Strategic leadership and oversight.
ROLA is governed by a Board drawn from across the legal profession and civil society providing strategic leadership and oversight of the Alliance's work.
Rule of Law Alliance
Defending the rule of law, judicial independence and democracy.
The Rule of Law Alliance brings together the legal profession and civil society to defend the rule of law, judicial independence and democracy at a time of growing attack.
ROLA is preparing its first membership phase. Early invitations begin on 8 May 2026, with wider membership opening soon after.
About us
A collective voice for the rule of law.
The Rule of Law Alliance (ROLA) brings together lawyers, judges, academics, professional associations and NGOs to promote the rule of law.
ROLA provides a collective, principled voice in support of legality, accountability and equal access to justice in the UK and beyond.
It offers a forum for informed discussion, public understanding and practical collaboration across the rule-of-law community.
Our objects
Principles in practice.
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01
To promote the rule of law, constitutional principles and the sound administration of justice in the United Kingdom and internationally.
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02
To protect and promote the independence, integrity and proper role of the judiciary and the legal profession, including by supporting lawyers and judges who are subject to threats, harassment, intimidation or unjustified attack by reason of their professional duties.
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03
To advance education and public understanding of the rule of law, judicial independence, the legal profession, and the constitutional framework of human rights and democratic accountability.
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04
To promote the sound development, enforcement and administration of law, including by conducting and publishing research, commentary and analysis on legislation, public policy and legal practice affecting the rule of law.
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05
To promote informed public debate and awareness of issues relating to the rule of law.
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06
To promote the maintenance of the UK as a leading global jurisdiction of choice for the resolution of international disputes.
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07
To collaborate with, support and coordinate the work of other organisations and individuals engaged in the promotion of the rule of law insofar as such collaboration furthers the objects of the organisation.
Who we are
People across law and civil society.
ROLA is a cross-disciplinary alliance of individuals and organisations committed to the rule of law as a foundational democratic value. Our members span the legal profession, academia and civil society, united by a shared concern about increasing hostility towards courts, judges, lawyers and rights-based legal challenge.
External perspective and insight.
Our Advisory Board brings together senior figures with expertise in law, academia, public life and advocacy, offering guidance, insight and external perspective.
Specialist working groups.
Our specialist subcommittees drive the work of the alliance and focus on key areas.
Our partners
Built through collaboration.
We work collaboratively with organisations engaged in promoting the rule of law, human rights and access to justice, including professional bodies, NGOs, research institutes and academic centres.
These include, among others: legal professional associations, human rights organisations, universities and research bodies identified in our founding documents.
Membership
Join the Alliance.
ROLA's work is entirely dependent on the support and engagement of its members. Our activities are undertaken on a largely voluntary basis by members of our Committee, Advisory Board and our subcommittees, with limited administrative support.
Membership fees enable us to organise events where knowledge and experience are shared openly, to respond collectively to attacks on the rule of law, and to amplify concerns about judicial independence and democratic accountability in public debate. The continued support of our members is essential to the work we do and is deeply valued.
ROLA welcomes people and organisations who want to contribute to a serious, collaborative forum for rule-of-law discussion, education and practical solidarity.
Lawyers
Students
Academics
Judges and former judges
Law firms
Law centres
Barristers' chambers
Universities
NGOs
Campaigning organisations
Membership type
Who it is for
Individual members
Lawyers and students working in all areas of the law, at any stage of practice or study.
Organisational members
Law firms, law centres, barristers' chambers, universities, NGOs and campaigning organisations.
Associate members
Associate members from other jurisdictions. One of ROLA's core objectives is to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and experience between practising lawyers, judges and academic lawyers, strengthening understanding and collective resilience across the rule-of-law community.
For membership enquiries and expressions of interest, early invitations begin on 8 May 2026, with wider membership rollout to follow.
News and Events
Conversations, learning and connection.
ROLA holds regular seminars, panel discussions and social events, creating space for informed discussion, shared learning and solidarity across the legal and civil society community.
The programme is designed for both public conversation and member connection, from focused round-tables to larger gatherings.
Public seminars and round-tables
Public seminars and round-tables on contemporary rule of law challenges.
Expert panels
Expert panels addressing threats to judicial independence and the legal profession.
Annual conference and members' events
An annual conference and members' events.
Informal social gatherings
Informal social gatherings to strengthen professional networks and collaboration.
