Behind the scenes at KWKR: Paweł Machowski 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 our conversation with Paweł Machowski, senior associate at KWKR and a specialist in corporate law.
What do you do, and what areas of law are closest to you?
At KWKR, I provide comprehensive legal support for VC investment projects from both the fund and founder perspectives, as well as ongoing corporate services for companies. These areas bring new challenges every day — from negotiating early-stage funding rounds for startups, through complex M&A transactions, to corporate reorganizations of large capital groups. I also assist clients in disputes, especially those arising from corporate matters.
What’s your superpower at KWKR – your biggest strength at work?
I’m highly engaged in client projects and take a proactive approach to bring them to a successful close. This determination builds trust and enables me to work with clients on a partnership basis, which leads to quick and effective outcomes. I don’t wait for the client to ask what’s next — I analyze the entire situation, anticipate potential challenges, and propose solutions before they become real obstacles.
What do you value most about working at KWKR? Why do you enjoy being part of our team?
The KWKR team isn’t just made up of smart and professional people — they’re also fun and empathetic. That means you can have a laugh in the office, but also a thoughtful conversation about personal or broader topics. It may sound simple, but the atmosphere at work really matters, especially in a demanding profession like law. When you’re working on complex transactions under time pressure, it’s crucial to have colleagues you can rely on — not only for legal support, but also on a human level.
What are your passions? What do you do in your free time?
Right now, my free time is all about caring for my 3-month-old son, which is both the most beautiful and most time-consuming experience of my life. Long stroller walks are made more enjoyable with audiobooks and podcasts. It’s a great way to combine the pleasant with the useful — spending time outdoors with my child while also carving out space for personal growth.
Before this phase of life, I used to watch a lot of movies and series and play board games. My favorite is Terraforming Mars — highly recommended!
What’s one piece of legal advice you would give clients without hesitation?
Sometimes it pays to take a step back and slow down — especially when the business dynamic doesn’t require an immediate reaction, particularly when signing documents. Acting under emotional pressure can lead to decisions that are difficult to reverse. In the business world, time pressure is constant, and the temptation to “just get it done” is strong. But it’s often those rushed decisions that cause the biggest legal problems down the line. It’s better to take a few extra hours or days to consider the structure, consult your lawyer, or analyze the consequences, rather than spend months or even years fixing issues that could’ve been avoided.
But don’t worry — if something already went wrong, I’ll help you find a way out. One of the most important things I’ve learned in this job is that almost every situation has a solution.
What has surprised you most about the legal profession since you entered the field?
I touched on this earlier — almost every situation that seems hopeless at first glance can be managed legally in a way that satisfies the client. Young lawyers often feel like their hands are tied in tough situations. But with experience and growing competence, that feeling fades. Sometimes the solution lies in restructuring, sometimes in a different interpretation of the law, and sometimes in applying legal instruments from entirely different areas. The most rewarding moments are when you find a solution that not only resolves the current issue but also opens up new business opportunities for the client.
That was probably the biggest surprise — although I suspect this is a shared experience in many demanding professions where experience and creativity matter. These days, I’m only surprised when something can’t be solved.
In which areas of law are you and the KWKR team ready to support clients?
Are you growing a startup and looking for the right legal structure and initial funding? Are you an industry investor planning an acquisition of a competitor or a complementary business? Do you need support with a complex corporate reorganization? Or perhaps you’re considering the best incentive program for key employees?
Together with the KWKR team, I’ll guide you through every stage of your business development.
I specialize in comprehensive VC transaction support. I also help structure and execute M&A deals, corporate reorganizations, and the creation of investment funds. If you need assistance in corporate disputes or arbitration, my experience in this field allows me to effectively protect your interests.
