Dr. Judyta Latymowicz is a co-founder and partner at LEGALLY.SMART law firm, heading the India Desk and serving as co-chair of the Polish Division of the Indian National Association of Legal Professionals (INALP). She is the exclusive IR Global advisor for Commercial Law in Poland and holds leadership roles such as Co-Chairperson of the Indo-Polish Film and Cultural Forum and President of the Supervisory Board of the WICCI Poland-India Foundation. A member of the Warsaw Bar Association since 2013, Dr. Latymowicz specializes in civil, corporate, and commercial law, providing comprehensive legal services to domestic and international clients in Poland and advising Polish businesses expanding to South Asia, particularly India. Dr. Latymowicz holds a law degree from the University of Warsaw and an MA and Ph.D. in Oriental Studies, focusing on India and Bangladesh. She also graduated from the European Academy of Diplomacy with a specialization in foreign service. Combining her academic and legal expertise, she works on multinational transactions involving diverse jurisdictions. Recognized as a Rising Star Lawyer in 2022 and one of Poland’s Top 25 Women Lawyers in Business by Forbes in 2023, she is also an academic lecturer and trainer in South Asian business culture. In 2023 she also received Dr. Sarojini Naidu International Award for Working Women in India.

1. Could you provide a brief overview of your academic and professional journey, leading up to your current role as a co-founder and partner at LEGALLY.SMART?

My academic journey began with a MA on India at the University of Warsaw, followed by a MA in Law at the same institution started one year later. Around the same time, as part of a scholarship, I attended and graduated from the EAD (European Academy of Diplomacy) with a focus on foreign service, all of which I managed to complete with honours and great satisfaction. Subsequently, I decided to pursue a legal career as an advocate by passing exams and joining the Warsaw Bar of Advocates. Additionally, I obtained a Ph.D. with a specialisation in India, which formed a great opportunity to conduct multiple legal researches in India. Throughout my professional path, my main focus has primarily been on supporting businesses and commercial laws, while striving to combine academic knowledge with a practical approach grounded in the experience I have gained through international projects. Importantly, it has always been clear to me how pivotal India would become in the global market, so at a certain point my partners and I decided to establish a law firm with dedicated practice to providing high-level, professional assistance with special practice for both Indian clients and those seeking to expand their operations in Indian market. Today, our dedicated International Desk successfully serves as a vital resource for a number of businesses navigating the complexities of cross-border transactions, regulatory compliance, and market entry strategies in Poland and abroad.

2. What areas of law do you specialize in, particularly within civil, corporate, and commercial law with a focus on contract law?

I focus on providing comprehensive legal services designed to meet the needs of businesses in both domestic and international markets. As you noticed, my expertise lies primarily in civil, corporate, and commercial/business laws, where I concentrate on anticipating my clients’ needs, solving their problems, and supporting their growth while ensuring compliance with local legal standards.

My goal is to help businesses structure agreements that protect their interests, minimize risks, and align with their strategic objectives. For companies seeking to expand or enter new markets, I offer tailored legal guidance to navigate the complexities of market entry, addressing all legal, regulatory, and commercial considerations.

By integrating legal expertise with a practical understanding of business operations, I help clients overcome complex legal challenges and capitalize on opportunities in both local and global markets.

3. Share insights into the special department at LEGALLY.SMART dedicated to international clients. How does the firm cater to the legal needs of multinational clients doing business in and with Poland?

At LEGALLY.SMART we understand that international clients face unique challenges and cultural differences when conducting operations in and with Poland. Our dedicated team is focused on addressing their specific needs, ensuring that they navigate the Polish legal, business but also cultural landscape with ease and confidence. Our offer includes market entry guidance, where we assist them with adapting strategies best tailored to the local conditions. Our team consists not only of lawyers and tax advisors but also interpreters, cultural specialists, and industry experts to serve our clients better. We take a helicopter view of the client’s plans or projects to identify their needs and provide the best possible assistance.

Additionally, we provide thorough legal compliance support, helping clients to understand and obey the Polish laws and regulations across various sectors. This includes, among others, compliance with corporate governance, tax obligations, labor laws, and industry-specific regulations. Furthermore, our expertise in contract law ensures that clients have solid agreements in place to protect their interests. Our attention helps to mitigate risks and fosters trust in business relationships, allowing our international clients to operate with greater security and confidence on a foreign market.

4. As the head of India Desk, could you shed light on your role in fostering business relations between India and Poland?

My mission is to bridge the gap between the Polish and Indian markets while maximizing their day-to-day cooperation. Our primary focus is on fostering long-term partnerships that create a dynamic environment for business growth and mutual benefit.

As the head of India Desk at the law firm, my role involves facilitating and enhancing business relations through strategic guidance and tailored support for Polish and Indian clients planning to expand their operations abroad. In cooperation with Indian partners, we provide comprehensive assistance to clients conducting business in both Poland and India, including – just to give you an example – a company setup (as well as advising on location etc), structuring tax strategies, drafting agreements, protecting intellectual property and handling employment matters.

In addition to these services, we actively promote and participate in business events and conferences that underscore the immense potential for cooperation between the two nations. By organizing and engaging in these initiatives, we not only foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures but also create valuable opportunities for networking and collaboration, further strengthening the ties between Poland and India.

5. What potential opportunities and challenges do you see for businesses from both countries in enhancing collaboration? 

When it comes to opportunities, mutual access to vast markets is a significant advantage for businesses in both nations. To name a few examples Poland’s robust manufacturing and technology sectors, expertise in food processing and mining technology, as well as advanced green energy know-how align seamlessly with India’s rapidly growing market and its commitment to digital transformation, energy innovation and technological development. The Indian economy has flourished over the past decade, with remarkable indicators of its growth. Currently, India is also the fifth-largest consumer market, but it is expected to become the third-largest by 2026, overtaking Germany and Japan. This transformation is being fueled by a rapidly expanding middle class.

Polish businesses can capitalize on India’s dynamic markets, while Indian entrepreneurs investing in Poland gain a strategic gateway to the European Union, with access to nearly 450 million consumers. Both countries also benefit from strong pools of skilled talent, creating opportunities for collaboration in areas such as IT services, artificial intelligence, and engineering. India’s substantial demand for infrastructure development offers Polish companies with expertise in construction, engineering, and smart-city solutions a lucrative avenue for growth. Furthermore, the growing cooperation between India and Poland fosters cultural exchange, promoting a deeper understanding of each market’s unique needs and enhancing the success of future partnerships. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Poland reflects a promising step towards strengthening mutual cooperation.

However, certain challenges must be addressed. Navigating regulatory and compliance frameworks can be a significant hurdle for companies unfamiliar with each other’s legal landscapes. Additionally, cultural and communication differences may require careful management, especially regarding negotiation styles and organizational practices. Discrepancies in business expectations, such as timelines and flexibility, can also affect project efficiency and outcomes.

To overcome these challenges, building partnerships based on mutual understanding and adaptability is essential. By addressing these gaps, businesses from both nations can unlock substantial potential for long-term and mutually beneficial collaboration.

6. How do you assist Polish businesses in establishing their presence in India?

What sets us apart in the market is our ability to provide comprehensive support to Polish businesses aiming to expand into India. Our services begin with preliminary consultations to explore market entry opportunities. We then assist in selecting the most suitable business model and strategies, tailored to align with India’s local market conditions. From there, we guide clients through the entire company setup process and ensure post-establishment compliance.

Our expertise in Polish and Indian regulations, documentation specifics, and procedures across both jurisdictions, coupled with our understanding of market demands and business culture, enables us to effectively navigate the complexities of doing business in India. By maintaining close cooperation with Indian partners, including expert firms and institutions, we provide solutions that ensure compliance with local regulations, anticipate market trends, and facilitate smoother market entry.

This holistic approach not only accelerates the establishment process but also supports the long-term success of Polish projects in India by minimizing risks and fostering sustainable growth.

7. For Indian businesses intending to establish a presence in Poland, what legal services and support does LEGALLY.SMART offer to ensure a smooth entry into the Polish market?

Much like our approach to supporting businesses entering the Indian market, we provide Indian clients with comprehensive legal and advisory services tailored to their specific needs. Our cooperation typically begins with detailed discussions about Poland’s local market conditions and the regulations relevant to the client’s sector. This ensures we offer strategic guidance aligned with the unique demands of the Polish market.

We then move on to the practical aspects of market entry, assisting clients at every stage. Our services include overseeing the search for suitable office spaces, warehouses, or other facilities in collaboration with specialized real estate firms. We handle the preparation and submission of all necessary legal documents and provide general legal consultancy to help navigate regulatory frameworks.

In addition, we offer in-depth advisory services on taxation, current investment incentives, and strategies for developing the most advantageous business models. Our support extends beyond company registration; we assist businesses during the post-registration phase, addressing operational and legal challenges to ensure a smooth transition and sustained growth in Poland.

Recognizing the importance of a tailored approach, we also provide guidance on employment matters, regulatory compliance, immigration law, and cultural integration. These services are aimed at helping Indian businesses establish meaningful and long-lasting operations in Poland. By managing legal and procedural complexities, we enable our clients to concentrate on their core business objectives while seamlessly integrating into the Polish economic environment.

8. How would you characterize the current investment climate for Polish businesses in India? Are there any recent developments or trends that businesses should be aware of?

The investment climate for Polish businesses in India is highly promising, with significant growth potential in sectors such as IT, energy, food processing, technology, and smart-city solutions. India’s economy is projected to grow by 6.7% in FY 2024-25, with an annual GDP growth rate of 6.4%. This economic momentum underscores India’s progress toward its ambitious goal of becoming a US$ 5 trillion economy, offering a robust foundation for foreign investments. Government initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Digital India” are designed to attract foreign investors, particularly in manufacturing and technology—areas that align well with Poland’s expertise.

Polish investments in India and interest in the Indian market continue to grow. The Indian government’s regulatory reforms and investment incentives have created a more attractive environment for foreign businesses. Additionally, the strengthening India-Poland strategic partnership, supported by recent agreements like the social security agreement, is streamlining trade and facilitating easier market access. These efforts aim to create a business-friendly atmosphere that encourages foreign investment and simplifies operational processes for businesses.

However, challenges persist, including navigating India’s complex regulatory framework and bridging cultural differences.

Initiatives such as the Joint Economic Commission for Economic Cooperation (JCEC), joint meetings, and bilateral agreements are focused on simplifying processes and fostering collaboration in high-priority sectors. Local governments in India are also adapting investment offerings to attract foreign businesses, especially in manufacturing.

While challenges remain, India’s pro-business reforms and focus on high-growth sectors such as green energy and technology create a welcoming environment for Polish businesses. Building local partnerships and understanding the regulatory landscape will be key to success. 

9. Based on your experiences, what advice would you offer to businesses seeking to explore opportunities in each other’s markets? Are there key legal strategies for successful cross-border ventures? 

My key advice for businesses looking to explore opportunities in each other’s markets is to ensure thorough preparation and a solid understanding of the local landscape, culture and business environment. This means taking the time to learn about local specifics, consumer preferences, and the broader economic context, as these factors can significantly impact business success. It’s also crucial to build a skilled dedicated team and select the appropriate partners to successfully navigate the complexities of the new market. Creating a tailored strategy that considers the unique aspects of the market is essential for achieving success. To facilitate this, regular travel and visits to the target country are of fundamental importance.

When exploring business opportunities in each other’s markets, Polish and Indian companies should prioritize building strong local networks. Such interactions not only provide valuable insights into the market dynamics and cultural nuances that are often overlooked but also help build essential relationships with local partners. Establishing these connections helps to create trust, facilitate day to day operations, and ensure long-term success.

In terms of building the optimal strategy, it is usually best to entrust this task to experts who have a deep understanding of the market. They know how to navigate its complexities and can identify key factors to consider in advance. With their professional support, businesses can more effectively anticipate challenges, seize opportunities, and ultimately enhance their chances of success in the foreign market.