Law firm in Warsaw — when to use a legal counsel and how to choose the right firm

A good law firm in Warsaw is not a luxury reserved for companies and corporations — it is the simplest way to make sure an official matter, a dispute or a contract ends in your favour. In this guide we explain what a law firm does, when it is worth using the help of a legal counsel (in Polish: radca prawny) and how to recognise a firm you can truly trust.

What a law firm is and what it offers

A law firm is an office where professional representatives — legal counsels (radcowie prawni) or advocates — provide legal assistance: they give advice, draft documents and contracts, represent clients before authorities and courts and conduct negotiations. In practice the firm does the hardest part for you: it translates the law into decisions, watches the deadlines and takes responsibility for the quality of the documents.

The scope varies. A firm may be highly specialised (for example in foreigners' cases) or handle matters across many areas of law. In our law firm in Warsaw we combine both approaches — we have a narrow specialisation in the legalisation of foreigners' stay and work, and at the same time we handle civil, compensation, administrative, family, inheritance and criminal cases.

Legal counsel, advocate or simply a „lawyer" — who are you looking for in Warsaw

This is one of the most common client questions. In short:

• Legal counsel (radca prawny) — a representative entered on the list of a regional bar of legal counsels, covered by mandatory professional liability insurance and professional secrecy. They may represent you in all types of cases, including criminal ones.
• Advocate — a representative with analogous powers, entered on the advocates' list. From the client's point of view the scope of help of a legal counsel and an advocate is today practically the same.
• „Lawyer" / „adviser" — this is not a protected title. A person without entry on the list of legal counsels or advocates is not subject to a professional self-government, mandatory insurance or disciplinary liability. That is why it is worth checking who will actually handle your case.

The practical conclusion: when looking for help, do not ask about a „firm" in general, but about whether your case will be handled by a legal counsel or advocate with the right experience.

When it is worth turning to a law firm

Not every situation requires a representative, but in many cases a single consultation saves months of trouble. Turn to a firm when:

• you have received a decision, summons or letter from an authority or court and you have a deadline to respond,
• you are filing an application for the legalisation of a foreigner's stay or work and do not want to risk a refusal due to formal shortcomings,
• you are signing an important contract and want to know what you are agreeing to,
• someone owes you money or has caused you harm and you are considering compensation,
• a family, inheritance or criminal case is under way whose consequences you will feel for years.

How to choose a good law firm in Warsaw — 7 criteria

A search for „law firm Warsaw" returns hundreds of results. Here is what really deserves your attention:

1. Specialisation in your matter. A firm that does everything is rarely the best at everything. Check whether the given area is the team's actual field of work.
2. Who will handle the case. Make sure it is a legal counsel or advocate, not an anonymous „consultant".
3. Clear fee rules. A good firm talks about costs openly, before the cooperation begins.
4. Communication. Understandable answers instead of legal jargon are a sign that the client is treated seriously.
5. Language availability. For foreigners it is crucial to be able to speak in their own language — we serve clients in 8 languages.
6. Real reviews and visibility. A Google profile, client reviews and an up-to-date website show that the firm is active.
7. Location. A firm in the centre of Warsaw makes contact with authorities and in-person meetings easier — our office is at ul. Marszałkowska 7/10.

What our law firm in Warsaw handles

We are the Law Firm of Legal Counsels Bartosz Krajewski, based in the centre of Warsaw. We handle, among others:

• Foreigners' cases — legalisation of stay, residence card, temporary and permanent residence permit, work permit, Polish citizenship and the Pole's Card.
• Civil law and compensation — payment claims, contracts, damages and redress.
• Administrative law — proceedings before authorities, appeals and complaints to administrative courts.
• Family, inheritance and criminal law — matters involving loved ones, property and freedom.

You will find the full list on our services page, and you can read about the firm itself on the home page.

Service for foreigners and consultations in 8 languages

Foreigners' cases are what sets us apart. If you are starting your residence journey in Poland, read our guides on the legalisation of stay, the residence card and work of a foreigner in Poland. We speak with clients in Polish, English, Russian, Ukrainian, Uzbek, Arabic, Spanish and Azerbaijani — we handle the formalities in a language you understand.

How cooperation works and how much advice costs

Cooperation usually starts with a consultation during which we get to know the matter, assess the chances and propose a plan of action together with a transparent quote. Only then do you make a decision — with no surprises about costs. Some matters can be settled with a single piece of advice, others require conducting the proceedings from start to finish. We always say so openly.

Book a consultation with our firm on Marszałkowska

Our office is located at ul. Marszałkowska 7/10 in Warsaw (00-626), right in the centre. We receive clients Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00, and we hold consultations both in person and online. Call +48 537 927 737 or book a visit online — we will help you from your very first question to the conclusion of your case.

Useful links

• Reopening a fiscal criminal case in Poland — when a final judgment can be challenged
• National Bar of Attorneys-at-Law (KIRP)
• Register of attorneys-at-law (rejestrradcow.pl)