The British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL) provides informed, independent and practical legal ideas for a global community. Its high quality and respected work involves analysis and debate about contemporary issues on every continent, from its base in the heart of London's energetic and multicultural legal network.
BIICL has been making an influential impact since its foundation in 1958, and it can trace its history even further back to 1894. It is one of the very few independent legal bodies of its type in the world, as it is unaffiliated to any university, is a charity/not-for-profit organisation and is nonpartisan. BIICL receives no substantial on-going core funding from any government or private body and welcomes both members and non-members.
BIICL includes within it the innovative Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law, which has a particular focus on the many rule of law issues world-wide.
BIICL undertakes 5 key activities:
Research
Their research is central to their activities. BIICL conducts research around the world across the broad range of public international law, private international law, comparative law and the rule of law. This includes areas such as competition law, European law, human rights law, international investment law, and product liability law. Their research often crosses traditional boundaries of law, so as to integrate private and public international law, and engages with national, European and comparative law.
Their research is primarily applied research, based on strong knowledge foundations. This enables their research to have practical consequences, establish influential recommendations for decision-makers, and have an impact on law and policy around the world.
Research projects are funded by a wide variety of bodies, including law firms, corporations, national governments, international and regional organisations, private trusts and foundations, and non-governmental organisations. In many instances, the research is funded by more than one body.
Events
BIICL organises an exciting and diverse programme of events throughout the year. These bring leading speakers and participants from law firms, barristers' chambers, corporations, government, non-governmental organisations, regulatory bodies, international organisations, academia, students and many others.
Their events deal with the many important contemporary international legal issues and developments. They include evening seminars and full-day conferences, open debates and confidential discussions. Events are generally open to all members and the public, and most events are CPD accredited for practitioners.
Training
The provision of specific and general training on international and comparative legal matters is another of their important activities. These activities range from short courses on specific topics within the UK, to capacity building in developing states. They offer high level expertise and practical experience, including from their network of practitioners and scholars, to enable an effective and engaging training programme.
Publications
The International and Comparative Law Quarterly, which is produced by BIICL, is one of the world's leading law journals. Its high quality articles provide incisive and insightful analysis of a wide-range of areas.
In addition, BIICL publishes many of its major research projects, some of which are available free of charge, and other papers on contemporary legal issues. It also publishes a regular Newsletter.
Membership
Membership of BIICL is open to anyone interested in issues of international and comparative law. Their members include public and private practitioners, judges, academics, non-lawyers, students and many others. The benefits of membership are many and include the opportunity of networking in such an interesting and diverse community.
Development
Donations are a crucial part of their ability to continue to provide the vital independent analysis and leadership that they offer.
