Composition

Membership Criteria

Membership in the Academy is extended to recognized experts and scholars in commercial and consumer law. The principal criteria for selection include:

• Publication of scholarly books and academic articles
• Demonstrated research and academic contributions
• Evidence of sustained intellectual engagement and leadership in the field

Maintaining these standards ensures that membership reflects genuine scholarly distinction. The dedication and research of recognized scholars create a shared intellectual bond that facilitates meaningful exchange of ideas.

The Academy currently includes approximately 104 active members.

Advantages of a Selective Membership

Limiting membership to this number provides several important advantages.

Conferences remain manageable in size, allowing meaningful participation and discussion. Host universities and sponsoring institutions have traditionally provided meeting facilities, conference arrangements, and accommodations for attending members. While future funding arrangements may vary, organizing these international conferences requires significant effort and resources from host institutions.

A limited membership also helps ensure balanced international representation. The Academy includes scholars from major commercial law jurisdictions as well as developing countries. For members from developing regions, recognition by the Academy has particular significance and value.

Challenges and Considerations

Selective membership also presents certain challenges. Some highly qualified scholars cannot be included due to membership limitations. The Academy’s size also limits expansion, which may affect younger scholars who are actively building their academic reputations through research and publication.

Members have carefully considered these issues, weighing the benefits of exclusivity against the desire for broader inclusion. The decision has been to preserve the advantages of a highly selective membership while maintaining flexibility.

The Academy may invite distinguished scholars as guests to its conferences, even if they are not formal members. Additionally, members who are no longer able to participate actively may be informally regarded as having emeritus status, allowing new scholars to join and contribute to the Academy’s ongoing work.