Italian lawyer Claudio Visco has formally assumed office as the President of the International Bar Association (IBA), taking over leadership of the world’s largest global organisation of legal practitioners at a time of mounting pressure on the rule of law worldwide.
Visco succeeds Jaime Carey, a senior partner at a leading Chilean law firm, following an unprecedented joint leadership arrangement approved by the IBA Council, the Association’s governing body. The arrangement has been widely hailed within legal circles as a successful transitional model.
Veteran International Lawyer Takes the Helm
Claudio Visco is a senior partner at a leading Italian law firm and is widely regarded as one of Italy’s foremost international business lawyers. According to the IBA, he brings over four decades of continuous service to the Association, having worked across its key constituencies and leadership structures.
The Association said Visco’s depth of experience, institutional knowledge, and international outlook uniquely position him to steer the IBA during a period of significant global legal uncertainty.
Presidency Begins Amid Global Rule of Law Challenges
Visco’s presidency begins at a time of profound challenges to the international legal order, with growing threats to:
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The rule of law
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Judicial independence
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The safety and independence of the legal profession
Upon assuming office, Visco warned that escalating conflicts and political tensions across multiple regions have placed the IBA under extraordinary pressure.
He specifically cited crises in Afghanistan, Palestine, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, and Venezuela, noting that these situations demand precise, principled responses grounded firmly in international law.
“The IBA must remain a steadfast defender of the rule of law and the independence of lawyers and judges, even under the most difficult global circumstances,” Visco said in his inaugural remarks.
Expanding IBA’s Global Footprint
During his tenure, Visco has pledged to expand the IBA’s visibility and engagement across:
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Africa
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Asia and Central Asia
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Latin America
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The Middle East
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The Pacific region
He will also focus on strengthening the Association’s leadership in substantive law initiatives, ensuring the IBA remains influential in shaping global legal standards, professional ethics, and cross-border legal cooperation.
Continuity and Reform
The IBA Council noted that Visco’s presidency represents both continuity and reform, blending institutional stability with renewed emphasis on global outreach and responsiveness to emerging legal threats.
With the legal profession facing increased political interference, shrinking civic space, and rising attacks on lawyers and judges, Visco’s leadership is expected to place human rights, professional independence, and international legal norms at the centre of the Association’s agenda.