Conference programme

Defending the ‘Rule of Law’ is one of the primary functions of the organised bar, but not all bars have the resources to address it. Even bars that do have such resources can learn from the experiences of other bars. This plenary will be an interactive session, highlighting the work of the BIC Policy Committee’s guide for bars in addressing the rule of law. The BIC has updated its existing guide in concise fashion to provide a checklist and resources for practical approach. The session will focus on audience commentary and interaction for a broader discussion as to particular experiences and suggestions for engagement by bars, so that the project gain from those insights before being finalised.

International arbitration is a gigantic global operation, both in terms of number of cases and their commercial value. It takes place in institutional and non-institutional settings, involving both lawyers and non-lawyers. In certain cases, such as in Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) cases, lawyers have come in for criticism from the UN and the EU. In other cases, there is a patchwork of ethical obligations, sometimes conflicting. The IBA has taken a central role in promoting ethical guidelines. This panel will look at some of the ethical issues arising, which do not appear to be on the radar of the Bars whose members are participating in international arbitration. 

•    Bars and gender equality 
•    Anti-corruption initiatives: what can, are, and should bars be doing? 
•    Update: measuring the impact of the IBA’s bar guidance on business and human rights 
•    What keeps bar leaders awake at night?

Climate change is no longer an academic discussion limited to a few. Indeed, it has been said 'we are all climate lawyers now'. The session will discuss the work of the BIC Climate Change Working Group (CCWG), including its work supporting lawyer competency and capacity building by developing a climate engagement toolkit for bars and a model curriculum on continuing legal education on climate change and related legal education. During the session, the CCWG convenors will invite contributions from bar leaders and representatives, who will have an opportunity to highlight the work and experience of their associations in supporting member engagement on climate change issues, and helping their members advise on climate change in an informed and competent manner.

•    Bars and gender equality 
•    Anti-corruption initiatives: what can, are, and should bars be doing? 
•    Update: measuring the impact of the IBA’s bar guidance on business and human rights 
•    What keeps bar leaders awake at night?

Following the publication of the IBA’s The Future is Now report on AI, the BIC has continued to focus on ethics and the impact of AI on core values of the profession. The BIC Working Group on AI has developed an extended survey of guidance for lawyers around the world and has focused on synthesising the common denominators of ethics issues. For bars that have not yet addressed such issues, and for those in more advanced stages of engagement on the issue, the programme will highlight best practices and address how bars can develop road maps for development in this area.