British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL) strives to be at the forefront of discussions on issues of international and comparative law. Many of BIICL’s activities have a direct or indirect impact on policy and law, as well as more generally on the responses of others to their work. The main areas of impact include the promotion of international peace and security, business engagement, law reform, access to justice and legal capacity building.

BIICL is a membership-based organisation. Membership is open to all and enables access to a diverse community of practitioners, scholars and many others with an interest in international and comparative law, and the rule of law. Members are kept informed on BIICL’s latest research and developments, with opportunities to engage in debate and discussion through events, seminars and conferences.

BIICL publishes the International & Comparative Law Quarterly (ICLQ). The journal covers papers on public and private international law, comparative law, human rights and European law.

The Institute enhances its research activities through specialist discussion and working groups, called Forums, covering Competition Law, Investment Treaty Law, Product Liability Law and Business and Human Rights. The Forums bring together people engaged in these areas, including solicitors, barristers, in-house counsel, policy advisers, lobbyists, academics, government officials, regulators and international officials.

The BIICL UNGPs in Legal Practice Roundtable series was established in 2018. It is a platform for legal practitioners working in business and human rights to discuss legal developments around the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).

While BIICL is primarily known for its research, events and publications, BIICL also conducts research-informed teaching, training and capacity building. Programmes cover diverse topics and have included training government officials, practitioners, civil society representatives and others across a wide range of countries.

Vision:

The British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL) exists to develop and advance the understanding of international and comparative law in the UK and around the world, and to promote the rule of law in national and international affairs. Through our work, we seek to improve decision-making which will help to make the world a better place and have a positive impact on people’s daily lives.

Our organisational vision is for BIICL to be an independent leader in applied legal research and ideas: informing debate, policy and practice; upholding and maintaining humane and democratic values; promoting evidence-based decision-making; and contributing to the upholding of the international legal order and the rule of law in the UK and worldwide.

BIICL’s operations are funded by paid memberships including individuals and organisations. Research projects and events are funded by a wide variety of bodies including research councils, trusts and foundations, law firms, barrister’s chambers, national governments, the European Commission and Parliament, and non-governmental organisations. The Institute receives no general core funding from any government or private source.