IBA names Almudena Arpón de Mendívil lifetime honorary president
The International Bar Association (IBA), a global organisation of legal professionals, has appointed Almudena Arpón de Mendívil, partner at Gómez-Acebo & Pombo, as its lifetime honorary president – the first woman to achieve such recognition in 20 years. IBA’s highest distinction recognises “her exceptional leadership and lasting contribution to the global legal profession”, states Gómez-Acebo & Pombo.
The honour was conferred on 23 May 2026 during the IBA meeting held in Prague. This distinction may be granted to former presidents of the Association in recognition of their service to the IBA and to the advancement of the legal profession worldwide. Almudena served as president of the association in 2023 and 2024.
“During her term, she promoted an agenda aimed at strengthening the role of the legal profession as a guarantor of the rule of law, international legal cooperation, and the profession’s contribution to society”, states the law firm.
Achievements
Among the main achievements of her presidency were the pioneering reports on The Social and Economic Impact of the Legal Profession, the IBA’s first Legal Agenda, the launch of the report Raising the Bar: Women in the Legal Profession, and recommendations on the responsible use of AI in the legal sector. She also promoted the development of the International Legal Practice programme, in collaboration with IE University, King’s College London and FGV Direito São Paulo, helping to strengthen legal education and foster international professional collaboration.
Claudio Visco, president of the IBA, stated: “Almudena’s presidency was defined by her vision, her collaborative spirit, and a firm commitment to the rule of law. Her leadership strengthened the IBA’s global influence and helped to demonstrate the impact and essential contribution of lawyers and legal institutions to the economy, society and democracy worldwide, as well as the shortcomings on which the IBA and the legal profession as a whole should focus their efforts.”
For her part, Almudena Arpón de Mendívil noted: “The rule of law is weakening around us and affects us all. It erodes the foundation on which trust in institutions, democratic coexistence and investment are built. Lawyers are not mere spectators in this situation. By vocation and training, we are the first line of defence of the structures that enable a fair and predictable society. And we must act on a global scale, because the challenge is global. Collaboration with professionals and organisations around the world, and particularly with associations such as the IBA, firmly committed to the values of the rule of law, is essential. United, our collective voice is amplified. During my presidency of the IBA I advocated for these causes. I will continue to do so with renewed enthusiasm, inspired by the recognition of the IBA’s lifetime honorary presidency.”
