Artikel 4

1. Parties shall ensure that the national legal and regulatory framework guarantees that professional associations are independent, self-governing bodies. Any election of their executive bodies shall take place in accordance with the applicable rules and without external interference.
2. Parties shall ensure that professional associations can:
a) promote and represent the interests of lawyers and of their profession;
b) promote and defend the independence of lawyers and their role in society;
c) elaborate professional standards of conduct and promote their observance, in accordance with this Convention;
d) promote access to the profession and the continuing education and training of lawyers;
e) co-operate with lawyers, other professional associations and international, intergovernmental or non-governmental organisations on matters of law and the practice of law, including the promotion and protection of the role of lawyers; and
f) promote the welfare of lawyers and assist them and their families where necessary.
3. Parties shall ensure that professional associations are consulted in a timely and effective manner on proposals by government for any change in legislation, procedural and administrative rules directly affecting the professional activities of lawyers and the regulation of the profession.
4. Parties shall ensure that any requirement to belong to a professional association does not preclude lawyers from forming and taking part in other associations to promote their professional interests and activities.