Counsel Magazine

The International Committee (IC) of the Bar Council is seeking a practising barrister to lead the Committee’s work in relation to the jurisdictions of the Middle East. There is no minimum post-qualification experience, but it would be helpful for candidates to have substantial experience in dealing with legal systems in the Middle East, gained through private law practice or other relevant activities, which would put him or her in a position to command respect among high-level contacts of the Bar Council in the region. The terms of reference of the IC are two-fold: international business development for the Bar, and support for the rule of law (in particular support for legal professions in developing countries). The candidate will have the opportunity to develop new initiatives in accordance with the Committee’s Strategic Plan. The IC sees its role in the Middle East in particular in promoting international direct access to the Bar to local law firms and inhouse counsel. In addition we are offering assistance to the legal professions and their professional bodies (insofar they exist). The work in the Middle East will largely be developed through the International Business Development Working Group (IBDWG), which is a sub-committee of the IC which also includes representatives from the Specialist Bar Associations. This subcommittee oversees the work of three Interest Groups which bring together members of the Bar interested in particular regions. The successful candidate would chair the Middle East Interest Group and play an active part in the IBDWG.