Spain reports increase in free legal aid requests as turnover lawyers decline

In 2025, requests for free legal assistance in Spain reached 1,155,311, a 1.7 % rise from the previous year. Catalonia submitted the most applications (267,002), followed by Andalusia, Madrid and the Valencian Community. At the same time, the number of lawyers assigned to the turno de oficio fell to 38,871, a 2.7 % decrease from 2024 and a 14.1 % drop since 2020.

The President of the General Council of Spanish Lawyers, Salvador González, highlighted the essential role of these professionals and urged the adoption of a new law regulating free justice and better remuneration. Investment in the free‑justice system grew 3.2 % to over €355 million, with Catalonia, Madrid, Valencia and Andalusia accounting for the largest shares. Castilla‑La Mancha recorded an 11.3 % increase in assistance, placing it among the regions with the sharpest rise in lawyer support for detainees.

Lawyers' overall numbers rose slightly to 149,515, but the declining turnover staff underscores concerns about remuneration and sustainability of the service.