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The IBA’s response to the war in Ukraine
The European Regional Forum (ERF) was established in 1989 and has over 8000 members.
The goals of the forum include addressing the current and long-term needs of professional organisations and individual members within the geographical reach of the forum, as well as increasing membership and participation in the IBA and integrating them within the organisation. The forum will also facilitate cross-border activity between lawyers and bars in different European countries. The forum has a particular focus on cross-disciplinary activities.
Each region has its Chair and Vice-Chair who are ERF Officers. The Regional Groups aim to focus efforts in each region on mutual support and assistance amongst Council Members and to organise networking and professional development initiatives in their region.
The Council Members are the national representatives of the European Regional Forum (ERF) of the International Bar Association (IBA). Their primary task is to implement and support the objectives of the IBA in their home country in accordance with the guidelines of the ERF. This involves promoting a strong and robust civil society in support of the rule of law and the legal profession as well as to assist with the other public policy initiatives.
The role of the Council Member is to initiate networking opportunities for existing and potential members in their home country. There is a specific emphasis on professional development and networking opportunities.
They also have a role in building and maintaining contact with their local National Bar Association as well as universities and other legal institutions in their country. This helps to increase the awareness of the IBA and its mission.
A Council Member may for example identify a particular legal/professional topic or issue relating to careers in the law or professional development.
The support from the ERF and the IBA may be useful in providing relevant expertise. This may include, for example, organising a meeting to look at a specific legal development in an industry sector or issues relating to law firm management.
In promoting these initiatives, Council Members will gain access to the depth of experiences and expertise of other lawyers within the IBA. This helps to provide practical assistance locally as well as increasing the profile of the IBA home countries.
Examples of these initiatives include networking luncheons with professional or industry speakers on a specific topic or seminars or bilateral days with lawyers from another counrty. It may also include university days to discuss specific themes including careers in the law and the rule of law.
Takeaways from a panel at the IBA Annual Conference, Miami 2022.
Released on Dec 01, 2022
Key points from online workshop on recruitment and retention, the changing expectations of young lawyers in Europe, 7 October 2022
Released on Nov 23, 2022
A summary of a talk by Megan Sandler of Slaughter and May, given at the 5th IBA European Start-up Conference on 28 September 2022.
Released on Nov 23, 2022
A conference report on the 5th IBA European Start-up Conference, held 27–28 September 2022 in Dublin.
Released on Nov 23, 2022
The European Regional Forum also coordinates the activities of the following subcommittees/working groups.