Samantha Lewis

International Bar Association

The International Bar Association (IBA), established in 1947, is the world's leading organisation of international legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies. The IBA influences the development of international law reform and shapes the future of the legal profession throughout the world. It has a membership of over 80,000 individual lawyers and more than 190 bar associations and law societies spanning 170 countries. It has considerable expertise in providing assistance to the global legal community. Divisions and committees Grouped into two divisions – the Legal Practice Division and the Public and Professional Interest Division – the IBA covers all practice areas and professional interests, providing members with access to leading experts and up-to-date information. Through the various committees of the divisions, the IBA enables an interchange of information and views among its members as to laws, practices and professional responsibilities relating to the practice of business law around the globe. Publications and conferences Additionally, the IBA's high-quality publications and world-class conferences provide unrivalled professional development and network-building opportunities for international legal practitioners and professional associates. IBA Human Rights Institute The IBA Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) works across the Association to promote, protect and enforce human rights under a just rule of law, and to preserve the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession worldwide. Aims and objectives The principal aims and objectives of the IBA are: 1. To promote an exchange of information between legal associations worldwide 2. To support the independence of the judiciary and the right of lawyers to practise their profession without interference 3. Support of human rights for lawyers worldwide through its Human Rights Institute