The International Bar Association’s Bar Issues Commission (BIC) has launched a survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on its global membership, which is comprised of 190 bar associations and law societies spanning over 170 countries, including New Zealand. The survey was prompted by reports of attacks on the rule of law and serious damage being caused to justice systems across the world in the name of fighting the virus.

The survey will collect information on:

*        the impact of COVID-19 on bar associations’ and law societies’ day-to-day operations, finances and staff;

*        the impact measures taken to tackle the virus have had on local justice systems, court proceedings, key work undertaken by lawyers and legal representation for prisoners; and

*        members’ COVID-19-related activity in the wider community, including access to justice initiatives undertaken, and pro bono work.

Members are being encouraged to complete the survey in order to obtain “a snapshot of how Covid-19 has affected our members, including the impact on their operations, finances and administration of justice in their jurisdictions more broadly”, say BIC Chair Péter Köves and Vice Chair Kimitoshi Yabuki.

“This information will in turn allow us to coordinate our longer-term responses to the crisis more effectively and better understand the help you need both now and in the future,” they say.

The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and can be accessed here.