The ISOB was created in 1965 and is dedicated to preserving trial by jury, the adversary system and an independent judiciary. Its founders conceived the organization to bring together the best of the trial bar in a setting devoid of partisan interests. The emphasis of the organization is on warm fellowship among professionals without regard to their orientations as plaintiffs' or defendants' advocates. In such a setting it becomes possible to consider, rationally and in good will, issues of ethics and excellence in advocacy and the role of litigation in society. The Society's membership consists of Fellows of the Society. As individuals, the Fellows of the Society are committed to the highest of ethical standards and to civility in all their personal and professional relationships. One of the hallmarks of the organization is the inclusion of members' spouses or significant others as full participants in the activities of the Society.
New Fellows are elected by the Society's Board of Governors on nomination by an existing Fellow and after inquiry as to the nominee's skill as a trial lawyer and personal and professional integrity directed to other Barristers in the nominee's region and to judges before whom the nominee has tried cases.