Energy and natural resources

CMS

CMS boasts a sizeable energy and infrastructure team catering to some of the largest domestic and international players operating in the market, including oil refiners, gas companies, development and investment funds, and energy producers. The team is well versed in advising across heavy industry sectors such as chemical, petrochemical, metallurgical and mining, and it possesses expertise in renewables, environmental and ESG matters. Marcin Bejm heads up the practice, serving as a key contact for clients seeking advice on acquisition, construction, and development of infrastructure assets, project finance, PPPs and concessions. Other notable team members include Tomasz Minkiewicz, an expert in the oil and gas sector; Piotr Ciołkowski, who specialises in regulatory and trading matters; Łukasz Szatkowski, who is equally comfortable advising on both the conventional and renewable energy spaces; and Maciej Ziółkowski, praised for his ‘commercial and pragmatic approach’ when advising electricity, gas, heating and chemical companies. Angelika Szufel, who was recently promoted to counsel, stands out for her focus on the development of infrastructure and renewable projects.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The team is experienced, business-focused, and provides concise advice that is fit for purpose. Part of the fee depends on the success of the project. The description of works in the billing process is accurate and easy to follow.’
‘This is a one-stop-shop energy practice, with a long presence on the market. CMS can help a range of clients from various sub-sectors. This is a big team that can handle major projects. ’
‘Maciej Ziółkowski - very dedicated, with a commercial and pragmatic approach. Reliable and trusted advisor.’
‘Piotr Ciołkowski - stands out as one of the most recogniwable lawyers.’
‘Łukasz Szatkowski - very client oriented, well anchored on the market, professional, down to earth.'
‘Andrzej Szostak and Angelika Szufel have a very good understanding of the specifics of working in the industry and carry out tasks with care. A big plus is that they easily understand the results that are expected.’
‘Maciej Ziółkowski - very committed professional, focused not only on the task, but also the client's needs. Out-of-the box thinker. Very keen on proposing new solutions even before the client starts thinking about the new problematic issue.’
‘CMS lawyers work in many countries and have daily contact with many legislations, which gives them a broad perspective and allows them to transfer interesting and up-to-date legal concepts from other jurisdictions to Poland. The team has a very good reputation as one of the best energy and natural resources teams in the CEE. They are detailed, showing vast knowledge of the law, but also very practical.'

Key clients

Afcon Renewable Energy Ltd
BayWa r.e.
CalEnergy Resources
CEE Equity Partners
Central European Petroleum
ČEZ Group
ENERGA
Eolus Vind AB
Equinor
Fortum Power and Heat Poland
Green Investment Group
Grupa Azoty Polyolefins
Grupa LOTOS
ib vogt GmbH
IGNITIS
KGHM
MOL
PGE
PGNiG
Orlen
Polish Development Fund (PFR)
Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne (PSE)
Solarpro Holding PLC
Sonnedix
Synthos
Żabka Polska

Work highlights

Advised the Lewandpol Group on a project to build a hybrid solar and wind farm, Kleczew Solar & Wind.
Advised TotalEnergies Renewables on its acquisition of a portfolio of photovoltaic projects.
Advised Żabka Polska on the preparation, negotiation and conclusion of three corporate VPPAs in Poland, one with Modus Asset Management and two with Qair Group.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Tomasz Minkiewicz

Hall of fameCMS

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.