Conference programme

Mediation is a well established form of dispute resolution. Many judges were involved with it in practice. Many judges return to it after completing public service. Is it a good idea? What are the befits of judicial support for mediation? Is it an appropriate adjunct for formal court processes? What are the appropriate mediation processes around the world? Do these vary between Africa, Asia, America and Europe? Should retired judges act as mediators?

This session will delve into the transformative effects of emerging technologies on the mining industry. Experts will examine the roles of Artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and cybersecurity in optimising operations, enhancing safety, and improving regulatory compliance, while also addressing potential risks and ethical considerations.

This panel will discuss the various strategies and methods to successfully navigate transactions that involve life science companies, including licensing and research & development collaborations.

The UN Millennium Goal One, dealing with eradicating extreme poverty, is a soft law of international law. It represents the public interest worldwide. States are obligated under International Law to make good faith efforts to comply with it. Similarly, lawyers and the legal profession are ethically obliged to promote law reform that furthers the public interest. Therefore, the legal profession and lawyers must advocate for law reform and practise law to promote UN Millennium Goal One. The focus of this session will be on the practical ways in which lawyers can integrate UN Millennium Goal One into their legal practices. Thus, the panel will discuss how to empower the most vulnerable through promoting and seeking the achievement of UN Millennium Goal One through advocacy, reform, and practice. 

Consumer claims are becoming more prevalent. Access to justice and the growing recognition of consumer rights are one factor behind this. At the same time governments in many countries are trying to stimulate growth through encouraging enterprise and innovation. Producers can be caught between balancing these competing risks and opportunities. Are we achieving an appropriate balance of risk as between consumers and producers? Should producers accept greater risk of product claims? How will that impact innovation? Is it becoming easier for consumers to bring and prove their claims? European Union (EU) moves in this area include a change of approach to presumptions of defect and a shift in the evidential burden for consumers. Is this fair? This session will take a cross-jurisdictional perspective on these questions, looking at the status quo and what is on the horizon for consumer product liability claims across the globe.

Wild fires and natural disasters- force majeure no more, but a case for liability? As the climate crisis worsens, natural disasters are no longer unforeseeable acts of god, but consequences of the states’ failure to effectively combat climate change. What are the remedies that our legal systems hold for the victims?

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 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.

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.