Conference programme

It is believed that around 10% of practicing lawyers globally are also involved in academia – whether as part-time lecturers or active researchers. This dual role brings unique challenges and opportunities. It is of particular interest to the Canadian market. This session will explore how legal professionals can balance their practice with teaching and academic work, highlighting the mutual benefits between academic insights and legal practice.

General counsel from some of Canada’s largest pension funds and their advisors will discuss the “Canadian Model” to investing and managing pension assets and what has made this distinct approach to pension fund management so successful.

Panellists will share their insights on the critical legal, risk management, and investment governance roles their teams play in their organisations’ direct global merger & acquisition, private equity, infrastructure, capital markets and real estate investing, as well as their perspectives on key market trends and developments.

With more vigorous enforcement at least in some parts of the world, what are the considerations for disclosing cartel conduct to regulators and filing for leniency? Are the increase of leniency programmes across the world and the proliferation of private damages actions in many jurisdictions affecting the cost-benefit analysis when deciding to file for leniency? What are regulators doing to uncover cartels ex officio (whistleblowing, active monitoring including using software tools) and are they pushing the boundaries of what constitutes cartel conduct such as indirect information exchange? 

This panel will explore artificial intelligence, and the impact it has on production and sale of hydrocarbons.

Climate change agenda and the increasing risk of natural disasters are becoming a relevant driver of infrastructure development public policies. In some jurisdictions, regulatory reforms are aiming at fostering higher climate resilience and adaptability in infrastructure projects and, on the preventive side, establishing decarbonisation goals. What are the different angles and approaches? How will these changes affect how projects are designed, built and operated? This session will discuss this. 

Artificial Intelligence offers massive potential as well as significant implications for increasing inequality. As a result, issues such as inclusivity and equitable access must be on the AI agenda. This session will review latest trends and developments in AI from a diversity and inclusion perspective, as well as relevant case law.

This session will discuss: are foreign workers sufficiently protected against dismissal in relation to national workers?  What about social rights, if they are taking leave or fall ill, or a salary cut for unpaid leave, will that impact on their visa? If so, does that constitute discrimination? Is it compliant with worker’s protection laws? This on all levels, i.e. blue collar workers and HSM’s alike.

This session will be a global update on gender quotas, and specically, do we need them to adjust gender imbalance in leadership?

This session will explore and discuss the latests trends and developments in hotel investments.

This panel will explore effective strategies for structuring family ownership to ensure long-term success across generations. We will discuss corporate structures, governance frameworks, succession planning, and best practices for preserving family values while adapting to evolving business landscapes. 

Topics will include:

• Developing Governance & Succession planning;
• defining ownership structure & strategy;
• leadership development & professional management involvement;
• resolution of family conflicts;
• financial planning & distribution policy, and;
• exits & transitions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has long been part of the arbitral process. With the paradigm-shifting advancements of the most recent forms of AI, the arbitral process stands to face new opportunities for material efficiencies in the system and at the same time, risks that practitioners find worth highlighting and preventing.

In this session, we will take an in-depth look at the following topics:

• Transparency of legal persons and legal arrangements;
• the next frontier in anti-money laundering (AML) and sanctions;
• financial exclusion problems: are law firms expected to look and act like a bank?;
• 'Failure to prevent' offences — interaction and intrusion into legal practice.

In Italy, in house counsel are not permitted to join the bar, a rule that also applies in India. This raises important questions about the ethical responsibilities of in-house lawyers. Should they still be subject to the same ethical regulations as those who are part of the bar? This session will explore the ethical obligations we have, along with other questions, including:

- how to respond to ethical pressures when you're in-house?

- how can you say 'No' to Elon Musk?

- how to handle internal investigations when there are ethical dilemmas?

- what are the different kinds of privileges in-house lawyers invoke in the international context?

Is there a nexus between the two, a point where mediation intersects with the interests of public policy? This session will discuss.

Built in 2023, this award-winning structure, known for its innovative and inspiring design in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Ontario Court of Justice is the largest courthouse in Ontario, and the second-largest in Canada.   Attendees can observe hearings from 3:00 to 3:30 pm, with the formal tour taking place from 3:30 to 5:00 pm.

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.

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.

As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies rapidly evolve, regulatory frameworks struggle to keep pace whist countries are recognising the need to strike a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring ethical practices. For example, AI has been transforming medical diagnosis but at the same time raising concerns as to the protection of patients' sensitive personal data. This session will explore the current and emerging regulations governing AI, from national policies to global initiatives. We will examine key legal challenges, such as liability, ethical considerations, fundamental rights, and data privacy, while providing insights into how businesses and legal practitioners can stay compliant in this fast-changing landscape.

Navigating the path to partnership comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in balancing the business' demands with the personal life's expectations. This session will delve into practical strategies for managing these competing priorities, offering advice on setting realistic goals, building client relationships, and ensuring personal well-being while striving for professional success.

This panel will cover the evolution of the insurance coverages in the maritime industry with a particular focus on environmental aspects.

In this annual session, practitioners from around the world will dissect the past year’s most significant anti-corruption developments, including new laws and policy initiatives, as well as notable investigations and enforcement actions. Expert panellists will also address trends emerging from leading enforcement authorities and key international organisations.