Conference programme

Lawyers have ethical obligations to their clients, generally spelled out in professional codes of conduct. Society and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) (such as the UN and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)), however, often portray lawyers as ‘enablers’ or part of the problem, accusing them of using fundamental principles such as attorney-client confidentiality to cloak their client’s illicit (if not illegal) activities, and facilitate corrupt practices. 

Bar associations often engage in civic education and other programming to allay misperceptions, but on occasion the regulation of lawyers becomes the subject of government control, jeopardising the independence of the bar and the judiciary. The panel will discuss practical solutions that bars have found to maintain the balance, including the types of training and regulations that can be put in place to help minimise risks to the profession. 

Topics will include: 

1. Bar associations and the climate crisis 
2. Anti-corruption initiatives: global challenges and guidance for bars 
3. How to engage young lawyers with the bar 
4. Diversity and Inclusion: shifting trends and priorities? 
5. Bar governance: responding to changing demands 
6. Business and human rights for bars 

Many bar associations have human rights entities as components. Who sets the policy for the bar? What levels of autonomy do such entities have? With the release from the UN 6th Committee of the draft Crimes Against Humanity Convention, bars as representatives and voices of the legal community have an opportunity to help shape international human rights law. This is of concern to not only public interest lawyers but commercial lawyers as well, since increasing hard law concerning human rights is developing from soft law instruments. The IBA’s own business and human rights guidance for bar associations will also be discussed as part of this debate. 

Topics will include: 

1. Bar associations and the climate crisis 
2. Anti-corruption initiatives: global challenges and guidance for bars 
3. How to engage young lawyers with the bar 
4. Diversity and Inclusion: shifting trends and priorities? 
5. Bar governance: responding to changing demands 
6. Business and human rights for bars 

‘Sustainability’ permeates political, legal, economic and social discourse. It covers environmental monitoring, business and human rights, reporting and compliance and other governance issues, among other things. Lawyers are called upon to navigate not just legal advice but also provide context for that advice. This panel will explore the role of the lawyer, and the type of guidance, toolkits or other resources that bars can and should be providing. To illustrate this, the session will also include discussion of the new IBA Bar Issues Commission roundtable on bar association and law society climate initiatives: implementation and inspiration post-event report. 

Topics: 

1. Bar Associations and The Climate Crisis 
2. Anti-Corruption Initiatives: Global Challenges and Guidance for Bars 
3. How to Engage Young Lawyers with the Bar? 
4. Diversity and Inclusion: Shifting Trends and Priorities? 
5. Bar Governance: Responding to Changing Demands 
6. Business and Human Rights for Bars