On the essence of the profession of attorney-at-law

Abstract

The subject of the article are considerations devoted to the special features a professional legal representative should possess. The existence of the profession of attorney-at-law as a profession of public trust and ethical ideals and obligations formed in the course of its exercise are one of the guarantees that the principle of the democratic rule of law contained in the Constitution of the Republic of Poland will be implemented. Attorneys-at-law participate in the process of deciding on the implementation of the public interest and securing the subjective rights of citizens, entrepreneurs, and other organizational units. Therefore, the essence of the functioning of these self-governments is acting for the common good in the scope in which it can support and, above all, supplement the performance of tasks by public authorities. Every attorney-at-law should be independent. Professionalism, dignity in performing the profession, impeccable character, and courage in performing professional activities become the determinants of independence.