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Regulation of Lawyers Committee

The Regulation of Lawyers Committee provides a global perspective on practical and legal aspects of the growing body of regulation affecting all lawyers (whether individual lawyers, firms, in-house lawyers or those who work for clients) as well as current professional risk management topics and compliance issues affecting lawyers around the world. The Anti-Money Laundering and Sanctions Expert Subcommittee focuses on anti-money laundering requirements and financial and trade sanctions legislation, regulation and trends as they impacts lawyers. The Committee provide a forum to discuss and consider legislation impacting the practice of law, considering the ever-expanding multi-jurisdictional approach to lawyer regulation.

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Public Law Section

The Public Law Section provides a global platform for discussing public law topics, exchanging ideas, and fostering development. Our members actively engage in debates about government policy, administrative action, judicial review, and constitutional law. The Section examines how citizens and businesses interact with government actions and anticipates future trends, including the evolving relationship between government and the private sector. Key topics include the principles of fairness, deregulation, and the comparison between civil and common law systems. The Section has an interest in international legal developments and the differences between the various systems.

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Family Law Committee

The Family Law Committee provides a unique forum for members from different countries and different legal systems to exchange views, meet during conferences and debate issues concerning the substantive and procedural aspects of family law. The work of the committee has focused on developments of international significance, involving all aspects of family law, for example, marriage, divorce, inheritance, human rights in the family, adoption, international child abduction, etc. There is a close interaction within the committee and its members through newsletters and via e-mail.

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Criminal Law Committee

The Criminal Law Committee provides a forum for members from various countries and criminal justice systems to meet, exchange views, and monitor developments in criminal law. The Committee focuses on transnational and international issues. The Committee keeps members informed through newsletters and rapporteurs. The member listings, organised by location and practice area, allow for case referrals, cooperation in transnational criminal cases, and the exchange of professional experiences. This platform also offers opportunities for members to assist one another in transnational criminal law matters and share expertise in related cases.

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Pro Bono Committee

The Pro Bono Committee promotes pro bono legal services globally, through the IBA Pro Bono Declaration, the exchange of information and initiatives, and by promoting best practices.

Pro bono work supports access to justice where this right is not fully supported by legal aid. The Committee provides resources, including digital content and articles highlighting pro bono efforts by legal professionals, which can be found below.

The Committee is committed to advancing pro bono work across the profession and welcomes new members passionate about contributing to this mission.

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Rule of Law Forum

The Rule of Law Forum, established in 2007, supports IBA members in advocating for the Rule of Law, as per the 2005 Prague Resolution. Originally the Rule of Law Action Group, the Forum operates within the Section on Public and Professional Interest (SPPI). Its purpose is to assist members in responding to the IBA Council's call to support the Rule of Law in their communities. The Forum's activities are led by Co-Chairs, with Vice-Chairs assisting them. The Forum does not have formal membership but maintains a circulation list. Liaison members from other IBA committees help integrate Rule of Law into their work.

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Forum for Barristers and Advocates

The Forum for Barristers and Advocates represents Bar Associations whose members practice as independent referral practitioners in jurisdictions with a divided legal profession. Formed by Bar Leaders, the Forum advocates for the principles of independent advocacy within the IBA. The Forum addresses the importance of advocate and judiciary independence, ethical conduct, and training. The Forum supports human rights and collaborates with the Judges' Forum and other committees on litigation and trial topics. The Forum’s inaugural members include Bar Associations from England and Wales, Scotland, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, and Hong Kong, representing over 16,000 barristers and advocates. Membership is open to bar associations which are full or supporting members of the IBA, and to individual members of any Divisions.

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Anti-Corruption Committee

The Anti-Corruption Committee brings together public and private-sector practitioners to advance understanding of global anti-corruption laws, enforcement trends, and compliance practices. The committee supports members through conferences, research, and practical collaboration on emerging risks, enforcement developments, and asset recovery.

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Corporate and M&A Law Committee

The Corporate and M&A Law Committee connects corporate, compliance, private equity, and M&A practitioners globally. Focused on education, networking, and collaboration, we address key challenges in corporate law and M&A.

Our goals include: promoting knowledge-sharing through conferences and legal guides, enhancing participation in IBA activities, and supporting professional development. We also contribute to legal education through training, book donations, and programming on emerging trends like ESG, compliance, and cross-border M&A. We publish a newsletter annually.

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Technology Law Committee

The IBA Technology Law Committee brings together lawyers addressing the evolving legal challenges of modern technologies. The Committee's mandate covers a wide range of tech-related areas, supported by eight subcommittees: AI and Robotics, Data Law, Technology Disputes, Fintech, Life Sciences, Outsourcing and Managed Services, Platforms, E-commerce & Social Media and Cybersecurity.

Each subcommittee focuses on specific issues, such as intellectual property, data protection, financial regulation, medical technologies, and cybersecurity, helping professionals navigate the complex legal landscape of emerging technologies.

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Poverty and Social Development Committee

The Poverty and Social Development Committee, builds on years of work under various IBA auspices. We engage the legal profession to contribute to UN Sustainability Goal #1: Eradicating Poverty. Our committee advocates for using law to protect individuals and communities from poverty, promoting well-being. We believe legal professionals have a duty to create and apply law for good, preventing exploitation and mitigating harm. Planned projects include a podcast, a practical book for lawyers, a session at the IBA Annual Conference, and supporting NGOs focused on poverty eradication. We invite members to join our efforts.

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Academic and Professional Development Committee

The Academic and Professional Development Committee connects law schools, legal professionals, and the IBA. We aim to enhance the quality of lawyers worldwide, modernise legal practice, and attract top talent to the profession. We engage directly with law schools, helping students prepare for international practice, and support IBA initiatives to strengthen local Bars globally.

At annual conferences, we bring together academics, lawyers, and experts to explore issues in legal and business education. Additionally, we conduct research on these topics and share insights through newsletters and updates on our webpage to benefit the global legal community.

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Access to Justice and Legal Aid Committee

The Committee aims to gather global information on barriers to justice and solutions, focusing on statutory schemes like legal aid. Findings will be shared through reports and events, with all information available on the website for those unable to attend. Acting as a central hub within the IBA, the Committee will coordinate efforts on access to justice and legal aid, collaborating with other committees on joint projects. The IBA’s global reach will support the exchange of best practices, offering valuable insights for jurisdictions facing challenges in maintaining or improving access to justice during times of austerity.

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African Regional Forum

The African Regional Forum aims to enhance the value and significance of the International Bar Association (IBA) by addressing issues unique to African lawyers. The Forum focuses on cooperation with bar associations, supporting legal development, and promoting IBA participation across Africa. We organise regional conferences, workshops, and seminars to foster specialisation and partnerships within the legal profession. The Forum also works to educate about legal rights, strengthen sub-regional bars, and facilitate exchanges between developed and developing bars. We play a crucial role in training, legal reforms, and fostering collaboration with government and other regional fora.

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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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Healthcare and Life Sciences Law Committee

The Healthcare and Life Sciences Law Committee addresses legal issues in the healthcare and life sciences sectors, such as medicine, intellectual property, biotech, bioethics, regulatory matters, and scientific developments. With a dynamic, diverse, and growing membership, the Committee fosters collaboration to tackle industry challenges, such as increased competition and regulatory changes.

We provide a platform for discussion, sharing knowledge, and updating members on key developments. Through conferences, seminars, and global events, the Committee promotes professional growth, enabling members to benefit from advanced practices in well-established jurisdictions while supporting those new to this field.

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Business Human Rights Committee

The Business Human Rights (BHR) Committee creates awareness of business and human rights and broader corporate sustainability principles. Preventing and addressing business-related human rights risks is key to ethical business, good governance and increasingly legal compliance for businesses including law firms.

The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, as the core international standard, provide guidance on governments’ duty to protect against human rights harm by business; business’ responsibility to respect human rights; and access to remedy for business-related human rights harm.

The BHR Committee promotes legal skills to advise clients in this area and facilitates dialogue among lawyers to support evolution.

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War Crimes Committee

The War Crimes Committee works to promote justice around the world and uphold the principle of accountability. We focus on atrocity crimes, international criminal law, and practice. We provide a forum for practitioners and scholars, offering reliable resources and a network of contacts in this field. The committee supports international, ad hoc, and domestic war crimes tribunals and collaborates with the IBA Human Rights Institute to promote justice and accountability. We also have a working relationship with the International Committee of the Red Cross. The Committee aims include being a leading professional body for international criminal law, providing valuable resources, and inspiring young lawyers in this area.

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European Regional Forum

The European Regional Forum (ERF), established in 1989, has over 8,000 members. The forum is divided into four regions - Northern, Western, Central, and Southeastern - each led by a Chair and Vice-Chair. We have five working parties - communications, D&I, ESG, mental wellbeing, and next-gen law - and we organise four conferences annually (automotive & mobility services, fashion & luxury law, ESG and start-up) in addition to many leading and participating in many smaller initiatives.

Our goals include: addressing the needs of professional organisations and individual members, increasing participation in the IBA, fostering cross-border collaboration among European lawyers and bars and supporting the Rule of Law and civil society. The ERF promotes professional development and networking opportunities through our many initiatives.

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Women Lawyers' Committee

The Women Lawyers’ Committee (WLC) aspires to empower its 3000 highly valued members from all over the world to engage, network and share knowledge. The committee was originally an interest group which was introduced as an IBA constituent in 1996 to allow efficient global networking of women lawyers.

WLC aims to level the playing field in the legal profession and inspire leaders to work to achieve gender parity. It's 20 committee officers create awareness tools to help the profession achieve this goal, while at the same time facilitate an efficient global network for women lawyers to connect and develop business and expertise, supported by its Advisory board.

We welcome members with all genders and encourage all perspectives and remain a committee dedicated to the cause of women lawyers.

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