Environmental protection
Environmental regulations affect not only compliance, but what matters most in business: the pace of investment, operating costs, and security.
In this area, knowing what the law says is not enough. You also need to know how to translate it into concrete actions and sound decisions. Regulations are tightening, authorities are becoming increasingly active, and the consequences of violations can be severe – financially, operationally, and reputationally.
We are one of the most experienced environmental law teams in Poland, with over 25 years of experience gained on the most demanding regulatory projects for industry, energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Our market position is confirmed by the most important Polish and international legal rankings.
We take a broad view, considering the impact of each situation on operations, investments, and future business decisions.
Our services
Environmental decisions and integrated permits
We support clients in developing strategies, compiling documentation, and conducting proceedings to obtain decisions and permits.
Administrative and administrative court proceedings
We represent clients both when existing decisions need to be defended and when they need to be challenged.
Liability for violations and administrative penalties
We advise on matters including breaches of environmental requirements and administrative liability.
Environmental damage, historical contamination, and remediation
We handle cases involving environmental damage, historical contamination, and remediation measures.
EU ETS, CBAM, and climate regulations
We help clients meet obligations arising from EU climate regulations, including those related to emissions, reporting, and the impact of new rules on business models.
Waste management and circular economy
We advise on obligations related to extended producer responsibility, the deposit return system, SUP, and other regulations.
Chemical regulations: REACH, CLP, PFAS
We support clients in assessing obligations and risks related to chemical regulations, including those concerning hazardous substances and restrictions affecting operations and products.
Proceedings before the OECD National Contact Point
We represent clients in proceedings before the OECD National Contact Point, from preparing the position through to the conclusion of the case.
WIOŚ, GIOŚ, Prosecutor's Office, Police inspections and other inspection proceedings
We support and assist during announced and unannounced inspections by environmental protection authorities and other bodies in connection with compliance with environmental protection and construction regulations.
Who we work for
Industrial sector companies. Enterprises whose operations involve, among other things, noise generation, waste management, and water abstraction.
Manufacturing sector companies. Producers and distributors responsible for the compliance of products, packaging, and substances with applicable regulations.
Investors and developers. Entities carrying out projects that require navigating complex environmental and administrative procedures.
Waste management sector entities. Companies involved in the collection, processing, transport, or other handling of waste.
Owners and users of contaminated land. Entities dealing with historical contamination, remediation, and liability for the environmental condition of a given site.
International law firms and industry advisors. Foreign law firms and advisory networks seeking a local partner in Poland specialising in environmental law.
Case studies
I am running several construction sites in Poland simultaneously, how do I develop a uniform, safe construction waste management system following changes in the law?
Client Commercial real estate developer with a portfolio of active construction sites The situation Changes to Polish waste law have significantly ...
I am running several construction sites in Poland simultaneously, how do I develop a uniform, safe construction waste management system following changes in the law?I am building one of the largest food industry plants in Poland from scratch; how do I plan and manage the entire environmental and regulatory process for a greenfield investment?
Client Large investor in the food sector The situation A large-scale greenfield investment in the food sector is one of the most regulatory-intensi...
I am building one of the largest food industry plants in Poland from scratch; how do I plan and manage the entire environmental and regulatory process for a greenfield investment?My production facility releases PFAS substances; I face restrictions or plant closure in Europe, how do I manage this regulatory crisis?
Client Chemical sector manufacturer with a facility in Western Europe The situation PFAS - per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as "forever c...
My production facility releases PFAS substances; I face restrictions or plant closure in Europe, how do I manage this regulatory crisis?See all
No long reports full of theory.
We prefer to design clear strategies.
We speak directly, so our clients always know where they stand. We consider not only the law and practice, but also your business, timelines, financing, and client relations.
Energy, chemical industry, automotive, life sciences, developers of large projects – we work with sectors that have a direct impact on the environment. We also support international law firms as their local partner in Poland.
Contact with expert
Ewa Rutkowska-Subocz
Partner
Attorney-at-law
Ewa Rutkowska-Subocz specializes in environmental law. This has been the core of her work for over 27 years. She is one of the top environmental lawyers in Poland. She advises on many areas: environmental proceedings and permits, soil and groundwater contamination, post-industrial land, air protection, water management, waste management, noise, odor issues, environmental compliance, inspections, crisis management, and court and administrative disputes.
Katarzyna Szadkowska-Piergies
Partner
Attorney-at-law
Katarzyna Szadkowska-Piergies specializes in environmental law and administrative proceedings. Her work combines experience from public administration with advisory work for leading industrial clients.
We care about relationships. From the first conversation, through proceedings, mediation, appeals, to stable operations.
She is the number one lawyer in her field, very skillful, knowledgeable, doing environmental and regulatory, with a high level of enthusiasm, this is something you appreciate. She's got my full trust, she is very honest, and she is fair in billing too.
Thomson Reuters 2026
I appreciate the team's responsiveness, their ability to provide out-of-the-box solutions specifically tailored for current needs, and their outstanding knowledge of law and business aspects.
Chambers & Partners 2025
Ewa Rutkowska-Subocz is a top-class lawyer with a highly creative approach to problem-solving.
Chambers & Partners 2026
The [environmental team] of lawyers I worked with were knowledgeable, courteous and prompt.
Chambers & Partners 2024
They are very practical and I value their approach to finding a solution.
Chambers & Partners 2024
The lawyers are always responsive and quick on their feet.
Chambers & Partners 2024
Chambers Europe
Environment 2024
Recognition for a practical approach to complex investment projects and effective advice in environmental law.
Rzeczpospolita 2024 – 2025
Leader in environmental law
Recognized for experience in handling strategic industrial and energy investments.
The Legal 500
Projects & Energy
Recommendation for effectiveness in environmental proceedings and handling projects with international scope.
Chambers & Partners
2026
Recognized for expert knowledge in environmental law, availability, and a partner approach to the client, as well as the ability to create tailored, practical solutions in the most complex regulatory cases.
Thomson Reuters
2026
Recognition for a creative and strategic approach to solving complex legal problems, the ability to clearly explain complex issues, and recommending concrete business actions ahead of risks.
Do you need legal support for an investment or product?
Write or call – we'll answer you specifically
and without unnecessary theory.