about us

With over 3,500 members, ACLA (Australian Corporate Lawyers Association) is the peak national association representing the interests of lawyers working for corporations and government in Australia ('in-house lawyers'). Over 80% of ACLA's membership is made up of full members - individual in-house lawyers including those new to in-house through to those working in ASX 200 companies and General Counsel. Our other membership categories include associate members (individuals with an interest in supporting in-house lawyers) as well as students.

In-house lawyers constitute approx 30% of the total Australian legal profession or about 14,000 practitioners, making ACLA's role as the 'voice of in-house lawyers' a vital one for the furthering and advancement of the profession.

ACLA is a not-for-profit organisation and a company limited by guarantee incorporated in New South Wales. We are governed by a representative Board, Divisions and Executive Committees. Click here to read more about how ACLA is structured.

our mission

ACLA’s mission statement and primary objective is to be, and be recognised as, the leading association in Australia for the advancement and better understanding of the practice of law in the corporate and government sectors by members and the public.

Specifically, ACLA’s role is to:

• advance in-house practice knowledge through the sharing of information (ie conferences, seminars and publications)
• assist members to enhance their in-house skills by providing continuing legal education
• represent members, providing a voice for in-house lawyers

our history

ACLA was formed in 1991, but can trace its roots to the 1960s. For more on our history.......

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