Legal Advisors Gain Public Official Status and Stricter Title Protection

As of June 18, 2026, new regulations grant Polish legal advisors the protection of public officials and impose fines of up to 200,000 PLN for the unauthorized use of the profession’s title.

New Legal Safeguards and Enforcement

The amendment to the Act on Legal Advisors, which entered into force on June 18, 2026, significantly bolsters the legal status of the profession. Legal advisors now receive the same protection granted to public officials, ensuring their professional immunity and imposing stricter criminal penalties for physical assault, insults, or violations of bodily integrity against them.

The protection of the title itself has also been fortified. Unauthorized use of the titles “legal advisor” or “legal advisor’s office” is now punishable by fines ranging from 5,000 PLN to 200,000 PLN, as well as potential restrictions on personal liberty.

Standardized Court Attire

The legislation now mandates the specific official attire for legal advisors during court hearings. Practitioners are required to wear a robe with a jabot and a dark blue piping, standardizing the courtroom appearance for the profession.

Streamlined Procedures for Trainees and Governance

Trainees who have successfully passed their professional examination gain immediate rights to practice without the necessity of waiting for a formal swearing-in ceremony. Furthermore, the professional self-government body is authorized to conduct remote meetings and make decisions through written circulation, provided that data security and confidentiality protocols are maintained.

Mandatory Professional Liability Insurance

All legal advisors, including those currently inactive, are now subject to mandatory civil liability insurance for damages incurred during professional practice. The National Council of Legal Advisors typically facilitates this coverage, though individual advisors may be exempted if they procure equivalent insurance independently.

Parity for the Bar

The Sejm is currently reviewing a separate amendment to the Law on the Bar prepared by the Supreme Bar Council. This proposal aims to modernize regulations for advocates, including stiffer penalties for title misuse, simplified substitution rules, and similar requests for public official status protection.