Protecting the Legal Profession: Council of Europe Opens Landmark Convention for Signature

Protecting the Legal Profession: Council of Europe Opens Landmark Convention for Signature

This new international treaty represents a critical development in safeguarding the legal profession globally, recognising its indispensable contribution to justice and human rights.

RMN News Legal Desk
May 15, 2025

The Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer has recently been opened for signature. This marks a significant step as it is the first-ever international treaty specifically aimed at protecting the profession of lawyer.

The convention comes at a crucial time, responding to increasing reports of attacks on the practice of the profession. These attacks can take various forms, including harassment, threats, physical attacks, or interference with lawyers performing their professional duties.

Why Protecting Lawyers Matters

Lawyers play a fundamental role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring access to justice for all. This includes defending victims of potential human rights violations. Public confidence in justice systems is also dependent on the vital role played by lawyers.

[ Also Read: How Criminals Abuse the Legal System in India to Attack Press Freedom ]

What the Convention Covers

The Council of Europe Convention covers not only lawyers themselves but also their professional associations, recognising their vital role in defending the rights and interests of the profession.

The treaty addresses several key areas:

• Entitlement to practise
• Professional rights
• Freedom of expression
• Professional discipline
• Specific protective measures for lawyers and professional associations

Under the convention, signatory states must ensure that lawyers can perform their professional duties without being the target of any form of physical attack, threat, harassment, or intimidation. States must also prevent any improper hindrance or interference with their work.

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Should such circumstances potentially constitute a criminal offence, parties are required to conduct an effective investigation. Furthermore, the convention mandates that states must ensure professional associations can operate as independent, self-governing bodies.

Signatories and Entry into Force

The convention was opened for signature on 13-14 May. Several countries have already signed, including Andorra, Estonia, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, and Sweden. Belgium, Iceland, the Republic of Moldova, and the United Kingdom were also set to sign on 14 May.

For the convention to enter into force, at least eight countries must ratify it, including six member states of the Council of Europe. Compliance with the convention will be monitored by an expert group and a committee comprising representatives of the parties.

This new international treaty represents a critical development in safeguarding the legal profession globally, recognising its indispensable contribution to justice and human rights.