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.
An important part of her work includes high-risk regulatory projects. These projects often face public opposition and NGO involvement (NIMBY effect). She supports infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects at every stage. From strategy, through administrative proceedings, to obtaining and defending key permits and decisions.
Clients choose her because she combines legal knowledge with a practical business approach. She supports clients at every stage. She helps protect investments, prevent disputes, and obtain environmental permits.
My Experience
Ewa gained over 27 years of experience. She advised leading companies in Poland and abroad in manufacturing, energy, real estate, and chemical sectors. She also advised public authorities. Before founding ERS Legal, she worked in top international law firms. In recent years, she created and led the Environmental Practice at Dentons in Warsaw.
Areas of specialization
Investment process safety
She ensures correct project classification and compliance of documents. She works with environmental authorities. She represents clients in court and administrative cases. She creates safe strategies for investments. She obtains key decisions without delays. She helps avoid delays in project timelines. She manages communication with NGOs and local communities.
Regulatory compliance
She advises on compliance with environmental law. She supports environmental permits and decisions. She represents clients before authorities and courts. This includes cases about liability, fines, and inspections.
Chemical sector
REACH directive, CLP regulation, PFAS.
Wood sector
EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Due diligence, risk assessment, and supply chain transparency.
Product
Product safety and liability. Product and packaging labeling.
Soil contamination
Liability for contamination. Remediation processes and strategies. Legal and technical support with experts.
Decarbonization and climate
EU ETS, CBAM, and IED directive. Climate litigation.
Circular economy
SUP directive, extended producer responsibility (EPR), deposit systems.
Waste management
By-product status, waste transport, after-market strategies, product vs waste classification, and business models for recycling and recovery.
Selected publications
- Environmental Regulatory Litigation and Stakeholder Management in the Age of NGOs and NIMBY Participation (2025)
- Understanding the Modern Environmental Lawyer: Bridging Business and Environmental Protection (2025)
- Environmental lawyers as architects of environmental compliance (2025)
- OECD Guidelines – new risk for industrial investments (2025)
- Integrated permit – is hostile takeover possible? (2025)
- EU Critical Raw Materials Act – what does it mean for business? (2024)
Languages
Polish (native), English (fluent)
My awards and distinctions
Thomson Reuters 2026
Award for experience and skills in environmental law and regulatory law.
Chambers & Partners 2026
Recognized in rankings for a creative and strategic approach to solving complex legal problems, the ability to clearly explain complex issues, and recommending clear business actions ahead of risks.
Chambers & Partners 2025
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.
Chambers Europe
Environment 2024
Recognition for a practical approach to complex investment projects and effective advice in environmental law.
Rzeczpospolita
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.
My publications
PFAS restrictions in the EU. When the bans apply and what producers need to do
PFAS restrictions in the European Union are no longer a distant prospect. Some bans already apply, further ones take effect in 2026, and hanging over ...
Publication Environmental protection
PFAS restrictions in the EU. When the bans apply and what producers need to doA New Era in Metal Packaging
Preparing Your Business for PFAS and BPA Restrictions The food packaging industry is at a crossroads. Upcom...
Publication Product law
A New Era in Metal PackagingPackaging Revolution: How to Prepare Your Business for the PPWR?
How to Prepare Your Business for the PPWR? A pivotal moment is approaching in the world of environmental re...
Publication Product law
Packaging Revolution: How to Prepare Your Business for the PPWR?Environmental Seminar
We are pleased to inform you that in November 2026 our traditional Environmental Seminar will take place. For many years, this event has served as ...
Training Environmental protection
Environmental SeminarBuilding supervision orders tree removal – does it have the authority to do so?
When an authority imposes an obligation without a legal basis, a business can find itself facing real risk of sanctions. This is precisely what happen...
Publication Environmental protection
Building supervision orders tree removal – does it have the authority to do so?Does a height limit always apply without exception? An example of a successful appeal
A refusal to grant a permit for the expansion of a facility does not always mean the end of a project. Often, the key lies in correctly interpreting t...
Publication Environmental protection
Does a height limit always apply without exception? An example of a successful appealCan a PV installation increase flood risk? An example of successfully challenging a refusal to approve
A negative opinion from Wody Polskie can effectively block an investment, particularly during a period of heightened administrative caution following ...
Publication Environmental protection
Can a PV installation increase flood risk? An example of successfully challenging a refusal to approveThe PFAS Limits: What Applies from 12 August
On 30 March 2026, the European Commission published its Guidance document and FAQ on the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulatio...
Publication Product law
The PFAS Limits: What Applies from 12 AugustSee all
My specializations
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.
Security of the investment process
Many investments are not stopped by regulations – they are stopped by public protests, the actions of environmental organisations, prolonged proceedings, and risks that were not properly managed. We advise investors at every stage of the investment process, from the first decision through to effective defence before the courts in any disputes that may arise.
Product law
In this area, reacting when a problem arises is not enough. You need to act earlier. We advise clients on managing regulatory risk related to products, from composition and labelling, through packaging and environmental obligations, to strategies for entering the EU market and maintaining a secure position within it.
Do you need legal support for an investment or product?
Contact me.
ewa.rutkowska.subocz@erslegal.com +48 604 417 416