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DTSTAMP:20260426T202227Z
DTSTART:20261007T141500Z
DTEND:20261007T153000Z
SUMMARY:The role of referral lawyers in a time of polarisation and populi
 sm
DESCRIPTION:Referral advocates and barristers are exposed to threats and 
 attack because they work at the front line of the justice system. The ca
 b-rank rule to which the referral Bar adheres means that they represent 
 everyone who needs representation however unpopular or unattractive thei
 r character or cause. This is essential to ensure the proper working of 
 adversarial justice systems in which referral lawyers operate and is par
 t of ensuring justice for all\, giving reality to the rule of law.\n\nGi
 ven greater political polarisation\, advocates and barristers are being 
 identified as targets for opprobrium\, and worse\, by radical social med
 ia and politicians.\n\nThis seminar will explore the different technique
 s that can be adopted to protect referral lawyers and their roles in thi
 s difficult time\, while not compromising on basic principles. Represent
 ative bodies\, such as Bar Councils\, CCBE\, IBHARI/IBA\, and others\, h
 ave an important role in standing up for both the principles and acting 
 in individual cases of persecution. Work in this area should continue to
  recognise that a solid defence of independent judiciaries goes hand in 
 glove with defence of the independent Bar. Pressurising states to expedi
 te their processes and ratify the European Convention for the Protection
  of the Profession of Lawyers in all countries with a referral Bar would
  go some way towards adding to protection. Overall\, the profession need
 s to sharpen its response to these attacks\, build solidarity within nat
 ional professions and across jurisdictions\, and focus work where it rea
 lly can make a difference to further strengthen our national bars to sta
 nd firm for the rule of law.\n\n
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