To mark today’s Opening of the Legal Year, the Law Society and Bar Council are co-hosting an event highlighting the critical role lawyers play in safeguarding the integrity of elections. Representatives from some 65 bar associations and law societies across the world are attending.

In a statement, the two bodies noted that more than half of the world’s population will go to the polls this year.

Nick Emmerson

Emmerson: 'As independent bodies, we must maintain political neutrality'

Source: Michael Cross

Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: ‘With billions participating in the electoral process this year, the legal profession plays a vital role in safeguarding the cornerstone of democracy - the rules regarding free and fair elections. As independent bodies, we must maintain political neutrality. Our legal profession is made up of individuals across the political spectrum, united by an interest in the legal system, rule of law and access to justice.’

Bar chair Sam Townend KC said: ‘During the UK general election, we set out frankly and robustly the extent of the crisis in the justice system and the need to prioritise adequate funding to ensure it is sustainable and resilient going forward.

‘Our event at the Opening of the Legal Year is an opportunity to meet with international colleagues and share experiences and insights about the role of lawyers and their representative bodies at the time of elections, our different legal systems, the rule of law and access to justice.’

Today’s closed-door discussion will also cover other topics, including the mechanisms bars and law societies can use to the legal sector is recognised as an economic powerhouse by government officials.