Waldemar Żurek was born on 6 January 1970 in Chrzanów.

He graduated from the Forestry Technical School in Brynek and the Jagiellonian University where he studied at the Faculty of Law and Administration. He was associated professionally with the Regional Court in Kraków. He was also spokesman of that court for 14 years.

In 2010-2018, Waldemar Żurek served two terms in the National Council of the Judiciary, also working as its spokesman. The term of the Council of which he was member was illegally terminated. Waldemar Żurek clearly signalled his opposition against politicising the Council and criticised the changes in the justice system introduced by those who were then in power.

For many years, Waldemar Żurek fought for the rule of law and democratic standards, taking part in numerous initiatives and protests to protect the independence of judges and Polish courts.

Waldemar Żurek is an active participant in the judicial community. From 2004 to 2008, he served in the Management Board of the Polish Judges Association “Iustitia.” Since 2018, he has been Member of the General Board and Vice-President of the Association of Judges “Themis.” Since June 2024, he has served as Vice-Director for Organisational Affairs in the National School of Judiciary and Public Prosecution.