Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer

What is the convention?

The convention is the first international binding treaty protecting rights of lawyers.

The convention was adopted by the Council of Europe on 12 March 2025 and the UK signed in its first week.

It will come into force when its been ratified by eight countries – when a state formally becomes obligated to respect the provisions in a treaty.

Explore the full list of signatures and ratifications.

The convention establishes principles and obligations for ratifying states:

• guarantee independence and autonomy of professional associations and legal professionals
• professional associations will be empowered and governments will have to consult them on legislation and regulation affecting lawyers
• the rights of lawyers to practise will be protected and attacks or threats against them will be investigated
• safeguard confidentiality of lawyer-client communications
• protect lawyers from unlawful actions and threats
• admission, retention and re-admission to the legal profession will be objective and fair
• establish fair, impartial and transparent disciplinary procedures

Why do we need it?

Lawyers are fundamental to the rule of law and the protection of human rights.

They play a critical role in upholding justice, ensuring access to justice and defending the rights of everyone.

But in recent years, the safety and independence of lawyers has come under threat.

The convention aims to ensure that lawyers can continue to carry out their work without fear of harassment, retaliation or improper interference.

How is it enforced?

The convention establishes the group of experts on the protection of the profession of lawyer (GRAVO).

GRAVO will monitor the implementation of the convention through two different procedures:

1. evaluation process – data is collected in rounds using tools such as questionnaires and country visits to produce a report
2. urgent procedure – when urgent attention is needed after a number of serious violations, GRAVO can request a special report and conduct in-country inquiries

Obligations mean that:

• there is a strong framework to address situations where lawyers are targeted
• lawyers can refer to the convention in their practice

The convention’s impact will depend on its ratification and implementation by individual states.

But it will serve as a model for the protection of the legal profession and the rule of law globally.

Next steps

To come into force, the convention must be ratified by eight states.

We are liaising with the government to push for ratification in the UK.

We are also promoting the convention by:

• hosting events
• working with the media
• encouraging other countries to sign and ratify
• incorporating the convention into our existing international programme

Once the convention is in force, we will monitor adherence in the UK and contribute to the work of the monitoring mechanism.

How solicitors can support

Advocate for national governments to sign and ratify the convention.

Spread awareness within the legal profession and beyond.

Stay up to date – follow our work on the convention and supporting lawyers at risk in the UK and around the world.

Get involved – email us to see how you can contribute: international@lawsociety.org.uk.