Conference programme

On average we work for more than 50 years, and then retire. Is this model still fit for purpose in 2023 (if it ever was) or is it time to reassess priorities? After all, no one will remember you for working long hours. This session examines the four-day work week, whether it is part of an unstoppable movement to recalibrate our lives to get better work/life balance, its implications for diversity and inclusion and whether it is an option for all or only the privileged few.

This session will focus on the consequences of unpredictable events which alter the contractual balance in the context of international trade. The panellists will address the drafting and enforcement of force majeure and hardship clauses, as well as their interpretation by courts and arbitrators, with a special focus on the Unidroit Principles and ICC standard clauses.

Recent “viral” reports of internal law firm communications that emphasise the “24/7” nature of the practice of law and the need to be constantly “on line” are anecdotal examples of part of the continuing failure of the legal private sector to address the well-documented effects that the practice of law has on the mental well-being of legal practitioners and their support teams. The IBA Professional Wellbeing Commission's survey showed that while most lawyers confirmed their firm’s awareness of the needs to address wellness, in most case the reality was different. This programme will focus on the practical solutions that law firms can and should adopt, recognising the reality of contemporary legal practice while implementing appropriate accommodations.

When law firms embark on their ESG journeys, their pro bono offerings must be central to the social aspect of ESG. Can this be done without diminishing the integrity of pro bono?

Pro Bono Committe: Open Committee Business Meeting to engage with current members and potential new members about the work of the Pro Bono Committee and the role of officers

A breakfast meeting of the Arbitration Committee will take place to discuss matters of interest and future activities, as well as to provide updates on the activities of the Committee.
 

Over the last years, law firm leaders have had to deal with several black swan events- a global pandemic, war in Europe and a global economic recession with high inflation and interest rates. Leading law firms are however still doing good - Do lawyers handle these events better than other businesses or are we simply active in a privileged industry? What have we learned? Where do we think we are headed?

Wars and other disasters whether natural or manmade have many innocent victims, but the most helpless are children. The consequences for them are huge, often lifelong and lifechanging, impacting future generations. Leaving aside the obvious (physical injury and homelessness) families and communities may be ripped apart, roaming stateless, friendless, unable to return home, seeking sanctuary elsewhere and/or facing life in refugee camps ill-equipped for their future. Child victims face not only harsh and uncertain present and futures, but further risks of exploitation. This session will bring together legal and social experts to discuss the ramifications of war and disasters on children around the world and what we as a legal community can do to help.

The session will allow participants to explore with international colleagues how people are meeting the current challenges where regulation, ethics and practice intersect.

Topics covered will include:

1.    I'll do anything for my client, but I won't act if it is contrary my firm values / ESG expectations – exploring client selection in a commercial firm and how you practically managing competing expectations from partners developing different practice areas, junior lawyers, other clients, and legal press.

2.    I'll do anything for my client, but I won't come into the office more than three days or work weekends – exploring culture, supervision, and client expectations.

3.    I'll do anything for my client, but I won't act against them in litigation – exploring commercial conflicts.

4.    I'll do anything for my client, but I won't engage in abusive litigation – exploring the perceptions and realities around SLAPs and similar litigious tactics. 

This is an opportunity for Member Organisation Representatives to be updated on the status of ongoing projects in which the IBA is involved, and specifically those that touch on sensitive areas for bar associations.

It will also allow them to find out what work is being planned, and propose subject matter and programmes for future activities within our very dynamic BIC.

For those of you travelling to Paris for the Annual Conference 2023, we have a meeting for all our bar association members on Wednesday 1^st November from 1115-1230 CET in room 241, Level 2, at the Palais des Congres.

Law firms are increasingly thinking about their strategy and how to stand out in a competitive market. But are we sufficiently considering our client's perspective? How can we invite clients’ into our strategic planning? How can we deliver what our clients' really need and are looking for? And how can we figure out how our clients' needs will continue to develop in a fast-changing world.