Jaime Carey makes history by becoming the first Chilean President of the IBA

Latin Counsel has had the honour of interviewing Jaime Carey on the occasion of his appointment as President of the International Bar Association (IBA). This significant milestone not only underscores his remarkable career but also his renewed commitment to enhancing Latin America’s role in the global legal arena.

Jaime aims to amplify the region’s representation, strengthening its voice in discussions surrounding justice and legality.

He officially took office on January 1, 2025, becoming the first Chilean to hold this prestigious position, succeeding Almudena Arpón de Mendívil, partner at the Spanish law firm Gómez-Acebo y Pombo, who presided over the 2023/2024 term.

With over 40 years of experience with the IBA, Jaime is a beloved and respected figure within the legal community.

Jaime is poised to revitalize the organization, foster new initiatives, and ensure continuity of projects initiated by his predecessors. He is committed to promoting diversity and integrating artificial intelligence within the IBA. In an era rife with misinformation, his leadership is a critical response to these challenges, with a renewed focus on integrity and collaboration.

In this interview, Jaime discusses his vision for fostering collaboration among the IBA’s various divisions and emphasizes the paramount importance of upholding the rule of law.

Latin Counsel: What are the main objectives of your mandate?

Jaime Carey: My primary objectives are to foster unity and collaboration among all divisions, regional forums, and entities of the IBA. I aim to implement significant projects for the legal profession with the active participation of all IBA members. Additionally, I intend to continue the initiatives started by my predecessors, particularly the outgoing president, Almudena Arpón de Mendívil. A key focus will be on upholding the rule of law, ensuring the independence of lawyers, increasing the IBA’s presence in Asia and Africa, promoting diversity, and addressing the implications of artificial intelligence in the profession and within the IBA.

Latin Counsel: With so many important issues at hand, what will be your priorities?

Jaime Carey: Externally, my focus will be on defending the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the autonomy of legal practitioners. I also aim to strengthen our outreach to Asia and Africa, continue advancing diversity policies within the IBA, and implement artificial intelligence to better utilize our extensive databases, facilitating new projects based on past experiences.

Latin Counsel: What do you see as the main challenges facing the IBA in the future?

Jaime Carey: Our challenge is to maintain the IBA as the global voice of the legal profession. This entails a leading role in upholding the principles of the rule of law, judicial independence, and professional autonomy in a highly polarized world. The malicious use of social media and the prevalence of misinformation, particularly through artificial intelligence, pose significant risks to society. Addressing the regulation of AI and social networks will be one of our foremost challenges in the coming years.

Latin Counsel: How has the IBA evolved during your time with the organization?

Jaime Carey: I have been a member of the IBA for 41 years. When I started, annual conferences attracted between 600 and 800 lawyers; today, they draw between 5,000 and 6,000 attendees. The range of topics and committees has expanded dramatically. Previously, the annual conference accounted for about 90% of the IBA’s income; now, over 140 regional conferences and specialized seminars contribute approximately 50-60% of our annual revenue. Initially, participation was dominated by European and North American lawyers, but now we see significant attendance from Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Additionally, the establishment of the IBA Human Rights Institute has strengthened our efforts to uphold the rule of law and the integrity of lawyers globally. The IBA’s remarkable work in assisting judges, lawyers, and Bar members to leave Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover is a testament to our commitment.

Latin Counsel: What personal significance does the IBA hold for you, and how has it influenced your life?

Jaime Carey: The IBA has been profoundly important to me. It has facilitated connections with a vast network of lawyers around the world, leading to professional collaborations and lasting friendships. This global network has also enriched my understanding of diverse customs and cultures. I take comfort in knowing that if my children travel anywhere, I have colleagues or friends who can assist them in emergencies. Building such a broad network has been invaluable.

Latin Counsel: What fundamental changes could be implemented to optimize the organization?

Jaime Carey: As the organization has grown, certain changes are necessary. One key area we are examining is the structure of the annual conference, ensuring it aligns with the myriad events organized by law firms and global legal organizations. Finding venues that can accommodate our increasing number of attendees has become a challenge. To facilitate broader participation, especially among non-English speakers, we are exploring the use of simultaneous translation through artificial intelligence, enabling diverse voices to engage in our discussions.

About Jaime Carey:

Jaime Carey was appointed president of the International Bar Association on January 1, 2025, following a distinguished career spanning several decades in various roles within the organization.
He serves as Executive Chairman of Carey, the largest law firm in Chile, and is a leader in the Tax Group, focusing on corporate and personal planning, local and international tax consulting, project finance, mergers and acquisitions, and foreign investment.

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