International Association of Lawyers

The Union Internationale des Avocats (UIA) or International Association of Lawyers is an international non-governmental organisation, created in 1927, that brings together more than 2,200 legal professionals from all over the world. Historical Context At the end of the 19th century, most European lawyers worked within autonomous and independent bar associations, each with their own customs. However, after World War I"," European lawyers gradually realized the importance of helping certain bar associations modernise and build international contacts In July 1925, lawyers from Belgium, France and Luxembourg initiated the "Union Internationale des Avocats" project, which came to fruition after two years of collaboration on July 8, 1927, in Charleroi, Belgium The President of the Paris Bar Association, Georges Guillaumin, was nominated as the Association’s first president. Once the UIA was formed, several bar associations sought its membership. After joining the Association, each new bar contributed unique efforts towards the UIA's dual objectives: adapting older bars to the new economic and international climate, and working with the League of Nations for the establishment of lasting peace.