Lawyers play a crucial role in the justice systems of all democracies. They are essential to the respect of the rule of law and in particular access to justice for all and the right to a fair trial to have anyone’s human rights vindicated. The Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer, known as the Luxembourg Convention, is a response to the increasing number of attacks on lawyers practising their profession, whether in the form of harassment, threats or attacks, or interference in the exercise of their professional responsibilities. This was established, for example, by the Parliamentary Assembly.

In 2020, the Council of Europe's European Committee on Legal Co-operation (CDCJ) adopted a feasibility study on a new European legal instrument which looked into how the protection of the profession of lawyer could be strengthened and, in doing so, examined existing international instruments, particularly the Committee of Ministers Recommendation R(2000)21 on the freedom of exercise of the profession of lawyer and the European Convention on Human Rights.

At its 103^rd plenary meeting (19-21 November 2024), the CDCJ approved the draft convention as prepared by its Committee of Experts on the Protection of Lawyers (CJ-AV). The CDCJ transmitted it to the Committee of Ministers for adoption, and adopted its explanatory report. The Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer was adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 12 March 2025. It is the first international legally binding treaty dedicated to the protection of the profession of lawyer and is opened to states beyond member states of the Council of Europe.

The Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer aims to protect lawyers and their professional associations which play a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and interests of lawyers both individually and as a profession. The Convention addresses entitlement to practise, professional rights, freedom of expression, professional discipline and specific protective measures for lawyers and professional associations. Compliance with the Convention will be monitored by the Group of Experts on the Protection of Lawyers (GRAVO) and the Committee of the Parties. At least eight countries, including six member states of the Council of Europe, must ratify for it to enter into force.

Leaflet on the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer

Publication in the Treaty series of the Convention CETS 226 and its explanatory report

Factsheet for states not members of the Council of Europe on the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer