Defender (2026)

On March 5, 2026, the Lithuanian Bar House opened its doors in Užupis, and Tadas Gutauskas’ sculpture “The Defender” was unveiled there. Landscaping work took place over the summer, and now DEFENDER has really come into its full power :).

After discussions with the Bar community, we came to the conclusion that a lawyer is like a shield that defends PEOPLE and their RIGHTS.

A neosymbolic, unshakable, magical figure firmly rooted in the ground, holding a SHIELD with both hands and protecting PEOPLE from blows (arrows). After all, a lawyer must sometimes draw not only on reason but also on magical powers to achieve the seemingly impossible and defend HUMANITY.

So, the DEFENDER is the symbol of the Bar Association. He also holds a secret. Since, in this profession, eloquence and oratorical skills are just as important as facts and evidence, a lawyer can be called a “golden-tongued” one. Therefore, in addition to the shield, the DEFENDER also has a GOLDEN tongue. That is why lawyers and guests of the Bar Association must perform a magical ritual—to stroke its golden tongue. Once this is done, it will gain magical powers that will allow it to present evidence and facts in such a way that the outcome of the case will leave no room for doubt : ).

Photos by Leonas Garbačauskas.