The stalls of the Teatro Real were full of gowns on the morning of this Monday, June 13. In the boxes, also crowded, people dressed in cocktails immortalized with their mobile phones the oath of the Constitution of 339 new lawyers who join the Illustrious Madrid Bar Association (ICAM). The appointment coincided with the 425th anniversary of the ICAM, for this reason, Felipe VI presided over the act, in which they also paid tribute to him for celebrating 25 years since the King’s association.

After the new lawyers complied with the Constitution, The King reminded them that they have assumed “a lifelong commitment.” And he has insisted that they begin a path “in which professional freedom and independence are inalienable.” In addition, he has reminded them that they will defend “justice as the supreme value of coexistence and the Law as a regulating instrument of social life”.

“Advocacy implies commitment and dedication”, Felipe VI summed up, in a speech in which he praised “the fact of having such an advanced justice system” thanks to which “no one is left without a defense”. Don Felipe has especially highlighted “the dedication of the court-appointed lawyers”

Don Felipe has highlighted that the ICAM -with its 76,000 members- is the “largest corporation in Europe” before recalling what is the “extremely valuable” work of the new lawyers who enter the Association and whose exercise influences the three powers of the State. “You collaborate with the work of the Legislative Power”, he has affirmed, since the experience provides a base to “legislate according to the social reality of each moment”. “The legal profession has been very present in the Executive Branch,” he also said about the Madrid lawyers who have made a career in politics. Finally, he has highlighted that “each judge is nourished by the participation of the legal profession” in relation to the Judiciary.

José María Alonso, dean of the ICAM, took advantage of his speech to renew the commitment of Madrid lawyers to the Crown. “Her Majesty of her can be sure that the Madrid Law Firm will always be by her side in defense of the principle of legality”, he stated. In addition, he has presented him with a diploma and a Gold Medal to commemorate the anniversary of Don Felipe’s entry.

The event was attended by former presidents José María Aznar and Felipe González, members of ICAM. As authorities, the president of the Supreme Court, Carlos Lesmes, and the Constitutional Court, Pedro González Trevijano, were present. Also the Minister of Justice, Pilar Llop; the Government delegate, Mercedes González Fernández, and the mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida.

Felipe VI has received the affection of Madrid lawyers at all times. At the entrance to the Teatro Real, a long ovation accompanied him to his seat, in the front row. Already at the exit of him, the new lawyers have dedicated a spontaneous long live to the King.

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