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Ireland signs treaty on protecting lawyers

The Council of Europe this week opened the first international treaty aiming to protect the profession of lawyer for signature.

The Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer was adopted in March in response to increasing reports of attacks on the practice of the profession.

Ireland, represented by Thomas Byrne (Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence), was one of 17 countries to sign up to the convention at a two-day meeting in Luxembourg earlier this week.

“This is an important step in recognising the role that the profession of lawyer plays in upholding key facets of society today,” said Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan.

Professional associations

At least eight countries – including six member states of the Council of Europe – must ratify the treaty for it to enter into force.

The convention addresses:

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

Under the convention, states must ensure that lawyers can carry out their professional duties without being the target of any form of physical attack, threat, harassment or intimidation, or any improper hindrance or interference.

Where such circumstances could amount to a criminal offence, parties must conduct an effective investigation. Parties must also ensure that professional associations can operate as independent, self-governing bodies.