Parliamentary Committee Rejects Flexibility on Lawyer Vacation Substitutions

The Sejm’s Justice and Human Rights Committee has voted to maintain the mandatory requirement for lawyers to appoint substitutes during vacations, despite opposition from the Supreme Bar Council.

The Committee Ruling on Substitution

During Thursday’s session, the Sejm’s Justice and Human Rights Committee addressed the ongoing amendment to the Law on the Bar. The debate was dominated by the controversial requirement that lawyers must ensure legal representation during absences caused by vacations or other obstacles.

Representatives from the Supreme Bar Council had advocated for removing this obligation, arguing that it forces lawyers to choose between their personal leave and the potential discomfort of clients with assigned substitutes. However, the committee ultimately voted to retain the existing regulation, which mandates that lawyers must ensure their cases do not suffer during their absence.

Legislative Amendments and Professional Protection

The committee approved 17 amendments to the draft, including 15 from the Polska 2050 party and two from the Civic Coalition. These changes focus on modernizing the Law on the Bar to align with current socio-economic realities and the evolving legal system.

A central pillar of the proposed reform is the enhanced protection of the legal profession. Under the new rules, lawyers performing their duties will receive the same legal protections afforded to public officials under the Penal Code. Furthermore, the bill introduces significant fines for the unauthorized use of professional titles or the misleading use of terms like “law firm” by unqualified individuals.

Digitization and Expanded Governance

The project prioritizes the digitization of the legal profession. The Supreme Bar Council will be tasked with maintaining a public, nationwide electronic registry of lawyers and trainee lawyers accessible to all citizens. Additionally, the bar authorities will be granted the legal framework to conduct meetings and conventions in remote or hybrid formats.

The amendment also broadens the mandate of the Bar Association, allowing it to act more effectively in defense of the profession’s dignity and the collective interests of its members. The bill is expected to reach the Sejm for a final vote on Friday.