 pandemic;
2. the office's internal work organization during Covid-19 pandemic.

Chambers Europe 2020

Life Sciences – BAND 1

Competition / Antitrust – BAND 3

The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa 2020

Healthcare and life sciences – TIER 1

"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."

Competition / Antitrust – TIER 3

"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."

Dispute resolution – TIER 6

Law Firms' Ranking 2019 by the Polish daily newspaper Rzeczpospolita

 KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – leader in Pharmaceutical and Medical Law.

Chambers Europe 2019

Life Sciences – BAND 1

Competition / Antitrust – BAND 3

The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa 2019

Healthcare and life sciences – TIER 1

"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."

Competition / Antitrust – TIER 3

"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."

TMT – TIER 4 

"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."

Dispute resolution – TIER 6

Law Firms' Ranking 2018 by the Polish daily newspaper Rzeczpospolita

KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – leader in Pharmaceutical Law.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński recommended in Medical Law.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński recommended in Competition & Anitrust Law.

Chambers Europe 2018

Life Sciences – BAND 1

Competition / Antitrust – BAND 3

The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa 2018

KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński ranked TIER 4 in Competition / Antitrust and recommended in Dispute Resolution.

Law Firms' Ranking 2017 by the Polish daily newspaper Rzeczpospolita 

KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – leader in Pharmaceutical Law.

Chambers Europe 2017

Life Sciences – BAND 1

Competition / Antitrust – BAND 3

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 third time in the category of Pharmaceutical Law and recommended in the category of Competition Law.

Law Firms' Ranking 2016 by the Polish daily newspaper Rzeczpospolita 

KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – leader in Pharmaceutical Law.
 

Chambers Europe 2016

Life Sciences – BAND 1

Competition / Antitrust – BAND 3

The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa 2016

Competition / Antitrust and Dispute Resolution – KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński recommended.

Polityka Insight 2016

KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – Group 1 in the category of Pharmaceutical Law.

Law Firms' Ranking 2015 by daily newspaper Rzeczpospolita 

KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – leader in Pharmaceutical Law.

LMG Life Sciences Awards 2015

KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – Law firm of the year – Poland.

Polityka Insight 2015

KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – Group 1 in the category of Pharmaceutical Law.

Chambers Europe 2014

Life Sciences – BAND 1