Conference programme

This joint session is intended to be a dialogue between judges and arbitrators on the topic of the seeming trend of reconsideration and remissions of awards from the bench back to tribunals.

The panel would explore the latest global enforcement trends in the fight against cybercrime.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies like deep fakes are revolutionising the creative landscape, enabling the creation of highly realistic synthetic images, videos, and audio. As these technologies become more prevalent, regulators and unions are stepping in to protect consumers and artists from potential misuse. This panel will explore namely the EU's AI Act, but also other global responses, as for example the guidelines from the US Screen Actors Guild, examining how various sectors are addressing these emerging challenges. The panel will feature legal counsel from different regions and sectors, along with industry representatives who are at the forefront of implementing regulations and guidelines for deep fakes.  

Digital nomads are on the rise and in order to benefit from this new phenomenon, companies need to address the many associated challenges: employment law, visa issues, taxation, etc. The session aims to give useful insights from all of these view angles and to shed light on this somehow untangible phenomenon.

The section-wide session of the Law and Individual Rights Section, where we will discuss the complexities around the issue of end of life decision making.

This session will address the evolving landscape of product liability in the wake of rapid technological advancements, with a particular focus on product innovation and the 'Internet of Things' (“IoT).” The integration of advanced technologies into products has introduced new layers of risk and complexity, calling for a reassessment of traditional liability frameworks. Key areas of impact include software and firmware updates and the growth of artificial intelligence, which can alter a product's performance and raise questions about post-sale modifications; autonomous systems like self-driving cars and drones that shift liability considerations from human error to algorithmic failures; and cybersecurity, where the increasing interconnectedness of devices necessitates robust security measures and clear liability demarcations.

Furthermore, a new evolution of product categories are integrating technology, such as software as medical devices and wearables, impacting the assessment of product liability in multiple sectors. The session will include a cross-jurisdictional perspective, including case studies illustrating how courts and policymakers have handled liability issues in matters involving advanced technologies, how manufacturers are implementing technology into new products within regulated frameworks, and consideration of evolving international legal standards.

The panel will explore the increasing challenges of protecting your Internet Protocol (IP) and not falling foul of advertising standards in an environment where access to products and services is limitless. Representatives from the brands and the sustainability sector will debate the challenges faced in a more visible on-line marketplace, particularly:  

• Upcycling and the increasing trend to reuse or upcycle luxury goods. As a brand should you be objecting to such reuse or does it help satisfy sustainability goals to reuse material?
• Green claims / greenwashing will also be addressed in the context substantiating green claims.

We intend to explore the human rights impacts of both petty and grand corruption, including civil, political, economic, and social rights.

This session will discuss the ideal size of different business service groups.

This panel will discuss legislative changes to domestic and international anti-avoidance rules in response to recent judicial decisions and evolving government and public views on the role of “acceptable” tax planning.

At this session the Future of Legal Services Commission will present its third annual 'Heatmap' reflecting the issues that are top of mind for practitioners, educators and regulators, and will report on how we are collectively dealing with the challenges and opportunities involved in attracting and retaining new talent in the profession.

This session will explore the complex interplay between national security and foreign investment in the mining sector. This panel will also discuss how political dynamics shape regulatory frameworks and impact foreign investment strategies, highlighting case studies and best practices from various jurisdictions.

Have you ever dreamed of working outside your home / bar jurisdiction? This session will be filled with real-life stories and address legal, ethical, and other professional and practical issues to consider and how the panelists have successfully achieved working in other jurisdictions.

Join this session to learn about a planned update to the International Bar Association pro bono declaration and an accompanying guide to support pro bono practice. This will include a focus on defining pro bono and the avoidance of marketing or business promotion being classified as pro bono work. 

Cyber and corruption supply chain risk management from a legal perspective involves identifying what cyber and corruption risks exist within a supply chain and managing those risks. A supply chain refers to the people, processes, and technologies associated with delivering goods or services from one group to another. How lawyers can advise to secure supply chains and edge against the risk of cyber or corruption events generating disruption is at the core of this session. The panelists will address best practices regarding this cutting edge topic.

Charting a consistent course through the varying regulatory regimes on matters such as privacy, employment, and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is difficult in a global environment. Companies thrive on the right combination of uniformity and local adaptation. When is it best to adopt a single policy aligned with a leading source of regulation, such as the EU, and when is it better to adopt policies more tailored to the local requirements?

This session will explore which law firm strategies ignore profit and pricing.

There is an increased focus on diversity and inclusion in the workplace for neurodivergent employees, and studies have showed that employers succeeding in attracting and retaining neurodivergent employees benefit from this in a number of different aspects. A recent study from the UK does, however, indicate that the legal sector is lagging behind, and that more than three-quarters of neurodivergent lawyers have not disclosed their condition in the workplace to avoid discrimination. In this session, we will analyse and discuss the reason for this and what it will take to change the reluctance to be open about the challenges that neurodivergent lawyers may face as well as the potential reasonable adjustments that will improve inclusion of neurodivergent lawyers.

As artificial intelligence continues to transform the legal profession, young lawyers must adapt to stay relevant. This session will address how to harness the power of AI while reinforcing the importance of traditional legal skills and ethical considerations. Explore how ongoing education, the development of soft skills, and a strong ethical foundation can help young lawyers navigate the complexities of the modern legal landscape and thrive amidst technological advancements. Maybe you’ll find that traditional values held by lawyers are not old-fashioned.

Climate change and the resulting water stress which affects many countries require technological solutions that allow the incorporation of new water sources or better use of those currently available. The objective of the panel is to analyse these new technologies, as well as to review the responses that different systems of water law can offer to provide legal certainty to entrepreneurs, reconciling the interests of current owners, such as environmental protection and the future sustainability of water sources.