The Legal Services Market for Ukrainians in the European Union: The Example of Poland

Abstract

In Poland and Germany have already lived about 3 million Ukrainians. Polish and German lawyers note that such a large number of immigrants may constitute a substantial market for their legal services. Therefore, they more and more often provide specific legal services to Ukrainians. The basic characteristics of the market of legal services provided to Ukrainians in Poland and the explanation of the functioning mechanisms of the Ukrainian legal services market in Poland and the EU are important elements of the study. During the study, we check the research hypothesis: immigrants from Ukraine to the European Union have co-created a new EU market for legal services. The study was conducted using the method of structured interview among Polish advocates and legal advisers and using the method of content analysis and statistical analysis. The survey results show that in Poland and in Germany there is the Ukrainian legal services market. Polish and German lawyers do not specialize in Ukrainian matters. Special legal services close to Ukrainians are not being developed. However, there is an increased volume of Ukrainian clients in Poland and minor modifications in the manner, number and method of providing services by lawyers. The first experiences of lawyers from cooperation with Ukrainians show that within 10 years, legal services for Ukrainians in Poland and Germany will become one of the most lucrative advocate specializations.