What are liberal professions? (Andreas Hawlik) Liberal professions are professions that are practised on the basis of a special qualification but are not subject to trade law. They are described as "liberal" because they are not subject to trade regulations, but to their own professional codes of conduct, and members of liberal professions provide their services personally, autonomously and professionally independently. They provide intellectual services not only in the interests of their clients, but also in the interests of the general public. In a functioning civil society, they play an important socio-political role, as they are authorised to perform outsourced public activities. In the case of civil engineers, this is, for example, notarisation. Liberal professions are subject to public trust; by virtue of their vow, for example, in many cases they do not require written powers of attorney from their clients, but may rely on a verbal power of attorney.liberal professions are organised either in chambers or professional associations. The disadvantage is that it is difficult for a small professional association to defend itself against changes to its professional code of conduct, which is passed by parliament. This problem is virulent in the current amendment to the ZT Act, which could undermine the independent authority to issue certificates. As civil engineers, we are strictly separated from the executing companies and, as "technical lawyers", only represent our clients. The new ZTG could weaken this important separation. For us civil engineers, however, this "freedom" also means a special responsibility. After all, what we create on the basis of our qualifications is not only of interest to the general public but also has an impact on society and the environment. We must be aware of this responsibility in our actions every day.