We reaffirm the commitment of lawyers
In the context of an unusual context shaken by the outbreak of the terrible global pandemic caused by COVID-19 and also experiencing an unprecedented and widespread slowdown in the economy, this year we will be celebrating the Festivity of Sant Raimon de Penyafort, the Festivity of our esteemed Bar, in a different way, but maintaining the same spirit, enthusiasm and commitment of each year, and even more strongly than ever, with a humanistic view of things claiming the general interest.
Society today calls for responses based on Law, as well as the security that can only be provided by Justice and the support we can provide to citizens from our profession in times of uncertainty; and in this spirit, we need to take this opportunity to reaffirm the lawyers’ commitment to dignity, equality and human rights, as they are certainly the best guide we can have in getting out of this situation.
We live in an increasingly complex, global and interconnected world in which new technologies have proven to have a strategic meaning not only to ensure the continuity of many businesses and essential services, but also to convert the huge potential they have and on which we need to drive the transformation of a society that requires development that is truly sustainable and consistent with the aims of the UN 2030 Agenda.
The legal profession, as the historical guarantor of fundamental rights and public freedoms, has to ensure that this change, which has to help us to meet the challenges that we have ahead, places the individual at the core; this goes on to continue to demand from the public authorities our legitimate call for a Justice Administration that is dignified and responds to the quality, efficiency and transparency parameters of a modern and twenty-first century public service.
The Festivity of Sant Raimon de Penyafort is also an opportunity to share knowledge and keep up with the current legal situation – this year with many new developments arising from the huge regulatory activity in recent months – through the various training sessions involving top-level committed speakers. We must not forget that training – as the cornerstone of our work — is that which enables us to exercise the fundamental right of defence with every guarantee: pillar of the Rule of Law.
Now, more than ever, we must work with enthusiasm and in renewed hope to ensure the long-awaited economic and mental recovery of society; and we need to do this by deepening and defending values such as health, scientific research or justice, as they are the ones that represent the real essence of the Welfare State and allow for the effective realisation of democracy.
Mª Eugènia Gay, President of the Barcelona Bar Association (ICAB)
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