About the IBA
About the IBA
The International Bar Association (IBA) is the world's leading organisation of international legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies. We influence the development of international law reform and shape the future of the legal profession throughout the world. 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.
Bringing the world's leading legal minds together
With over 300 of the world's leading law firms as group members, 190 national bars and law societies as member organisations and our individual members, we create a platform for the advancement of the profession.
What we do
Discover how we support the legal profession and shape the future.
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Join the IBA
The IBA welcomes individuals and organisations to engage in our community, share ideas and help shape the future of the legal profession. Various membership types are available, with more than 70 committees and other groups open to join.
Join the IBAConferences & Events
Conferences and events: The IBA convenes world-class events that bring the legal community together to discuss key issues, share knowledge and drive change. These include the IBA Annual Conference which welcomes thousands of delegates each year.
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Our global impact
80,000+
Individual members
170+
Jurisdictions represented
190+
Bar associations
300+
Group member law firms
Our global outreach
Bar Issues Commission
Provides an invaluable forum for IBA member organisations to discuss all matters relating to law at an international level.
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eyeWitness
Seeks to bring justice to those who commit international atrocity crimes by offering an app to take verifiable video and photos.
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Human Rights Institute
Works 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.
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ICC and ICL Programme
Monitors issues related to fairness and equality of arms and encourages the legal community to engage with the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and further the understanding of international criminal law (ICL).
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Legal Practice Division
Through its member-led committees and other groups covering all practice areas, the LPD promotes an interchange of information relating to the practice of law.
Find out morePublic and Professional Interest Division
The PPID constitutes a wide array of projects, activities, committees and other entities focusing on issues and professional interests throughout the world.
Find out moreTimeline
Discover the IBA's milestones from its founding in 1947 to the present day.
See full timeline
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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
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2026
IBA AI Institute established