Marie-Pierre Richard, UIA Administrative Director, is awarded the distinction of Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite

On December 13, 2014, Bar President Jean-Marie Burguburu, Commander of the Legion of Honour and former President of the International Association of Lawyers (UIA – Union Internationale des Avocats) awarded the “Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite” Medal to Marie-Pierre Richard, Administrative Director of the Association for the last 15 years, to pay tribute to her personality and professional career.

As required by the code, Bar President Burguburu presented the “merits” considered, along with a reminder of Marie-Pierre Richard’s career. He laid special stress on the pivotal role Mrs. Richard plays in her post, “with responsibilities covering the overall management of the association in terms of finance, budgets, marketing, human resources, expansion of membership and administration”, and the general management of activities related to the organisation’s events and publications.

Contrary to Parisian tradition, Marie-Pierre Richard responded to Bar President Burguburu’s speech in order to express her gratitude for the distinction she had been awarded. “I have been given this recognition for a cause that goes far beyond myself. This distinction goes first to the UIA, for all the work and missions accomplished by the association.”

Several UIA personalities, former Presidents or official members of the association from around the world attended the award-giving ceremony at the Maison du Barreau.

Marie-Pierre Richard has been working for UIA for the last 19 years. After four years in the post of Manager – Congresses and Seminars, she became the association’s Administrative Director in 1999. She currently manages a multicultural and multilingual team of 10 employees.