25 years of challenges, victories, struggles and relentless learning

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Team, Customers and Friends,

This anniversary year has been special for us in every way. We have had many reasons to celebrate, but we have also been careful not to lose sight of specific waypoints. And thanks to this approach, today we can proudly and firmly say that we are ready for what the future holds for us.

Management and Corporate Governance and commitments to people and the environment

Last year, we planned and implemented nearly 40 ESG, EB, internal communications and CSR initiatives. That’s five times more than the year before. So you can clearly see where we are heading. Towards a mature organisation built on a solid financial foundation and a conscious, sustainable business.

None of this would have been possible were it not for the passion, energy and drive of our ESG Committee, which is a powerful engine for all projects large and small. Soon this fantastic team will get another key driver in the form of the Audit and Control Committee, which will ensure the implementation of the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in all aspects of our business, in line with our policy of zero tolerance towards fraud.

We protect our image, reputation and the trust of our clients and business partners by adhering to ethical standards and taking effective action against fraud. Our Anti-Corruption Policy is part of our compliance system.

We earnestly hope that the Committee will also support the ESG objectives by monitoring ethical standards and ensuring responsible business practices.

We’ve already cleaned up a lot of our internal processes and put them into a framework of policies and procedures, because we believe that if we want to see lasting change in the world around us, it has to start with ourselves.

This is why we have a Code of Ethical Conduct, our primary ‘moral compass’, which is not just a set of principles, but above all a shared promise. That we will do things well, with integrity and class.

We also have a Diversity and Inclusive Culture Policy to ensure that each and every one of us feels respected, needed and important at work. Regardless of where they come from, what they look like or what they believe in. To ensure that our Firm is a place where we have the opportunity to develop our potential and talents.

We launched our first-ever mentoring programme to help our junior colleagues develop a variety of skills. From business skills, strategic planning and management, personal development and personal brand building, goal setting and work organisation, to conducting difficult but effective negotiations with demanding clients. 7 experienced mentors and 17 mentees are developing their skills, gaining experience and building new and inspiring professional relationships, while bringing unique value to the organizational culture we are creating together.

We believe that the future is built on different perspectives, management styles and ways of thinking. We prove this to ourselves every day. Also, through the cyclical internal meetings with the Managing Partner. This is because we have considered that, in a dynamic and uncertain reality, we want and have the space to talk about what is important to us, where we are and where we are heading. As a firm and as the people who make it up.

We initiated the activities of the Women’s Club, which was born out of an internal, resounding need for integration and a desire to create a unique, yet comfortable and safe space. One in which the women working in our law firm would have the chance to spread their professional wings.

And since business should be the driving force behind all positive changes, in the past year we seriously and consistently put this principle into practice.

We were saving the world through our programmes

• Collected and segregated waste, giving things a second life
• Educated about recycling, the climate and the environment
• Reduced CO2 emissions and reported the results
• Spoke out about human rights through cinema and our Film Nights, where we discussed and watched films from the 24th WATCH DOCS International Film Festival
• Saved trees from drought
• Distributed organic vegetables
• Organised and supported various charity or educational initiatives
• Dogs have started to appear in our office and are becoming more and more welcome

We have also launched ESG Buzzz, our internal eco-newsletter, in which we write about the milestones we are achieving with our ESG Policy goals, actions and activities for our Planet.

We also did not forget our commitments to Ukraine.

In 2024, this took the form of more targeted actions, including supporting the team from the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and the Ukrainian Catholic University at the Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in Washington, D.C., who prepared for this, the world’s most important arbitration competition, in concrete shelters and to the sound of sirens howling furiously to warn of incoming bombs.

As always, we also supported the KALYNA Foundation by raising money for scholarships for its wards. Effectively.

Audits, ratings and medals

We have won another EcoVadis silver medal for sustainability achievements and, importantly, we have improved on our score from last year. We also underwent a rigorous audit by the United Nations Global Compact. Moreover, we were the first Polish law firm to join the Green Arbitration Pledge, a global campaign for greener dispute resolution practices, and the Women’s Empowerment Principles which aim to strengthen women’s empowerment, both in the workplace and in other areas of society.

Both of these initiatives create a new framework for business, through which we have the opportunity to build a greener, fairer and more sustainable world. This is particularly important to us because we wholeheartedly subscribe to everything that changes the world for the better.

That is why we act both internationally and globally, and as locally as possible, because we believe that small changes can lead to big things.

We don’t do it for the awards, the glamour or the accolades, but they do come. This year we were particularly pleased to be named European Litigation Team of the Year 2024 by The Lawyer European Awards. We won this title for fundamental concerns and values. For defending the media and freedom of speech, for fighting for a strong Polish democracy, and for making sure that each and every one of us can live, work and develop safely in the heart of a united Europe.

Kochański & Partners Master Academy

Training and development is a priority for us. We are committed to efficiency and excellence in everything we do. And it’s not just about business.

Last year we trained regularly on cyber security and cyber hygiene. We honed our social and public speaking skills, time management, task planning, prioritisation and work organisation. We practised sales techniques, business development, lead generation, communicating effectively with clients and building long-term business relationships.

Not forgetting our health and safety at work, we have launched the ‘Work Healthy and Smart’ training programme. These are practical workshops on first aid and ergonomics at work. This year we are adding yoga and back-stretching exercises.

Why are we doing this?

Because we want to be among those who have the courage to go beyond financial indicators or profit and loss statements when building their businesses. So that we can all work better, in a better, more open atmosphere based on trust, concern for people and the environment, and the highest standards of work. And so that together we can build a firm we can be proud of.

What does this mean for us on a daily basis?

More mutual respect and openness, equal opportunities for all, open communication, and a better and friendlier working atmosphere.

We’re working together – and changing the world for the better.

With best regards

Piotr Kochański