Attorneys who wish to practice before the Court in any of these roles must meet the criteria for admission to the list of attorneys created and maintained by the Secretary in accordance with Rule 21 (of the ICC Rules of Procedure and Evidence (RPE)). Lawyers can participate in the Court's proceedings as defense attorneys, on-call attorneys, ad hoc attorneys, legal assistants, legal representatives of victims, amicus curiae, or attorneys acting on behalf of a State. Lawyers play an important role in safeguarding the rights of accused persons and victims before the ICC through competent and effective representation. All lawyers admitted to the ICCBA List of Lawyers or those who qualify to practice before the ICC as independent defenders or as attorneys for victims can be full members of the ICCBA.
The IBA believes that it is essential for lawyers to collaborate with the Court by joining the list of ICC lawyers eligible to practice before the Court, to keep informed of developments in the ICC and to practice in a manner consistent with the rules of the Code of Conduct for Lawyers. A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience (seven years with a first-level university degree) is required as a prosecutor, investigating judge, criminal defense attorney or equivalent;. Participants come from all over the world, including lawyers from the roster of lawyers and experts from, among others, international courts, as well as representatives of legal associations and other external partners.
