December 3 — Lawyer's Day in Russia: history, traditions, congratulations

Lawyer's Day is celebrated annually in Russia on December 3, a professional holiday for all legal professionals. In 2025, it falls on a Wednesday. Izvestia tells about the history and traditions of the celebration, as well as shares warm congratulations for lawyers.

Lawyer's Day in Russia in 2025 — the history of the holiday

The idea of creating a holiday for legal specialists was put forward at the congress of the Russian Bar Association in early 2008. She found support both in the professional community and in the leadership of the country. Already in February, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on the establishment of Lawyer's Day.

The date of the celebration was not chosen by chance — on December 3, 1864, Emperor Alexander II approved the Judicial Statutes that formed the basis of a large-scale judicial reform. The event became a turning point in the history of Russian jurisprudence. Until 1917, this day was celebrated as an unofficial holiday of jurists.

The systemic development of the legal system in Russia began in the 18th century, largely due to Peter I. It was he who ordered the translation into Russian of Samuel Pufendorf's book "On the Duties of a Citizen and a Human Being", which was used to teach law at European academies, and also allowed Russian lawyers to study abroad.

The opening of the Faculty of Law at Moscow University in 1755 gave a new impetus to the development of legal science and education in the country. Initially, Russian legal science was based on foreign studies, and teaching was conducted by foreign specialists, but over time the situation has changed. Semyon Denisitsky became the first law professor to lecture in Russian.

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The middle of the 19th century was marked by two key events for Russian jurisprudence. The Complete Collection of Laws and the Code of Laws of the Russian Empire were issued, as well as the judicial reform of 1864. During this period, a whole generation of lawyers was formed, laying the foundation for the further development of legal science.

After the October Revolution of 1917, the Ministry of Justice was transformed into the People's Commissariat of Justice. In the young Soviet state, a lawyer was considered as a bearer of the most important knowledge and was subject to mobilization for state building on an equal basis with military specialists.

In modern Russia, the legal profession plays an important social role. Specialists help citizens understand the law, protect their rights and freedoms, and contribute to the development of the legal system and the strengthening of law and order. With the development of technology, new branches of law are also emerging, such as IT law, which regulates relations in the field of information technology.

The traditions of celebrating Lawyer's Day in Russia

In honor of the holiday, various events dedicated to law specialists are held throughout the country. For more than 15 years, on December 3, the Russian Bar Association has been awarding the highest legal award "Lawyer of the Year". Its first owner was Sergey Alekseev, one of the developers of the Constitution and the Civil Code of the Russian Federation. The award is given in six categories: "For contribution to legal science", "Human rights activities", "Legal education", "Development of legislation", "Legal education and upbringing" and "For the protection of social and labor rights of citizens".

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The holiday is also celebrated in law schools, where conferences, meetings, seminars and webinars are held. A Legal dictation dedicated to this day is held annually for schoolchildren interested in law.

At the level of labor collectives and professional communities, the holiday is celebrated with corporate events, conferences and professional development courses.

Congratulations on Lawyer's Day

On Lawyer's Day, it is customary to congratulate all legal professionals: lawyers, judges, human rights defenders, investigators, prosecutors, notaries, and legal advisers. Teachers and students of law faculties consider the holiday their own. Here are some examples of wishes for the culprits of the celebration:

"Dear lawyers! We sincerely congratulate you on your professional holiday! Thank you for your integrity, wisdom and invaluable help in the most difficult situations. We wish that truth and order always prevail in your life, and work brings not only income, but also deep satisfaction. I wish you good health and inexhaustible inspiration!"

"Happy Lawyer's Day, defenders of law and justice! May your arguments always be indisputable, and your decisions wise and balanced. We wish that professional victories give you strength, and peace, harmony and mutual understanding reign in your personal life. Thank you for your hard and noble work!"

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"Congratulations on Lawyer's Day! Your ability to see the essence behind the letter of the law, to defend the truth and to keep cool in any situation is truly admired. May your inner support — the law and conscience — never fail. I wish that your authority will only strengthen, and your life path will be illuminated by luck, respect from colleagues and clients!"

"Congratulations on your professional holiday! A lawyer is a guide in the world of law who helps people gain confidence and security. We wish your career to develop rapidly, and every day brings new interesting tasks and worthy victories. May the support, love and pride of your loved ones always await you at home!"

"Dear guardians of Themis, happy Lawyer's Day! Your work, combining intellectual work and high responsibility, is the foundation of a state governed by the rule of law. May the justice you serve always accompany you in life. We wish you professional growth, brilliant cases, loyal colleagues and, of course, time for everything that brings joy outside of work. Health, strength and undying faith in the importance of your work!"

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of Bank Employee Day.