Effective access to the judicial system is necessary in order to enliven fair trial guarantees. \n The high cost of legal services as compared to the average income in many countries, though, often provides a barrier which prevents those who require legal services from actually obtaining them. Unlike the European Convention on Human Rights, the European Charter of Human Rights does not primarily apply to states but rather to the EU itself and to EU member states when they implement EU law. It has entered into force only on 1 December 2009 with the Treaty of Lisbon. The authors discuss whether, and if so, how, the European Charter of Human Rights contributes to strengthening the right to legal aid? The answer to this question is searched by looking at the topic from the perspective of both practicing attorneys and academicians.