Defense Lawyer Day is observed in Azerbaijan every December 28, commemorating the establishment of the Azerbaijani bar system. This holiday was officially established by President Ilham Aliyev in 2019, marking the centenary of the Bar Association of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which was founded in 1918. The modern legal system in Azerbaijan faced interruptions due to historical events, including the establishment of the Soviet regime, which abolished private law practice in the 1930s. The revival of private law practice began after the collapse of the Soviet Union, with a significant law permitting it adopted on December 28, 1999. The first independent Bar Association in Azerbaijan was created in 2004. On Defense Lawyer Day, various professional events and official ceremonies take place, and many law firms provide free legal assistance to those in need, highlighting the importance of accessible legal services in the country.