The IBA Young Lawyers' Committee annually presents an award to a young lawyer who has shown not only excellence in their work and achievements in their career to date, but also a commitment to professional and ethical standards as well as a commitment to the larger community. The award is free to enter and it is open to all lawyers, whether or not they are members of the IBA.
Each year, the IBA Young Lawyers’ Committee present an award to a young lawyer who has shown not only excellence in their work and achievements in their career to date, but also a commitment to professional and ethical standards as well as a commitment to the larger community.
The IBA Young Lawyers’ Committee’s goal is to identify, discuss and promote issues relevant to young lawyers. Its purpose is to provide a point of first contact for young lawyers to the IBA so that they can learn about the other IBA divisions and become further involved in the Association.
The award created in partnership with the IBA and LexisNexis is in recognition of William Reece Smith Jr. A former IBA President, William Reece Smith Jr, who passed away in 2013, distinguished himself as one the finest and most respected legal experts. In a career spanning more than 50 years, he demonstrated leadership in the legal profession as an accomplished lawyer, an extensively published legal scholar and lecturer, a mentor and an outstanding community servant. In addition, Mr Smith exemplified a commitment to advancing many charitable and civic causes, most notably in his support for legal services to the poor. LexisNexis is delighted to sponsor an award in his name to recognise a young lawyer who has demonstrated outstanding professionalism.
Nigerian human rights lawyer Oluwafunke (Funke) Adeoye is the recipient of the 2025 International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Outstanding Young Lawyer Award for demonstrating a remarkable blend of legal brilliance and passion for justice.
On being the 2025 awardee, Oluwafunke Adeoye said: ‘I am profoundly honoured to receive the 2025 IBA Outstanding Young Lawyer Award. This recognition strengthens my commitment to contributing to a legal profession that truly serves people and societies. It represents every young lawyer who believes that, despite the state of our world, the law remains a critical tool for transformation. For me, the award reaffirms that the world is watching and that ethical, innovative, and people-centred lawyering matters. As someone with lived experience of what happens when systems of justice and the rule of law fail, this award carries a deeper meaning for me. It underscores the urgency of building legal institutions that are fair and accessible, not only locally but also globally, so that all communities, particularly those marginalised or unheard, can rely on the promise of justice.’
Ms Adeoye added, ‘I am deeply grateful to everyone who has shaped my journey, and I hope this recognition inspires more young lawyers and more people around the world to lead with courage and compassion as we collectively work towards a more just, inclusive, and rights-respecting global society.’
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