Kirsty Brimelow KC highlights lawyers’ independence, professional duties and role in protecting justice.
The Bar Council has warned that politically motivated attacks on lawyers undermine public confidence in the rule of law, as it marked European Lawyers’ Day 2026 by highlighting the profession’s role in challenging abuses of power.
The statement, published on 25 October, was issued jointly in recognition of European Lawyers’ Day with the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE). This year’s theme is “Security and freedom: lawyers as guardians against abuse of power”.
Chair of the Bar Kirsty Brimelow KC said the legal system depends on high standards of procedure and evidence, alongside disclosure duties that ensure parties have access to relevant facts.
She emphasised that advocates must act in their clients’ best interests while meeting their duties to the court and maintaining independence and integrity.
Brimelow also referred to the 1967 case of Rondell v Worsley, citing Lord Denning’s observation that counsel owes allegiance to the cause of truth and justice.
Bar Council highlights lawyers’ independence
The statement also draws attention to the Council of Europe’s Convention on the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer, referred to as the Luxembourg Convention.
According to the Bar Council, the convention recognises the importance of freedom of expression for lawyers. It protects their ability to inform the public about matters relating to their clients’ cases, subject to lawful restrictions linked to professional responsibilities, the administration of justice, respect for private life and the requirements of a democratic society.
The convention also recognises the role of lawyers and their professional associations in promoting the rule of law. This includes participating in public discussions about legal provisions, judicial decisions, the administration of justice, access to justice and the protection of human rights.
Legal representation as a public service
Brimelow said lawyers had recently been targeted simply for representing their clients without fear or favour. She described politically motivated attacks on the profession as irresponsible and dangerous, arguing that they weaken public trust in the rule of law and undermine the foundations of justice in a democracy.
She also stressed that lawyers should not be identified with the people they represent. Individuals who are unpopular or widely condemned remain entitled to access the courts, she said.
The Bar Council’s message for European Lawyers’ Day is that legal representation is a public service, including when lawyers represent vulnerable people or clients facing public hostility.
The statement reinforces the importance of professional independence, fair legal procedures and the ability of lawyers to represent clients while fulfilling their duties to the court.