The change in the structure of the 'Lawyer of the Year' competition, which now recognizes both men and women, has stirred considerable debate in Poland's legal circles. Maria Sankowska-Borman, a prominent lawyer, expressed her surprise upon learning about the change through a social media announcement from the National Council of the Bar, indicating that there had been no prior discussion or consultation within the community. This abrupt shift from recognizing only female lawyers to a more inclusive approach raised questions among many about the decision-making process and the implications for women's visibility in the profession.

Critics of the change argue that the competition's format was meant to celebrate and promote female lawyers' achievements in a historically male-dominated field. By shifting the focus to a gender-neutral approach, they contend this could dilute the original intent, which was to elevate the status of women in law rather than achieve equality for all genders in recognition. As such, the discussion has now turned towards whether this change genuinely supports gender equality or if it merely serves to minimize the unique contributions women make in the legal profession.

As the debate continues, it reflects broader societal themes regarding gender equity in various sectors, particularly in professions where women have fought for recognition and representation. The decision to make the competition more inclusive has sparked a necessary dialogue on how best to support and recognize women's achievements while still honoring the professionalism of all lawyers. The resolution of this issue will likely influence future practices and policies within the legal community in Poland.