The German Bar Association is the independent organisation of German lawyers. Based on voluntary membership, the German Bar Association (Deutscher Anwaltverein, “DAV”) represents German lawyers and notary lawyers in all economic, public and professional interests as well as policy questions related to the rule of law. The DAV observes political and confessional neutrality and places great emphasis on respect for human rights and the rule of law. The DAV was a founding shareholder of ELIL when it was established in June 2016.