International Law Association

The International Law Association (ILA) was founded in Brussels in 1873 and is a body for the study, clarification and development of public and private international law and the furtherance of international understanding and respect for international law. There are over 65 branches and 5,000 members spread across the world and representing every continent. The ILA also has consultative status with a number of the United Nations specialised agencies.

The objectives of the ILA are primarily pursued through the substantive work of its international committees. There are currently 15 committees on topics as diverse as International Monetary Law, Global Health Law, Space Law, and Sea Level Rise. In addition, there are 2 Study/Interest Groups which encourage the involvement of younger professionals in the Association’s work. Current areas of study include the UN Sanctions and International Law and the International Law of Regional Organisations.

Membership of the Association is spread among Branches throughout the world. The ILA welcomes as members all those interested in its objectives, which are pursued primarily through the work of its International Committees, and the focal point of its activities is the series of Biennial Conferences. The ILA's membership ranges from lawyers in private practice, academia, government and the judiciary, to non-lawyer experts from commercial, industrial and financial spheres, and representatives of bodies such as shipping and arbitration organisations and chambers of commerce.

A copy of the ILA Constitution can be downloaded in English and French.

A copy of the ILA Mission Statement can be downloaded here.