The International Bar Association, based in London, is the largest legal organization in the world and the only one of universal scope, made up of individual lawyers, law firms, bar associations and organizations from all continents.
The IBA was founded on 17 February 1947 and operates through two divisions:
• Public and Professional Interest Division
• Legal Practice Division
The IBA Human Rights Institute was established in 1995 to monitor compliance with the rule of law and the fundamental values of the legal profession around the world. There are over 50 specialized committees operating within the framework of the IBA. In addition to sections, committees and subject area groups, there are regional forums for lawyers and organizations from specific continents. The IBA Council meets twice a year, and during the council’s autumn session the IBA
holds its annual conference, with seminars, events, lectures and working groups in hundreds of different fields.