The University of Zielona Góra, in cooperation with the National Council of Legal Advisors and the regional chambers of Zielona Góra, Opole, and Wałbrzych, organized an international meeting. The Polish-German Legal Forum, accompanied by the Scientific Conference "A Foreigner Before the Court," provided an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation between the university and the legal advisors' professional self-government.
The main objective of the meeting was to foster an international dialogue connecting legal professionals, the academic community, and local government representatives from Poland, Germany, and many other countries. This year, the discussions focused on the situation of foreigners in court proceedings. Key topics included access to justice, the right to legal counsel, the role of court interpreters, the protection of migrants' rights, asylum proceedings, and the challenges arising from the cross-border nature of legal cases.
The conference was attended by:
As emphasized by Dr. Przemysław Sztejna, Dean of the OIRP Council:
"The meeting was designed to facilitate an exchange of views. We live in an era of mobility, where everyone moves for various reasons—economic, tourism, or even fleeing from danger. Hence the theme of the conference: 'A Foreigner Before the Court.' It is all about ensuring these individuals have the right to fair and transparent proceedings."
Bartosz Opaliński, Vice-President of the National Council of Legal Advisors, highlighted the significance of this initiative:
"We are extremely pleased that such an initiative has emerged. It enables cooperation between the academic world and legal practitioners, represented here by legal advisors. Crucial procedural issues were raised, particularly regarding cooperation in cross-border legal assistance. The speakers shared their invaluable experiences. The exchange of knowledge between lawyers from different countries is exceptionally vital. These diverse perspectives allow us to achieve the core purpose of our existence in society—improving citizens' quality of life and ensuring civil rights. This is what our profession, a profession of public trust, is truly about."
Strengthening Academic and Practical Ties
The forum also served as an opportunity to tighten cooperation between the University of Zielona Góra and the National Council of Legal Advisors. Discussions covered potential joint ventures in scientific projects, the organization of future conferences and seminars, the exchange of experiences between the academic environment and legal practice, and supporting the career development of young lawyers.
Dr. Sztejna explained further:
"The talks concerned plans for cooperation across various fields, for example, promoting the profession of a legal advisor at the university. We aim to utilize the human potential available at the university to assist legal advisors, who are frequently required to draft opinions, expert evaluations, or review legislative processes at the national level."
The official signing of the cooperation agreement will take place in the presence of the President of the National Council of Legal Advisors, Włodzimierz Chruścik, which underscores the prestige of the event and the weight attached to the partnership between the professional self-government and academia.
