The Colombian American Bar Association (COLBAR), founded in 1995 by a small group of South Florida lawyers, is experiencing significant growth and renewed energy. Over the past four years, its membership has expanded from 25-30 to over 150 members, with participation now reaching across the United States and internationally. Under the leadership of current President Paula Arias, a UM Law professor, COLBAR recently held a successful international law seminar in Medellin, Colombia, attended by over 150 members of the Colombian legal community. The event focused on cross-border legal issues and helped foster valuable partnerships and gained COLBAR ten new international members. This seminar, despite initial criticism for its location, saw participation from various Colombian cities and sectors, including government, private sector, and academia, underscoring the association’s growing influence and commitment to fostering international legal collaboration.
Paula Arias, who earned her first law degree in Colombia and later a second from the University of Miami, has significantly contributed to COLBAR’s growth through her extensive connections within the Colombian legal community. The association, which now includes members from prestigious law schools such as Fordham, Northwestern, Stanford, Cornell, and others, holds monthly remote meetings, enabling international participation. COLBAR is dedicated to supporting the Colombian community through initiatives like an annual turkey drive and weekly pro bono legal clinics at the Colombian Consulate. The organization’s inclusive membership policy welcomes not only Colombians but also lawyers from around the world, reflecting its mission to build a global legal community that emphasizes hard work, discipline, and a commitment to service.
You can read the full article here:
https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-news/colbar-gains-international-momentum/
