The International Bar Association (IBA) and Law Schools Global League (LSGL) have launched an ambitious project that aims to identify the key drivers that shape global legal education, the consequent emerging responses and whether these responses can sufficiently address the challenges confronting legal professionals all over the world. Some of the drivers examined include:
- globalisation;
- technology; and
- changes to regulatory frameworks.
Through the analysis of relevant literature, law schools’ websites, an online survey and interviews with key stakeholders, the two organisations intend to develop a blueprint that will help legal education institutions navigate the ongoing paradigm shift.
The joint initiative, titled Developing a Blueprint for Global Legal Education (the ‘Blueprint’), forms part of ongoing research conducted by the IBA Commission on the Future of Legal Services (the ‘Commission’) into trends that are shaping the legal profession. More than 400 bar associations, law schools and other legal institutions are expected to participate in the three-phase project, which will culminate in the publication of a report to be showcased at the IBA Annual Conference in Miami in November. The first two phases of the project are already underway and involve:
- an extensive literature review;
- an analysis of law schools’ websites; and
- a global survey and interview process.
Co-Chaired by Fernando Peláez-Pier, President of the IBA from 2009-2010, and Javier de Cendra, President of the LSGL from 2015-2018 and Dean of IE Law School, the Commission has a particular focus on the impacts of globalisation and technological disruption.
Mr Peláez-Pier commented: ‘The ways in which people learn and work within all industries and professions across the globe are changing, and the legal profession is no exception. It is therefore essential that those of us already engaged in the field of law adapt to new practice technology in this new decade and beyond. We must also put into place a new model for those entering the profession. With the insight gained from this research, we can develop universal standards for international legal education to ensure all lawyers receive the right training throughout their careers.’
The key goals of the project include:
- understanding how globalisation, technology and the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’, among other drivers, impact legal education globally;
- identifying the challenges that are common to legal education around the world, while recognising the significance of local contexts (cultural, regulatory, historical, etc);
- identifying the main challenges still present and the negative consequences of lack of adaptation;
- developing common solutions to identified challenges, while recognising the necessity of locally-sensitive solutions;
- generating a compendium of best practices per jurisdiction; and
- disseminating and implementing the model with key stakeholders.
Professor de Cendra said: ‘We believe that this project has the potential to make an important contribution to global legal education. Through our research, we will gain a deeper understanding of the key trends, challenges and opportunities legal educators face. The final blueprint will be hugely beneficial for employers, law schools, regulators and other professional organisations involved in the legal sector. It is a privilege to partner with the International Bar Association in this endeavour.’
Members of the Commission include:
- Sarah Hutchinson Chair, IBA Section on Public and Professional Interest (SPPI)
- Amnon Lehavi President, LSGL
- Gonçalo Matias President, LSGL
- Ken Murphy Past Co-Chair, IBA Bar Executives Committee
- Petra Zijp Past Co-Chair, IBA Capital Markets Forum
ENDS
Notes to the Editor
- Further information on the Developing a Blueprint for Global Legal Education project, including a description of the methodology, content, key deliverables, region representatives, phases, subjects of analysis, timeline and implementation is available here.
- The International Bar Association (IBA), the global voice of the legal profession, is the foremost organisation for international legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies. Established in 1947, shortly after the creation of the United Nations, it 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.
- The Law Schools Global League (LSGL) brings together 25 law schools with a strong vision about the need to promote a global approach to legal education, research and impact upon society at large.
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