professional bodies

Commonwealth Lawyers Association

Professional body founded in 1983 whose members include lawyers, national bar associations and law societies in Commonwealth countries. The CLA's aim is to promote "the rule of law throughout the Commonwealth by ensuring that an independent and efficient legal profession, with the highest standards of ethics and integrity, serves the people of the Commonwealth". This site has information about the CLA's work, in particular the biannual Commonwealth Law Conference, which is sponsored by the association.

ABA Section of Family Law

Website for the American Bar Association Family Law Section which was formed in 1958 to improve the administration of justice in family law and to "serve as the national leader in the field of marital and family law". Membership is drawn from family law practitioners and law students. The Family Law Section deals with legal issues such as divorce, custody, adoption, paternity, child abduction and mediation. There are sections aimed at members, students and the general public.

Expert Witness Institute

The Expert Witness Institute (EWI) was set up in 1996 to support expert witnesses. Its website gives organisational information about the EWI, the work of its committees and a diary of events, courses and seminars. The site also includes EWI newsletters and position papers, professional guidance for members, news items and a page of links. Parts of the site are only available to members.

Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe

The Council of the Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) is the official representative body for the legal profession in the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA). It is also a Council of Europe consultative body. The website describes the CCBE's structure and work, lists its member bars and law societies and provides a directory of committee officers. The Documents section includes the Code of Conduct for European Lawyers and position papers on more than 25 subjects, ranging from access to justice and world trade to contract law and VAT.

Finnish Bar Association

Organisation representing attorneys (lawyers) in Finland. For attorneys, it has information about membership and details of training programmes; the Statutes and guidelines governing the profession of attorney; guidance on setting up /running a law firm, preventing money laundering and other practical information. For the public, it has a directory of attorneys, information about free legal advice clinics and a link to the Disciplinary Board website. There is also information about qualifying as a lawyer, and a training / events calendar.

Bar Standards Board

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) regulates barristers in England and Wales. Its areas of responsibility include education and training requirements for barristers, setting standards of professional conduct and handling complaints against barristers. Its website provides information for barristers and the general public, including details of the qualifications required to become a barrister, advice on how to make a complaint and information about continuing professional development.

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