lawyer, without delay, interception or censorship and in full confidentiality. Such
consultations may be within sight, but not within the hearing, of law enforcement officials.
Qualifications and training
9. Governments, professional associations of lawyers and educational institutions shall
ensure that lawyers have appropriate education and training and be made aware of the
ideals and ethical duties of the lawyer and of human rights and fundamental freedoms
recognized by national and international law.
10. Governments, professional associations of lawyers and educational institutions shall
ensure that there is no discrimination against a person with respect to entry into or
continued practice within the legal profession on the grounds of race, colour, sex, ethnic
origin, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, economic
or other status, except that a requirement, that a lawyer must be a national of the country
concerned, shall not be considered discriminatory.
11. In countries where there exist groups, communities or regions whose needs for legal
services are not met, particularly where such groups have distinct cultures, traditions or
languages or have been the victims of past discrimination, Governments, professional
associations of lawyers and educational institutions should take special measures to provide
opportunities for candidates from these groups to enter the legal profession and should
ensure that they receive training appropriate to the needs of their groups.
Duties and responsibilities
12. Lawyers shall at all times maintain the honour and dignity of their profession as essential
agents of the administration of justice.
13. The duties of lawyers towards their clients shall include:
(a) Advising clients as to their legal rights and obligations, and as to the working of the legal
system in so far as it is relevant to the legal rights and obligations of the clients;
(b) Assisting clients in every appropriate way, and taking legal action to protect their
interests;
(c) Assisting clients before courts, tribunals or administrative authorities, where appropriate.
14. Lawyers, in protecting the rights of their clients and in promoting the cause of justice,
shall seek to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms recognized by national and
international law and shall at all times act freely and diligently in accordance with the law
and recognized standards and ethics of the legal profession.
15. Lawyers shall always loyally respect the interests of their clients.
Guarantees for the functioning of lawyers
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;