1. Introduction to LBA
The Lao Bar Association (LBA) represents practicing lawyers of Lao PDR. The Association is a semi-autonomous organization and works under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice. The Association has both male and female members.

Lao Bar Association serves as a regulatory body for the legal profession. The Association is responsible for providing trainings to its current and prospective membership and also recommends intern lawyers to become practicing lawyers and members of the Lao Bar Association.

The Association was established pursuant to PM Decree 64 of 1996, namely, "Decree Pertaining to the Organization and Operation of Bar Association of Lao PDR". Prior to this, other decrees existed on the operation of the legal profession.

2. Role of the Lao Bar Association
Article 2 of the PM Decree 64 outlines the rights and duties of the LBA. Members of the Lao Bar Association have the role of

1. The Association’s members
2. The Congress of lawyers
3. The Board of the Bar Association
4. The Control/Audit committee of the association

At the moment, the Lao Bar Association is undergoing organizational change which will lead to a strengthened organization. The Association is being run by the Executive Committee and is supported by various Sub-Committees. The Association’s senior management includes the President and a Vice-President.

3. Organizational Structure
According to Article 5 of the PM Decree 64, the Association consists of:

1. The Association’s members
2. The Congress of lawyers
3. The Board of the Bar Association
4. The Control/Audit committee of the association

At the moment, the Lao Bar Association is undergoing organizational change which will lead to a strengthened organization. The Association is being run by the Executive Committee and is supported by various Sub-Committees. The Association’s senior management includes the President and a Vice-President.


4. Sub-Committees of Lao Bar Association
The Sub-Committees contribute to the activities of the Lao Bar Association. The Lao Bar is keen to develop its Sub-Committees and they include: Training, Legislative, Legal Aid, Public Legal Education and International Cooperation. 

1. Training Sub-Committee
   
The Training Sub-Committee of the Lao Bar Association plays an important role in providing requisite training to its members and intern lawyers. The Association considers it important that its members are aware of the latest laws and that they build their legal skills as professional Lawyers.

The Lao Bar Association is also planning to introduce a rigorous Bar Admission Program for its Interns. This will improve the quality of legal services. Added to this initiative is the Continuous Legal Education Program of the Lao Bar Association for its current members. Through Continuous Legal Education, any gaps in skills and knowledge areas of the current membership would be filled on annual basis.


2. Legislative Sub-Committee
   
The Legislative Sub-Committee of the Lao Bar Association provides support to the Organization on drafting and amending internal regulations of the Association and to contribute to development of new legislation on the legal profession.


3. Legal Aid Sub-Committee
   
The role of the Legal Aid Sub-Committee is to support and supervise the legal aid activities of the Lao Bar Association. It has successfully been able to set up a legal aid clinic at the Head Office of the Lao Bar Association in Vientiane. It also works closely with the office network of the LBA for providing pro-bono legal services.


4. Public Legal Education Sub-Committee
   
The Public Legal Education Sub-Committee has been established to support activities pertaining to creating awareness among public of laws and their rights.


5. International Cooperation Sub-Committee
   
The International Cooperation Sub-Committee is responsible for cooperating with foreign bar associations and law societies. The Sub-Committee also coordinates with Donors and International Organizations.

6. International Cooperation Sub-Committee
   
The International Cooperation Sub-Committee is responsible for cooperating with foreign bar associations and law societies. The Sub-Committee also coordinates with Donors and International Organizations.

5. Inspection Committee
The Inspection Committee is entrusted with regulating the conduct of the members of the Lao Bar Association. The role of the Committee is to ensure that members of the Lao Bar Association comply with various codes and laws, which are biding on them, and that they provide their legal services according to ethical standards expected from a lawyer.