First woman International Bar Association chief on horizon

The International Bar Association (IBA) moved a step closer to having its first woman president when its council backed English-born Dianna Kempe last weekend.The council meeting in Versailles confirmed Bermuda-based Ms Kempe, currently vice-president, as its favoured candidate to become president ahead of Italian Mauro Rubino-Sammartano.

It is understood that Mr Rubino-Sammartano is likely to renew his candidacy at the IBA's general meeting of its law society and Bar members in September, when the final vote is taken, though the general meeting usually follows the council's lead.Argentinian Emilio Cardenas won the vote for vice-president, while US lawyer Ben Greer squeezed in for secretary-general.

Mr Greer had been neck and neck with English solicitor Francis Neate, the current treasurer, with neither able to pass the 60% voting threshold.

Mr Neate eventually backed out of the race to applause from fellow council members.A similar deadlock occurred in the election for treasurer; although Holland's Willem Calkoen received more votes than Spain's Fernando Pombo, he could not reach 60%.

As a result, the decision will be left to the general meeting.

Neil Rose