IBA Annual Conference Copenhagen 2026

4 Oct - 9 Oct 2026

B2 1+3, Level 0

Session information

BIC Showcase - beyond the lawyers: why rule of law matters to civil society

Wednesday 7 October (1430 - 1730)

B2 1+3, Level 0

Committee(s)

Bar Issues Commission (Lead)
IBA Legal Policy & Research Unit

Description

Much programming has been done on the rule of law, the separation of powers, pillars of democracy and other issues that have transcended national boundaries. What has been missing from the discussion is an emphasis on the grassroots and the need not just for more civic education, but for a more prominent role by bars beyond the issuance of statements. In short, bar associations need to make concrete the body of scholarship and legal writings. Without public understanding of the integration of basic knowledge of civics and how it relates to the rule of law, the current paralysis will continue. Bars – and all lawyers, for that matter – are uniquely positioned to engage with the public, and not just government. The panel will not only discuss these issues, but present practical guidance. The showcase will be in two parts: Part I will focus on the legal, social, economic and historical importance of the rule of law and its challenges. Part II will be a workshop, where specific questions and scenarios are presented to the audience, who will be invited to participate.

Session / Workshop Chair(s)

Claudia Amore Camara de Servicios Legales - ANDI, Bogota, Colombia; Officer, Bar Issues Commission
Steven Richman American Bar Association, Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Chair, Bar Issues Commission

Speakers

Ramadhan Abubakar East Africa Law Society, Nairobi, Kenya
Riccardo Cajola Cajola & Associati, Milan, Italy; Co-Chair, International Commerce and Distribution Committee
Yonit Calmanovich Israel Bar Association, Tel Aviv, Israel
Michael Clancy OBE The Law Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland; Honorary Life Member of Council and Association, International Bar Association
Julie Couturier Conseil National des Barreaux, Paris, France; President, Member Organisations
Louis Degos Ordre des Avocats de Paris, Paris, France; President/ Chairperson, Ordre des Avocats de Paris
Barbara Howard Barbara J Howard Co L.P.A, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Ronan MacSweeney The Law Society of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; President/ Chairperson, The Law Society of New South Wales
Fiona McLeod AO KC Australian Bar , Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Secretary-Treasurer, Bar Issues Commission
Nuhad Ponce Kuri Asociacion Nacional de Abogados de Empresa (ANADE), Mexico City, Mexico; IBA Council Member, Asociacion Nacional de Abogados de Empresa (ANADE)