International Bar Association President Jaime Carey Helps Establish Global Law Fellows Network
In a significant step to strengthen the rule of law worldwide, International Bar Association (IBA) President Jaime Carey has launched the International Law Fellows Network in partnership with Salzburg Global. This initiative aims to empower young and early-career lawyers to defend justice and democracy in an increasingly challenging global landscape.
A Vision for Global Justice
As the IBA’s first president from Chile, Carey has made this initiative his top priority. The network is designed to address pressing issues such as political instability, distrust in institutions, and violations of fundamental rights. Carey emphasizes that young lawyers must take a more active role in upholding justice and fairness.
Collaboration with Salzburg Global
Salzburg Global, a renowned organization dedicated to advancing democracy and justice, has joined forces with the IBA to support this effort. Martin Weiss, Salzburg Global’s president and CEO, highlighted the program’s alignment with the organization’s mission to strengthen legal professionals’ ability to tackle critical challenges.
Program Details
The International Law Fellows Network targets early- and mid-career legal professionals from diverse backgrounds, including private practice, academia, non-profits, and international institutions. The inaugural event, held in Salzburg, Austria, brought together 28 fellows for intensive discussions and workshops from March 27–30, 2025.
Key Features
- Duration: 2.5 days
- Format: Plenary discussions, small working groups, and curated conversations
- Confidentiality: Sessions conducted under the Chatham House Rule
- Topics: Combating democratic backsliding, regulating AI, mitigating geopolitical conflicts, and protecting marginalized groups
Empowering the Next Generation
Participants in the program gain access to a global network of like-minded professionals, opportunities to address emerging threats to democracy, and the chance to contribute to actionable solutions for legal challenges. The initiative also focuses on developing practical tools to embed rule of law principles into international legal practice.
A Global Commitment to Justice
By fostering collaboration and intellectual exchange, the International Law Fellows Network strengthens the global legal community’s capacity to address critical challenges. Carey’s vision underscores the importance of uniting legal professionals worldwide to promote fairness, integrity, and justice, particularly in regions vulnerable to instability and authoritarianism.
Program Details and Outcomes
The International Law Fellows Network is meticulously structured to ensure maximum engagement and impact. The inaugural event, spanning 2.5 days, featured a blend of plenary discussions, intimate working groups, and curated conversations. This format encourages comprehensive exploration of topics and fosters collaboration among participants.
Key Features of the Program
- Duration: The program’s concise 2.5-day structure ensures focused and productive discussions.
- Format: A mix of plenary sessions, small working groups, and curated conversations promotes diverse perspectives and deep engagement.
- Confidentiality: Sessions are held under the Chatham House Rule, allowing participants to share insights freely without concern of attribution.
- Topics: Discussions centered on critical issues such as combating democratic backsliding, regulating emerging technologies like AI, mitigating geopolitical conflicts, and protecting marginalized groups.
Participant Profile and Benefits
The program is tailored for early- to mid-career legal professionals, typically those with 5–10 years of experience, who exhibit a strong commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Fellows gain numerous benefits, including:
- Opportunities to collaborate with a global network of like-minded professionals.
- Active engagement in addressing emerging threats to democracy.
- Chances to share knowledge and contribute to actionable solutions for legal challenges.
Outcomes and Goals
The primary objective of the program is to inspire and prepare a new generation of legal professionals to defend justice in an increasingly complex and divided world. By fostering collaboration and intellectual exchange, it strengthens the global legal community’s capacity to address critical challenges.
Jaime Carey emphasized the initiative’s importance, stating, “Empowering young lawyers is crucial in today’s challenging environment. They are the future defenders of justice and must be equipped to address contemporary legal issues effectively.”
Martin Weiss of Salzburg Global added, “This program aligns perfectly with our mission to advance democracy and justice. By supporting these fellows, we invest in a stronger, more resilient legal framework globally.”
Conclusion
The International Law Fellows Network represents a significant step forward in fostering a global community of legal professionals committed to upholding the rule of law. Through its structured program and collaborative approach, it aims to equip the next generation of lawyers with the tools and vision necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern legal landscape.
Conclusion
The International Law Fellows Network, spearheaded by Jaime Carey and Salzburg Global, stands as a beacon for fostering global justice. This initiative not only addresses pressing legal challenges but also empowers the next generation of legal professionals. By emphasizing collaboration and intellectual exchange, it strengthens the global legal community’s capacity to uphold democracy and the rule of law, ensuring a resilient future for justice worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Law Fellows Network?
The International Law Fellows Network is an initiative by the International Bar Association and Salzburg Global to empower young legal professionals in defending justice and democracy globally.
Who founded the International Law Fellows Network?
The network was founded by Jaime Carey, President of the International Bar Association, in collaboration with Salzburg Global.
Who can join the International Law Fellows Network?
It is open to early- to mid-career legal professionals with 5–10 years of experience, committed to democracy and the rule of law.
What does the program include?
The program features plenary discussions, working groups, and curated conversations on topics like democratic backsliding, AI regulation, and geopolitical conflicts.
What are the goals of the International Law Fellows Network?
The primary goals are to inspire and prepare legal professionals to address global challenges and strengthen the rule of law worldwide.
How can I apply to the International Law Fellows Network?
Application details can be found on the International Bar Association or Salzburg Global websites.
Where are the events held?
Events are held in various locations, with the inaugural event taking place in Salzburg, Austria.
