Conference programme

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?

This panel will explore how the real estate and hospitality sectors are facing more regulatory scrutiny today than in many decades which may affects the development of the industry. Panelists will explore how these activities compare from region to region, and how real estate and hospitality companies can navigate these complexities both in their transactions and in their day-to-day operations.

This session will explore the increased role of specialty Bars and cross-border practices. 

The emergence of voluntary carbon markets is an important phenomenon for the African continent. This phenomenon, however, is fraught with issues of fair regulation and challenges with credible national or continental legal frameworks for the regulation of such a market. There are, however, many opportunities that the continent can take advantage of in such a market. The session will seek to explore these issues, opportunities, and challenges associated with voluntary carbon markets for the African continent.

This session will look at the different aspects of working remotely, be it hybrid, local, national, or international.

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.

Session to launch preliminary findings from 'Phase 2' of the IBA 50:50 by 2030 project - a global survey to understand women's experiences working in the legal profession, discuss the findings of the project to date and what's next. Hearing from speakers from different sectors and considering any impact following the shift in focus away from Diversity and Inclusion policies which will have been underway since January 2025. Has the backlash followed in other countries outside the US? 

AI is everywhere. How can the in-house legal function assist in monitoring its use within the company, and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations? Where can AI be the most helpful to the legal team itself, and under what conditions can its efficiency and accuracy be assured? What is the proper analysis for issues arising with regard to provenance, input and output of data?

The trade and investment activities between China and the Americas, particularly the United States, have experienced significant changes in recent years due to political turbulence. Alongside the implementation of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) among Canada, the United States, and Mexico, China has maintained its investments in and expanded its trade with these three countries. What is the impact of USMCA on the economic relationship between the Americas and China? Has this relationship retained its strength, or has it been weakened? What changes have been introduced by the new United States government? What challenges do China and the Americas face in trade and investment?

This session will provide a broader picture from a global perspective on new trends in trade and outbound investment between China and the Americas, as well as recent developments in laws and regulations concerning trade, foreign direct investment (FDI), and antitrust. It aims to offer the audience a vivid vision that extends beyond specific legal issues in specialised legal areas. The discussion will focus on changes to China’s investment in the Americas, the challenges Chinese investors face within local communities, and the factors driving these changes and developments.

Additionally, recent cases will be analysed during the discussion to illustrate these dynamics. Through a review of recent investment activities and case studies, the session will provide a fresh perspective on the future of Chinese investment in the Americas. Experts from both China and the Americas will be invited to participate in the discussion.

Globally, technology disputes are on the rise involving tech agreements, data and cybersecurity breaches, cloud service providers, software/Artificial intelligence (AI) malfunctions, copyright infringement, and anti-competitive and unfair trade practices. This session will look at the current trends in technology disputes, with regional experts providing case studies and commentary. The session will provide insight into current and emerging risks and strategies for minimising tech disputes.

In this session we will explore the various aspects of dealing with HR and cultural issues after transaction integration.

A session exploring how changing global tax regimes affect the decisions that private clients make about how and where they want to live.

This session will discuss while Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rulemaking is still going full steam ahead in certain jurisdictions, with considerable extra-territorial effects, in other places lawmakers create rules that seek to push back ESG initiatives with equal force. What should issuers, institutional investors and financial advisers do to avoid ending up crushed between the proverbial rock and hard place?

This session will cover export controls, sanctions, and tariffs, inluding foreign direct investment, and the impact that these factors have on franchise supply chains.

An interactive panel to discuss how a tougher merger control environment and the multitude of jurisdictions with merger control laws around the world affect corporate deal documentation and negotiation. The panel will discuss practical issues including devising a multi-jurisdictional merger filing strategy, conditions precedent, and how to deal with mergers below thresholds, how to allocate risk (hell or high water clauses, break fees and antirust risk allocation), timelines, and gun-jumping rules.

This panel will discuss how the impact of national security, specifically biosecurity and supply chain impacts, in the field of life science and healthcare.

How can lawyers and the international legal community contribute to shaping Ukraine’s legal system, ensuring justice, and building a robust framework for sustainable post-war recovery. On this panel we will discuss the following issues:

• Drafting legislation and policies for short- and long-term reforms;
• strengthening the independence of the judiciary;
• addressing post-war property rights and land disputes;
• defending human rights, accessing post-war reparations and damages (including environmental damage);
• harmonising legislation with EU standards;
• providing legal support for investments and economic development (including public-private partnerships).

Reaching net zero emissions by 2050 and giving the world a chance of limiting a global temperature rise of 1.5 degrees Celsius requires a complete transformation of how we power our daily lives and the global economy. In this panel, we aim to analyse and discuss the energy transition from fossil-based systems of energy production and consumption, to renewable energy sources, the use of clean hydrogen and other low-emission fuels, regulatory framework, technology developments, financing, universal energy access and employment.

We intend to explore contemporary hot topics on human rights, including those affecting businesses and individuals.