The International Bar Association (IBA) is now accepting nominations for its 2025 annual awards, honouring outstanding contributions in human rights, pro bono work, and young legal professionals.
Awards overview
The IBA’s annual awards recognise exceptional achievements in the legal profession across three categories:
- Outstanding Contribution by a Legal Practitioner to Human Rights. This award honours a legal practitioner who has made a significant impact in promoting and protecting human rights, ensuring justice and equality under the rule of law.
- Pro Bono Award. This accolade is given to a lawyer demonstrating outstanding dedication to providing free legal services, enhancing access to justice, and innovating pro bono service delivery.
- Outstanding Young Lawyer Award. Presented to a young lawyer who exhibits excellence in their work, adherence to professional and ethical standards, and a commitment to the broader community.
Nomination process and eligibility
Nominations are open to all lawyers, regardless of IBA membership. The deadline for submissions is Friday, 30 May 2025, at midnight BST. Shortlisted nominees will be contacted via the email address provided in their nomination forms. For any queries regarding the nomination process, individuals are advised to contact Emily Griffin-Saunders at emily.griffin-saunders@int-bar.org.
Award benefits
Winners in each category will receive:
- Complimentary registration for the 2025 IBA Annual Conference in Toronto.
- A contribution towards accommodation and travel expenses to attend the conference.
- One year’s free IBA general membership.
- Free membership to the relevant IBA committee, depending on the award category.
Wajiha Ahmed and Shirley Pouget, co-chairs of the Human Rights Law Committee, emphasised the significance of the Human Rights Award, stating: “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.”
Flavia Regina de Souza Oliveira and Arturo Banegas Masiá, co-chairs of the Pro Bono Committee, highlighted the importance of the 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.”
Bruno Oliveira Maggi and Zeina Obeid, Co-Chairs of the Young Lawyers’ Committee, remarked on the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award: “The IBA Outstanding Young Lawyer Award is a tribute to the dedication, talent, and impact of the next generation of legal professionals. We look forward to recognising such important young lawyers.”
2025 IBA Annual Conference in Toronto
The awards will be presented during the IBA Annual Conference, scheduled from 2nd–7th November 2025, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Canada. The conference is expected to attract over 5,000 attendees from more than 130 jurisdictions, offering unparalleled networking and professional development opportunities. Toronto, renowned for its cultural diversity and vibrant business environment, provides an ideal setting for this global gathering of legal professionals.