Government may end state lawyer’s monopoly

The Danish government is exploring the possibility of breaking the monopoly of the state’s lawyer, the Kammeradvokaten, by forming an expert group to examine if the state could use other legal advisors. The group, chaired by economics professor Philipp Schröder from Aarhus University, will deliver their analysis and recommendations by the end of 2024. The Kammeradvokaten arrangement dates back to 1936 but has been renewed multiple times, with the current contract granted to Poul Schmith/Kammeradvokaten since January 1, 2015. Preben Bang Henriksen from Venstre party welcomes the potential change, suggesting that outside competition could save taxpayers money and increase legal certainty. Jens Bødtcher-Hansen from Poul Schmith/Kammeradvokaten denies a monopoly exists since 2015, stating that the state can and does use other lawyers. Tobias Grotkjær from the Moderates expresses concern about the increasing costs and barriers the current arrangement may pose for citizens facing the state’s lawyer.