The United Kingdom AIJA members are delighted to host the May 2009 half-year conference and seminar in London. We are excited to be able to offer two parallel scientific programmes as well as a dynamic social itinerary. Director’s Liability In the whirlwind of the current global financial crisis and with the wide-reaching repercussions of the “Credit Crunch”, there is heightened media attention on the role of Company Directors and their actual or potential liability. This is a highly topical subject for debate and analysis and the London Seminar on Board Directors’ liability will cover essential topics such as corporate governance, Directors’ civil liability, shareholder actions and corporate insolvency The seminar will address questions such as, “Is there now less protection—but more liability—for Directors in the new, regulated environment both in Europe and the US?” The Seminar will also address the controversial issue of being a partner of a law firm and sitting simultaneously on the Board of Directors of a company. With a host of top-notch speakers and panellists from around the world, the Seminar on Director’s Liability is a rare opportunity to keep in touch with the latest developments in this crucial area while being in one of the world’s global financial centres dealing first-hand with the fallout of the “Credit Crunch”. Private Client Seminar A parallel Private Client Commission seminar will take place entitled “Meeting the Needs of the Modern International Family”.  Dealing with international issues affecting married, unmarried and high net worth families, the seminar will address cross-jurisdictional divorce and succession, the position for co-habitants on relationship breakdown and death, and wealth protection measures. Social Programme A visit to London would not be complete without the opportunity to enjoy the city’s many sights and diverse culture. The Organising Committee has worked hard to line up a smorgasbord of exciting social events, including:- • Cocktail Reception in the room where the charter of the Bank of England was signed, followed by dinner in the beautiful setting of Gray’s Inn, one of the four Inns of Court • A gala dinner on Saturday, 9 May in the Plaisterers’ Hall, the hall of the “Worshipful Company of Plaisterers”, an ancient City of London Trade Association dating back to 1501. With London’s world-renowned museums, galleries, architecture, shops, restaurants, clubs and pubs to choose from, the Committee will ensure you have a great time soaking up the city’s unique character. Have a look on http://www.timeout.com/london This is an event not to be missed: make sure you attend the London Seminar! The Organising Committee Suggestions for exhibitions Gerhard Richter Portraits, National Portrait Gallery Van Dyck and Britain, Tate