about us
THE CONSTITUTIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW BAR ASSOCIATION IS A SPECIALIST BAR ASSOCIATION OF THE BAR OF ENGLAND AND WALES.
ALBA is the professional association for practitioners of public law. It exists to further knowledge about administrative law amongst its members and to promote the observance of its principles.
It is predominantly an association of members of the Bar but amongst its members are also judges, solicitors, lawyers in public service, academics and students. Students are particularly encouraged to join. Members do not have to demonstrate that they practice administrative law in order to join but are likely to share an interest in this important area of law.
In particular, members of the Association are active participants in the development of judicial review and the interpretation and application of the Human Rights Act. The Association provides a forum for debating the issues which continue to arise in these and other related areas.
ALBA holds meetings throughout the year on topics of interest which mostly take place in the Temple.
An annual conference is usually held over a summer weekend.
Regular newsletters are sent to all members. ALBA is an accredited provider of Continuing Education with both the Bar Council and the Law Society. The attendance at meetings and the conference attracts credits for continuing professional development requirements.
ALBA has a permanent representative on the Bar Council in its capacity as a Specialist Bar Association. It is consulted by the Bar, the Lord Chancellor's Department and the Court Service about matters affecting practice and procedure in the Administrative Court. Its view are sought on issues relating to the reform of law.
As a Specialist Bar association, ALBA is required to confine full membership of the association to members of the Bar. Other lawyers and students are welcome to join as associate members.
membership
The work that we do is dependent on the support of our Members. This support enables us to continue to organise events and meetings aimed at promoting knowledge in the field of public law and to remain actively involved in current developments in constitutional and administrative law.