GESSEL Recognised in GAR 100 2026 as the Only Polish Firm Included

GESSEL Attorneys at Law has been recognised in the GAR 100 2026, the nineteenth edition of Global Arbitration Review’s flagship ranking of the world’s leading international arbitration practices. The firm is the only Polish law firm included in this year’s edition, confirming its position as a leading arbitration practice in Central and Eastern Europe.

The GAR 100 is widely regarded as a benchmark guide to elite arbitration firms worldwide. Inclusion is based on extensive independent research assessing experience, workload, reputation and track record during the review period. The 2026 edition features 241 firms from 58 jurisdictions.

In its profile of GESSEL, Global Arbitration Review describes the firm as “home to one of Poland’s leading arbitrators” and highlights dr hab. Beata Gessel-Kalinowska vel Kalisz, prof. INP PAN, Founder and Partner at GESSEL. The ranking notes her participation in more than 130 arbitral proceedings and her extensive experience acting both as arbitrator and counsel in cases conducted under the ICC, UNCITRAL and SCC Rules. GAR also underscores her institutional roles, including President of the ICC Poland National Committee and Member of the SCC Arbitrators’ Council.

The ranking further recognises Joanna Kisielińska-Garncarek, PhD, Partner, as a core member of the arbitration practice, citing her long-standing involvement in the team and her leadership in complex cross-border disputes. GAR highlights her successful representation of clients in ICC proceedings and cases before the Swiss Arbitration Centre.

Maja Frontczak, Counsel, is identified as “another name to know”, with GAR drawing attention to her involvement in precedent-setting matters, including the first citizen climate lawsuits in Poland.

GESSEL’s international arbitration practice focuses on complex, high-value disputes, including post-M&A conflicts, shareholder disputes and cross-border commercial matters. The firm represents clients in arbitrations seated in key international venues such as London, Paris, Geneva and New York, acting under the rules of leading arbitral institutions including ICC, LCIA, SAC, SCC and VIAC, as well as in ad hoc proceedings under the UNCITRAL Rules and before major Polish arbitration courts.

The team combines deep arbitration expertise with strong litigation capabilities in Poland, particularly in enforcement proceedings and post-award strategy. GESSEL acts both as counsel and arbitrator, offering clients a dual strategic perspective informed by extensive experience on both sides of the tribunal.

The arbitration practice is led by dr hab. Beata Gessel-Kalinowska vel Kalisz, prof. INP PAN, together with Joanna Kisielińska-Garncarek, PhD, supported by a team handling international disputes on a daily basis.

GESSEL thanks its clients for their continued trust in matters where precision, discretion and reliability are paramount.