If we are looking for legal advice in Poland , the first thought is usually " Polish lawyer ." However, unlike in Germany, there are two professions in Poland that are equivalent to the German lawyer – the Radca Prawny and the Adwokat . Many people also colloquially use the term "prawnik," meaning lawyer.

This raises the question of what powers and rights everyone has and what differences exist between them?

Legal education in Poland

Before exploring the differences and similarities between the Radca Prawny, the Adwokat, and the Jurist, we should first familiarize in Poland

Law studies in Poland, like in Germany, last five years and culminate in a Master's examination. Afterwards, graduates can choose their career path: becoming a Radca Prawny (lawyer), Adwokat (advocate), Notary ( notariusz ), Bailiff ( komornik sądowy ), or Judge ( sędzia ). To qualify for these positions, specific entrance exams must be passed. This is followed by training in the relevant chamber, which concludes with a state examination.

Who is a lawyer in Poland?

A lawyer is a person who has completed a law degree . Nothing more and nothing less. This means they have acquired theoretical legal knowledge at a university of their choice, but do not hold the title of Radca Prawny (lawyer) or Adwokat (advocate). This implies that such a person has not completed training in a relevant chamber of law, nor has they passed the state examination. Therefore, a lawyer (Polish: prawnik ) is not authorized to professionally represent clients before courts and government agencies.

Who is a Radca Prawny?

The term " Radca Prawny " can be literally translated as " legal advisor ." However, it refers to a profession equivalent to the German lawyer. The only in the name.

Advocate

An Adwokat is equivalent to the profession of a German lawyer – he has the same rights and obligations.

The difference between a Radca Prawny and an Adwokat

The difference today lies in the title – both Radca Prawny and Adwokat have the same duties and powers in Poland . However, they belong to two different chambers. In short, a lawyer in Poland is both a Radca Prawny and an Adwokat.

Therefore, if you legal assistance or advice , you can consult either a Radca Prawny (lawyer) or an Adwokat (lawyer). Of course, just as in Germany, there are areas of law in which each lawyer specializes, although this is not as common in Poland.

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For questions regarding legal assistance in Poland, please contact us by email at kontakt@kancelaria-pozniak.pl or by phone at +48 665 246 969 .