Behind the scenes at KWKR: Paulina Opiełka 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’re kicking off the series with a conversation with Paulina Opiełka, Partner and Head of our Corporate and M&A team.
What do you do, and what areas of law are closest to you?
I lead the corporate and VC/M&A transactions team. My daily work involves advising on some of the most complex business deals – from venture capital investments to mergers and acquisitions. It’s a fascinating space where law meets high-level business. Each transaction brings new challenges, new structures and new client needs that must be translated into legal language and secured effectively and practically.
What’s your superpower at KWKR – your biggest strength at work?
I always focus on addressing the client’s key needs in a clear and straightforward way. In transactions, the only thing that matters is the done deal – not the no deal. Law is a tool to help clients reach their business goals, not the other way around.
It doesn’t matter how elegant a legal document is if it doesn’t help the client realize their vision. That’s why I always look for solutions that are not just legally sound, but above all, make business sense.
What do you value most about working at KWKR?
I love the direct, friendly relationships at KWKR. The atmosphere here makes even the most stressful deals feel manageable. Collaborating with colleagues is a pleasure – we support each other, share knowledge and constantly learn from one another.
And of course, the occasional cake in the office. These little everyday joys make KWKR something more than just a workplace.
What are your passions? What do you do in your free time?
I read books, ride my bike, hike in the mountains and, if the wind is right, I go sailing. These activities bring me balance and help recharge after intense workdays.
Whether it’s a bike ride, reaching a mountain peak or navigating wind and water – each of these hobbies teaches me something I bring into my legal work: perseverance, planning and handling unpredictability.
What’s one piece of legal advice you would give clients without hesitation?
When preparing for a transaction, one hour of strategic planning with your lawyer is worth more than ten hours of reviewing documents.
The best deals are those that are well thought out from the start. It’s worth taking the time to design the structure, identify potential issues and develop a strategy – before you even draft the first document. It saves time, money and, most importantly, nerves.
What has surprised you most about being a lawyer?
Knowing the law is just a fraction of the job. Managing multiple projects and strong interpersonal skills are crucial – because the best work happens with people you genuinely like.
In corporate transactions, we often work closely with clients, advisors and opposing parties for weeks or even months. If you can’t build strong relationships, understand different perspectives and find common ground, even the best legal expertise won’t close the deal.
In which legal areas are you and your team at KWKR ready to support clients?
Together with my team, I support clients at key stages of their business growth. I advise on venture capital investments – from early funding rounds, through growth phases, to strategic exits.
I handle M&A transactions, assist with mergers, acquisitions, company restructurings and the formation of investment funds. Day to day, I create practical, tailored solutions – shareholder agreements that actually work, and incentive programs for management teams that truly support organisational development.
My goal is always to translate the client’s business vision into legal language – in a safe, effective and commercially sound way. A well-planned transaction is more than just paperwork – it’s a carefully designed process that leads to real results. I make sure every collaboration delivers real value and supports long-term growth.
