CLA News / United by a shared commitment to the rule of law across the Commonwealth
Strengthening Commonwealth connections and our shared commitment to the rule of law
CLA President-Elect Sophie Stanbrook met with Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on 8 September for a warm and constructive discussion focused on strengthening the relationship between the Commonwealth Lawyers Association and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Sophie was accompanied by CLA Secretary General Brigid Watson and Policy Advisor Helen Jones. Joining the Commonwealth Secretary-General were the Senior Director of the Governance and Peace Directorate, John Virgoe, Head of the Rule of Law Section, Elizabeth Macharia Mokobi and Policy Advisor to the Chief of Staff, Hafsa Maalim.
The meeting provided an important opportunity to discuss shared priorities and the principles enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter, including the rule of law, good governance, human rights and access to justice.
Discussions explored how the CLA’s Commonwealth-wide network of lawyers, Bar Councils and legal organisations can contribute to wider Commonwealth priorities, particularly in strengthening democratic resilience and responding to emerging threats to the rule of law.
The CLA also highlighted its ongoing work to strengthen protections for lawyers across the Commonwealth, recognising the important relationship between the independence and safety of the legal profession and the wider health of democratic institutions.
The meeting looked ahead to the 25th Commonwealth Law Conference, taking place in Darwin in May 2027, and its relevance to Commonwealth priorities including the rule of law, economic resilience, international investment and the particular challenges facing small island developing states.
Other areas of discussion included opportunities to develop the Commonwealth Pro Bono Centre and to build further practical collaboration between the CLA and Commonwealth Secretariat.
As Sophie prepares to take on the CLA Presidency in July 2027, the meeting marked an important step in strengthening relationships and developing partnerships that can support the Association’s work during her presidency and beyond.
United by common values and purpose, the CLA looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and other Commonwealth partners to strengthen and uphold the rule of law across the Commonwealth.
