The UK is one of the first countries to sign a potentially binding international measure to protect lawyers - including from being identified with their clients. The Council of Europe's Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer was signed this morning by 17 countries. 

Among other measures, the convention requires governments to ensure that:

  • Decisions concerning admission, continued authorisation and readmission to practise as a lawyer are taken by a professional association or other independent body
  • Lawyers can agree to refuse or accept any person as their clients
  • Lawyers do not suffer adverse consequences as a result of being identified with their clients or their clients’ cause.

Welcoming the development, Law Society president Richard Atkinson said: 'Lawyers play a key role in making sure our justice system works fairly for everyone, benefitting our society as a whole. Without lawyers, many people would struggle to get justice or defend themselves. The convention underscores how important it is to protect lawyers against harassment, threats and interference with their professional duties. If the lawyer is not protected, then no one is protected. Lawyers and their clients deserve a fair legal system free from harassment that impedes access to justice.  

Read more

'Recently, we have seen too many lawyers being attacked around the world as well as in the UK. This binding international convention is a good start to secure and protect access to justice globally.'

To enter into force, the convention requires ratification by eight countries, including six Council of Europe member states. 

The other signatories so far are: Andorra, Belgium, Estonia, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland and Sweden.