The Ethiopian Bar Association has replaced nine of its 13 top executive members who have served it over the past 10 years.

During the General Assembly, which was held at Semien Hotel on Belay Zeleke Road, on December 23, 2006, the President of the Association, Getachew Kitaw, was replaced by Tamiru WendimAgegnehu, but his Deputy, WoldeSelassie Birtu was re-elected to serve further in his seat.

Alemu Denekew, who was the Finance Officer and Continuing Legal Education Chair, was elected as Secretary of the General Assembly. The former Treasurer of the Association, Dilnessahu Tadesse was replaced by MehretAb Leul.

The Ethiopian Bar Association was first established as the Advocate’s Welfare Association in 1965. A year after it was formed, it changed its name to Advocate’s Association and finally in 1967, the Association amended its name to what it is known under.

Although there are 800 lawyers registered under the Ministry of Justice, only 580 are members of this Association. Nevertheless, when adding the number of members that passed away over the years and those that did not renew their membership, the Association remains with a mere 439 members.

The Association in collaboration with Action Professionals Association for Peoples (APAP) has been rendering consultancy services for free at the Associations’ main office in Addis Abeba as well as in two other offices in the capital. In the past year alone, they have managed to consult 913 individuals.