With a legal career spanning more than two decades, Marcin Olejnik has established himself as a prominent figure in corporate law, particularly in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, civil and labor law, real estate, intellectual property, and energy law. Since becoming an attorney-at-law in 2002, he has worked with leading international consultancies and several respected Polish legal firms, building a portfolio that reflects his ability to navigate complex local and international legal environments.

His work includes involvement in high-profile M&A transactions and legal guidance on advanced energy sector projects. Marcin also contributed to the book Legal Aspects of EU Energy Regulation, co-authoring the section on Poland alongside renowned academic Peter Cameron.

A Closer Look at OP LEGAL

Founded in 2011, OP LEGAL is a boutique law firm serving businesses operating in Poland. Its team of ten experienced lawyers offers tailored legal counsel across a wide range of practice areas, including mergers and acquisitions, real estate, corporate law, contracts, labor matters, data protection, and dispute resolution.

Marcin describes OP LEGAL as a “one-stop shop” for businesses seeking practical and complete legal support. The firm is grounded in a client-first philosophy, delivering solutions built on legal expertise, adaptability, and direct partner involvement. The firm’s structure allows clients to work closely with legal professionals who understand their industries and can quickly respond to emerging challenges.

Choosing the Path of M&A

For Marcin, mergers and acquisitions represent the heart of business law. He views this area of practice as a space where legal knowledge meets strategic business vision. The dynamic nature of transactions, the fast pace, and the need for creative problem-solving make M&A a natural fit for his professional approach. Rather than focusing on purely academic legal theory, Marcin thrives on real-world challenges and the opportunity to shape corporate outcomes through legal insight.

Leadership and Responsibilities

As a founding partner, Marcin plays a hands-on role in both legal operations and firm management. He personally reviews all reports and legal opinions, oversees major negotiations, and remains in close contact with clients. His leadership emphasizes mentorship, aiming to guide his team toward a practical and business-oriented mindset.

He believes in anticipating issues rather than reacting to them, helping clients avoid unnecessary legal complications through proactive counsel. In addition to his legal duties, Marcin also manages business development, internal operations, and client engagement, effectively acting as the firm’s managing partner.

Who He Is Beyond the Desk

Professionally, Marcin is known for being a goal-oriented and solution-driven lawyer who values clarity and direct communication. He avoids overly technical explanations when more straightforward discussions can lead to better outcomes. His ideal collaborators are those who share his practical mindset and are focused on delivering results.

Outside of the office, Marcin is a devoted father of two. He prioritizes their well-being and growth, viewing them as his most meaningful investment. In his personal time, he is an avid sports enthusiast, with interests ranging from table tennis and squash to boxing and cycling. A highlight for him was being a guest of the Polish team during the Giro d’Italia in 2019. He is also part of the Legia Warsaw sport shooting section and closely follows politics and economic developments.

Driving Change in Legal Culture

One of Marcin’s goals is to encourage greater openness and practical thinking in the legal profession. He believes too many lawyers focus on theoretical aspects or unnecessarily complicate matters, which often leads to avoidable conflicts.

He advocates for a shift in mindset among both legal professionals and clients. In particular, he hopes to see a stronger culture of preventive legal consultation in Poland, similar to the approach widely adopted in the United States. Proactive legal support, he argues, is more efficient and less costly than resolving conflicts after they escalate.

Defining Achievements

While Marcin is proud of leading his own law firm and creating employment opportunities, one of his most notable achievements came during his time with PKN ORLEN. He led legal efforts in the privatization of Mazeikiu Nafta, a refinery in Lithuania, coordinating a multinational legal team. At the time, this was the largest foreign investment made by a Polish company. He also participated in high-stakes international arbitration and mediation matters that tested his skills in cross-border negotiations.

Advice to Aspiring Legal Professionals

Marcin encourages young professionals to stay close to business realities rather than focusing solely on legal theory. Practical experience, he notes, builds the foundation for delivering value to clients. Understanding the commercial context behind legal matters allows lawyers to better support strategic decisions and prevent avoidable legal risks.

Looking to the Future

As the legal sector continues to evolve, Marcin sees OP LEGAL expanding its footprint by attracting more international clients. Drawing on his experience with global law firms, he intends to maintain international standards while offering services at competitive local rates.

The firm’s goal remains unchanged: to be a trusted legal partner that provides comprehensive, responsive, and results-driven counsel. OP LEGAL will continue to serve as a reliable advisor to companies navigating the complexities of business law in Poland.

Final Thoughts

Marcin Olejnik’s journey reflects a deep understanding of both law and business. Through OP LEGAL, he has created a firm that blends global experience with local insight, offering pragmatic legal services that help businesses thrive. His commitment to proactive counsel, client trust, and legal efficiency has earned him a respected place in the legal landscape, both in Poland and internationally.