The Commonwealth Lawyers Association

16/10/2026

The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) joins the international legal community in condemning US sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In a joint statement issued on 16 October 2026, the CLA stands alongside leading international legal organisations in expressing serious concern over the latest US sanctions targeting the ICC as an institution.

These measures threaten judicial independence, undermine the administration of international justice and risk obstructing investigations, witness protection and victims' access to justice.

The joint statement calls for the withdrawal of sanctions against the ICC, its personnel and those supporting its work, reaffirming the importance of protecting the Court's independence and integrity.

At a time when international justice faces increasing challenges, the legal profession must remain united in defending the rule of law, judicial independence and accountability.

We encourage our members and the wider legal community to read and share this important statement.

Thank you for your continued commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the independence of judicial institutions around the world.

Read the full joint statement below.

https://www.commonwealthlawyers.com/statement/joint-statement-with-the-international-legal-community-concerning-us-sanctions-against-the-international-criminal-court-icc/

16/10/2026

As part of the Opening of the Legal Year (OLY) activities in London, the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) was pleased to participate in a meeting hosted by the Law Society of England and Wales on 30 September 2026.

Chaired by Debra Long of the Law Society of England and Wales, the meeting featured a presentation on the Law Society’s ongoing Lawyers in Exile research, exploring its objectives, methodology and opportunities for engagement.

CLA President Steven Thiru and Secretary General Brigid Watson led an interactive discussion on the CLA’s Protection of the Profession project, inviting participants to share experiences and perspectives from their respective jurisdictions. Dr Elizabeth Macharia of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Rule of Law Division also joined the meeting, contributing to this important exchange of perspectives on protecting the legal profession and upholding the rule of law.

Professor Luis Franceschi, CLA Rule of Law Policy Adviser and former Assistant Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, brought a particularly powerful perspective to the discussions, drawing on his real-life experiences to illustrate the practical application of the rule of law. His reflections offered an important reminder that behind every legal case, document and policy are human faces and lives directly affected by the work of the legal profession. This message reinforced the significance of the CLA’s programmes and the human impact of advancing the rule of law.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss plans for the 25th Commonwealth Law Conference (CLC27), taking place in Darwin, Australia, in May 2027.

Our sincere thanks to the Law Society of England and Wales for hosting, and to Dr Macharia and everyone who contributed to these valuable discussions on protecting the legal profession and strengthening the rule of law across the Commonwealth.

15/10/2026

In his October message, CLA President Steven Thiru considers when the exercise of the pardon power upholds justice and when it risks undermining it.

He examines the legitimate purposes of the pardon power, including correcting miscarriages of justice and mitigating disproportionate punishment.

Drawing on examples from several jurisdictions, he highlights how executive clemency can undermine accountability and public trust when misused to favour political allies or place powerful individuals beyond the reach of justice.

The article considers the role of judicial review in ensuring that executive clemency remains subject to constitutional constraints.

It underscores the importance of exercising clemency through principled and accountable processes that uphold the rule of law and maintain public confidence in the impartial administration of justice.

https://www.commonwealthlawyers.com/cla/presidents-message-october-2026-executive-clemency-and-the-rule-of-law-reconciling-mercy-with-accountability-by-cla-president-steven-thiru/

14/10/2026

In an interview with Mauritian newspaper Le Défi Quotidien, CLA President Steven Thiru shares his perspectives on the rule of law, judicial independence, technological change, and the future of the legal profession.

He warns of a decline in judicial independence in some Commonwealth jurisdictions, where political pressure and unjustified disciplinary measures against judges threaten public confidence in the judiciary.

He explains how the CLA responds when members of the judiciary or legal profession face political pressure, including through public statements, country visits, and participation in legal proceedings.

On artificial intelligence, he sees an opportunity to enhance legal practice, provided lawyers adapt to technological change and exercise sound judgement.

He also addresses the need for responsible use of artificial intelligence, stronger ethical guidance, effective enforcement of professional standards, and continued investment in legal education.

Read the full interview:

a) in English (translation): https://www.commonwealthlawyers.com/cla/steven-thiru-president-of-the-commonwealth-lawyers-association-we-are-witnessing-a-decline-in-judicial-independence-by-le-defi-quotidien/

b) in French (original): https://defimedia.info/me-steven-thiru-president-de-la-commonwealth-lawyers-association-nous-assistons-un-recul-de

12/10/2026

Great conversations lead to great ideas. And the best ones happen when we come together.

From 9–13 May 2027, the 25th Commonwealth Law Conference will bring the international legal community together in Darwin, Australia, for five days of insightful discussions, fresh perspectives and meaningful connections.

An opportunity to exchange ideas with legal professionals from across the Commonwealth, explore the challenges shaping the future of law and strengthen relationships that extend well beyond the conference.

The conversation is taking shape. Will you be part of it?

Secure your place and join us in Darwin!

🔗 Register now: https://web-eur.cvent.com/event/1db74368-4cec-44f3-bae7-7c68c487577e/register

09/10/2026

The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) has issued a statement in support of the Uganda Law Society, expressing serious concern about the continued disappearance of Sam Mugumya and calling for international attention and action.

Every individual is entitled to the protection of the law, including the right to personal liberty, fair legal process and protection from unlawful detention.

The CLA joins the Uganda Law Society in calling for answers about Mr Mugumya's whereabouts and wellbeing, accountability and respect for Uganda's constitutional and international human rights obligations.

We encourage you to read the full statement and help raise awareness by sharing it with your networks and across your platforms.

🔗 Full statement:

https://www.commonwealthlawyers.com/statement/cla-statement-supporting-the-uganda-law-society-expressing-grave-concern-about-sam-mugumya-and-calling-for-international-action/

Thank you for helping amplify the CLA's commitment to protecting fundamental rights, upholding justice and defending the rule of law across the Commonwealth.

08/10/2026

The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) has today issued a statement in support of the Jamaican Bar Association (JAMBAR) and the Advocates Association of Jamaica (AAJ) in their call for an urgent and structured review of Jamaica’s fi****ms legislation.

Effective measures to combat serious fi****ms crime must go hand in hand with the principles of fairness, proportionality and the protection of fundamental rights. Clear and balanced legislation is essential to maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice and upholding the rule of law.

We invite members of the legal profession and all those committed to the rule of law across the Commonwealth to read and share the CLA’s statement across their networks and platforms.

Thank you for helping amplify the CLA’s commitment to justice and the rule of law throughout the Commonwealth.

Read the full statement:

https://www.commonwealthlawyers.com/statement/cla-statement-in-support-of-the-jamaican-bar-association-jambar-and-the-advocates-association-of-jamaica-aaj-in-their-call-for-an-urgent-and-structured-review-of-the-fi****ms-legislation-in-jamaic/

01/10/2026

🔥 AFRICAN DELEGATES: SAVE 25% — FOR FIVE DAYS ONLY

Kigali is calling. And there’s never been a better time to secure your place.

From 1–5 October, African delegates can save 25% on registration for the Africa Legal Forum 2026 in Kigali.

Simply use code 25AFL when registering to unlock the discount.

📍 Serena Hotel, Kigali

📅 28–30 October 2026

Brought together by the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, Rwanda Bar Association and International Academy of Family Lawyers, the Forum will bring lawyers, judges, academics, regulators and business leaders together from across Africa and the wider Commonwealth.

Expect three days of:

⚖️ High-level legal insight across corporate, commercial and family law

🌍 African and Commonwealth perspectives on the issues shaping legal practice

🤝 Meaningful connections with colleagues and senior legal professionals from across the region

💡 Practical, thought-provoking discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing the profession

🚀 A dedicated NextGen Forum for lawyers under 40 or within seven years of call

For lawyers in Rwanda and across Africa, this is an opportunity to connect with the region’s legal community — and to do so with 25% off your registration fee.

⏰ The flash sale ends 5 October.

Use code: 25AFL

🔗 Register now: https://eur.cvent.me/ZQzbL1

Five days. 25% off. Kigali awaits.

28/09/2026

The next lawyer you compete with may not be another lawyer. It may be AI.

Artificial intelligence is already drafting documents, conducting research, analysing evidence and reshaping how legal services are delivered. The question is no longer whether AI will transform the profession—it is whether lawyers are ready.

The inaugural Young Commonwealth Lawyers Newsletter, edited by Siddharth Sijoria, explores one of the most important issues facing the legal profession today: AI and the Law.

Inside, contributors from across the Commonwealth tackle some of the profession's most pressing questions:

⚖️ Can AI ever give expert evidence in court?

🎭 What happens when deepfakes make it impossible to trust what we see?

🔒 Is AI enhancing dispute resolution—or undermining confidentiality?

💡 Can a machine be recognised as an inventor?

🌍 How do we regulate AI without compromising justice, accountability and the rule of law?

The edition also features a compelling contribution from CLA President Steven Thiru examining how emerging technologies are transforming violence against women and girls, and what legal systems must do to respond.

As Siddharth writes:

"There are two types of lawyers: those who use AI, and those who lie that they don't."

Provocative? Perhaps.

A conversation every lawyer needs to be part of? Absolutely.

📖 Read the inaugural edition and discover how the next generation of Commonwealth lawyers is shaping the debate on the future of law. https://createsend.com/t/y-BD03E01550F2B8D62540EF23F30FEDED

With that provocative opening, Editor-in-Chief Siddharth Sijoria launches the inaugural Young Commonwealth Lawyers Newsletter, bringing together perspectives from across the Commonwealth to examine what AI means for legal practice, justice, ethics and the next generation of lawyers.

24/09/2026

In his article on artificial intelligence ('AI') and the evolving legal response to technology-facilitated violence against women and girls, CLA President Steven Thiru explores how emerging technologies have transformed the scale, speed, sophistication, and reach of violence against women and girls.

The article examines contemporary manifestations of abuse, including disinformation, AI-generated sexual imagery, cyberviolence, digital surveillance, and coordinated online harassment.

He emphasises that the challenge confronting legal systems is to ensure that established legal principles — and their application —continue to provide effective protection in a rapidly advancing digital environment.

Throughout, the focus remains on protecting privacy, dignity, equality, autonomy, sexual integrity, psychological security, and personal security.

The article identifies five priorities for strengthening legal and institutional responses: modernising legal frameworks, strengthening enforcement, enhancing platform accountability, supporting survivors, and investing in prevention.

Read the article here https://www.commonwealthlawyers.com/cla/gender-based-violence-against-women-and-girls-in-the-digital-age-artificial-intelligence-technology-facilitated-abuse-and-the-evolving-legal-response-by-cla-president-steven-thiru/