The Commonwealth Lawyers Association

03/09/2026

🌏 Have you secured your place in Darwin yet? 🌏

With just days remaining until the Super Early Bird deadline on 7 September, now is the time to register for the 25th Commonwealth Law Conference (CLC27) and lock in the lowest available rate.

From 9–13 May 2027, the Commonwealth legal community will come together in Darwin, Australia, to explore the theme:

"Resilient Lawyers in a Resilient Commonwealth – Can Justice Equal Prosperity?"

This is your opportunity to be part of the CLA's flagship event, connect with colleagues from across the Commonwealth, and contribute to the conversations shaping the future of our profession.

🎟️ Register now and secure the optimum rate before prices increase:
https://eur.cvent.me/n85gXX

✅ Already registered? Please help us spread the word by encouraging colleagues, members and networks within your jurisdiction to register before the Super Early Bird rate closes.

We look forward to welcoming colleagues from across the Commonwealth to Darwin in May 2027

The Commonwealth Lawyers Association acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, including the Larrakia peoples, and their continuing connection to land, sea, and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, to the Elders past, present, and emerging.

03/09/2026

Commonwealth Lawyers Association President Steven Thiru has raised concerns over the manner in which proceedings concluded during the Supreme Court hearing of petitions challenging the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution.

Steven Thiru, who was present in court to observe the proceedings, said it was unfortunate that counsel appearing for the petitioners were not given an opportunity to make an oral reply at the conclusion of submissions.

According to Steven Thiru, the petitioners’ counsel had sought an opportunity to respond orally but were instead directed to submit their response in writing.

He said that in cases of such importance, counsel are generally afforded an opportunity to make an oral reply, describing what occurred as unusual and unfortunate.

Steven Thiru said the petitioners’ counsel should have been permitted to respond orally.

The Commonwealth Lawyers Association President is in Sri Lanka and has been observing the Supreme Court proceedings relating to petitions filed against the proposed 22nd Amendment. (Newswire)
Source:

Commonwealth Lawyers Association President Steven Thiru has raised concerns over the manner in which proceedings concluded during the Supreme CourtContinue Reading

02/09/2026

The President of the Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association, Steven Thiru, observed proceedings at the Supreme Court yesterday as hearings began on petitions challenging the Government’s proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution.

Steven Thiru’s participation follows his warning in July that Sri Lanka risks repeating Zimbabwe’s controversial judicial crisis if it proceeds with plans to extend the retirement age of sitting superior court judges without broad public consultation.

Addressing a public forum organised by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), he stressed that the issue was not the proposed retirement age itself, but the timing, manner, and application of the constitutional amendment.

Read more:

The President of the Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association, Steven Thiru, observed proceedings at the Supreme Court yesterday as hearings began onContinue Reading

02/09/2026

Commonwealth Lawyers Association President Steven Thiru is at the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka to observe the hearing of petitions challenging the proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to extend the retirement age of judges.

The proceedings commenced yesterday and will conclude today.

The critical issue to be determined is whether the retirement age of the judges can be extended without a public referendum, as provided for in the Sri Lankan Constitution.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DPSHfkLLo/?mibextid=wwXIfr

01/09/2026

In his welcome remarks at the LAWASIA Environmental Law Conference 2026, CLA President Steven Thiru reaffirmed the Commonwealth Lawyers Association’s commitment to environmental justice, human rights, and the rule of law.

He drew attention to Papua New Guinea’s leadership in global climate jurisprudence and its recognition of the intrinsic link between the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment and human rights.

He also reflected on the Sabah Declaration on Climate Justice and its call for rights-based approaches, sustainable resource management, and environmental accountability.

In concluding, Steven Thiru highlighted the importance of the legal profession’s role in translating international commitments and legal principles into effective domestic enforcement and institutional action.

https://www.commonwealthlawyers.com/cla/from-principle-to-protection-strengthening-the-environmental-rule-of-law-by-steven-thiru-president-commonwealth-lawyers-association/

27/08/2026

In his August 2026 message, CLA President Steven Thiru highlights the upcoming Africa Legal Forum 2026, taking place in Kigali, Rwanda from 28 to 30 October.

He reflects on the strength, dynamism, resilience, and intellectual depth of Africa’s legal community and the important role of the CLA’s African Hub as a powerhouse of legal innovation, economic momentum, institutional development, and systemic transformation.

Steven previews a three-day programme exploring recent developments in corporate, commercial, and family law, alongside key issues shaping the future of legal practice.

He also highlights the Forum’s practical focus, which includes emerging challenges in AI, ESG, data protection, and cross-border legal practice.

Delegates will have opportunities to build cross-border networks, gain actionable insights into emerging risks, and explore innovation in legal practice.

Visit the Conference webpage: https://eur.cvent.me/ZQzbL1
Read Steven Thiru’s full message: https://www.commonwealthlawyers.com/cla/presidents-message-august-2026-the-africa-legal-forum-2026-connecting-legal-leaders-across-africa-and-the-commonwealth-by-cla-president-steven-thiru/

27/08/2026

The Super Early Bird rate ends at midnight GMT on 7 September. Once it's gone, it's gone.

Join us in Darwin, Australia, for the Silver Jubilee 25th Commonwealth Law Conference (9–13 May 2027) — the Commonwealth’s premier gathering of lawyers, judges, policymakers, academics and justice leaders.

⏳ Only days remain to secure the Super Early Bird rate.

If you are planning to attend CLC27, your priority should be to register before 7 September 2026. After this date, registration fees will increase and the lowest available rate will be gone.

This is your opportunity to secure the maximum possible saving, lock in your place at the Commonwealth’s flagship legal conference, and start planning your Darwin experience with confidence.

Over five days, delegates from across the Commonwealth will come together to exchange ideas, build influential international connections, and address the issues shaping the future of law, business, justice and the rule of law.

⚠️ Don't wait until the deadline. Register now, secure the biggest discount available, and avoid paying more later.

🎟️ Register today and secure your place at the best possible price: https://eur.cvent.me/n85gXX

26/08/2026

In his article on the importance of due process in upholding institutional integrity, CLA President Steven Thiru examines whether the handling of the misconduct allegations against the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) upheld the fundamental principles of procedural fairness.

Through a careful legal analysis, the article highlights concerns regarding procedural consistency, institutional governance, and the protection of both complainants' and respondents' rights.

It contends that international institutions must exemplify internally the same commitment to fairness, transparency, and the rule of law that they seek to promote globally, thereby preserving public confidence in their legitimacy.

At a time when international law faces mounting geopolitical pressures, the article underscores why unwavering adherence to due process is indispensable to institutional credibility.

Read the full article:

There is no doubt that one of the virtues of procedurally fair decision making is that it is liable to result in better decisions, . . . justice is

26/08/2026

CLA President Steven Thiru spoke on the global rise of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) as a growing threat to environmental defenders worldwide, on 20 August 2026 at the LAWASIA Environmental Law Conference 2026 held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

He exposed how they are used to intimidate those speaking out on environmental issues — and why addressing their misuse is essential to upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and advancing climate justice.

Listen to his presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/live/J5mlsFEDZn8?si=nHPOjzk8nuoYFRDJ&t=1376

24/08/2026

The President of the Commonwealth lawyers Association, Steven Thiru, says the LAWASIA Environmental Conference 2026 is a vital catalyst that must turn dialogue into legal action.

Read the full article here: https://www.postcourier.com.pg/lawasia-environmental-conference-a-vital-catalyst-says-thiru/