11/21/08--Professor Cynthia Lichtenstein was elected a Vice Chairman of the International Law Association (ILA) at the Executive Council Meeting on November 15, 2008.

"I am honored to have been elected as Vice Chairman," Lichtenstein said. "I look forward to serving the ILA in this capacity."

Founded in Brussels in 1873, the objective of the ILA is to study, clarify and develop international law and to further the international understanding and respect for international law. The ILA also gives non-governmental law consultations to several United Nations specialized agencies and aids in drafting resolutions, treaties and other international instruments.

The executive council of the ILA organizes the activities of the organization, and the headquarters is in London. Currently there are about 3700 members of the ILA in over 40 countries, and its membership includes private practice lawyers, academics, government officials, the judiciary, and non-lawyer experts.

The ILA has 40 national branches that are divided into committees that undertake projects. Lichtenstein served as President of the American Branch of the ILA--one of the largest branches--from 1992 to 1998.