The Council of Europe will open for signature the first international convention protecting the legal profession on 13 May.
In response to increasing pressure, threats, and interference targeting lawyers, the Council of Europe has adopted the “Convention on the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer,” aimed at safeguarding professional independence. The Convention will open for signature on 13 May 2025 in Luxembourg and will require ratification by at least eight countries to enter into force.
A Historic Step for Professional Independence
This Convention is the first international and binding legal instrument focused on protecting the legal profession. Adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the Convention aims to ensure not only the physical safety of lawyers but also their professional independence and freedom of expression.
Under the Convention, states will be obligated to take effective measures against attacks, threats, harassment, and interference that lawyers may face while performing their professional duties, and to initiate criminal investigations where necessary.
Professional Associations Also Included
The Convention not only covers individual lawyers but also includes professional associations that protect the rights of lawyers. Within this scope, the independence and self-governance of bar associations and other professional organizations are guaranteed.
According to the explanatory report by the Council of Europe, lawyers handling human rights, criminal cases, or politically sensitive matters often face targeting, pressure, and defamation campaigns. The new Convention includes clear provisions to prevent such practices and to ensure transparent investigations.
A Guarantee for Access to Justice and the Rule of Law
Lawyers play a fundamental role in ensuring access to justice and upholding the rule of law. Through this Convention, the Council of Europe emphasizes that public confidence in justice systems depends on lawyers being able to perform their duties freely.
The primary rights protected under the Convention include the right to practice law, confidentiality in lawyer-client communications, freedom of expression, fair disciplinary procedures, and specific protective measures.
Process and Implementation
The Convention will require ratification by at least eight countries, including six member states of the Council of Europe, to enter into force. Its implementation will be monitored by an independent group of experts and a committee composed of representatives from the parties to the Convention.
The Convention will be open for signature on 13 May 2025, during the Council of Europe’s meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers in Luxembourg.
In Brief…
Why Was This Convention Needed?
According to the Council of Europe:
- In recent years, there has been a significant increase in physical attacks, threats, psychological pressure, and defamation campaigns targeting lawyers.
- Studies reveal that 57% of lawyers have faced threats or assaults in the past 2–3 years.
- Lawyers working in areas such as human rights, criminal defense, or politically sensitive cases often work under intense pressure. This pressure may come from public authorities or non-state actors.
- Violations of lawyer-client confidentiality pose a serious threat to the independence of the legal profession.
What Does the Convention Cover?
The Convention focuses on:
- Preventing all forms of violence, threats, and interference against lawyers
- Safeguarding the independence of lawyers and their ability to freely perform their duties
- Guaranteeing the confidentiality of lawyer-client communications
- Ensuring that states take the necessary legal and institutional measures to protect both individual lawyers and their professional associations
Why Is It So Important?
In today’s political and social climate, the protection of the rule of law is directly tied to the ability of lawyers to work safely. Lawyers are not only defenders of individual rights, but also of democracy and justice. Attacks on the legal profession are, in essence, attacks on democratic values.
This Convention is a promising development not only for lawyers in Europe but for legal professionals around the world. It is expected to reinforce international efforts and long-standing reforms advocated by organizations such as the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Rule of Law Initiative.
