Introduction by the President of the International Bar Association

	It gives me great pleasure to invite you to the International Bar Association’s 2006 Annual Conference in Chicago, a city that for me holds many happy memories of time spent there as a student. As a city renowned for its vibrant ethnic diversity, Chicago is a fitting location for lawyers from all over the world to gather and discuss current developments in all areas of the legal profession. A centre for commerce and trade since its very beginnings, Chicago is a key player in the prosperity and stability of the US economy, as its second largest business district with a gross metropolitan product that would rank 18th in the world if it were a nation-state. As the third largest inter-modal port in the world, its role in global distribution is indisputable. The Annual Conference is an unparalleled opportunity for practitioners from every continent to meet and hear first-hand about legal developments in various jurisdictions. As the global voice of the legal profession, the IBA is uniquely qualified to gather delegates to exchange immensely valuable knowledge and expertise through the outstanding work of the specialist Committees, Constituents, Groups, and Fora. This year’s Conference features two very powerful showcase sessions for lawyers of all disciplines. On Monday 18 September, the Public and Professional Interest Division presents a session on the power of judicial reform to advance economic and social stability. On Wednesday 20 September, the Legal Practice Division looks closely at the shifting environment of corporate governance reform in light of recent front-page events. If you are not already a member of the IBA, I urge you to consider membership as it provides a wide array of valuable benefits while also making a saving on the registration fees for the Conference. We encourage practitioners from every field to get involved with our work and contribute to the global knowledge base we continue to build. Those who do so find it very rewarding in their personal and professional development. I very much hope you will join us in Chicago. Francis Neate, President International Bar Association
Message from the Chair of the Legal Practice Division of the IBA
	One of the greatest challenges in current legal practice continues to be the globalisation of the profession, and the necessary legal integration across national barriers. What better city therefore in which to discuss these issues than Chicago, where people from all over the world have settled to build such a vibrant economic and cultural base? In addition to our showcase session on the changing face of corporate governance, we are pleased to offer you an exciting variety of sessions run by our Sections, Committees, and specialist groups. These cover a wide range of topics of vital interest that affect all areas of law, and bring together leading experts in their fields and members of the legal profession from varied jurisdictions to exchange their knowledge and contacts. There is also an inviting programme of social events, culminating in a closing party at the world-famous Chicago House of Blues, celebrating the unique place the city holds in musical history. We offer a wide range of specialist activities throughout the year, and the Annual Conference is a special opportunity each year for practitioners in every field to pool this specialist expertise for the benefit of all. I urge you to attend, especially if you have not done so before, as it is an event not to be missed. I look forward to seeing you in Chicago. Michael J Reynolds, Chair, Legal Practice Division
Message from the Chair of the Public and Professional Interest Division  of the IBA
	Members of the legal profession around the world share an interest in larger issues surrounding their practice, including the rule of law, judicial reform, the training of young lawyers, access to justice, and the future of the profession. The Public and Professional Interest Division (PPID) brings together an exceptional international group of people and perspectives to present and debate these issues among others. In addition, the Annual Conference offers a wonderful opportunity for delegates to make contacts in their fields of interest, and to discover new ways to get involved with the very important work of the PPID. The PPID offers members a chance to contribute meaningfully to the global voice of the legal profession as it comments on the growth and evolution of the field. In addition, the Bar Issues Commission provides a forum for bar associations and law societies from around the world to discuss issues of common interest and to seek mutually beneficial solutions to the challenges presented by increased globalisation. Looking over the dazzling variety of sessions being offered by the PPID, I feel certain there is something rewarding for everyone. To this end, I very much hope to see you in Chicago. L Thomas Forbes QC Chair, Public and Professional Interest Division