Behind the scenes at KWKR: Mikołaj Prochownik on law, passion and working with our team
As part of KWKR’s rebranding, we want to show you the real people behind the scenes – those who support your business every day. In a series of interviews with our lawyers, we’ll present not only their professional credentials, but also their passions, motivations and personal perspectives on the law. We believe that trust is built through transparency. We want you to know us not just as legal experts, but as people who truly care about your business. Behind every contract, every legal process and every piece of advice are individuals bringing their experience, empathy and commitment. We invite you to read this interview with Mikołaj Prochownik, a senior associate at our firm and an expert in cybersecurity, telecommunications, and new technologies law.
What do you do, and which areas of law are closest to you?
I specialize in new technologies law, IT contracts, and cybersecurity regulations – fields that are now essential for modern business. I help companies navigate cybersecurity rules, particularly around the implementation of the NIS2 directive and the Polish Cybersecurity Act, while also keeping an eye on the upcoming EU Cyber Resilience Act. It’s a field where the law needs to keep up with rapidly evolving technology.
A big part of my work also involves litigation – from pre-litigation negotiations, through complex civil proceedings, to enforcement of judgments. When it comes to tech-related disputes, it’s not enough to understand the law – you also need to grasp the technical issues behind the case, and explain them clearly to the judge. Every case is a new challenge and a chance to use a wide range of legal tools.
What’s your “superpower” at KWKR — your professional strength?
A sense of humor and the ability to express ideas concisely. I originally intended to answer this interview using just one sentence per question – only the charm and persuasive force of our marketing team changed my mind (not joking – stone-faced editor’s note).
In legal work – especially in litigation and contract negotiation – the ability to maintain perspective and defuse tension is invaluable. I try to take life and work seriously, but not literally. Humor not only helps us through the toughest moments, but also strengthens relationships with clients and colleagues.
When a client finds out they need to implement yet another regulatory requirement… and the deadline was yesterday, sometimes all you can do is smile and get to work on bending the space-time continuum.
Looking at problems from a different angle, with a bit of distance, often leads to the best solutions.
What do you value most about working at KWKR? Why do you enjoy being part of our team?
The fascinating topics, the rich variety of challenges, and the friendly team atmosphere. Also, the new logo – I love it! But seriously, as they shouted in The Rookie with Clint Eastwood – “This isn’t just a job, it’s an adventure!” In one day I might analyze NIS2 requirements for an energy client, negotiate a software license agreement before lunch, and then prepare a litigation strategy for a complex IT contract dispute in the afternoon.
This variety keeps things fresh and pushes constant learning. I also really appreciate the support I get from my colleagues – we can freely exchange ideas and questions. The team encourages an open-minded approach, where asking questions and proposing solutions is welcome. We all learn from one another, and our diverse backgrounds help us tackle complex legal challenges together.
What are your passions? How do you spend your free time?
Hiking, basketball, and reading history books. Hiking, especially with family, is my escape from the daily work grind. I often return to my favorite spots in the Tatra Mountains, like the Roztoka mountain hut, but I also enjoy discovering new trails. Recently, for my birthday, my family gifted me a guided climb to Gerlach Peak – it was quite the adventure.
Basketball is my way to unwind after a day at the desk. After analyzing regulations all day, nothing beats a physical battle with other two-meter-tall guys trying to get that ball through the hoop. It also keeps me mentally sharp – you have to be present, make fast decisions, and anticipate opponents’ moves.
And one more thing – can the Bulls finally get it together and make the playoffs?! How many times can they lose to Miami in the Play-In?!
Reading history is my way of learning great stories – about people, events, empires. It helps me understand the present and how historical processes evolve. I especially enjoy discovering new perspectives – recently I read a fascinating book about the Byzantine Empire that challenged the typical Eurocentric view we’re used to in Poland.
What’s one piece of legal advice you’d give without hesitation?
Consult a lawyer before signing a contract. It sounds obvious, but many people don’t do it. I’ve seen many clients facing serious problems from poorly drafted agreements that seemed innocent at first glance.
In IT especially, the stakes are high. A single poorly written liability clause can cost a company millions if there’s a security incident. Ambiguity in a license agreement can derail an entire tech project. The cost of legal review is tiny compared to the potential fallout.
Also – don’t trust “standard contracts.” Every agreement should be tailored to the specific needs and risks of the business. What works for one company can be a disaster for another.
What has surprised you most about the legal profession since you entered the field?
Back pain! But seriously – I was surprised by how physically draining this profession can be. Long hours at a desk, bending over files and contracts, tense negotiations – it all takes a toll, especially on your back.
That’s why taking care of your physical and mental health is so important. For me, hiking and basketball aren’t just hobbies – they’re essential for balance.
That’s also why I appreciate KWKR – the firm gives us the space to grow not only professionally, but also as individuals, pursuing our interests and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
In which areas of law are you and the KWKR team ready to support clients?
Running a tech-driven business and concerned about cybersecurity? Need help implementing NIS2 or other cybersecurity rules? Or facing a complex lawsuit and need a lawyer who understands both legal and technical details?
Together with the KWKR team, I’ll help ensure your digital business operates securely. I specialize in drafting and negotiating IT contracts – from software licensing to full-scale IT implementation deals. We can audit your company’s cybersecurity compliance, create NIS2/KSC2 procedures, and help prepare for the upcoming Cyber Resilience Act.
Whether you’re a startup drafting your first contracts or a large corporation rolling out new security systems, we’ll make sure your business is legally secure and future-ready.
After all, it’s better to prevent problems than fix them later – though if problems do arise, I’m ready to help. One of the most rewarding things about this job is being able to truly help people and know that what we do matters.
