The Awards are free to enter and open to all lawyers – IBA members and non-members alike. The winners will receive:

    free registration to attend the 2025 IBA Annual Conference in Toronto;
    a contribution towards accommodation and travel costs to attend the Annual Conference;
    one year's free IBA general membership; and
    specifically, depending on category:
        free membership of the IBA Human Rights Law Committee;
        free membership of the IBA Pro Bono Committee; or
        free membership of the IBA Young Lawyers’ Committee.

The IBA Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Legal Practitioner to Human Rights will be given by the IBA Human Rights Law Committee to a legal practitioner who is deemed to have made an outstanding contribution to the promotion, protection and advancement of the human rights of all or any group of people, particularly with respect to their right to live in a fair and just society under the rule of law.

Wajiha Ahmed and Shirley Pouget, Co-Chairs of the Human Rights Law Committee said: ‘The IBA Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Legal Practitioner to Human Rights is not just a recognition of past courage, it is a call to continue the fight for dignity, justice and equality for all. We look forward to recognising the 2025 colleague in a time when there are so many human rights issues faced by the world and our incredible colleagues are fighting for justice every day.’

The IBA Pro Bono Award will be granted by the IBA Pro Bono Committee to a lawyer who has shown outstanding dedication to the provision of free legal services and access to justice; taken an innovative approach to providing pro bono services, leading to new models of working in their own and other jurisdictions; and who has brought about a significant impact to an individual, community, group or country, or to the provision of pro bono services generally, through legislative reform, litigation or transactional representation.

Flavia Regina de Souza Oliveira and Arturo Banegas Masiá, Co-Chairs of the Pro Bono Committee stated: ‘We are calling on all members of the legal community and beyond to participate in the Annual IBA Pro Bono Award. This award is a testament to the incredible impact that pro bono work has on society. We encourage everyone to nominate those who have made significant efforts to ensure access to justice for all, regardless of their membership status within the IBA. Your nominations help us honour and celebrate the dedication of those who advocate for underserved and marginalised communities. By nominating deserving individuals, you help shine a light on the contributions of those who work tirelessly to provide legal assistance to those in need.’

The IBA Outstanding Young Lawyer Award will be presented by the IBA Young Lawyers' Committee to a young lawyer who has shown not only excellence in their work and achievements in their career to date, but also a commitment to professional and ethical standards as well as a commitment to the larger community. This Award is made in recognition of William Reece Jr, a former IBA President, distinguished as one of the finest and most respected legal experts due to his leadership in the legal profession as an accomplished lawyer, as well as an extensively published legal scholar, lecturer and outstanding community servant.

Bruno Bruno Oliveira Maggi and Zeina Obeid, Co-Chairs of the Young Lawyers’ Committee commented: ‘The IBA Outstanding Young Lawyer Award is a tribute to the dedication, talent and impact of the next generation of legal professionals. Having proudly awarded it in past years, we know how vital it is to recognise such important young lawyers. If you have something to say about your contributions to society, apply now and let us know.’

The deadline for submitting the award nominations is Friday 30 May 2025, midnight BST. Shortlisted nominees will be contacted at the email address provided on the nomination form. Any queries about the nomination process should be sent to emily.griffin-saunders@int-bar.org.