We represent Wirtualna Polska in complex media disputes
Once again, we are standing up for truth and freedom of speech. As legal advisors to Wirtualna Polska, one of Poland’s largest digital media groups, we support the company in complex and challenging disputes arising from the publication of editorial content that reaches every corner of the country.
Our work involves multifaceted representation in civil and criminal cases, with the aim of not only protecting the client’s interests and reputation, but above all defending the independence of the media and citizens’ right to reliable information.
The law must serve as a shield for the free press
Journalism is the cornerstone of a healthy, strong democracy, in which the media closely monitor not only politicians and local government officials, but also anyone who abuses their position. However, today this difficult and often dangerous work is being targeted by attacks whose sole aim is to paralyse the efforts of journalists and entire editorial teams: so-called SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation).
An effective defence in such cases requires a combination of uncompromising litigation strategies and an in-depth understanding of digital media, including their fast pace, dynamics, specific conditions, and technological requirements.
We have not only practical experience and the most extensive know-how currently available on the Polish market, gained through years of working for the largest media groups, but also the highly specialised knowledge required to undertake this task.
Wirtualna Polska remains a leading and reliable source of information
Our work with the Wirtualna Polska Group is based on a strategic, focused and mature partnership. This enables us to provide robust protection for the group’s most vulnerable individuals: its journalists.
While handling multifaceted civil proceedings aimed at protecting personal rights, we also oversee stringent criminal proceedings. Our work involves a variety of activities, such as analysing judgements, mapping facts, and thoroughly examining defamation laws. We also redefine challenges, devise innovative solutions, and set new standards regarding the liability of the digital press. At the same time, we constantly mitigate the legal risks associated with controversial publications.
Our strategy for Wirtualna Polska is a meticulously crafted plan that we are implementing consistently. We are not only effectively fending off attacks targeting the editorial team, thereby ensuring the client’s editorial independence and continuity of publication, but we are also doing something far more significant: we are setting legal precedents with the potential to become a new line of defence for all independent journalism in Poland.
Litigation Team of the Year
We are not afraid to speak out about the fact that media freedom is a battleground today. For years, we have observed attempts to silence dissenting newsrooms through a deluge of lawsuits. This is why, from the very beginning, we have always stood on the right side.
Our experience is not just theoretical. We have nearly 25 years’ experience of fighting alongside the biggest players in the market, thousands of hours of analysis under our belts and hundreds of cases won. And finally, the prestigious title of European Litigation Team of the Year, awarded to us by The Lawyer European Awards, confirms that our fight against SLAPPs – attempts to gag the press – is effective and recognised across Europe.
“Virtually every day brings new examples of how freedom is not an abstract concept, but rather daily, painstaking work. It is the struggle of journalists who risk so much to provide us with verified information and courageously hold those in power to account, even when it means facing pointed criticism. This is why our mission as lawyers is to ensure that their voice is never silenced by disproportionate legal consequences. By supporting Wirtualna Polska, we are defending not only our client’s interests, but also one of the pillars of democracy. Truth needs protection, and we are here to provide it – article by article and case by case”, says Piotr Kochański, Managing Partner.
This is why we remain uncompromising defenders of these core values. We want to continue fighting because we genuinely believe Poland should be a country where nobody is afraid to write the truth.
If you have any questions, please contact us
