We interview Katarzyna Stanek-Wojdyła – the owner of Law Firm of Attorney-at-Law Katarzyna Stanek-Wojdyła in Sosnowiec, attorney-at-law and restructuring adviser, nominated for the title of Leader by vocation – on balancing family responsibilities (as a mother of four children) and professional life..
When did your leadership qualities start manifesting?
I’ve always had an aptitude for leadership. During elementary and high school years, I served as class representative, and while in college – as a member of the board of directors of the “Active Women” Association. Subsequently, I started my own business.
What course of study did you choose?
At first, I wanted to become a doctor, but then thought about linguistics – I even provided tutoring in English. However, life turned out differently: I graduated from law at the University of Silesia. I used to work a lot at the time, and one of the most valuable professional adventures was an internship at Compensation Solicitors Online in London. Then I did my apprenticeship at the Katowice Bar Association of Attomeys-at-Law. I finished my doctoral studies without dissertation defence, as I gave birth to my first child. When I was pregnant with twins, I started studying at the School of American Law at the University of Silesia, and later passed the exam for a restructuring adviser at the Ministry of Justice.
Why American law?
I used to work with an American company just entering the Polish market. It’s when I found their legal system interesting. In Poland, there’s continental law based on regulations: courts decide in accordance with the wording of these regulations, whereas in the US there’s a system of precedent law, in which court rulings determine interpretation of the law. So different approach, isn’t it?.
How did you combine family responsibilities with studies and professional work?
I mother four children: two sons – 13 and 4, and 9-year-old twins. My mother, although professionally active businesswoman and now passionately traveling, partially supported me in taking care of them. Both my husband and I are self-employed and mutually exchange duties. I’ve learnt to accept such assignments allowing me to balance private and professional lives. I’ve also given up handling family cases, which used to be a large part of my legal practice.
You specialize in commercial law and are experienced in bankruptcy law. Are you able to comprehensively manage a company?
Yes I am. As a restructuring adviser, I manage assets, inheritances, and act as a guardian during enforcement proceedings. If a company doesn’t have a board of directors, I take over their representation. Currently, lots of people turn to me in both consumer and business bankruptcy cases as well as in restructuring proceedings. As an attorney, I also provide legal advice concerning businesses establishment and operation in various forms, associations, foundations and raising external funds, comprehensive legal services for various types of entities, as well as broadly understood real estate law. Copyright and new technology law, including AI, are definitely my pair of shoes.
Who are you clients?
A mixture of companies, NGOs, universities, and individuals. Sometimes, while working with a company, I solve both management and private issues, such as eg. real estate.
How do you communicate your activities?
The firm’s been operating for 14 years and earned a reputation, thus I mainly rely on referrals. However, in order to expand my business, especially in the area of training, I’m going to work more intensively on social media. I don’t mean advertising, but rather informing people about the scope of my business. I’m fond of teaching others – I’ve worked as a lecturer at the School of Strategic Planning in Dąbrowa Górnicza and at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Silesia, conducted trainings for teachers, NGOs, entrepreneurs. I’ve covered such matters as: starting and running a business, raising funds, legal, organizational and accounting issues. Recently, I spoke at a meeting with the youth in Dąbrowa Górnicza on how to start a business or association. Sometimes I hear various myths, such as “set up a limited liability company, so you won’t pay taxes.” And yet not every business is suitable to be run as a company. People of my and older generations got used to other business models. Today there are more opportunities, but simultaneously more competition. Breaking through with an offer or scaling a company are the biggest challenges.
What are you biggest professional prides?
The number of people I’ve managed to help so far. In my fourth year of university, I already gave free legal advice to victims, women experiencing violence and with family problems. I used to be active not only in the “Active Women” Association, but also cooperated with Sosnowiec Diocese Caritas and organisations in Jaworzno and Katowice. Thousands of advices had been given. At that time, the issue of domestic violence was not as publicised as it is today. Women who were beaten – regardless of their property status – felt embarrassed and it was truly difficult to convince them to leave their partner. Police would come to intervene and say: “What violence are you talking about? You live in a beautiful house, after all.” I worked in the first, pilot center to help victims of crime in Sosnowiec, established on the initiative of the Ministry of Justice. Now the continuation of these centers includes free legal advice funded by the Justice Fund. People came there with the most difficult cases – child abuse, abuse of minors. I was entirely involved in helping them. Furthermore, I did a lot for NGOs – I’m able to successfully apply for funding. A year ago, I became a member of the Sosnowiecka Rada Kobiet (Sosnowiec Women’s Council). We play an advisory role in matters concerning women and their participation in the social, public and economic life of the city. Our activities go beyond the formal framework – among other things, we organise Dzień Dziewczynek (Girl’s Day) or Dzień Matki (Mother’s Day), during which various workshops are conducted. Our latest action is a night walk under the slogan “Bezpieczny Sosnowiec” (Safe Sosnowiec). We’re truly proud, because we managed to unite so many people around these initiatives.
What are your plans?
I’m going to scale my services the way my mentor Dominika Żak, founder of the DeeZee brand, does. I’m also getting back to running a training business. My plan is to start MBA studies. Earlier this year, my husband and I started construction of a service building. Thanks to my husband’s efficiency – he runs a construction business – we plan to complete the investment by the end of the year. The building will be three floors, one of which would be the offices of our companies, whilst the remaining would be used for other activities.
How do you spend your free time?
With my family. I think it’s better to devote two valuable hours to children than a whole day half-hearted. We love playing “city-states”, riding bikes, swimming, cinema, or summer evenings by the fire…
Dorota Kolano
Izabela Cekiera
