Legal Representation Costs 2025 – Current Rates for Attorneys-at-Law

Legal representation costs in 2025 are an important aspect of any court case. Understanding these fees and applicable rules helps to better assess the potential financial risks involved in legal proceedings. In this article, we explain what legal representation costs are and who should pay them. You will also learn how these costs are awarded by the court. Read to find out what rates apply in 2025 according to the current regulations of the Minister of Justice.

What Are Legal Representation Costs?

Legal representation costs are amounts owed by the losing party to the winning party in a court case, as reimbursement for the fees of a professional legal representative (attorney-at-law). In Poland, these costs result from two key regulations:

• Regulation of the Minister of Justice of 22 October 2015 on fees for legal services provided by attorney-at-law. Journal of Laws 2023, item 1964.
• Regulation of the Minister of Justice of 22 October 2015 on fees for legal services provided by attorney-at-law. Journal of Laws 2023, item 1965.

Courts award legal costs based on statutory regulations, regardless of any individual fee arrangements between the client and the attorney. Even if the attorney’s fee is high, the court awards only the amount listed in the table of minimum rates.

The costs include, for example, drafting documents, attending hearings, preparing appeals, or representing the client in enforcement proceedings.

Legal Representation Costs 2025 in Civil, Labour, and Social Security Cases

In civil, labour, and social security cases, minimum rates apply depending on the value of the claim. These standard rates are a key reference point for courts when awarding legal costs.

Minimum rate values:

• Up to 500 PLN – 90 PLN
• Between 500 PLN and 1500 PLN – 270 PLN
• Between 1500 PLN and 5000 PLN – 900 PLN
• Between 5000 PLN and 10 000 PLN – 1 800 PLN
• Between 10 000 PLN and 50 000 PLN – 3 600 PLN
• Between 50 000 PLN and 200 000 PLN – 5 400 PLN
• Between 200 000 PLN and 2 000 000 PLN – 10 800 PLN
• Between 2 000 000 PLN to 5 000 000 PLN – 15 000 PLN
• Over 5 000 000 PLN – 25 000 PLN

Legal Representation Costs 2025 in Simplified and Order-for-Payment Proceedings

Simplified and electronic proceedings have their own tables specifying the fees. These are especially important in e-court cases or order-for-payment procedures.

Rates in electronic writ-of-payment proceedings and order-for-payment proceedings:

• Up to 500 PLN – 60 PLN
• Between 500 PLN and 1 500 PLN – 180 PLN
• Between 1 500 PLN and 5 000 PLN – 600 PLN
• Between 5 000 PLN and 10 000 PLN – 1 200 PLN
• Between 10 000 PLN and 50 000 PLN – 2 400 PLN
• Between 50 000 PLN and 200 000 PLN – 3 600 PLN
• Over 200 000 PLN – 7 200 PLN

If objections or charges are filed, costs are calculated under general rules.

Costs of Legal Representation in Family and Custody Cases

Family cases are diverse and often emotionally charged. The costs of legal representation in these matters are also legally regulated.

• Divorce or marriage annulment – 720 PLN
• Declaration of the existence or non-existence of a marriage – 720 PLN
• Adoption – 360 PLN
• Establishing or denying paternity, determining the inability to acknowledge paternity, adoption dissolution  – 240 PLN
• Establishing or denying paternity – 480 PLN
• Cases concerning matrimonial property– 480–720 PLN
• Alimony – 240 PLN

Legal Representation Costs 2025 in Land and Mortgage Register and Property Cases

Cases involving property ownership and entries in the land and mortgage register have specific rules for determining costs. It’s worth understanding the differences, for example, in the case of an application with mutual agreement of the parties.

• Usucaption – 50% of the general rate
• Demarcation – 720 PLN
• Easement – 480 PLN
• Possession violation – 320 PLN
• Entries in the land and mortgage register – 240 PLN
• Dissolution of co-ownership – based on the value of the share; if done by mutual agreement – 50%
• Use of common property – 480 PLN
• Correction of discrepancies between the land and mortgage register and the actual legal state – 50% of the rate based on the value of the right

Legal Representation Costs 2025 – Rates in Inheritance Cases

Inheritance cases are one of the most common types of civil proceedings. The established fees cover not only the division of the estate but also, for example, the announcement of a will.

• Inventory list preparation, rejection of inheritance, announcement of a will and ordering its submission, administration of unclaimed estate, and disclosure of estate assets – 120 PLN
• Declaration of inheritance acquisition – 240 PLN; if the validity of the will is also subject to the proceedings – 720 PLN
• Division of the estate – according to general rules, with the possibility of reduction if the parties agree.

Legal Representation Costs 2025 in Labour Law and Social Security Cases

Labour and retirement-related cases have their separate fees. They vary depending on the subject of the dispute.

• Employment contract disputes, recognition of the termination as ineffective, reinstatement to work, or identifying the manner of the employment relationship termination – 360 PLN
• Claims for remuneration or compensation not listed in point 4 – 75% of the general fee
• Other non-material claims – 240 PLN
• Determination of a workplace accident – 480 PLN
• Compensation for a workplace accident – 50% of the general fee
• Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) cases – 360 PLN

Legal Representation Costs 2025 in Appeal and Cassation Proceedings

Proceedings in a superior court involve a separate calculation of fees. The fee amount depends on whether the same attorney continues to represent the client in the appeal.

Appeal:

• In a regional court – 50% of the standard fee (or 75% if a different attorney is handling the case), minimum 120 PLN
  • In a court of appeal – 75% of the standard fee (or 100% if a different attorney is handling the case), minimum 240 PLN

Complaint:

• In a district or regional court – 25% of the standard fee (or 50% if a different attorney is handling the case), minimum 120 PLN
• In a court of appeal or the Supreme Court – 50% of the standard fee (or 75% if a different attorney is handling the case), minimum 240 PLN

Cassation:

• For preparing and filing the cassation complaint and participating in the hearing before the Supreme Court – 75% of the standard fee (or 100% if a different attorney is handling the case). The minimum value is 240 PLN
  • For preparing and submitting the cassation complaint or preparing an opinion that there are no grounds for filing a cassation complaint – 50% of the standard fee (or 75% if a different attorney is handling the case). The minimum value is 240 PLN
  • For participation in a hearing in the Supreme Court – 50% of the standard fee (or 75% if a different attorney is handling the case). The minimum value is 240 PLN

Legal Representation Costs 2025 – Summary

The costs of legal representation in 2025 are strictly defined by the applicable regulations. They primarily depend on the value of the dispute and the type of case. For clients, this means greater predictability of litigation expenses. For attorneys – clearly defined compensation subject to reimbursement by the opposing party.

It’s important to remember that the court awards costs only within the limits set by law. This applies even if the actual attorney’s fee was higher. That is why understanding the current fees and how they apply is so crucial.

Do you have questions about legal representation costs or want to consult your case with a professional attorney? Contact our law firm. We’ll be happy to help you assess litigation risks, estimate costs, and guide you through the process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Legal Representation Costs 2025