The Role of Bar Associations within the UIA

The UIA facilitates the sharing of experiences among bar associations and lawyers’ organisations from around the world to contribute to the development of law at the international level.

Bar associations within our organisation are able to contribute to the establishment of an international legal order based upon the principle of justice between nations. We also help our members understand the challenges that the legal profession is facing at an international level and the organisation of professional governing bodies. One of the UIA's main objectives is to commit to the defence of lawyers and the protection of their rights to practice law.

Bar Associations join the UIA :

• To build and maintain a network of relationships by meeting colleagues from other bar associations and lawyers’ organisations throughout the world.
• To get involved in actions that defend human rights, lawyers and the Rule of Law.
• To support bar associations of young or struggling democracies in countries where the legal system is under pressure.
• To be aware of actions taken by member bar associations that are published by the UIA and its communication resources throughout the world.
• To connect with international bodies, such as the UN, ICC, ICCBA and the Council of Europe, to provide a genuine opportunity for bar associations to make their voices heard on the international legal scene.
• To contribute to legal publications, resolutions and charters addressing international legal issues.
• To obtain Continuing Legal Education through seminars and conferences that offer international training courses on current topics to the host bar association and its members.