An interview with Dagmara Klimek and Dawid Lewicki, Directors of the PETERKA PARTNERS Office in Rzeszów
Rzeszów – why does this city deserve the attention of businesses and investors?
Dagmara Klimek:
Today, Rzeszów is far more than the capital of the Podkarpackie region. Due to its location in south-eastern Poland, close to the Ukrainian border, the city and the wider region have become a natural transport and logistics hub at the intersection of EU and Ukrainian markets. Key road, rail and air routes intersect here, enabling the efficient movement of goods and services in all directions — for companies operating in Poland as well as for those carrying out cross-border projects.
Dawid Lewicki:
For many years now, the region has been systematically developing its transport and aviation infrastructure. Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport now operates not only as a passenger airport but also as a cargo centre, which in recent years has become an important link for the shipment of goods and humanitarian aid between Europe and Ukraine. This creates substantial opportunities for business, logistics, and investment. Legal support in such a market must be equally modern, responsive and aligned with the dynamics of the business environment.
How does PETERKA PARTNERS leverage this potential in its advisory practice?
Dagmara Klimek:
In Rzeszów, we have built a team that understands the local economic landscape and the needs of clients — both those operating regionally and those engaged internationally. We offer broad experience in litigation, commercial law, M&A, employment law, real estate, compliance, cyber security, and tax. Importantly, we also provide specialized expertise in aviation law, which is particularly relevant in light of the growing importance of the aviation sector in the region.
Dawid Lewicki:
Our aviation practice is the result of many years of advisory work at the intersection of litigation and aviation law. Senior members of our team have completed specialist postgraduate studies in aviation law, and this gives our clients confidence that they are receiving support at the highest professional level.
In your view, what is the key to success in advising clients in the aviation sector?
Dagmara Klimek:
It is definitely the combination of specialist expertise and legal experience within the industry. We understand the sector’s regulatory, operational, and commercial specifics. As mentioned, our lawyers have completed specialist academic programmes in aviation law and have hands-on experience advising aviation companies at various stages of their operations. This allows us to provide support both locally and internationally.
Dawid Lewicki:
Yes, our working model is based on close cooperation with clients at every stage — from the market-entry strategy to the execution of projects that often involve resolving complex legal issues.
How do you assess the importance of the firm’s local presence for clients?
Dawid Lewicki:
Our presence in Rzeszów means that we are physically closer to clients operating in the region — both Polish and international businesses that are investing or planning their expansion. The growth of our office reflects the increasing market demand for highly-specialized legal services.
How do you assess the cooperation with Ukraine and the importance of the CEE region for the firm?
Dagmara Klimek:
Considering the current geopolitical and economic trends, the cooperation with our office in Ukraine is one of the key directions for our development. Our presence in Rzeszów — close to the border and major transport corridors — enables us to support clients more effectively when they plan expansion, investment, or the transport of goods. Business evolves rapidly, and we are always ready to provide comprehensive legal and tax services.
Dawid Lewicki:
Indeed — PETERKA PARTNERS operates across the CEE region with integrated offices in nine countries, including Ukraine. This structure allows our clients to operate efficiently in multiple jurisdictions, supported by a dedicated single point of contact from our side. Our “one-firm” model ensures consistent regional service, which is particularly important for cross-border projects and international investment.
An important element of your strategy is cooperation with local law firms. What does this cooperation look like?
Dagmara Klimek:
In Rzeszów, we place a strong emphasis on cooperation with local firms. Thanks to our capabilities and the PETERKA PARTNERS infrastructure, we can support local firms in advising clients with a CEE or international reach. It is a form of synergy — regional firms enhance their competitiveness, while we coordinate broader-scale activities as their subcontractor.
Dawid Lewicki:
This model effectively extends the reach of local firms into the eight other countries where PETERKA PARTNERS operates. Our Rzeszów team coordinates and supervises the collaboration, ensuring clients receive consistent legal support regardless of the jurisdiction in which they operate.
What would you identify as the main challenges and opportunities for clients in this region?
Dagmara Klimek:
Challenges are a natural consequence of operating in a dynamic market — particularly in aviation. Clients expect advisory services that combine deep local insight with international capabilities. As a firm, we integrate both dimensions, providing services that address complex business needs.
Dawid Lewicki:
The key opportunity lies in multidimensional cooperation within the CEE region, access to Central and Eastern European markets, and the ability to participate in large-scale projects. The legal and tax competencies we are building here in Rzeszów allow our clients to execute their strategies successfully.
How do you see the future of Rzeszów as a place for business development?
Dagmara Klimek:
The Podkarpackie region — especially Rzeszów and its surroundings — is Poland’s aviation industry cluster. We have numerous companies specializing in MRO services, aviation component manufacturing, and engine production. According to experts and investors, “Aviation Valley” is viewed as a competitive production and R&D environment relative to other European locations. This makes Rzeszów an ideal place not only for aviation companies but also for entities that support this ecosystem — including those that offer legal advisory services.
Dawid Lewicki:
We are convinced that Rzeszów has an excellent future. It is a centre of dynamic economic growth, quickly strengthening its position as a key logistics and aviation hub in the region. Our presence here is not only a response to the growing needs of clients but also an investment in long-term partnerships with local and international businesses that recognize the substantial opportunities of this market.
Contact us:
Peterka Partners – Rzeszów
Dagmara Klimek, Director of the office in Rzeszów
tel: +48 889 045 291
e-mail: klimek@peterkapartners.pl
Dawid Lewicki, Director of the office in Rzeszów
tel: +48 889 045 291
e-mail: lewicki@peterkapartners.pl
