The International Day of the Endangered Lawyer
Online press conference: 22 January 2026
7:00 am Pacific Time, 8:00 am Mountain Time, 9:00 am Central Time, 10:00 am Eastern Time, and 16.00 pm CET.
Registration is required at: http://bit.ly/3MNDsUk
The online press conference will include a question-and-answer session with members of the press.
UPDATE 22 January 2022, 18:00 CET: links to press conference speaking notes available for some speakers. Full report and statement now available here.
Each year, the international Coalition for the Day of the Endangered Lawyer focuses attention on a country where lawyers are at particular risk. In 2026, the focus is on the United States. Attacks on the independence of lawyers and judges in the US have broad implications for the rule of law globally.
The Coalition’s report will be launched at a press conference on Thursday, 22 January, 7 am Pacific Time, 8 am Mountain Time, 9 am Central Time, 10 am Eastern Time, and 16.00 pm CET. Registration is required to join the press conference. Register online here.
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.
- Opening Remarks:
- Symone Gaasbeek – The Foundation of Day of the Endangered Lawyer
- Vânia Costa Ramos – President of the European Criminal Bar Association
- Keynote Speakers:
- Margaret Satterthwaite – United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers (see statement: EN, and see the statement in FRA, or ESP)
- Hon. Nancy Gertner – Judge, US D. Mass. (Ret.)
- Presentation of the Coalition’s Report:
- Nancy Hollander – Lawyers for the Rule of Law (see speaking notes)
- Catherine Morris – Lawyers Rights Watch Canada (See speaking notes)
- Closing Remarks:
- Roman Zavrsek – President, Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (see speaking notes)
- Moderation:
- Ceren Uysal – European Lawyers for Democracy and World Human Rights (ELDH)
- Question-and-answer session with members of the press
