Early findings of the first global study of the contribution of lawyers to society should be released later this month, the head of the International Bar Association said this week.

Almudena Arpón de Mendívil, a partner at Madrid firm Gómez-Acebo & Pombo, told the Gazette that the IBA’s ‘impact project’ comes at a time when the legal profession is ‘suffering a slight down in perception’. The study, for which management consultancy McKinsey is providing analytical services, includes a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative assessment of the socio-economic impact of the legal profession. It will also identify ways in which it can be enhanced and better communicated.

The research involves interviews, a literature search and surveys of the legal community and general public. Interim findings will be released at the IBA’s annual conference in Paris this month, with the final report due to be published in the first quarter of 2024.

Arpón de Mendívil, who took over as IBA president in January, said she expected the report to paint an upbeat picture. ‘My point of departure is that contributions have to be positive, though clearly there will be areas where the profession needs to improve.’

She noted that current perceptions of lawyers vary widely between jurisdictions, social classes and economic means – and whether the individual has experience of using a lawyer. ‘The good thing is that, if they have had experience, they have a better perception,’ she said.

 

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