World Day of the Endangered Lawyer: 24 January
World Day of the Endangered Lawyer was established in 2009 and is observed worldwide every 24 January. This date commemorates the tragic Atocha massacre of 1977, in which four labour lawyers were murdered in their office at 55 Atocha Street in Madrid.
The aim of this day is to raise awareness among civil society and public authorities about the situation of lawyers in a given country, selected each year, and to highlight the threats, pressures and risks faced by lawyers in the exercise of their profession.
After focusing on the situation of lawyers in countries such as Turkey, the Philippines, Honduras, China, Egypt, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Colombia, Afghanistan, Iran and Belarus, International Day of Lawyers at Risk 2026 will be devoted to analysing and denouncing the situation of lawyers in the United States of America.
Each year, the International Observatory for Lawyers at Risk actively mobilises by preparing a communication, awareness-raising and advocacy campaign focused on the selected country. These materials are provided to its members and other organisations in order to amplify the impact of the day and increase its visibility.
World Day of the Endangered Lawyer is a unique opportunity to highlight the serious difficulties faced by lawyers whose personal safety, freedom and even lives are threatened because of their profession.
Join the International Observatory for Lawyers at Risk and take an active part in this collective mobilisation.
If you would like to benefit from the OIAD’s campaigns, contribute to their dissemination or receive more information about our activities, contact us at the following address: contact@protect-lawyers.org
Since 2016, the OIAD has been part of the International Coalition for the Day of Lawyers at Risk, alongside numerous organisations from around the world committed to defending the independence of the legal profession.
Each year, the Coalition chooses a focus country for 24 January, aiming to draw the international community’s attention to the violations of rights suffered by lawyers in that context.
The Coalition coordinates legal associations, bar associations and activist networks which, on World Day, organise events, conferences, demonstrations, public statements, media campaigns and joint actions at national and international level.
24 January 2026: 16th International Day for Lawyers in Danger, dedicated to the United States of America
This year’s campaign will highlight the challenges faced by lawyers in the United States. Since 2009, this event, celebrated simultaneously in many cities around the world, has drawn attention to the threats faced by the legal profession.
This year, the situation of lawyers in the US will be at the heart of this global mobilisation. Although considered an “established democracy”, the United States is now experiencing a worrying increase in threats to the independence of lawyers, judges and prosecutors.
The Observatory calls on civil society and public authorities to mobilise in support of this essential cause. Together, let us make the voices of endangered lawyers heard and support their fight for justice.
Join us to give this campaign maximum impact!
In the US, the legal profession is facing increased risks and pressures, such as:
- Political reprisals against lawyers defending sensitive cases
- Self-censorship in the legal profession
- Attacks on judicial independence
Find out more about the situation of the legal profession in the US by consulting the OIAD BROCHURE available in English, French, Spanish, Italian and German, and discover the context and organisation of the legal profession in the US.
Download the brochure by clicking on the flags and distribute it freely:
HOW CAN I TAKE ACTION? Join the mobilisation!
The Observatory drawn up a practical MOBILISATION KIT with ideas and materials for taking action in support of American lawyers and promoting this day, which is also available in several languages.
Download the Mobilisation Kit by clicking on the flags:
You can also distribute the event poster with a QR code to the brochure:
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