WHO WE ARE
An independent and non-political foundation, operating globally.
Lawyers for Lawyers is an independent and non-political foundation, operating globally. The foundation has a board of directors consisting of (former) lawyers and human rights specialists. An Executive Director and a team of staff members are responsible for the day-to-day management of the organization. Furthermore, Lawyers for Lawyers works with a network of highly motivated and skilled practising lawyers and law firms in the Netherlands and beyond. We partner with fellow lawyers’ and human rights organisations across the globe, to support lawyers at risk and advocate for their enhanced protection.
Vision and Mission
Promote and protect the independence of lawyers.
Lawyers for Lawyers promotes and preserves the independence of the legal profession worldwide and defends the professional rights of lawyers to provide legal services safely and independently, without fear of reprisal. We safeguard the lawyers’ role in protecting the rule of law and human rights and ensuring effective justice for all by acting wherever lawyers are under threat. In doing so, we refer to internationally recognized human rights laws and standards, including the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers
Every lawyer can practice law independently without fear of reprisal.
We strive for a world where lawyers can practice law freely and independently to effectively fulfil their role in upholding the rule of law and the protection of human rights. Lawyers should be able to do their job without improper interference or fear of reprisal. Always and everywhere. Also, when that does not suit the government, the bar association, or the establishment.
GOALS
1. Ending Reprisals
We strive to end, mitigate, or prevent violations of lawyers’ rights and reprisal resulting from discharging their functions, as well as ensuring accountability where such acts occur.
2. Strengthening Protections
We aim to strengthen effective protections for the independent functioning and security of lawyers in laws, policies, and practices at international, regional, and national levels.
3. Leveraging Impact
We create community solidarity with lawyers at risk across the world to leverage impact and achieve better outcomes.
In our work, we are guided by the following principles:
Solidarity
Needs Based
Fact based
Independent
Strategies, programs and activities
To achieve our mission, vision and goals, we provide individual and structural support to lawyers and lawyers’ associations through three programs: Defend, Empower and Implement.
Furthermore, we promote the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers to raise awareness and inform lawyers, other stakeholders and the public about the important role of lawyers in the protection of the rule of law and human rights and fundamental freedoms and enhance the understanding thereof.
