Conference programme

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

An open meeting of the Women Lawyers' Committee where committee members and those interested in joining the committee, are invited to learn more about the extensive activities of the committee, provide feedback and collaborate about new ideas and initiatives.

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.

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.  

For too long, perpetrators have escaped accountability for international crimes by hiding away from the authorities seeking to investigate and prosecute them. Others escape justice as the authorities do not investigate the crimes, the countries lack relevant legislations, investigative capacities, shy away from dealing with past crimes, among others.  

The principle of universal jurisdiction was meant to address all these challenges. The principle of universal jurisdiction allows domestic authorities to exercise criminal jurisdiction over alleged perpetrators, regardless of where the alleged crime was committed and irrespective of their nationality. However, as countries globally started domesticating the principle, they took very diverse approaches, often limiting the potential of the principle. 
The fight against impunity cannot have any borders. As such, the principle of universal jurisdiction must be used to the fullest to ensure the investigation and prosecution of serious violations of international law. 

During this session, experts will discuss the use of universal jurisdiction globally - mapping the plethora of cases from the last five years. They 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 widely used. They will further discuss recent developments in the area and further opportunities ahead. 

This walking tour will take us on a journey through Toronto's architectural history. We'll be exploring the stunning 1920's skyscrapers built along Bay Street in downtown Toronto, which are a testament to the city's rich heritage. But that's not all! The tour will also include visits to some of Toronto's modern skyscrapers, such as the TD Centre, built in 1966 by the renowned International Style architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Commerce Court, constructed by famous architect IM Pei in 1972. These iconic structures showcase the evolution of architectural design and offer a fascinating contrast to the older buildings.
 
This walking tour promises to be an engaging and informative experience, providing a unique opportunity to appreciate the city's architectural gems. Join us for this adventure – it's a great way to learn more about Toronto's history and enjoy some fresh air.

Spaces are limited and are assigned on a first come first served basis. Registered conference delegates can register at the speaker registration desk during the annual conference.

This session will explore the growing provision of traditional legal services by non-lawyers or other licensed categories and how the profession is evolving. We will also have a discussion about sandbox and innovative activities.