Forensic lawyers, judges, prosecutors, civil servants and now lawyers—about 150 members of the Alicante Bar Association (ICALI) gathered this Friday in Plaza del Palacio de Justicia to denounce the challenging situation facing the profession. They demanded tangible improvements in the Administration of Justice and in the working conditions of lawyers, rallying under the banner “The Legal Profession stands up: for a functioning Justice.” The Alicante legal community voiced strong statements during the protests: “It’s enough already!” and “We are lawyers, not slaves!” [Source: ICALI].
The Dean of the Alicante Bar, Fernando Candela, stated that the grievances stem from repeated strikes and what he described as the poor treatment of the profession by public authorities. He noted that professionals defending the rights of citizens have been the most affected by a series of strikes across different sectors in the country, including recent disruptions in Adalet. The message was clear: the legal workforce seeks fair treatment, reasonable working hours, and a sustainable balance between professional duties and personal life. [Source: ICALI].
— ICALI dean addresses lawyers gathered in Alicante, a moment captured in the press briefing. [AXEL ALVAREZ]
Candela pointed out that the legal profession finds it difficult to secure the same rights enjoyed by other sectors and emphasized that such concessions cannot be tolerated. The protesters called for professional and family reconciliation and for a clear path to digital disconnection, acknowledging the modern pressures faced by legal professionals in a digitized world. [Source: ICALI].
The Alicante Lawyers community pressed for a concrete deal to stabilize justice and to halt what they described as a chaotic administration that is indifferent to the respect citizens and professionals deserve. They warned that ongoing dysfunction jeopardizes both the present and future of the profession, urging authorities to address long-standing inefficiencies and to restore trust in the system. [Source: ICALI].
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While recent reforms to the ex officio wage structure have been welcomed by Advocates and the Generalitat’s changes are acknowledged, concerns remain about how these reforms translate into real improvements. The lawyers argued for fair compensation that reflects the workload and complexity of cases, including the road tolls related to professional duties, which they say are not equitably recognized today. They also called for a reduction in bureaucratic burdens that slow down justice and add unnecessary strain on legal teams. [Source: ICALI].
Additionally, the group insisted on ensuring proximate defense for victims, notably those affected by gender-based violence, across every judicial district. They argued that timely, local access to legal support is essential for these victims and that regional court solutions should complement, not complicate, the pursuit of justice. [Source: ICALI].
Concluding the gathering, the attendees observed a minute of silence in memory of those who have fallen in the line of duty, including Attorney Denis Martínez Gil of Sax, who recently passed away suddenly. The moment underscored the emotional weight of the profession’s challenges and the shared commitment to uphold justice in tough times. [Source: ICALI].
In reflecting on the protest, observers noted that the call for a functioning justice system resonated beyond Alicante, echoing a nationwide demand for accountability, efficiency, and humane treatment of legal professionals. The event highlighted the tension between evolving legal demands and the capacity of the administration to respond with timely reforms. As conversations continue at regional and national levels, the Alicante gathering stands as a visible symbol of the profession’s resolve to safeguard legal standards and ensure that justice remains accessible, fair, and effective for all citizens. [Source: ICALI].