The IBA’s response to the war in Ukraine
IBA Legal Projects covering the Legal Policy & Research Unit (LPRU) and Bar Issues Commission (BIC) Projects Business Plan 2021-2023
The Aims and Objectives of the IBA
The aims and objectives of the IBA are to:
- protect the rule of law and enhance the rule of law globally;
- 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;
- promote an exchange of information and views among its members as to laws, practices and professional responsibilities around the globe;
- deliver top-level international network building 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 LPRU Team and its Projects
- The IBA’s Director of Legal Projects oversees the work of the Legal Policy & Research Unit (LPRU).
- The LPRU comprises a team of mixed-discipline project lawyers and interns.
- Each LPRU team member has a particular area of expertise, which they develop through the project-based work described below. Recruitment criteria may include the need to have expertise in a specified area.
- The work and activity of the LPRU should always:
- a) further the aims and objectives of the IBA listed above;
- b) draw on the expertise and input from IBA-member committees, regional fora, bar associations and law societies, group member firms, and individuals;
- c) ensure innovative, collaborative, and effective outcomes through engagement with relevant non-IBA legal professionals, law firms, law societies and bar associations, governments, non-government organisations, and international institutions;
- d) demonstrate thought leadership;
- e) lead to the production of practical materials, guidance, and participation in internal and external events; and
- f) achieve positive change in the interests of the global legal profession, and the profile of the IBA.
- All LPRU projects must have the support of at least one IBA entity. Whether a project is undertaken will depend on:
- a) whether the project meets the criteria listed at 4 above;
- b) the capacity of the LPRU team at that time; and
- c) the availability of necessary internal and/or external financial resources.
- LPRU projects are publicised in a variety of ways, including:
- d) via the IBA’s website, social media, and press channels;
- e) LPRU team members supporting, engaging with, and appearing at virtual and in-person IBA conferences and events; and
- f) other external awareness raising activities, such as webinars, articles, and publications.
- All projects, including LPRU projects, are reviewed regularly by the IBA Projects Committee.