Michael Clancy receives honour from IBA

Michael Clancy OBE, the Director of Law Reform at the Law Society of Scotland, has been awarded Honorary Life Membership of the International Bar Association (IBA). This prestigious recognition acknowledges his exceptional contributions to the IBA’s initiatives spanning over twenty years. The award was presented by Claudio Visco, the Joint President of the IBA, during the Council meeting held in Prague on Saturday, 23 May.

Reflecting on this honour, Michael stated, “It is a genuine pleasure to be part of the International Bar Association’s work to bring together legal communities from across the world in a combined effort to uphold the rule of law, access to justice and human rights. So to say that I am delighted to be recognised by friends and colleagues at the Association is an understatement. I look forward to carrying on our important work defending the rule of law in a challenging global environment.”

In recognising Michael’s influence, Mr Visco remarked, “Michael Clancy has been one of the IBA’s key reference points, representing the Law Society as a Council Member and serving as Chair of the IBA Credentials Committee for several years. In recent years, he has also supported the Association through its constitutional and governance review by successfully chairing the IBA Constitution and Governance Committee.”

The IBA, established in 1947, stands as the leading organisation for global legal practitioners, bar associations, law firms, and law societies. With a membership base of over 80,000 lawyers and more than 190 associated bar associations from 170 countries, the IBA plays a vital role in promoting and protecting the rule of law, contributing to global stability and peace.

Michael Clancy's career has been marked by significant roles within the Law Society of Scotland, where he became a Deputy Secretary in 1988, stepping away from private practice. His current role includes Director of Law Reform, and he has served as the immediate past Chairman of the IBA Constitution and Governance Committee, guiding the IBA through crucial governance reforms. An acknowledged figure in legal circles, he was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Jubilee Birthday Honours List in June 2002 and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 2024. He is also a member of the Society of Writers to His Majesty’s Signet.

Clancy's extensive involvement with the IBA, especially in chairing the Credentials and Constitution and Governance Committees, underscores his dedication to enhancing the integrity and effectiveness of the association, ensuring that it continues to adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving legal landscape.