Professional Risks in Legal Practice

Lawyers play a vital role in ensuring access to justice and the right to a fair trial, as well as protecting the citizens’ rights and freedoms. For lawyers to be able to fully carry out their professional activities, the government must guarantee their independence, the absence of any outside influence, equality in the judicial process, as well as their protection and safety at the legislative level and as a practical matter. There are certain risks inherent in advocacy, including the risk of criminal prosecution as a way of putting pressure on the lawyer of an opponent in proceedings. The risks and threats that lawyers may face depend on the nature of the cases they handle, as well as their specific actions in a particular case. It is crucial for attorneys to be aware of the risks involved and have a defence plan in place to manage such risks. The lack of the appropriate protection mechanisms to ensure the safety of lawyers cannot help but have an adverse impact on the quality of their advocacy. What are the main risks associated with the legal profession, including attacks on lawyer immunity? How can we minimize them?