About the IBA
The foremost organisation for international legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies. Established in 1947, shortly after the creation of the United Nations, with the aim of protecting and advancing the rule of law globally, the IBA was born out of the conviction that an organisation made up of the world's bar associations could contribute to global stability and peace through the administration of justice. In the years since its creation, the organisation has evolved, from an association comprised exclusively of bar associations and law societies, to one that incorporates individual international lawyers and entire law firms. The present membership is comprised of more than 80,000 individual international lawyers from most of the world’s leading law firms and some 190 bar associations and law societies spanning more than 170 countries.
The IBA has considerable expertise in providing assistance to the global legal community, and through its global membership it influences the development of international law reform and shapes the future of the legal profession throughout the world.
Grouped into two divisions – the Legal Practice Division and the Public and Professional Interest Division – the IBA covers all practice areas and professional interests, providing members with access to leading experts and up-to-date information.
Through the various committees of the divisions, the IBA enables an interchange of information and views among its members as to laws, practices and professional responsibilities relating to the practice of business law around the globe.
Join the IBA
At the IBA, we understand that as our world continues to outgrow national frameworks, there is greater demand for international dialogue and collaboration, and in some cases, rules and guidelines. Since its creation, individuals and institutions have looked to the IBA to play a role in these endeavours.
Join the IBAConferences & Events
The IBA’s conferences and virtual events provide a forum for the dissemination of specialist legal information and are a great way to network and discuss the latest updates and developments in your area of practice.
Next Gen Arbitration in Asia Pacific: Innovation, access, and legacy
25 Aug 2025
Singapore
AI 101 for the bar and bench
25 Aug 2025
Singapore
IBA Asia Pacific Arbitration Group Symposium: Beyond the comfort zone – rethinking arbitrator appointments, AI and enforcement of awards
25 Aug 2025
Singapore
Bar Issues Commission
The Bar Issues Commission provides an invaluable forum for IBA member organisations to discuss all matters relating to law at an international level. Representatives from Bar Associations sit on the IBA Council which is the governing body of the IBA.
eyeWitness
eyeWitness to atrocities seeks to bring justice to those who commit international atrocity crimes by offering an app to take verifiable video and photos. As a result, perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions and justice will prevail.
IBA Human Rights Institute
The IBA Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) works across the Association to promote, protect and enforce human rights under a just rule of law, and to preserve the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession worldwide.
IBA International Criminal Court and International Criminal Law
The IBA International Criminal Court and International Criminal Law (ICC & ICL) monitors issues related to fairness and equality of arms and encourages the legal community to engage with the work of these Courts.
Legal Policy & Research Unit
The Legal Policy & Research Unit (LPRU) undertakes research, develops and implements innovative strategies, projects and initiatives that are relevant to business, the rule of law, the global legal profession and the broader global community.
Timeline
Discover the IBA's milestones from its founding in 1947 to the present day.
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1947
International Bar Association established
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1947
First international conference
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1961
Individual and Member Organisation membership established
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1965
First IBA President, Dr Jur. Bernt Hjejle
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1969
Main office moves from NYC to London
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1971
First twenty committees established
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1986
IBA Foundation established
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1995
IBA Human Rights Institute is established
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2001
First cohort of Legal Interns
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2004
First Annual Conference (Auckland)
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2005
IBA-ICC Outreach Programme office opens in The Hague
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2005
Group Membership introduced (four firms join)
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2005
Opening of Latin American Office in Sao Paulo
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2007
Special Projects Fund established
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2009
Human Rights Institute Trust established
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2011
Opening of South Korea office
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2011
First taskforce is created (International Terrorism)
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2013
Opening of office in Washington DC
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2015
eyeWitness to Atrocities launches
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2015
Legal Policy & Research Unit launched
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2016
Corporate Membership introduced
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2020
First fully-online conference
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2025
80,000+ IBA members, 300+ Group Members