ISLP was created when a group of public-spirited senior partners of global law firms convened to discuss how they might help serve the world community. ISLP's founders were convinced that: (1) there is a widespread need throughout the developing world for legal assistance from experienced attorneys; and (2) there is a growing pool of attorneys at or near retirement age who have the ability to help meet that demand and the desire to serve the world community. A seven-month study was conducted to determine the validity of these premises. Since the study's completion in June 2001, ISLP has undertaken projects addressing human rights and economic justice in many areas around the world.