CLA President's October Message

In his October message, CLA President Steven Thiru explores the legitimate purposes of executive clemency, the risks of its misuse and the role of judicial oversight in safeguarding the rule of law, accountability and public confidence in the administration of justice.

Strengthening the Pacific, Strengthening the Commonwealth

Strengthening the legal community across the Pacific strengthens the Commonwealth legal community as a whole. Discover how the support of Clio and the Mineral Resources Authority of Papua New Guinea is helping the CLA advance its work to connect, support and strengthen lawyers across the Commonwealth.

13 Days To Go - The Countdown To Kigali Is On

Gain fresh legal insight. Exchange perspectives with leading practitioners. Build connections across Africa’s legal community.

The Africa Legal Forum 2026 brings these opportunities together in Kigali from 28–30 October, with three days of informed debate, strategic discussion and high-value professional networking. Don’t miss your place at the table at this event co convened by the CLA, the Rwanda Bar Association and the International Academy of Family Lawyers — register today and be part of the conversation shaping the future of law across Africa.

Explore An Opportunity To Make An Impact On The International Human Rights Stage

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is inviting applications for 3 Human Rights Officer positions, with applications open until 30 October 2026. Find out more about these opportunities and how to apply below.

Explore the Opportunities

Up to £60,000 Available: Commonwealth Foundation Grants

Funding opportunity for Commonwealth civil society organisations: the Commonwealth Foundation’s 2026–27 grants call is now open, offering grants of up to £60,000 for projects advancing freedom of expression, climate and environmental justice, or economic inclusion. Applications close on 26 October 2026 at 1pm GMT — find out more and see if your organisation is eligible.

Find Out More And Apply

✍️ Final Call for Articles

From the Jaipur Declaration 2026 to the growing influence of the Singapore Convention on Mediation, ADR is evolving rapidly across the Commonwealth. The CLA ADR Committee is inviting practitioners, mediators, judges, academics and emerging lawyers to contribute articles for its forthcoming ADR & Mediation Newsletter.

Share your insights, showcase developments from your jurisdiction and help shape the conversation. Read the full call for articles and submission guidelines here.

Deadline: 29 October 2026

25 Years. One Commonwealth. One Landmark Conference

CLC27 | Darwin, Australia | 9–13 May 2027

Join 700+ judges, lawyers and legal leaders from across the Commonwealth in Darwin, Australia, from 9–13 May 2027 for the 25th Commonwealth Law Conference — five days of ideas, connections and conversations shaping the future of the profession. Be part of this landmark Silver Jubilee gathering — register now for CLC27.

Nominations are now open for the 8th Commonwealth Law Conference Rule of Law Award 2027 — and you do not need to be a CLA member to nominate. Whether you are a lawyer, organisation or member of the wider public, you can nominate an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to advancing the rule of law across the Commonwealth.

Don’t miss the deadline — put forward your nominee and help shine a light on exceptional work advancing justice, the rule of law and the legal profession.