Protect Your Truth: Supporting Polish Women’s Voices in Ireland – a look back at the 2025 Symposium
In a country as diverse as Ireland, access to justice means more than legal proceedings — it’s about creating and protecting spaces where people feel informed, supported, and heard. On 7 June 2025, the First Polish Women’s Symposium in Ireland, organised by the Centre for Counselling and Therapy (CKU Dublin), offered exactly that: a platform where Polish women came together to engage in powerful conversations about safety, identity, resilience, and the importance of legal and emotional protection.
This event also corresponded with broader vision behind our Firm’s ongoing public information campaign, Protect Your Truth — a campaign dedicated to ensuring that people from all backgrounds understand their rights, the legal protections available in Ireland, and how to safely access support when needed.
As a firm with nearly 30 years of experience in providing legal assistance to multinational communities, Murray Flynn Solicitors was honoured to be one of the sponsors of this important event. We are proud that within years we have build a long-standing relationship with the Polish community in Ireland. This relationship has been built on trust, clarity, and our commitment to offering multilingual, inclusive, and professional legal services to all who need them.
This symposium was not only a moment of reflection and connection — it was a continuation of the very work we do every day: ensuring that individuals, regardless of language or background, know their rights and feel empowered to protect them.
A legal voice within the community
As part of the event, our colleague Monika Baranowska Forrest participated in two thought-provoking panel discussions:
🟣 From Violence to Power and
🟣 Reaching for the Stars – Women of Different Worlds.
Drawing from her work as a legal professional with a focus on personal injury and sexual harassment litigation, Monika contributed to conversations on how women can identify, respond to, and seek help in cases of harassment and violence — particularly in the workplace. She also shared her perspective on defining success, balancing professional and personal roles, and finding strength in vulnerability.
While Monika spoke from both personal and professional experience, her message strongly aligned with the values we uphold as a firm. In her words:
“Knowing the law is not a privilege. It’s a form of protection — especially for women who may face subtle or systemic forms of violence, discrimination, or fear in the workplace. Knowing your rights can transform silence into action.”
This message reflects our firm’s approach to client service: combining legal advice with empathy and cultural understanding.
Monika Baranowska Forrest, representing Murray Flynn Solicitors at the 1st Polish Women’s Symposium in Ireland, 7 June 2025.
Empowerment Through Conversation
The symposium brought together a wide range of participants: community leaders, established professionals, women at the beginning of their journey in Ireland and survivors of trauma — all united by a shared goal: to support one another and to grow stronger, together.
The panel discussions opened up critical conversations around issues such as recognising subtle or overlooked forms of violence, navigating social stigma, and the legal processes that protect employees in Ireland.
Participants of the “Reaching for the Stars – Women of Different Worlds” panel, where topics included identity, motherhood, and definitions of success.
Supporting the Polish Community in Ireland – Since 1996
For decades, Murray Flynn Solicitors has proudly supported thousands of clients — including many members of Ireland’s Polish community — in navigating legal challenges with clarity, confidence, and support.
We offer legal services in Polish, English, Romanian, Portuguese, and Slovak, and continue to build a team that reflects the diversity of the clients we serve.
Our areas of legal expertise include:
-
Personal Injury Litigation
Road traffic accidents, workplace accidents, and public liability claims -
Sexual Harassment & Workplace Litigation
Supporting clients experiencing inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, or harassment at work -
Property Law & Conveyancing
Legal guidance in buying, selling, and transferring property in Ireland -
Wills, Probate & Inheritance
Helping clients with estate planning, will disputes, and inheritance matters -
Guardianship & Power of Attorney
Advising families on legal protections for minors, dependents, and vulnerable adults
Caption: The event welcomed over 100 participants from across Ireland — a reflection of the strength and unity within the Polish community.
Honoured for Our Support
As a mark of appreciation, Murray Flynn Solicitors received an official Certificate of Gratitude and Recognition from the event organisers. The diploma recognises the firm’s “commitment, kindness, and financial support”, which helped create a meaningful platform for connection, inspiration, and the exchange of experiences among Polish women living in Ireland.
Caption: Certificate of appreciation presented to Murray Flynn Solicitors by CKU Dublin.
Celebrating Community and Individual Recognition
In addition, our colleague Monika Baranowska Forrest received a personal Certificate of Thanks and Recognition for her “talent, perseverance, and empathy” and for inspiring other women to pursue their goals — both in the legal field and beyond. Her presence at the event reflected not only professional expertise, but also her deep connection to the Polish community and to the wider mission of supporting women through information and solidarity.
Caption: “For reaching for the stars and sharing it with other women” – recognition awarded to Monika Baranowska Forrest.
Looking Ahead, Staying Connected
We are proud to have contributed to this event and to continue our work in support of Ireland’s Polish community.
We know that true legal support means more than representation — it means listening, understanding, and building trust over time.
We are grateful to CKU Dublin for organising this important event and to all the women who shared their stories and insights. We are also pleased to archive this moment within our firm’s history — as a reminder of why we do the work we do.
If you would like to speak to a solicitor or learn more about your rights, we invite you to get in touch with our team.
Murray Flynn Solicitors
12–16 Fairview Strand, Dublin 3
+353 1 836 3551
admin@murrayflynn.ie
www.murrayflynn.ie
You can also contact Monika Baranowska Forrest directly (Polish-speaking) at 086 818 6431
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage of any award or settlement.