The Polish government's plans to introduce a cap on legal fees could result in a mass exodus of English law firms from the country and have dire consequences for businesses there, the Law Society has warned. The Polish government recently published draft legislation which, if passed, would introduce a schedule of fixed fees for certain types of work. It would impose a maximum fee of about £40 an hour for legal advice, far less than the rates charged by many international lawyers. Law Society chief executive Des Hudson said the fees would make it financially impossible to provide legal services to the highest standard. He said: 'Denying Polish companies access to high-quality legal advice will inhibit the development of enterprise. Open access to legal services improves economic performance and competitiveness. The Polish government should learn this lesson rather than indulge in short-term protectionism.' Chancery Lane is lobbying against the legislation and will meet members of the Polish government to discuss the plans later this week.


Catherine Baksi