The impact of COVID-19 on the functioning of legal clinics in Poland

Clinical Legal Education (CLE) is a name that is commonly used to refer to the provision of legal services by or with participation of law students acting if needed under the substantive supervision of a designated tutor. Currently, there are over 20 Legal Clinics in Poland, also known as student legal clinics. Legal services provided as part of this activity are pro bono and are aimed at persons and organizations at risk of social and legal exclusion. The importance of this activity is unquestionable due to its dualistic nature – on the one hand, legal assistance is provided free of charge to the poorest persons and those who are not aware of the possibility of effectively pursuing their rights. On the other hand, the educational aspect is implemented. This is manifested in the involvement of law students in providing legal advice to persons in need. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has affected every area of daily living, including the system of free legal assistance. The author describes how the pandemic influenced the functioning of legal clinics in Poland, taking into account the fact that persons using these services are often at risk of not only social but also digital exclusion.