Working to Shape the Future of Law
Championing equal justice and leading global conversations and programs that shape the future of law.
In an increasingly interconnected world, threats to justice, democracy, and human rights transcend borders. The Academy aims to raise awareness of legal challenges, foster cooperation between legal systems, and promote democratic principles. By supporting these efforts, Fellows help protect fundamental rights, empower legal professionals, and strengthen fair legal systems—shaping policies that safeguard societies worldwide.
The Ireland Program
Since 2007, the Academy has partnered with Irish and Northern Irish legal communities through its Ireland Program, an attorney exchange that strengthens ties between the U.S. and Ireland’s legal systems. Each year, young Irish Barristers attend the Academy’s Annual Meeting and spend a week living with Fellows, gaining firsthand experience in trial advocacy and courtroom practice. This program reinforces the importance of common law traditions in Europe and fosters lasting professional relationships.
Defending Democracy in Taiwan
In Taipei, Fellows met with Taiwanese leaders, including Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, to discuss ways to protect and promote the Rule of Law in the region. As Taiwan faces increasing political pressure, the Academy stands as an ally in the defense of democratic values and judicial independence.
Education & Access for Women in Morocco
Recognizing the barriers to education faced by young women in Morocco, the Academy constructed a dormitory in the Berber region, enabling girls to continue their education beyond the sixth grade. By investing in education, the Academy is empowering future generations and advancing gender equality through access to knowledge and opportunity.
Latin American Initiatives
Academy Fellows have traveled to Mexico, Argentina, and Chile to engage with local legal professionals, host judicial roundtables, and strengthen partnerships with regional legal institutions. Additionally, the Academy actively supports asylum seekers at the U.S./Mexico border through both virtual and in-person volunteer programs.
Judicial Training in Uganda
Academy Fellows have provided legal education and training to judges in Uganda, focusing on case management, alternative dispute resolution, and judicial independence. These efforts enhance the efficiency of Uganda’s courts, ensuring that justice is more accessible and fair. Additionally, the Academy has supported humanitarian projects in Uganda, including the construction of Noël’s Place, a safe house for victims of domestic violence, and funding medical equipment for a community hospital.
“If, throughout the world, the efforts of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers inspire one judge to defend freedom and liberty or to defy oppression, we will have moved this world one step closer to a better one for the multitudes.”
— W. Robert Morgan, President, 1975