ELA was initially organized under the name Advocates' Welfare Association in 1965. As the name indicates, it was only organized for social purpose. One year later, the Association evolved into Advocates' Association in 1966 and registered with the then Ministry of Interior. It was later renamed Ethiopian Bar Association in 1967. ELA is a founding member of Pan African Lawyers' Union (PALU) and the
member of the International Bar Assocation and has an observer status with the East African Law Society . The Association currently has about 543 members
The association performs different activities out of which the main ones are
Continuing Legal Education
Continuing Legal Education is designed to upgrade the legal knowledge and legal skills of lawyers with the objective of training of members. This program also aims at acquainting Ethiopian Lawyers with new laws and legislations and at providing a forum of discussion on current legal issues. Law Reform and Advocacy
The Law Reform and Advocacy program is aimed at proposing amendments and new laws to contribute to the developments in law and in the administration of justice in Ethiopia. It also includes the creation of awareness of the general public in law and human rights through research and publication. It is organizing workshop on constitutional topics to acquaint lawyer, judges and Parliamentarians with the constitution. ELA has already participated in the deliberations of various bills, including the new criminal code when it was at a drafts stage, Evidence law, Procedure law, and Anti-Corruption law. It is a standing member of the committee for judicial reform under the Court Administration Reform Program (CARP). Legal Aid Services
Providing legal aid service to those who are economically and social underprivileged is an objective imperative in Ethiopia given the prevalent poverty. It aims at making justice accessible to the needy
These activates are carried out by different committees which were established for such purpose committees are:
Legal and Human Rights Committee
Members and Court Affairs Committee
Continuing Law Education Committee
Legal Aid Services Committee
Publications, Public and International Relations Committee
The above mentioned committees are holding different events throughout the calendar year and are performing other tasks to meet the objectives of the association
