Katarzyna Szadkowska-Piergies

Katarzyna has almost 13 years of experience. She combines advisory work with roles in key public institutions responsible for environmental law. Before joining ERS Legal & Partners, she was a Senior Associate at Dentons in Warsaw. Earlier, she was Director of the Legal Department at the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection. She was also Deputy Director at the Ministry of Climate and Environment. She also worked at the Ministry of Justice.

In public administration, she took part in appeal proceedings. These included integrated permits, air protection, waste management, noise, and electromagnetic fields. She also worked on legislation and implementation of EU law.

Areas of specialization

Environmental permits and administrative proceedings
She advises on obtaining and changing permits. This includes integrated permits and environmental decisions. She represents clients in administrative and court cases. She gives strategic advice in investment processes.

Regulatory compliance and inspections
She advises on compliance with environmental law. This includes BAT requirements. She supports clients during inspections. She prepares responses and complaints. She represents clients before authorities and courts.

Waste management
She advises on waste regulations. This includes classification and transport of waste. She creates legal strategies for companies and investors dealing with waste issues.

Deposit system
She represents a major deposit system operator in Poland. She supports implementation and negotiations. She advises on legal and financial models.

Proceedings with NGOs and local communities
She represents companies in cases with public opposition and NGO involvement. She advises on access to environmental information and protection of business secrets. She supports cases before the OECD National Contact Point.

Selected projects

• She represented a major deposit system operator in Poland.
• She represented an automotive company in complex cases with NGOs.
• She represented a wood sector company in difficult administrative cases.
• She advised industrial companies on permits and compliance.
• She advised on cases with abandoned waste on properties.
• She represented Poland in proceedings before EU institutions.
• She worked on environmental legislation and EU implementation.

Career path

• Partner, ERS Legal & Partners, Warsaw, from 2025
• Senior Associate, Dentons, Warsaw, 2024–2025
• Director, Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection, 2023–2024
• Deputy Director, Ministry of Climate and Environment, 2020–2023
• Legislation Specialist, Ministry of Justice, 2017–2020

Selected publications

• Integrated permits – analysis of legal changes (2025)
• OECD Guidelines – new risk for industrial investments (2025)
• Integrated permit – is hostile takeover possible?

Languages
Polish (native), English (fluent)