Young Lawyers' Committee

About the Committee      

The major goal of all YLC activities is to create a win-win situation in which young colleagues can enhance their skills and networks thanks to IBA programmes, conferences and other projects, while simultaneously providing the IBA and its constituents with fresh ideas and a vivid contact to the next generation of legal experts and counsel.  

All our activities have a significant impact on the promotion of the IBA amongst young lawyers worldwide and to showcase the membership benefits of the association. The Young Lawyer Training Courses, taking place globally, are one key undertaking of the committee, bringing young lawyers and senior legal professionals together. Apart from attracting young colleagues to join our Committee, we further motivate them to become active in the IBA’s Legal Practice Division, Section on Public and Profession Interest, Bar Issues Commission and Regional Fora.

The objectives of the Young Lawyers’ Committee are to identify, discuss and promote issues involving young lawyers both around the world and within the association. The YLC aims to achieve this by means of fluid communications with the other IBA Committees so that their relevant activities and programmes can be actively promoted to young lawyers as well as by getting young lawyers involved directly by recommending them as speakers. Other means of communication applied by the Committee are our Newsletters and E-bulletins, which are published around 3 times per year. Here, the Officers of the YLC report on their activities and projects while young colleagues from all over the world submit articles on topics in their jurisdictions they consider being of interest for the Committee.

New survey

In a previous survey, the Young Lawyers’ Committee gathered quantitative and qualitative data from young lawyers practicing in the legal profession around the world, to try to understand young lawyers’ interests, priorities and concerns. Using the enlightening results of the previous survey as benchmark, we are pleased to share with you this new survey, on compensation systems and technology work models at the office, which intends to share some solutions and help law firms improve talent retention strategies. This survey is specifically aimed at non-partner, 40-and-under, law firm lawyers.

Your participation is crucial to the success of the survey, and it will take less than five minutes to complete. We kindly ask you to answer the survey and forward the survey both internally and to other eligible colleagues to participate as well. The results of the survey will be shared with you in due course.

We thank you in advance for your time and collaboration.

Access the survey here
 

National Representatives

The YLC has set up a network of National Representatives worldwide. The overall mission of National Representatives is to facilitate contacts between young IBA members within a jurisdiction, and to strengthen the links between them and their national and local young lawyers’ associations and the international community.

Find out more

Forthcoming conferences and webinars View All Conferences

The Fundamentals of International Legal Business Practice

19 Feb 2025

Hong Kong SAR

Annual IBA Latin American Regional Forum Young Lawyers’ Training Programme

19 Mar - 20 Mar 2025

Lima , Peru

Reports

IBA Young Lawyers’ Report

The young lawyers of today are the senior leaders of tomorrow, so understanding their concerns today will help to shape the profession for the future. Relevant across the globe, this research should be carefully considered with action in mind.

This survey report is the IBA’s contribution to aid this discussion and process. It should enable the voices of younger members of the legal profession to be heard, persuade more senior members to listen and, we hope, take the necessary action to ensure the continuity of their business or activities.

The IBA Legal Policy & Research Unit (LPRU) and the IBA Young Lawyers’ Committee have worked with Acritas to compile this report, which provides valuable insight for decision-makers in the legal profession.

Outstanding Young Lawyer Award

Each year, the IBA’s Young Lawyers’ Committee presents an award to a young lawyer who has shown not only excellence in their work and achievements in their career to date, but also a commitment to professional and ethical standards as well as a commitment to the larger community.

The award, created in partnership with the IBA and LexisNexis, is in recognition of William Reece Smith Jr. A former IBA President, William Reece Smith Jr, who passed away in 2013, distinguished himself as one the finest and most respected legal experts. In a career spanning more than 50 years, he demonstrated leadership in the legal profession as an accomplished lawyer, an extensively published legal scholar and lecturer, a mentor and an outstanding community servant. In addition, Mr Smith exemplified a commitment to advancing many charitable and civic causes, most notably in his support for legal services to the poor. LexisNexis is delighted to sponsor an award in his name to recognise a young lawyer who has demonstrated outstanding professionalism.

The winner is invited to accept the award during the IBA’s Annual Conference. LexisNexis sponsorship provides a contribution of $5,500 to their attendance.

Watch the Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year Award 10th Anniversary film, featuring interviews with previous years' winners of the prestigious award:

Subcommittees and other groups

The Young Lawyers' Committee also coordinates the activities of the following subcommittees/working groups.

• Young Lawyers’ Committee Advisory Board

Join us on LinkedIn

If you are a member of the Young Lawyers’ Committee, for additional networking opportunities, programs, interviews with fellow members and tips all exclusive to members, join our LinkedIn page at: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9293208/.