Valencia’s Lawyers’ Councils have publicly urged the Justice Administration to end the ongoing strike that has disrupted the legal system for over a month. The united concern from the Valencia legal community is clear: judicial operations have slowed to a near halt, affecting citizens who rely on timely court service and rulings.
In response, members of the Valencian Council of Lawyers’ Societies have decided to forward a formal letter to the Spanish General Council of Lawyers and the government’s Secretariat through the regional authorities. The message demands an urgent, concrete action plan to resolve the impasse and restore normal judicial functions in Valencia.
Carmen Rubio, head of the CVCP, has expressed deep regret over the consequences of the strike. She noted that during the stoppage, the system failed to receive approximately 350,000 notifications and halted around 270,000 proceedings, including trials and preliminary hearings. Orders related to extraditions, alimony, terminations, gender-based violence cases, and even civil ceremonies experienced delays or suspension. Rubio warned that continued disruption will create a backlog that is likely to push the already crowded docket into a period of extended difficulty. She underscored a sober expectation that the resumption of normal activity could be delayed for a year or more, with significant repercussions for all parties involved. (Source: CVCP)
Damage
The impact of the strike is being felt directly by citizens who depend on timely judicial actions. The disruption represents a serious obstruction to justice that risks undermining public confidence in the legal system. The CVCP asserts that the severity of the problem is evident in the scale of stopped and delayed processes, and in the broader effects on the administration of justice. The council stresses that it is essential to communicate clearly with the public about the current status of cases and the expected timelines for resolution. It emphasizes that the issue now rests with the Department of Justice to review and share credible data on the strike’s enforcement and to collaborate with the professional community to mitigate harm during the transition back to normal operations. (Source: CVCP)
Rubio remarks that the strike has compounded existing challenges faced by legal professionals, who have already weathered years of economic strain. The disruption comes on top of previous adversities, including the prolonged pandemic period and its economic consequences. The CVCP leadership acknowledges the ongoing difficulties for prosecutors, defense counsel, and support staff, while highlighting that the current pause has placed additional pressure on a system that serves a wide spectrum of clients, from parties in civil actions to witnesses, experts, and other practitioners. The council notes that a rapid return to full functionality is critical to minimize ongoing harms and restore trust in the justice process. (Source: CVCP)
In closing, the CVCP plenary stresses a need for dialogue that is constructive and transparent. They call on all involved sides to acknowledge the substantial damage already suffered and to work toward a swift, satisfactory agreement. The objective remains a halt to the strike and a prompt reestablishment of normal judicial activity, ensuring fair access to justice for all stakeholders involved. (Source: CVCP)