Tanganyika Law Society

Tanganyika Law Society (hereinafter called the “Society” or “TLS”), which is a creature of statute, governed by the Tanganyika Law Society Act CAP 307, R.E. 2002. The TLS is the Bar Association of Tanzania Mainland with ­­2317 members on the Roll of Advocates. Membership is mandatory for practicing advocates but optional for lawyers not yet admitted to the Bar.

The Society was established with a clear mandate, including to:-
·Assist the Government and the Courts in all matters affecting legislation and administration and practice of the law in Tanzania; and
·Protect and assist the public in Tanzania in all matters touching, ancillary or incidental to the law.

The Secretariat of the Society is housed at 299 Ruhinde Stree, Ada Estate, Dar es Salaam, and maintains operations in seven chapter offices located upcountry in the regions of Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Mwanza, Dodoma, Tabora, Mbeya, and Tanga. The Dar es Salaam office is staffed with eleven (11) employees; chapter officers are run by volunteers (Chapter Convenors) who are elected annually.

The Society runs several programs through its committees, which included a Legal Assistance Committee, and staff. The Secretariat is managed by a Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who oversees the day-to-day operations of the Society including a Member Services desk, Policy/Research Desk, Gender Desk, Legal Aid Unit and the support function to the Council and Committees.

It is through the Council, Committees and staff, that the Society is able to build effective linkages with stakeholders and implement activities with a view to improving the standards of legal practice and enhancing access to justice.