The Rule of Law goes to the very foundation of order in our society. Around the world, countries are increasingly scrutinised for their adherence to, deviation from, or abuse of, the rule of law. What is becoming clearer, however, is the connections between rule of law and social and economic development. Today’s Symposium will move the debate from legal concepts and the role of state actors, to the specific roles that both business (including the business of the legal profession) and the legal profession have to play in respecting, supporting and advancing the rule of law. General counsels, corporate lawyers and the overall legal profession are called to understand the impact of business for the rule of law initiatives and lead them. Stable jurisdictions with strong rule of law both attract and provide confidence for business to make long term investment decisions. The rule of law is also a matter of business. Whilst public support for the rule of law by business is a relatively new concept, it is fast gaining traction and may have an enormous positive and multiplier effect. A growing number of businesses around the globe are seizing the opportunity to take action and support the rule of law. Compliance is necessary, but the engagement of corporations in global initiatives that advance the rule of law makes sense strategically for more competitive, stable and sustainable markets. The Symposium will hear from a panel of eminent in-house counsels, as business leaders, on the specific initiatives their companies are pursuing. We will hear about how companies are supporting and advancing the rule of law through their core business, internal business and human rights policies, strategic social investment, public policy engagement and collective action. Specifically, we will understand how the legal department is engaged in these actions considering the role of lawyers as trusted advisors of companies. Given the law regulates complex relationships, lawyers are essential to the rule of law – irrespective of the character of a legal system. As observed by former High Court Chief Justice “The law which rules the law according to the rulings of the courts, is applied in the offices and chambers of the legal profession”. The legal profession has a role to play in the framing of laws, and even more important role in maintaining and advancing the rule of law. The Symposium will hear from leaders of the legal profession as to how they are pursuing this role. There will be a specific focus on how the business of the legal profession engages in the advancement of the rule of law. The final session of the day will identify and discuss examples of significant violations of the rule of law around the world, based on the inaugural 2017 report of the Rule of Law Forum.