International Bar Association

The IBA, established in 1947, is the world’s leading organisation of international legal practitioners, bar associations, law firms and law societies. The IBA influences the development of international law reform and shapes the future of the legal profession throughout the world. It has a membership of more than 80,000 individual lawyers and more than 190 bar associations and law societies spanning over 170 countries. Inspired by the vision of the United Nations, the IBA was founded in the same spirit, just before the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed in 1948. The principal aims and objectives of the IBA are to: • promote an exchange of information and views among its members as to laws, practices and professional responsibilities around the globe; • support the independence of the judiciary and the right of lawyers to practise their profession without interference; • support human rights for lawyers worldwide through the IBA’s Human Rights Institute; • provide members with world-class professional development to enable them and their organisations to deliver outstanding legal services; • deliver top-level international networkbuilding opportunities; • be committed to the development of international law reform; and • contribute to the advancement, development and harmonisation of law at an international level. The IBA covers all practice areas and professional interests, providing members access to leading experts and up-todate information, enabling them to better represent their clients’ interests. Visit the website www.ibanet.org