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Legal Policy & Research Unit

The IBA Legal Projects Director oversees the Legal Policy & Research Unit (LPRU) and the Bar Issues Commission project lawyers. The team undertakes research, and develops and implements innovative strategies, projects and initiatives that are relevant to business and the rule of law, the global legal profession and the broader global community.

Flagship projects

gatekeepers
Ethics and Anti-Corruption

Examining the professional role of lawyers as ethical gatekeepers within wider society and to help clarify their ethical responsibilities and obligations.

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50:50 by 2030 Gender Project
50:50 by 2030 Gender Project

The IBA ‘50:50 by 2030’ nine-year project aims to uncover the root-causes of the lack of gender parity at the most senior levels of the legal profession.

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Climate Crisis
Climate Crisis

The increase in global temperatures and rising sea levels represents an urgent and potentially irreversible threat to humanity and life on the planet.

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Mental Wellbeing in the Legal Profession
Mental Wellbeing

The IBA has embarked on a global campaign to address the mental health crisis in the legal profession, bringing together research and resources from around the world. 

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Our areas of work

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Digital Disruptive Innovation

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Bar related project work

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Future Trends and Focus

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Business and Ethics

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Reports

The LPRU have created and contributed to a number of legal reports, articles and guidance documents.

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Legal Internship Programme

Intern positions are available for undergraduate law students, postgraduate law students, and newly qualified lawyers.

How to apply
Project Proposal Process

Could your project benefit from the support of the IBA Legal Policy & Research Unit?

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In 2022-2023 the LPRU:

Participated in over 40 events – in person and online

Drafted 7 reports

Contributed to at least 12 published articles

Recorded 3 podcasts

Was shortlisted for 7 legal industry awards, including Diversity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year and Gender Equality Initiative of the Year

External engagement

Upcoming events

8
DEC
IBA co-hosts side event at COP28 - Everything, Everywhere, all at Once: Lawyers Tackling the Climate Crisis

On Friday 8 December the IBA, alongside the American Bar Association, Brazilian Bar Association and Law Society of England and Wales, will co-host an off-site event at COP28 in Dubai. Experts will discuss the role that legal professionals and organisations must play in addressing the international challenges posed by climate change. The event will run from 14:00-18:00. Register here.

1-12
DEC
IBA granted Blue Zone access at COP28 in Dubai

Lara Douvartzidis travels to Dubai in November for COP28, where the IBA has been granted access to the Blue Zone alongside accredited participants and official observers. The IBA will also host a side event alongside the American Bar Association, the Brazilian Bar Association and the Law Society of England and Wales.

11
DEC
Sara Carnegie attends Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption in Atlanta

Sara Carnegie travels to Atlanta in December to speak on a panel alongside WEF, IFAC and UNODC on the role of lawyers as ethical gatekeepers; their responsibilities and obligations when providing legal services. Please register here to virtually attend the sessions.

Recent events

10
NOV
Lara Douvartzidis travels to Georgia for Conference on Business and Human Rights

Lara Douvartzidis travels to Tbilisi this week for the Conference on Business and Human Rights, where discussions will focus on international and regional legal frameworks, the prevention of human rights violations by businesses and best practice guidance. Hosted by the European Associations of Lawyers in partnership with the Georgian Bar Association, the conference is supported by the UN Global Compact Network Georgia, UN OHCHR, Council of Europe and USAID Rule of Law Programme.

29
OCT
LPRU hosts sessions at IBA Annual Conference in Paris

The LPRU hosted a number of sessions on Climate, Ethics, Business & Human Rights, Mental Wellbeing, Gender Equality and Cybersecurity, as well as networking with colleagues and stakeholders from around the world.

17
OCT
IBA launches Anti-Corruption Survey for the legal profession

IBA launches Anti-Corruption Survey for the legal profession The IBA has launched its Anti-Corruption Survey, part of Phase 2 of the Association's Anti-Corruption Strategy, developed by the LPRU and the Anti-Corruption Committee, with input from the OECD. The survey is open to all legal professionals across all sectors, and participants are invited to share their views on the risks and challenges posed by corruption to the legal profession. Click here to download the survey.

5
OCT
Beatriz Martinez presenting the IBA Young Lawyers Report at the Cyprus Bar

Beatriz Martinez presents the findings of the 2022 IBA report into the challenges faced by young lawyers in the profession today. This will be followed by a roundtable discussion with participants on their concerns, priorities and hopes for the future.

28
SEP
George Artley speaking at the Fifth Annual Wellbeing for Lawyers Conference

George Artley joins colleagues from law firms, barristers chambers, in-house legal and HR departments to discuss the importance of managing wellbeing in the working environment, and how developing and applying the principles of wellbeing are not only essential in themselves but are also inextricably linked to profitability and productivity.