Alternative and New Law Business Structures Committee

About the Committee

The ANLBS Committee was first created as the Multidisciplinary Practices Committee, a President-appointed committee, to follow the developments of multidisciplinary practices (MDPs) in different jurisdictions. It developed recommendations for IBA Resolutions as to the requirements to be met when allowing MDPs, to ensure that the core values of the legal profession are not undermined.

In the aftermath of Enron, many MDPs, in particular those between accountants and lawyers, were dissolved, and MDPs became, if possible, even more controversial. Prohibited in some jurisdictions (like the United States and Belgium), allowed in some other jurisdictions (like Australia), there was little growth in the number, but much interest in the developments of these practices. In more recent times, MDPs seem to on the rise again, and, moving forward, it is becoming increasingly relevant to see how they are governed in different jurisdictions.

Aims of the Committee

The ANLBS Committee aims to bring together legal professionals and other interested individuals from many and various jurisdictions and backgrounds to monitor, discuss and shape the developments of ANLBSs and the rules to which they are subject around the world.

Who does the Committee represent?

The members of the ANLBS Committee are as varied as the backgrounds from which they come. Whereas many are ANLBS lawyers practicing in their country, members also include those who are, or would like to be, partners in an ANLBS.

Committee activities

The ANLBS Committee meets during the Annual IBA Conference and is looking to post news regarding various developments in different jurisdictions on the IBA website.

Forthcoming conferences and webinars View All Conferences

Orchestrating a cybersecurity symphony – Part two: Why law firms should consider cybersecurity as an alternative business structure

11 Dec 2024 1500 - 1600 GMT

Webinar

Committee Activities

The ANLBS Committee organises several activities throughout the year, providing members with invaluable opportunities to keep abreast of the latest developments in multidisciplinary practices, and in the present and future of the legal profession.

The ANLBS Committee meets during the Annual IBA Conference and is looking to post news and publications regarding various developments in different jurisdictions on the IBA website.

Projects and reports

Guidelines and Regulations to Provide Insights on Public Policies to Ensure AI’s Beneficial Use as a Professional Tool

The Artificial Intelligence Working Group of the IBA Alternative and New Law Business Structures (ANLBS) Committee presents a comprehensive, up to date guide to the use of artificial intelligence as a professional tool, covering the main multilateral organisations and several jurisdictions worldwide.

Find out more

Podcasts

Impacts of Covid-19 on food security and agricultural development

Brian Tomson, Senior Communications and Advocacy Specialist at United Nations agency International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD); Katherine Meighan, IFAD General Counsel; Cynthia Colaiacovo, IFAD Deputy General Counsel; and Joan Grogan, IFAD Head of the Finance and Impact Unit, give their views on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on agricultural development, food security and the recent State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report.

Resolutions

• IBA Resolution on Multi-disciplinary practices (Adopted 1998)
• Restrictions on MDPs and Business Organization in the Legal Professions: A Literature Survey - a report for the MDP committee of the IBA (December 2010)

Subcommittees and other groups

The Alternative and New Law Business Structures Committee also coordinates the activities of the following subcommittees/working groups.

• Alternative and New Law Business Structures Committee Advisory Board
• Artificial Intelligence Working Group