The ‘leading banking and finance practice’ at CMS boasts an impressive client roster that includes banks, financial institutions, state-owned sponsors, investors and investment funds. The practice is well-equipped to advise on project, real estate, structured, export, and acquisition financing mandates. Michał Mężykowski sits at the helm of the department, while Rafał Zakrzewski heads up the firm’s English law desk, providing English law advice on international financing transactions. Other key members of the department include Jakub Wieczorek, who supports both lenders and borrowers, and Jakub Podkowa, who specialises in real estate financing mandates.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Support throughout entire project, good engagement of senior staff and partners.’

  • ‘Jakub Wieczorek and Monika Kowara are recommended, as are Jakub Wieczorek and Konrad Leszko.'

  • ‘Leading banking and finance practice in Poland. Excellent team lead by Jakub Wieczorek and Konrad Leszko is the best in Poland in terms of project finance and difficult structures.’

  • ‘The team was exceptionally good in delivering all required tasks in a timely manner.’

Key clients

  • Santander Bank Polska S.A.
  • Gemini Polska S.A.
  • mBank S.A.
  • BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A.
  • ORLEN S.A.
  • CH Promenada sp. z o.o.
  • European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
  • United States International Development Finance Corporation
  • PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna S.A.
  • BGK
  • DNB Bank ASA
  • PKO Bank Polski S.A.
  • Revetas Capital Advisors LLP
  • BIG Shopping Center
  • Sunly Group
  • LEUMI UK GROUP LIMITED

Work highlights

  • Advised ORLEN S.A. and Energa S.A. (project sponsors) on the financing the PLN2.5bn project for the construction of a 750MW combined cycle gas power plant in Ostrołęka granted by a consortium of lenders consisting of Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego, Alior Bank SA, Bank Polska Kasa Opieki SA, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH and Erste Group Bank AG.
  • Advised PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna S.A. on raising funds to finance its general corporate and investment needs under a sustainable financing formula, and on the signing of a loan agreement with Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego for PLN2.5bn.
  • Advised European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and United States International Development Finance Corporation on the provision of $100m and $250m loans respectively along with $130m loan to be provided by the International Finance Corporation to PrJSC 'MHP' and MHP SE.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Jakub Wieczorek 
CMS

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Michał Mężykowski

Other key lawyers

Jakub Podkowa, Jakub Wieczorek, Martyna Markiewicz, Rafał Zakrzewski, Artur Bednarski, Pawel Jaśkiewicz, Monika Kowara, Konrad Leszko, Karolina Bandzul-Król