16. Governments shall ensure that lawyers (a) are able to perform all of their professional
functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference; (b) are able to
travel and to consult with their clients freely both within their own country and abroad; and
(c) shall not suffer, or be threatened with, prosecution or administrative, economic or other
sanctions for any action taken in accordance with recognized professional duties, standards and
ethics.
17. Where the security of lawyers is threatened as a result of discharging their functions, they shall
be adequately safeguarded by the authorities.
18. Lawyers shall not be identified with their clients or their clients' causes as a result of
discharging their functions.
19. No court or administrative authority before whom the right to counsel is recognized shall refuse
to recognize the right of a lawyer to appear before it for his or her client unless that lawyer as
been disqualified in accordance with national law and practice and in conformity with these principles.
20. Lawyers shall enjoy civil and penal immunity for relevant statements made in good faith in
written or oral pleadings or in their professional appearances before a court, tribunal or other legal
or administrative authority.
21. It is the duty of the competent authorities to ensure lawyers access to appropriate information,
files and documents in their possession or control in sufficient time to enable lawyers to provide
effective legal assistance to their clients. Such access should be provided at the earliest
appropriate time.
22. Governments shall recognize and respect that all communications and consultations between
lawyers and their clients within their professional relationship are confidential.
23. Lawyers like other citizens are entitled to freedom of expression, belief, association and
assembly. In particular, they shall have the right to take part in public discussion of matters
concerning the law, the administration of justice and the promotion and protection of human rights
and to join or form local, national or international organizations and attend their meetings,
without suffering professional restrictions by reason of their lawful action or their membership
in a lawful organization. In exercising these rights, lawyers shall always conduct themselves in
accordance with the law and the recognized standards and ethics of the legal profession.
24. Lawyers shall be entitled to form and join self-governing professional associations to represent
their interests, promote their continuing education and training and protect their professional
integrity. The executive body of the professional associations shall be elected by its members and
shall exercise its functions without external interference.
25. Professional associations of lawyers shall co-operate with Governments to ensure that everyone
has effective and equal access to legal services and that lawyers are able, without improper
interference, to counsel and assist their clients in accordance with the law and recognized
professional standards and ethics.
26. Codes of professional conduct for lawyers shall be established by the legal professional through
its appropriate organs, or by legislation, in accordance with national law and custom and recognized
international standards and norms.
27. Charges or complaints made against lawyers in their professional capacity shall be processed
expeditiously and fairly under appropriate procedures. Lawyers shall have the right to a fair hearing,
including the right to be assisted by a lawyer of their choice.
28. Disciplinary proceedings against lawyers shall be brought before an impartial disciplinary
committee established by the legal profession, before an independent statutory authority, or before
a court, and shall be subject to an independent judicial review.
29. All disciplinary proceedings shall be determined in accordance with the code of professional
conduct and other recognized standards and ethics of the legal profession and in the light of these
principles.
