Conference programme

Cloud infrastructure has become a critical infrastructure that is mandatory to deliver government services and supporting the digital economy. The limited number of players and their market power requires specific attention. We will explore these discussion points and more, in this session.

In this session we will discuss the areas where smaller law firms have potential strength and can concentrate their efforts in competing against much larger and international competitors:  

1. Collaboration (do fee sharing and multidisciplinary models allow strength and depth to be brought to smaller firm clients?)  

2. Culture (how can a positive and dynamic culture make the smaller firm an attractive destination for junior lawyers)?  

3. Connections (how can informal and formal networks assist?)  

4. Computers (how has artificial intelligence and technology levelled the playing field?)  Ultimately, we will conclude that small and medium firms can indeed punch above their weight if they play to their own strengths!

The next generation of female law firm leaders: what is expected from them and how to get there? A candid conversation among female law firm leaders and future leaders. What is needed and how to overcome the challenges.

In an era that focuses more and more on industrial sovereignty and security than open trade, more and more countries are establishing and enforcing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) laws around the world. Public interest and political considerations also affect deal making. How can businesses and their advisors navigate this complex landscape, from deciding where to file to getting the deal through with suitable remedies.

For too long, perpetrators have escaped incarceration and accountability by hiding away for the authority seeking to punish them. Universal jurisdiction allows states or international organisations to claim criminal jurisdiction over an accused person, regardless of where the alleged crime was committed and irrespective of the accused's nationality. This key tool must be used to ensure the prevention, criminalisation, and punishment of serious violations of international humanitarian law. The fight against impunity has no borders.

During this session, experts will discuss the use of universal jurisdiction globally- mapping the plethora of cases from the last five years. Experts will discuss how the cases came into being, including by way of civil society engagement. Experts will consider how the approaches in response to the war in Ukraine can help to make the principle of universal jurisdiction more universally used. 

With arbitration practitioners becoming increasingly more multi-jurisdictional in qualifications and residency, this panel session will review the relevance of nationality as a preclusive indicator of an arbitrator's independence and impartiality.

This panel will cover insurances coverages related to the aviation industry,  including financial leases, war risks, etc.  

This panel will examine the evolving landscape of corporate accountability, focusing on the personal liability of officers and directors for human rights violations committed by corporations. With rising expectations on companies to uphold human rights standards across global supply chains, executives face increasing scrutiny over their roles and responsibilities. The discussion will address recent legal developments, key cases, and the frameworks that are shaping accountability, from national regulations to international guidelines such as the 'United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights'. Esteemed experts in corporate law, human rights, and governance will analyse the risks and implications for leadership in an era where corporate responsibility extends beyond financial performance.

This panel will discuss the ongoing issues around illegal immigtration across the global, including current migration pathways, temporary protection schemes and bilateral agreements with safe third countries.

In recent years, there has been a growing discussion surrounding the role and responsibilities of sports governing bodies. This panel discussion aims to delve into the complexities of their regulatory functions versus their commercial interests. As these bodies navigate their dual roles, critical questions arise: should there be a clear separation between regulatory duties and commercial activities? If so, how can these roles be effectively delineated?

Furthermore, we will explore the increasing tensions between sports governing bodies and legislative frameworks, for example in areas such as employment law. These issues are becoming increasingly pertinent as sports organisations grapple with their influence over matters that are typically reserved for lawmakers.

Objectives:

• To examine the current regulatory landscape of sports bodies and the challenges they face;
• To discuss the potential need for a separation of powers within these organisations;
• To highlight recent cases that illustrate these tensions, providing practical insights and legal implications;
• And to foster a dialogue among legal experts, sports industry leaders, and policymakers on best practices moving forward.

What are the consequences of climate change for risk allocation in construction contracts? Is it more common to encounter clauses that define force majeure through qualifying circumstances such is severity, periodicity, etc. Who should bear the risk for abnormal weather that does not qualify as force majeure? Which party is better equipped to manage that risk? What is the availability of insurance against abnormal weather? What are the impacts over the supply chain? This session will cover all of this and more.

The recent spate of large state litigation has had the complication of immunity issues. How has it been resolved? What were the hurdles? We will discuss these issues and more in this session.

Most laws regarding how the succession and taxation of estates are designed with a traditional nuclear family in mind. But the definition of marriage and issue is not as clear cut as the law may allow. This session will explore how as families evolve and reproductive technology advances, how should modern families plan for their future.

As companies undergo insolvency proceedings, DIP lenders often provide vital financing to ensure continuity. However, their influence—exercised through stringent terms and control rights—can significantly limit the debtor's autonomy and affect other stakeholders, sometimes leading to disputes or litigation. This panel will explore the evolving scope of DIP lender control, examining the legal boundaries and practical implications of when such influence crosses the line and will discuss recent case law in which these discussions have taken place.

International trade faces many challenges, among them the sudden changes in the global market due to new crises, sanctions, conditions. The supply chain and the performance of the contracts are affected by new laws introducing mandatory provisions (example, the so called “no re-export to” clause and alike). Drafting and interpreting such clauses are key factors for lawyers and arbitrators worldwide. This will be discussed during this session. 

The Canadian pension funds are large, diversified and impactful, and Latin America’s needs and potential provide plenty of investment opportunities across industries. No wonder why this pair are attracted to each other! This panel will explore the growing presence of Canadian pension funds in Latin America's infrastructure, energy, real estate and other sectors, the hot topics that are top-of-mind in their capital deployment and the drivers of their interest in the region going forward.

The panel will discuss:

• Extraterritoriality of IP rights extending outside the issuing country;
• Permanent injunctions after trial are virtually guaranteed in some jurisdictions and a pipe dream in others;
• Diverging technology subject to protections on one jurisdiction and not in another such as artificial neural networks;
• And contributory infringement, i.e. the grey zone between IP protection and free competition.

This roundtable session will focus on five distinct emerging topics of interest in an audience. The session will feature an interactive, roundtable format led by moderators and contributions from our national reporters.

An open committee business meeting where all members and Officers are invited to learn more about the current and upcoming activities and developments of the Committee.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is having a substantial impact also for transport industry, but what can and should be taken into account?