The 2026 edition of the International Day of the Endangered Lawyer (DEL), honoured annually on 24 January, draws global attention to the risks faced by lawyers in a specific country. In 2026, the focus will be on the United States
The United States was selected as the focus country in light of unprecedented measures affecting law firms, including restrictions on security clearances, access to federal buildings, and eligibility for government contracts. Several prominent firms – among them Jenner & Block, WilmerHale, and Perkins Coie – as well as the American Bar Association, have already initiated constitutional challenges against these measures.
These cases illustrate how political decisions can undermine the rule of law and underscore the importance of raising awareness and engaging in dialogue with young legal professionals about the protection of an independent legal profession.
To mark this year’s edition, Lawyers for Lawyers and partners are organising a series of advocacy events this week, both in person and online:
Wednesday 21 January
- Joint event with the The Hague Young Bar Association
For several years now, The Hague Young Bar Association and Lawyers for Lawyers have successfully collaborated to organise lectures at the Courthouse in The Hague on the occassion of the Day of the Endangered Lawyer. During the lecture, two experts will discuss these developments: Christine Braamskamp, Managing Partner at Jenner & Block in London, and Jan Leliveld, Partner at Van Doorne and Chair of Lawyers for Lawyers. Together, they will examine the impact of these measures and highlight the importance of a strong and independent legal profession. As during previous editions, young lawyers will have the chance to enter into a dialogue on the state of the independence of the legal profession, and write cards to colleagues in prison.
Please note that attendance is limited to members of the Young Bar Association.
Thursday 22 January
- Joint event with the Midden-Nederland Young Bar Assocation
Similarly, on Thursday, we host a lecture with the Midden-Nederland Young Bar Association in Utrecht on the independence of the legal profession, with contributions from Christine Braamskamp and Jan Leliveld. The attendees will have the chance to enter into a dialogue on the protection and state of the independence of the legal profession.
Please note that attendance is limited to members of the Young Bar Association. - Joint online event with the European Young Bar Association (EYBA): ‘From the United States to Europe: Defending the right to defense’ (3-4 PM CET)
We are hosting a webinar with the EYBA, from 3-4 PM CET, featuring three speakers and a Q&A. The discussion will explore shared challenges in protecting the right to defence across jurisdictions, bringing together perspectives from both sides of the Atlantic, with contributions from:- Scott Carlson, member of the American Bar Association;
- Sophie de Graaf, executive director of Lawyers 4 Lawyers; and
- Merel Pontier, human rights lawyer in Texas.
Please note that attendance is limited to EYBA and Lawyers for Lawyers Network members. If you are a network member, please contact us through info@lawyersforlawyers.nl to register
- Online press conference for the Day of the Endangered Lawyer
Lawyers for Lawyers is a member of the coalition of the Day of the Endangered Lawyer, which consists of more than 30 lawyers’ rights organisations and bar associations. The Coalition has documented a sustained, coordinated campaign to undermine the independence of the US legal system, including targeted attacks on lawyers and law firms, the judiciary, legal institutions, and bar organizations. The coalition will be presenting its joint report on the situation of lawyers in the United States during an online press conference at 16:00 PM CET. The event will feature contributions from:- Margaret Satterthwaite, UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers
- Nancy Hollander, Lawyers for the Rule of Law
- Catherine Morris, Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada
- Vânia Costa Ramos, President of the European Criminal Bar Association
- Roman Završek, President of the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe
- Ceren Uysal, European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and World Human Rights
Register online here.
