ICAM presents signatures to the CGPJ to guarantee legal profession conciliation

The Dean of the Madrid Bar Association (ICAM), Eugenio Ribón, presented more than 2,000 signatures yesterday to the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) and the High Court of Justice of Madrid (TSJM) as part of an institutional campaign launched by ICAM on May 1 to guarantee work-life balance for legal professionals.

The submission coincides with the entry into force of the Organic Law on the Right to Defense, which explicitly recognizes the right to work-life balance for legal professionals in its Article 14.

In letters addressed to Isabel Perelló, President of the CGPJ, and Celso Rodríguez Padrón, President of the TSJM, Ribón highlighted persistent challenges in securing these rights, citing cases where judicial discretion failed to honor justified suspension requests. Examples include an attorney denied a trial postponement despite being on medical leave for a high-risk pregnancy and a lawyer compelled to appear in court despite a broken leg.

Widespread Support from the Legal Community

Since its launch, the campaign has garnered the support of over 2,000 lawyers, reflecting a widespread concern about the difficulties of reconciling professional responsibilities with personal and family life. “These situations not only violate fundamental rights but also severely impact the practice of law,” Ribón stated.

The strategic timing of the submission underscores the urgent need to enforce the new law’s provisions. Article 14 of the Organic Law on the Right to Defense allows legal professionals to request postponements in cases of force majeure or significant personal events, such as childbirth, adoption, hospitalization of family members, or medical leave.

Limitations of the New Law

Despite these advances, ICAM has expressed concerns about the law’s final wording. According to Javier Mata, Deputy at ICAM responsible for Defense of the Legal Profession, the law falls short by failing to establish clear and consistent criteria, leaving the enforcement of these rights subject to judicial discretion. This lack of clarity, Mata argues, risks undermining the practical application of work-life balance measures.

For Juan Manuel Mayllo, Deputy responsible for Free Legal Aid, the stakes are even higher in the realm of publicly funded legal services, where attorneys often work under challenging conditions. “Ensuring effective enforcement of these rights is crucial, particularly for duty lawyers, who play a vital role in upholding universal access to justice.”

Commitment to Advocacy and Support

To address these issues, ICAM plans to escalate its advocacy efforts, engaging with parliamentary groups and judicial authorities to push for actionable solutions. The ultimate goal is to normalize work-life balance practices in the legal profession, transforming them from exceptions to routine.

In parallel, ICAM will continue to operate its “112 Abogacía” helpline, a 24-hour service that provides urgent support for issues related to professional practice, including work-life balance requests. So far this year, the service has handled 322 case postponement requests, ensuring legal professionals can address unforeseen personal circumstances without jeopardizing their cases.