ECO reports the Bar Association proposed that complex, high‑profile trials will now have substitute court‑appointed lawyers — effectively assigning two appointed defenders as backups. The measure was presented after issues in recent high-profile cases and is intended to ensure continuous legal representation during lengthy proceedings. Defendants and legal observers should note possible changes in courtroom procedure and representation; the Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados) is leading the proposal.
Substitute court‑appointed lawyers for mega‑trials
Sunday, 18 January 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The Ordem dos Advogados (Bar Association) is Portugal’s professional body for lawyers, responsible for regulating legal ethics, licensing and discipline and for representing the profession in public debates. Its proposal to change how substitute counsel are appointed in complex trials matters because the Bar’s views influence courtroom procedures, standards of defence and legal reform discussions.
A court‑appointed lawyer is an attorney the court assigns to represent someone who cannot afford private counsel, typically under Portugal’s legal aid system (assistência judiciária). These lawyers provide defence in criminal and other eligible cases, and if the defendant meets the income and eligibility rules the state pays the lawyer’s fees.
