29/05/2026
About
The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) is an international membership organisation connecting the legal profession across the Commonwealth to advance the rule of law, strengthen professional relationships and shape the future of justice.
We bring together lawyers, judges, academics, bar associations, law societies and legal institutions across jurisdictions, creating opportunities to exchange expertise, build influential networks and collaborate on the issues shaping our profession and our societies.
Our funding comes from paid membership subscriptions, sponsorship and our regular programme of conferences and events.
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Message from the CLA President
Legal technology and rule of law partner
The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) is proud to be an
accredited organisation
As an accredited Commonwealth organisation, the CLA is committed to the values and principles of the Commonwealth Charter.
Accreditation supports our engagement with other Commonwealth organisations through dialogue, working groups and collaborative projects. It helps connect the expertise of the legal profession with wider efforts to strengthen justice, accountability and good governance.
This differentiates us from other global legal organisations, uniting our network to be a force for good.
Governance
The CLA is governed by a volunteer Council drawn from its membership, including senior legal professionals from across the Commonwealth. Four Honorary Life Presidents act as advisers to the Association.
Rooted in the Commonwealth Charter and the Latimer House Principles, the CLA brings together lawyers, judges, bar associations, law societies, academics and future legal leaders from every region of the Commonwealth to confront injustice, champion democratic accountability and defend the foundations of free societies.
The Headquarters and Secretariat
The CLA can be contacted C/O Gravita Godfrey Wilson, 2nd Floor, South, One Castle Park, Tower Hill, Bristol BS2 0JA. The day-to-day business of the Association is conducted under the direction of the Secretary General and the Executive Committee.
The Secretariat supports the day-to-day work of the Association under the direction of the Secretary General and Executive Committee. Its responsibilities include membership services, supporting CLA activities and events, and representing and promoting the Association’s work.
For general enquiries please email: info@commonwealthlawyers.com.
If your enquiry relates to membership, please go to the membership page where you’ll find everything you need to join us.
CLA Office Bearers
CLA Council
| Jurisdiction | Name | Hub |
|---|---|---|
| Rwanda | Julien Kavaruganda | Africa |
| Kenya | Maria Mbeneka | Africa |
| Turks and Caicos Islands | Sophie Stanbrook | Americas |
| The Bahamas | Peter D. Maynard KC | Americas |
| Malaysia | Steven Thiru | Australasia |
| Pakistan | Hasan Irfan Khan | Australasia |
| England and Wales | Brigid Watson | Europe |
| England and Wales At Large seat | Mark Stephens CBE | Europe |
The Executive Committee
The Executive Committee supports the Association’s work by contributing specialist knowledge, professional experience and strategic guidance. Its members include volunteers or ex-officio members, and it considers projects, interventions and other business in line with CLA policy. Appointed members are chosen for a two-year term via selection by the Council.
Honorary Life Membership recognises individuals whose exceptional commitment has strengthened the Association and advanced its mission to promote the rule of law across the Commonwealth. Their service and experience remain an important part of the CLA’s legacy and future.
In 2025, Dr Peter Slinn was elected as the CLA’s first Honorary Life Member.
Committees
Open to members only, CLA committees bring jurisdictions together to explore key issues, share expertise and identify opportunities for impact.
You’ll work alongside peers and experienced legal professionals, contribute your perspective and help shape responses to challenges facing the profession across the Commonwealth.
Committees meet virtually and enable wider knowledge-share, connections and collaborations, both regionally and internationally.
Anti-Corruption Sub-Committee
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Climate Justice
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Corporate & Commercial
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Family Law
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Human Rights & The Rule of Law
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Legal Tech & Innovation
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Public & Administrative Law
View committee & JOINA History of Prestigious Events, Bringing Together the Commonwealth Legal Community
Since 1955, the CLA’s Commonwealth Law Conferences have brought together leading legal professionals from across the Commonwealth. They offer a distinctive forum for meaningful high-level discussion, international networking, in-person knowledge-share and genuine collaboration on the legal issues shaping our future.
- 1955 – London, UK
- 1960 – Ottawa, Canada
- 1965 – Sydney, Australia
- 1971 – New Delhi, India
- 1977 – Edinburgh, Scotland
- 1980 – Lagos, Nigeria
- 1983 – Hong Kong
- 1986 – Ochos Rios, Jamaica
- 1990 – Auckland, New Zealand
- 1993 – Nicosia, Cyprus
- 1996 – Vancouver, Canada
- 1999 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- 2003 – Melbourne, Australia
- 2005 – London, United Kingdom
- 2007 – Nairobi, Kenya
- 2009 – Hong Kong SAR
- 2011 – Hyderabad, India
- 2013 – Cape Town, South Africa
- 2015 – Glasgow, Scotland
- 2017 – Melbourne, Australia
- 2019 – Livingstone, Zambia
- 2021 – Nassau, The Bahamas
- 2023 – Goa, India
- 2025 – St Julian’s Bay, Malta
Share knowledge
Build networks
Advance justice
Latest News
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21/05/2026
FATF February 2026 Plenary: Compliance Expectations, Grey-Listing Pressures, and What Africa Must Do Next by Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu, Chair of the CLA Anti-Corruption Committee
21/05/2026