The Opening of the Legal Year is a remarkable event attended by Bar leaders from around the world.
"As we gather in London for the Opening of the Legal Year 2022, the Bar Council and the Law Society join together to reaffirm the importance of the rule of law, access to justice and the right to independent legal representation.
"Lawyers should be allowed to carry out their work without fear of being attacked or denounced by politicians and parts of the media. Access to justice is a human right. Everyone in society should be entitled to legal advice and representation, and individuals or organisations should be allowed to have the actions of the state reviewed by an independent court or tribunal."