Anna Jelen: Delivering Cutting-Edge Legal Solutions With A Client-Centric Approach

Embracing new learning methods became a lifelong pursuit.

Could you share your educational journey and the path that steered you toward a career in law?

I have always wanted to become a lawyer, but the path to achieving that in Poland, as in many countries, is long. When I passed the International Baccalaureate (IB), I scored the maximum 45 points, the first time this had ever happened in Poland. This achievement opened the doors to my chosen Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Law, without needing entrance exams.

"Anna Jeleń blends deep legal expertise with strategic insight, redefining corporate law through innovation, precision, and a client-first approach"

I began studying law and during studies, I worked for legal clinic at the University and did as many internships as possible to try learning how the law works in practice and find out whether it is indeed what I wanted to do. Upon completing my fourth year, I moved to Warsaw, joining CMS Cameron McKenna, one of the biggest international law firms. I spent nine years there, starting at the onset of the 2008-2009 financial crisis. Adapting to drastic changes, my role expanded due to redundancies. This period, though stressful, shaped me professionally, providing invaluable experience and confidence.

Introduce us to SKJB. Tell us about your role as a Partner at the law firm.

SKJB is a middle-sized law firm, founded in 2017 by myself and two well-known colleagues from CMS Cameron McKenna, named Agnieszka Kuźma and Wojciech Szybkowski. One was a senior lawyer, the other a partner at the time. Our vision was to create an independent legal business, prioritizing top-quality service while maintaining close client relationships. In larger firms, the connection between partners and clients tends to be much looser. We aimed to change that by truly understanding, and even anticipating our clients’ needs.

In 2021, another CMS colleague, Anna Brzoza- Ostrowska, joined us, further strengthening our team. Today, SKJB consists of 18 lawyers plus administrative staff. While we specialize in real estate and M&A transactions, our talented lawyers allow us to provide a broad range of legal services. We strive to be a one-stop shop, solving any legal challenges our clients face, and ensuring a comprehensive and personalized approach.

What significant business challenges do you face in your role, and how do you effectively overcome them?

Being a partner comes with significant challenges, primarily the need to attract clients while delivering exceptional legal services. Bringing work to the firm is crucial, but I also ensure that our clients receive the best possible service daily. Staying up to speed with ongoing matters is essential, even though our colleagues handle most tasks expertly, the partners must understand everything happening to address client concerns effectively.

Balancing multiple roles is tricky. I oversee operations, mentor younger colleagues, and ensure our legal advice is precise and beneficial. Yet, as a partner, my role extends beyond legal work, I must nurture client relationships and anticipate their needs. Time management is critical, so on some days, I focus entirely on legal work, while others require a broader strategic approach.

With our firm's growth, I’ve learned to delegate, prioritize, and trust my team. Letting go of control is difficult, but it’s essential for sustainable success.

Reflecting on your career, what do you see as the most significant milestones in your journey?

The two most significant milestones in my career were, first, the decision to move to Warsaw, where the legal market offered greater opportunities. This step allowed me to grow professionally in a more dynamic environment.

The second milestone was the financial crisis, which became a turning point in my journey. My role expanded significantly due to changes within the firm, giving me the chance to work independently. Though not forced, the situation enabled me to provide legal services on my own, accelerating my learning process. As a result, I truly felt the weight of responsibility for my legal advice and decisions.

Anna Jeleń, Partner, SKJB

Anna Jeleń, Partner at SKJB, is a seasoned legal expert specializing in real estate, M&A, and legal underwriting. With a client-centric approach, she seamlessly balances strategic leadership with hands-on problem-solving. Her expertise in transactional risk assessment and corporate law has positioned her as a leading consultant in Poland’s legal sector.