The system of legal practice in Taiwan originated when the Taipei Advocates Union was founded during the Japanese colonial era. After the Second World War, the KMT (Chinese Nationalist) Government took control of Taiwan, assuming authority on November 1, 1945 over the Taiwan High Court and Taipei District Court, which had been established under the Japanese Governor-General Office. On the same day, the lawyers in Taipei also took charge of the Taipei Advocates Union and another group, the Law Society, and began to re-organize them as the Taipei Bar Association (hereinafter referred to as the TBA).

     Most of the TBA members were among the Taiwanese elite under colonial rule. Due to their adherence to the rule of law, they made considerable contributions to protecting the rights of Taiwan people. In 1947, The February 28 Event erupted, when, following protests against corruption and economic mismanagement, KMT troops massacred and arrested thousands of Taiwanese. Many TBA members, as prestigious scholars of the law, were specifically targeted. In particular, the murders of the TBA Chairman, Li Sui-ham, Attorney-at-Law and his brother, Li Sui-hong, Attorney-at-Law, were a severe challenge to the organization.

     Despite these turbulent circumstances, the enactment of related articles and organizational stipulations continued, and the TBA was formally founded on August 15, 1947.

     For the last several decades, and especially since the end of martial law in 1987, members of the TBA have devoted considerable time and energy to democratic and social movements. In particular, many TBA members have participated actively in activities related to reviving and amending the Constitution as well as to promoting judicial reform, human rights, environmental protection, consumer protection, and gender equality. In this way, the TBA has played a significant role in the dramatic evolution of Taiwan¡¦ political and social life.