Co-Chair
Jane Anderson

Co-Chair
Andrew Mackenzie

Forum for Government and Public Lawyers

The Forum for Government and Public Lawyers provides a platform for government and public lawyers worldwide. As the global voice of the legal profession, the IBA supports these lawyers and connects them with both public and private sector practitioners. The Forum focuses on the role of government and public lawyers, covering public service values, ethics, specialist skills, and public international law developments. Membership is open to Bar Associations that are IBA members and individual members of any Division. The Forum is especially relevant to practitioners working in government or public entities at domestic, regional, or international levels.

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Latest news

Forum Newsletter – June 2026

In this inaugural newsletter, the Forum Co-Chairs outline the aims of the Forum and its recent and upcoming activities. The Forum also introduces its 2026 officers and features a Q&A with each, providing insights about their professional journeys, their current roles and jurisdictions, their visions for the Forum this year and more.

Past webinars

Public servants first and lawyers second? The personal and professional ethical challenges for government and public lawyers

In this inaugural webinar from the Forum for Government and Public Lawyers, held on 27 May 2026 and supported by the IBA Professional Ethics Committee and the IBA Public Law Section, the panellists explored the role and practice of the government and public lawyer, with a focus on ethical considerations. Watch a recording of the webinar below.

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Subcommittees and other groups

The Forum for Government and Public Lawyers also coordinates the activities of the following subcommittees/working groups.

  • Forum for Government and Public Lawyers Advisory Board

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