Commonwealth Legal Education Association

The Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA) is a UK-based nonprofit organisation, registered under charity number 1039746. Founded in 1971, CLEA is dedicated to fostering and promoting high standards of legal education across the Commonwealth countries.

Purpose

The primary objective of CLEA is to advance education by fostering high standards of legal education in all Commonwealth nations. It focuses on legal systems drawn from the Anglo-American tradition, specifically the Common Law. This mission is pursued through various activities aimed at making legal education both socially relevant and professionally useful.

Activities

CLEA engages in a range of activities to achieve its goals:

• Conferences and Moots: These events provide platforms for legal professionals, academics, and students to discuss contemporary legal issues and develop relevant skills.
• Lecture Series: Featuring leading legal academics and judges, these lectures contribute to ongoing legal education and development.
• Curriculum Development: CLEA works on developing new curricula that reflect the importance of Commonwealth jurisprudence and equip law students with the skills required in the 21st-century legal environment.
• Newsletters: Publishing regular newsletters to keep members informed about legal news, developments, and upcoming events within the Commonwealth.

Structure

CLEA operates as a Commonwealth-wide body with regional Chapters and Committees in several regions, including South Asia, Southern Africa, West Africa, the Caribbean, and the UK. This structure allows for a diverse and inclusive approach to legal education across different Commonwealth countries.

Governance

The association is governed by a constitution adopted in April 1971 and amended in June 1993. It is managed by an executive committee responsible for overseeing its activities and ensuring alignment with its charitable objectives.

CLEA’s commitment to enhancing legal education aligns with broader efforts to promote an independent, ethical, and efficient legal profession throughout the Commonwealth.

[1] https://thecommonwealth.org/organisations/commonwealth-legal-education-association-clea [2] https://clea.ac [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1039746/governing-document [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1039746&subid=0 [5] http://clea.ac/news.html