Bristol-based international legal practice Osborne Clarke has launched a new Poland office based in Warsaw.

Osborne Clarke in Poland brings together the legal services business of highly respected multi-professional services firm MDDP, strengthened by a few recognised and rated lawyers joining from well-known national independent firms.

Osborne Clarke in Poland will be led by co-managing partners, Olgierd Swierzewski and Tomasz Olkiewicz and the wider team will comprise six partners, 24 lawyers and four business support staff.

Previously Managing Partner at MDDP Law, Tomasz is a corporate M&A and tax lawyer with 25-plus years’ experience advising clients from the technology, media and comms, energy and utilities, real estate, and life sciences sectors. Tomasz previously was a part of MDDP Tax and prior to that was a senior manager at EY Tax.

Olgierd was previously CEO and Head of the Technology Transaction Group in a well-known national law firm and VP of the Board at Lotos Paliwa (one of Poland's largest oil companies). He advises clients on technology transactions and transfers, fundraising and financing, joint ventures, technology procurement, outsourcing, data protection, as well as the regulatory aspects of digital business. Olgierd also spent eight years as General Counsel for Accor Hotels.

Osborne Clarke’s new Polish team will have a combined portfolio comprising international and national clients. They initially will target clients across Osborne ‘s key sectors including technology, media and communications, energy and utilities, and real estate and infrastructure, expanding to further areas as the team grows. The new team will also maintain its mutual referral relationship with MDDP.

Omar Al-Nuaimi, International CEO at Osborne Clarke, said: “Poland is an important and strategic move for us, given it’s the fifth largest EU economy and very well positioned for targeting international businesses in central and eastern Europe.

“It’s also a market that’s increasingly under pressure given the rapidly evolving situation in the Ukraine and the broader geopolitical factors. Many of our clients have welcomed the fact that we will have a team in Poland to assist them as they navigate the changing business landscape.

“We’re bringing together two high quality teams that are very aligned to our 3D strategy and our values. Co-Managing Partners Olgierd, Tomasz and the wider Partners, fee earners and business services team share our client-centred approach and our vision for a new future-focused law firm.

“Our teams couldn't be more aligned,” says Tomasz Olkiewicz. “Across many of our key sectors we bring complementary skills and expertise. In the energy and utilities sector, for example, decarbonisation and ESG form a big part of our strategic thinking and we’re advising clients on matters linked to the circular economy and waste reduction.”

Olgierd Swierzewski adds: “We’re aiming to create a unique firm for the Polish market. We want to maintain all the things that are uniquely OC – outstanding client service, future focus, transformational insight and a dedication to delivering a strong culture.”

Osborne Clarke now has more than 1,300 lawyers and over 2,000 employees across 26 international offices.