International Bar Association

International Bar Association

The International Bar Association is the world’s leading international organization representing legal professionals and associations. Established to bring together lawyers and bar associations from across the globe, the IBA facilitates cooperation on pressing legal issues, promotes justice and the rule of law, fosters the exchange of knowledge and best practices, and supports human rights advocacy. Within the EU, the IBA’s lobbying efforts focus on influencing legislative and policy processes impacting legal practice, access to justice, and adherence to international legal standards.

The IBA operates by engaging with EU institutions such as the European Commission and the European Parliament, participating in consultations, policy discussions, and meetings with policymakers. Its lobbying includes providing expert opinions, research, and recommendations on laws affecting legal professions, cross-border justice, regulatory frameworks, and fundamental rights. The IBA also networks with other international and EU-based organizations to amplify its influence and collaborate on common goals.

As an accredited entity in the EU Transparency Register, the IBA discloses its lobbying objectives, expenditures, and interactions with EU institutions. This transparency ensures its activities are publicly documented and accountable, in line with the EU’s commitment to open governance. The IBA’s lobbying team comprises legal experts and experienced lobbyists familiar with EU law and institutions, which enables them to effectively navigate the complex policymaking environment.

  • Lobbying firm: International Bar Association (IBA)

  • Nature: International membership organization for legal practitioners and associations

  • Purpose: To influence EU policy and legislation related to legal practice, justice, and rule of law

  • Registration: Accredited with the EU Transparency Register

No related lobbyists found.

  • Legal services and professional associations

  • Justice and fundamental rights

  • Rule of law and governance

  • International law and cross-border legal cooperation

The IBA networks with various international bodies, bar associations, law societies, human rights organizations, and legal policy think tanks. It partners with other EU and global organizations to coordinate advocacy efforts within the legal and justice sectors. This includes collaboration with institutions monitoring human rights, rule of law initiatives, and judicial independence across jurisdictions.

Exact financial data on lobbying expenditures by the International Bar Association since its registration with the EU Transparency Register is not publicly detailed in the available sources. Typically, registered organizations report annual spending brackets in the EU Transparency Register, but specific numbers for the IBA require direct consultation of those official entries.

The IBA predominantly interacts with:

  • European Commission Directorates-General relevant to Justice and Legal Affairs

  • European Parliament Committees on Legal Affairs (JURI) and Civil Liberties (LIBE)

  • Council of the European Union working groups on judiciary and legal cooperation

Since registration, the IBA holds multiple meetings with EU policymakers, Commissioners, and parliamentary members focused on legal profession regulation, justice reforms, human rights protections, and judiciary independence. These meetings are documented through the Transparency Register and EU institution websites, reflecting ongoing advocacy engagement.