The International Legal Aid Group (ILAG) Conference is a biennial event organized by ILAG, a network of legal aid specialists including chief executives, managers from legal aid commissions, high-ranking civil servants, and leading academics from over two dozen countries. The 2025 conference is scheduled to take place in Cologne, Germany, from June 25th to 27th.
The conference will focus on the theme "Affording Legal Aid," addressing key topics such as the sustainability of legal aid systems, innovative funding mechanisms, and the integration of technology to enhance access to justice. Sessions will include presentations of national reports, discussions on policy developments, and workshops on best practices in legal aid delivery.
Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities with international peers, participation in social events, and access to an expo hall featuring organizations and vendors specializing in legal aid services and technologies. Notable speakers will include prominent figures in the field of legal aid and access to justice.
This conference is ideal for legal aid professionals, policymakers, academics, and practitioners interested in the latest developments and challenges in legal aid. It offers a platform to share experiences, learn from international counterparts, and contribute to the global discourse on improving access to justice.
Speakers(4)
Christina Kamili Ruhinda
Executive Director at Tanzania Network of Legal Aid Providers (TANLAP)
Ms. Christina Kamili Ruhinda is a lawyer with a Master's degree in Governance and Leadership, serving as the Executive Director of TANLAP. She has over 10 years of experience in legal aid, human rights, gender, governance, justice, and rule of law, and has authored several publications in international journals.
Pierre Castonguay
Executive Director at New Brunswick Legal Aid Services Commission
Mr. Pierre Castonguay has been the Executive Director of the New Brunswick Legal Aid Services Commission since July 2016, overseeing all legal aid programs in the province. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer and has a background as a prosecutor with over 17 years of experience.
Steve Burford
Vice President, Finance & Technology at Legal Aid Alberta
Steve Burford, CPA CGA, is the Vice President of Finance & Technology at Legal Aid Alberta, overseeing finance, IT, facilities, and procurement. He has extensive experience in federal, provincial, and municipal governments, including roles with the Canada Revenue Agency and Parks Canada.
Vicky Kemp
Principal Research Fellow at University of Nottingham
Dr. Vicky Kemp is a Principal Research Fellow in the School of Law at the University of Nottingham, specializing in empirical studies of the criminal justice system. She has managed research on police station legal advice, criminal legal aid, and is currently developing a police station app to improve young suspects' understanding of their legal rights.
Event Details
- Date
- June 25-27, 2025
- 3 days
- Location
- 🇩🇪 Cologne, Germany
- Cologne, Germany
- Audience
- Legal aid professionals, policymakers, academics, and practitioners interested in legal aid and access to justice.