Marek Grodek, one of the most well-known real estate lawyers in Poland, has joined the Warsaw office of Hogan Lovells law firm as a Partner. Marek Grodek will lead a team of Hogan Lovells lawyers specializing in real estate law and related aspects.

With over 20 years' experience, Marek Grodek focuses his practice on the real estate industry sector. He specializes in commercial property development and property finance. Marek advises financial institutions and investment funds on property schemes and industrial employers on EPC FIDIC contracts. Marek also has experience representing developers and property investors in disputes and arbitration.

Marek Grodek is regularly listed and recommended by international rankings. Clients appreciate him for his "wealth of knowledge, resourcefulness and unrivalled negotiation skills." (Chambers Europe 2018). Marek has also been classified in this year's Hall of Fame ranking published by The Legal 500 editorial. The Hall of Fame list distinguishes the best and most well-known legal professionals on the market.

Marek Grodek, before joining Hogan Lovells, headed real estate practices in the following law firms in Poland: Greenberg Traurig (2012 - 2017), Dewey & LeBoeuf (2010 - 2012), Salans (2003 - 2010). Previously, he was associated with the Clifford Chance (1996 - 2003), and Gide Loyrette Nouel (1992 - 1996) Warsaw offices.

Marek Grodek qualified as a solicitor in 1998. He graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Warsaw in 1993, and law studies (Master Law Studies at the University of Paris II-Assas) in 1992. He is fluent in English and French.

Commenting on Marek's arrival, David Gibbons, Global Head of the Corporate Practice, said: "Marek is an outstanding fit for the firm's real estate industry sector, and in taking the Warsaw real estate practice forward. He has significant capabilities in cross border real estate transactions, and will be an asset to the firm in capturing U.S. outbound deal flow into Continental Europe."

Jackie Newstead, Global Head of the Hogan Lovells Real Estate Industry Sector, said: "The global outlook for real estate continues to be strong, despite temporary disruptions in some markets due to Brexit, with huge overseas and domestic capital flows expected to continue. Marek's high profile and international client base will be a key factor in growing our practice in Poland and cross selling our capabilities across Europe."

Beata Balas-Noszczyk, Warsaw Office Managing Partner added: "There are very few top-level Polish real estate partners who have a wide international viewpoint and who are used to working with international clients. Marek is one of them. I am confident that with Marek's addition to our office we will be in a strong position to take advantage of this market growth."

One of the lawyers who joined the Hogan Lovells real estate team is Bartosz Clemenz (Counsel), legal advisor, and attorney at law admitted to practice in New York. With over 18 years' experience, Bartosz Clemenz focuses his practice in representing and advising major investors in structuring acquisition, development and infrastructure projects in Poland. Bartosz Clemenz has acted as the leading lawyer in dozens of major commercial real estate transactions including large real estate acquisitions and development projects in the office, warehouse, retail, and residential sectors. He has also represented international clients in the acquisition of supermarket and hypermarket networks.

Bartosz’s expertise areas include: large international commercial real estate acquisitions, securing zoning permits and international corporate structures for development and acquisition projects, lease agreements and legal asset management, deal making and structuring transactions, as well as managing multi-office teams of lawyers in cross-border projects. Bartosz also has unique experience in structuring pioneer public-private partnership (PPP) projects in Poland.

Bartosz Clemenz is regularly listed and recommended by international rankings such as Chambers Europe, Legal500 EMEA, and Best Lawyers. Within Chambers Europe 2017 (Real Estate category, Poland) law firms ranking, Bartosz Clemenz is described by the Client as: "very dedicated and committed" while another client values his availability, saying: "He is always at the other end of the phone." 

Qualifying from the Universities of Warsaw (1997), and Houston (1998), Bartosz Clemenz is a member of the New York State Bar Association (1999), and Poland's National Chamber of Legal Advisors (2005).

Bartosz Clemenz, before joining Hogan Lovells, was associated with the following law firms in Poland: Dewey & LeBoeuf / Greenberg Traurig (Partner, 2010 - 2017), Salans (Counsel, 2003 - 2010), Baker & McKenzie (Associate, 2000 – 2002).