Conference programme

Bars and law societies around the world come in all shapes and sizes, histories and traditions. Some exist to serve the interests of their members, some are mandated by law to regulate the legal profession in the public interest, and others carry out both roles at the same time. Despite each organization’s differences and local autonomy, the case for them to come together as a global association - in this instance under the auspices of the Bar Issues Commission of the IBA - begins with the universally shared principle that an independent, competent and ethical legal profession is an essential pillar of well-functioning legal systems everywhere.

The constant rhythm of change of leadership of our member organizations means that many conference attendees will be new to their roles and new to the IBA. In this interactive session, we will provide an overview of how the BIC brings value to its member organizations, and more importantly, how participation by each organization on the IBA’s global stage benefits the others. Speakers will provide concrete examples of information-sharing, collaborative action and collective advocacy, all of which is intended to enhance the level of knowledge and connection that will prove useful for bar leaders to take to their home jurisdictions in order to strengthen their work locally. The session will also provide an opportunity for participants to express their ideas on how the value proposition offered by their bar or law society’s membership in the IBA (and the BIC) can be maximised.

Covid-19 focused the attention of many bars on the need to update their technological capability to accommodate more virtual and remote programming, meetings and conferences, among other things. While some had made strides towards that, others were faced with the need to adapt immediately. With the general end of the pandemic and lockdowns, it became apparent that various aspects of the new accommodations should not be abandoned, and a return to “business as usual” was not optimum. This interactive program addresses how bars are adapting post-Covid to retain certain structures that proved advantageous, and what lessons have been learned. 

Discuss and analyse different situations where the rule of law fully or partly has collapsed. What kind of action should be set in motion and how can Bars in other jurisdictions give support? We will discuss situations that originated in some jurisdictions to see if there are lessons to be learned on how to handle future crisis.

Topics will include:

• Diversity and Inclusion
• Lawyers as Gatekeepers 
• Revitalising rule of law 
• Wellness in the legal profession 
• Update on recent global developments concerning international trade in legal services 
• Good governance and role clarity 
 

Topics will include:

• Diversity and Inclusion
• Lawyers as Gatekeepers 
• Revitalising rule of law 
• Wellness in the legal profession 
• Update on recent global developments concerning international trade in legal services 
• Good governance and role clarity 

Reputation/image is vitally important in the modern world. For lawyers it shapes not just the attitudes of consumers of legal services, but also the policies of Governments towards the profession. 

What does expert research in different jurisdictions say is the public image of the profession? What shapes it? What are its most positive and negative aspects? Where does the profession rank in public esteem? Is its position changing?

And, most importantly, what, if anything, can Bars do about it?

The Finnish Bar Association is currently running an advertising campaign on national television. We will see some of these advertisements on screen with translations for our benefit. In addition, many bars, often under pressure from members, have run public relations campaigns in the past. What worked in these campaigns? What didn’t? What can we learn from each other’s experiences?