On Thursday, June 30, the Sejm adopted amendments to the Acts on Advocature (the Bar), Legal Advisers and Public Notaries. After over two years of political tactics within the Sejm, it was finally possible to introduce greater access to legal professions.

In order to perform the profession of attorney, legal adviser, public notary, public prosecutor or judge, apart from 5 years of university studies, it is usually also necessary to complete a three-four-year professional apprenticeship. The number of places for apprenticeships is limited, and the requirements, under which candidates are admitted, are set by the professional corporations. In practice, bar, legal advisors and notaries apprenticeships are difficult to access for individuals, who are not associated with these environments.

The changes introduced by the amendment apply first and foremost to entrance and final examinations. Examinations are to be governed by the state and not by corporations. Doctors of law, as well as lawyers with at least five years of professional experience associated with the application or creation of the law, will be permitted to take the final examination without having to perform the apprenticeship. Apart from this, employees holding the title of assistant professor (Ph. D plus habilitation) will be able to enter corporations without an apprenticeship or examination.

The amendments of these acts will now be voted on by the second chamber of the Polish Parliament – the Senate, and afterwards they will be submitted to the President for approval.