Formally established in 2002, the association is a merger between the previous ASEAN law students association, as well as the East Asian law students association, which were two student bodies that had similar goals of fostering stronger ties and a greater understanding of the different legal systems among its member Asian countries. Recognizing their common goals, as well as the ever-increasing onset of globalization in the region, these two associations signed an agreement in 2002, thus forming ALSA into the organization that is known to be today. Reaching over 9,000 members in over 17 jurisdictions, it has become the premier representative body of law students in Asia.