About

What are the most important transactions and litigations that you have been involved in during the last two years?

One of the most important transactions I’ve participated in and supported in the last two years was the acquisition of Totalgaz Italia, the LPG distribution business of TotalErg, a joint venture between Total and Erg serving approximately 65,000 customers in the northern region of Italy. Additionally, one of the biggest efforts in past years was GDPR implementation across the region.

How important have “soft skills” or personal attributes outside of technical legal skill been to the team’s success, and which “soft skills” do you feel are most important for an in-house lawyer to possess?

In my opinion soft skills are the personal attributes, personality traits, inherent social cues, and communication abilities needed for success in such a position. Soft skills characterise how a person interacts in their relationships with others. Apart from technical legal skill being able to combine the following soft skills would ensure the best possible manager – leadership, teamwork, communication, problem solving, work ethic, flexibility and adaptability.

What are the main qualities you look for in a potential new hire?

As mentioned above, we always – in addition to technical skills – look for certain level of soft skills which completes every candidate profile. Moreover, I could point out several standout traits to look for in screening new hires – long term potential, enthusiasm and passion, putting skills to action, ambition and responsiveness.

What advice would you give to any peers or colleagues working in the Polish market for the first time?

The Polish market is one of the best growing in Europe and gives amazing opportunities not only for setting-up new businesses, but also to expand into other Eastern European countries. I recognise every year that Warsaw usually becomes a hub for the region and a centre of management.

I would advise any peers or colleagues working in the Polish market for the first time to see and meet as many people as possible, participate in many business events to start building relations and contacts which can help in further development.

What can law firms in Poland, and the wider CEE region, do to win more business from you?

First of all, law firms and their lawyers should try to understand the core business of the company. Secondly, I expect some time spent developing relationships and a feeling of the business needs, which always must be recognised as part of the legal advice. Approaching and alerting the client with specific legislature changes relevant for the business as well as some new ideas of cooperation and building relations is always appreciated.