The ACWL
was established in 2001 to level the playing field at the WTO by providing
assistance in WTO dispute settlement proceedings and free legal advice and
training to developing countries and LDCs. More than 20 years after its
creation, this article describes the origins of and rationale behind the ACWL
and assesses the impact of its services. It also explains the current informal
discussions among ACWL Members to improve the accessibility of its services in
the context of the broader WTO discussions regarding the dispute settlement
system reform.