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Registrations are closed as we reached maximum capacity for this event. Should you be interested in joining the Half-Year November Conference in Paris, you may sign up to a waiting list HERE. If any of the current participants will cancel their participation, we will reach out to those ones on the list on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Thanks for your understanding.
If you are a speaker or a moderator and you have not completed your registration yet, please contact office@aija.org and liaise with the AIJA Team. 

 

AIJA invites you to the Half-Year November Conference taking place in Paris from 29 November to 02 December 2023 titled “In Times of ‘Polycrisis’: Preparing for a Better Future through Resilience and Sport Values”.

Paris is considered as one of the greatest cultural and economic hubs in Europe as well as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Its famous monuments and its unique selection of museums and art galleries provide a unique and glamorous backdrop. Paris is a vibrant and dynamic city that offers many business opportunities for large companies and start-ups alike. Paris is also getting ready to welcome the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, arguably the most high-profile global event in sport.

There is undoubtedly no better place to talk about resilience than the city that was the epicentre of the 1789 French Revolution, a significant historic event which had a major impact on global history. The French Revolution was a period of significant political, economic and societal change, from which emerged a new era of liberal democracy and the recognition of broadly defined individual rights. We are also currently facing strong headwinds and multiple crisis globally. What lessons can be learnt from the past? How transformative and agile are our ‘modern’ legal system and principles? Is our law resilient enough to face times of rapid change? How can we adapt and respond or, in other words, build resilience for a better future?

Against that background, the AIJA Half-Year November Conference will be based on two academic tracks around the two inspirational and related themes of “Resilience”and “Sport”.

The Organising Committee will also help you (re)discover Paris (like Emily) with fresh and local eyes: an unforgettable home hospitality dinner to experience one of the most globally acclaimed cuisines with locals, romantic city tours and many more surprises, always with a French touch.

The time has come to make a giant leap forward! The AIJA Half-Year November Conference in Paris will be a fantastic opportunity for young lawyers to come together, network, share views on how going through the current global turbulences and find ways to build resilience together. We truly believe Paris will provide the perfect stage to hold fascinating talks while enjoying a beautiful scenery and unique company. We look forward to welcoming both AIJA members and newcomers to Paris in 2023!

After all, as Audrey Hepburn said: “Paris is always a good idea!”

A bientôt!


ACADEMIC PROGRAMME OVERVIEW


Track 1: Resilience: the need to adjust, adapt and succeed in times of “polycrisis”
The first track will concentrate on how we can make ourselves, our economies and societies, more resilient and in the process transform them into sustainable and more robust environments. We believe lawyers are familiar with this need to constantly adapt and respond to new challenges and can therefore play a key role in building a more resilient world.

Track 2: The importance of the growing sport entertainment industry and its inspirational values and ethics
The second track will be dedicated to sport, its role, economy and impact on everyday life and the inspiration of its universal values and ethics on delivering well balanced legal advice.

  

COACHING OPPORTUNITIES

AIJA strives to provide continuous professional development opportunities on multiple occasions. One of these moments is also our Half-Year November Conference in Paris. The coaching sessions led by Agata Perepezcko, Tom Goldstein and Pascal Jossi will be offered to all attendees. Check out HERE the coaching opportunities and book your slot. The number of places is limited. The allocation of slots will be made on a first-come first-served basis.


SOCIAL PROGRAMME OVERVIEW


WELCOME RECEPTION WITH A VIEW @ Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel – Wednesday 29 November (18:00-20:00)
How to better kick off an AIJA Conference in Paris than with the most breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower and Trocadero by night? After collecting your badge at the registration desk, take a staircase (or lift) to our conference hotel heaven and join all participants for a unique welcome reception. So easy and ‘chic’ to connect or reconnect with the AIJA community.


CONFERENCE DINNER @ Diamant II - Bateaux Parisiens – Thursday 30 November (19:30-02:00)
Embark on an enchanting cruise on the Seine River and discover the Paris of lights for a memorable Conference Dinner.
The Diamant II, the latest addition to the Bateaux Parisiens fleet completely renovated in 2011, owes its name to its large, multi-faceted windows. It offers a 360° panoramic view and will give you the sensation to skim the famous Paris bridges. Do not miss this unique experience while mingling with your fellow Conference attendees at the end of a full day of networking and learning. The evening will conclude will some grooving on the dance floor (on terra firma!)
The boarding wharf is located just a stone's throw from the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel. No bus transfers will therefore be needed.


HOME HOSPITALITY DINNER @ Local Lawyers’ homes – Friday 1 December (20:00-23:00)
Do you want to experience more of the French culture? Then you are in for a treat! One of the most anticipated evenings with a personal-local touch is the ‘Home Hospitality Dinner’, where local lawyers/participants open their homes to welcome AIJA members from around the world with local traditions, food and drinks. Gain insights into the lifestyle and hospitality of your Parisian peers in a friendly atmosphere!
NOTE: Participants will individually receive the name and details of the host via email prior to the Half-Year Conference. If you are unable to attend, please let the organisers know as soon as possible! Please remember to bring a small gift for the host, in the form of a souvenir from your country. Don’t forget that many of the hosts are not AIJA members and have never attended AIJA events before.


HOME HOSPITALITY AFTERPARTY @ Alcazar – Friday 1 December (23:00-03:00)
Have a taste of Paris nightlife in Saint-Germain des Prés: come and enjoy the best AIJA afterparty at Alcazar! After enjoying the legendary home hospitality dinners, all delegates and hosts are invited to dance and have fun in this stylish cozy bar with a chic but relaxed atmosphere. Find the AIJA party at the privatized Balcony Bar upstairs, a greenery corner in the heart of Paris.


GALA DINNER @ Académie Equestre de Versailles – Saturday 2 December (19:00-02:00)
A prestigious and one-of-a-kind evening awaits all delegates for our closing Gala Dinner to be hosted at the national equestrian Academy of Versailles, facing the eponymous ‘Château’.
Created by Bartabas in the Grand Stable of the Palace of Versailles in 2003, the National equestrian Academy of Versailles is a very unique “corps de ballet”. Its main originality lies in the confrontation of various artistic disciplines, such as dancing, singing, fencing or the Kyudo, traditional Japanese archery.
The great stables of the Château de Versailles were built by Jules Hardouin-Mansart in the 17th century to accommodate the king’s hunting mounts and warhorses. When Bartabas settled his Academy there, the great stables had been unoccupied for a long time. He worked on the renovation with Patrick Bouchain, a famous French architect. This space is an irresistible mix of contemporary and historical architecture which will accommodate our Gala Dinner welcome drink.
The dinner and closing party will take place in the magical Arena, designed like a theatre décor with a showcase of untreated wood positioned on a layer of stone. Murano glass chandeliers and mirrors, in which horses and riders are reflected ad infinitum, make reference to the Hall of Mirrors. The simplicity of the materials and the assemblage of beams and planks recall the ephemeral constructions of the Versailles of yesteryear. The Farnese Theatre in Parma inspired the lights and the mobile architecture.
No doubt it will be a historical night to remember!


WELLBEING OF LAWYERS - FIRST AID STAND

Visit our first ever "Wellbeing of lawyers First Aid stand". Whether you wish to:

  • discuss stigmatised issues in the legal profession
  • acquire information about wellbeing of lawyers and mental health issues
  • have a confidential talk with a Mental Health First Aider
  • share your own experience, views or personal concerns
  • receive practical information and tips on how to increase your wellbeing
  • learn about "Yogalo-yoga for lawyers" (yoga and relaxation exercises behind the stand)
  • support the "Wellinlo-wellbeing of lawyers" movement,

you are very welcome to stop at the Wellbeing stand from Wednesday to Friday!

Let's open up the debate and raise awareness regarding the mental health and wellbeing of lawyers! YOUR wellbeing starts here!

The Wellbeing stand has been initiated and will be operated by Eva Indruchova, founder of "Wellinlo-wellbeing of lawyers", certified yoga teacher and Mental Health First Aider.


SPONSORSHIP

We offer several sponsorship possibilities, with the flexibility to select a set sponsorship package or discuss a customised package to best suit your business needs. Be a part of AIJA's 2023 Half-Year November Conference in Paris today. Click here to know more about the sponsorship packages.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

 

AIJA ALUMNI GATHERING IN PARIS

On the occasion of the Half-Year November Conference in Paris, we are pleased to invite AIJA Alumni to join a dedicated gathering organised by Alumni for Alumni. The meeting will take a form of a lunch at the Kitchen Ter(re) restaurant. With this third edition after Edinburgh and The Hague, we want to continue to offer to all AIJA Alumni (Past AIJA Members aged 45+) an opportunity to (re-)connect, share experiences and reflect on the AIJA adventures (the past ones and hopefully still many to come).

Atypical pasta and astonishing stocks
It is called Ter because it is the third restaurant William Ledeuil has opened, Terre, meaning earth in French, because it celebrates the land nourishing us; Kitchen Ter(re) has been sharing a different kind of pasta since 2017.
The project originated with an encounter between William Ledeuil and Roland Feuillas, a farmer and baker from Cucugnan, in the south-west of France. Together, they imagined 6 types of traditionally made pasta using flours from different ancient grain varieties (small spelt, hard wheat, Roussillon awned wheat, Khorasan wheat…) selected for their nutritional qualities and low gluten levels.
They can be enjoyed in luminous surroundings that are once again very colorful with an arty touch. Hanging over the blue wall seats and terrazzo tables are 1950s-inspired paintings. The walls are signed by the artist Daniel Humair while the space was designed by the architect and scenographer Roel Stassart.
In the kitchen, it is Chef Julien Jéquier who handles the dentelle, coquillette or girolette with a flair combining Italian and Asian inspirations, dressing them in tailored bouillons. From the appetizers to the desserts, the ingredients and condiments epitomizing the DNA of the Ze Kitchen Galerie punctuate every dish. Sun worshippers will appreciate the small terrace where they’ll be able to savor the House’s plates, juices and surprising cocktails.

When?
Saturday 2 December 2023 – 13:00-15:00

Who?
Exclusive event reserved for AIJA Alumni (Past AIJA Members aged 45+)
Accompanying persons (spouses) may be accepted subject to availability of the selected function(s). Please contact the AIJA Team at office@aija.org for information.

Where?
Kitchen Ter(re)
26, boulevard Saint Germain
75005 Paris
Metro: Maubert Mutualité / Cardinal Lemoine / Jussieu
Tel : +33 1 42 39 47 48
https://zekitchengalerie.fr/en/ 
Parking Saemes Maubert

Price: 110 EUR (excl. VAT if applicable)
20 seats are available, on a first come first served basis. The ticket to the Alumni lunch includes a welcome glass of champagne & canapés, a seated 3-course menu with wine, water, coffee & tea.

Note: Alumni have the possibility to book tickets to the following Half-Year November Conference social programme via the same registration form:
• Home Hospitality afterparty at Alcazar (Fri. 01/12 as of 23:00)
• Keynote Session - Resilience in the Face of Adversity at Maison du Barreau (Sat. 02/12 – 11:00-12:30)
• Gala Dinner & Closing Party at the Académie Equestre de Versailles (Sat. 02/12 – 19:00-02:00)

Registrations (subject to availability of places) must be done by 23 November (12:00 CET) at the latest.

BOOK HERE

AIJA Commissions involved
  • Antitrust
  • Banking, Finance and Capital Markets
  • Corporate and M&A
  • Healthcare and Life Sciences
  • Insolvency
  • Intellectual Property, Technology, Media, and Telecommunications
  • International Business Law (+ Sports Law)
  • International Private Clients and Family Law
  • Labour Law (+ Immigration Law)
  • Litigation
  • Public Procurement Law
  • Real Estate
  • T.R.A.D.E. (Trade, Retail, Agency, Distribution, E-commerce)
  • Tax Law
AIJA Interest Groups involved
  • AIJA Women Network
  • Sustainability Board

Programme

TRACK 1 - Resilience: The Need to Adjust, Adapt and Succeed in Times of Polycrisis

14:30 - 20:00

15:00 - 17:00


Elevate your public speaking skills and conquer the challenges that can leave you feeling apprehensive, uncertain - and in the wort case speechless. As legal professionals, you're well acquainted with the demanding nature of speaking engagements.

AIJA’s SCILL (Skills, Career, Innovation, Leadership & Learning) Commission presents the Public Speaking Crash Course for all speakers, panelists and moderators which is tailored to empower you with tools to bolster your stage confidence, engage your audience effectively, and navigate the unpredictable during speaking engagements smoothly.

The workshop will be led by Abdallah Hassani, a Toastmaster, award-winning international speaker, and founder/trainer at Feed my Speech. In this workshop, Abdallah will distill key lessons from his extensive journey, sharing insights into comprehensive physical and mental preparation methods for delivering impactful speeches. As AIJA members, you possess valuable insights worth refining and presenting impeccably.

Join us on 29 November, from 15:00 to 17:00, and let's sculpt your expertise to captivate your audience!

Agenda: 

Step #1: Understand public speaking confidence and craft the tools to build it.

Step #2: Understand the mechanics of audience attention and tools to make the difference.

Step #3: Navigate public speaking chaos and cultivate resilience.

Step #4: Time to practice.
17:00 - 18:00

18:00 - 20:00


The Organising Committee will welcome everyone in style followed by an introduction speech by the Bâtonnière de Paris (President of the Paris Bar Association), Julie Couturier.

Supported by



07:00 - 08:00

08:00 - 18:30

08:45 - 09:45


Before we commence with the first sessions of our academic programme, AIJA President, Eduardo de la Peña Bernal together with Marine Simonnot and Joëlle Muchada, HYC Co-Chairs on behalf of the Organising Committee, will officially welcome you to this year's Half-Year November Conference.


After that, we will host on stage Alain Bernard, Olympic Gold Medalist and Sport Consultant, France who will be introduced by Thierry Aballea, Council Member of the Paris Association and former AIJA President. Alain will be then interviewed by one of our Organising Committee member Coralie Devernay and he will share his insights on the significance of resilience and sports values, exploring why they matter, how they are interconnected, and how they can be applied not only in sports but also in your daily life. This keynote promises to inspire and motivate, offering a fresh perspective on personal and professional success.


This part will be closed by an introduction session on the two tracks of the event from the two Organising Committee members who coordinated the Academic programme of the Paris Half-Year Conference, Timothée Giard and Michel Segers.

Welcome Address
Eduardo De La Peña Bernal, Reed Smith LLP & AIJA President 2023-2024, United States
Marine Simonnot, UGGC Avocats, France
Joëlle Muchada, Qualiens, France

Keynote Session

Introduction by
Thierry Aballea, Council Member Paris Bar Association and AIJA Past President, France

Interviewer
Coralie Devernay, Clery Devernay, France

Keynote speaker
Alain Bernard, Olympic Gold Medalist & Sport Consultant, France

Presentation of the Academic Tracks
Timothée Giard, Gate Avocats, France
Michel Segers, Marx Van Ranst Vermeersch and Partners, Belgium
09:45 - 10:00

10:00 - 11:15

Organised by the Corporate and M&A and the Antitrust Commissions

Resilience is about how we adapt and adjust to challenging situations and ongoing crisis. In Europe and outside, this need to withstand perceived internal and external risks and to become more resilient in the business field materialized in a heightened regulatory scrutiny of M&A transactions.

The overall purpose of the panel is to discuss the (actual or potential) impact of these largely unprecedented “regulatory hurdles” in the M&A process (merger control, FDI, Foreign Subsidies). The heightened scrutiny constitutes challenges for M&A lawyers at every step of the process. Will the deepened regulatory scrutiny discourage investors / have a negative lasting effect on M&A deals? This is not an issue only in Europe.  We also note a further fragmentation of the “business world” globally around emerging blocks (see the IRA in the US). The panel dives deeper into these developments, discuss several case studies and practical approaches.

Moderator:
Sandra Wong, Browne Jacobson, United Kingdom

Speakers:
Martina Edlinger, Wolf Theiss, Austria
Céderic Devroey, Strelia, Belgium
Rory ffrench, Blakes, Canada
Maïja Brossard, UGGC, France
11:15 - 11:45


Supported by
                
11:45 - 13:00

Organised by the T.R.A.D.E. (Trade, Retail, Agency, Distribution, E-commerce) and the Transport Law Commissions

The “Millennial” generation is quickly adopting car sharing as a mainstream transportation solution and prefers car ‘Access’ over car ‘Ownership’.

Among the factors persuading Millennials to refuse car ownership are environmental concerns, which have led this generation to consciously reduce road travel.  Other concerns include the total cost of vehicle ownership and the perceived advantages of “collaborative consumption” programs.

Also, millennials see transport as a service and would like to use cars, bicycles, e-scooters and public transport as part of the same subscription. How can the transport and automotive industry shift gears quickly to remain resilient and cope with these fast-changing consumer behavior?

Moderator:
Jelle Blom, Kennedy, The Netherlands

Speakers:
Giorgia Carandente, Taylor Wessing, Germany
Leonora Kamps, Ahlers & Vogel, Germany
Raymond Sherry, Browne Jacobson, Ireland
George Gerassimou, Gerassimou & Partners, Greece
13:00 - 14:00


Supported by
                      
14:00 - 15:30

Organised by the Litigation and the International Private Clients and Family Law Commissions

As lawyers, we are expected to navigate the cross-currents of conflict for our clients.  It could be said we are therefore always operating in a micro-“polycrisis” of sorts. 

The current global polycrisis has had a bearing on how clients behave when faced with their own personal crises.  We’ve all heard of the flight or fight (or freeze) responses which become heightened in times of crisis and conflict.  In the legal world, conflict is often addressed through litigation, which is a necessarily adversarial process.  The adversarial nature of the proceedings should not preclude “fair play”, but litigation is stressful for the individuals involved and can lead to increasingly aggressive behaviours in the way that we litigate – often creating further conflict rather than solving it.  Family lawyers in particular see the detrimental impacts of litigation on individuals and families close up and so can offer a sound case study on the impacts for both the main protagonists and those involved in or impacted by the litigation process – a common example being disputes over children.

The fast paced and often pressurised life of a litigator can also take its toll on lawyers, as statistics on lawyers’ mental health reflect.

This session will explore whether we can do better for clients, for our fellow professionals and for ourselves - to ensure that we and our clients stay resilient in amongst the cross-currents of conflict, drawing on recent reports that look at why Language Matters, as well as guidance for litigation lawyers produced by the Mindful Business Charter (an organisation committed to promoting better mental health and wellbeing in the workplace). We will also focus on new ways of Conscious Lawyering - a way of working which promotes that lawyers do not merely focus on the legal aspect, but also the human element of resolving conflict.

The panel will cover worked examples using case studies from different litigation scenarios (both personal and commercial) so that we can assess the impact and consider the key takeaways for “better” conflict resolution and staying resilient. 

 “I cannot remember moments when there were as many separate aspects and as many cross-currents as there are right now” - Larry Summers, FT, October 2022 agreeing with Adam Tooze on the use of the term Polycrisis.

Moderators:
Jennifer Wilkie, Burness Paull, United Kingdom
Guillermo Bayas, AGM Abogados, Spain

Speakers:
Stephanie Lee, TraversSmith, United Kingdom
Lauren Evans, Kingsley Napley, United Kingdom
Alexandra Sin, INTLAW, Spain
15:30 - 16:00


Supported by
         
16:00 - 17:15

Organised by the Intellectual Property, Technology, Media, and Telecommunications and the Healthcare and Life Sciences Commissions.

This panel will first look at the immense challenges faced by pharmaceutical companies during the covid pandemic and provide an insight into their lessons learned.

This insight into the industry’s challenges will then set the stage for a discussion of post-pandemic issues such as access to innovation and equitable access to medicines, including through patent waivers, compulsory licensing, monopoly restrictions and ABS (access and benefit sharing) mechanism. How can the pharmaceutical industry prepare and become more resilient? What is the impact of the proposed revision of the EU's pharmaceutical legislation? Will the revision deliver what it promises and make medicines more available, accessible and affordable while at the same time support innovation and boost competition?

Are there other opportunities and approaches that we can look at across the world stage such as from traditional knowledge and non-Western medicinal systems to improve global law and practice in pursuit of public health?

Moderator:
Angelika Murer, Homburger, Switzerland

Speakers:
Vikas Saraswat, Saraswat & Co, India
Koen T'Syen, Van Bael & Bellis, Belgium
Paul-Henry Devèze, Product Law Firm, France
Mathilde Rauline, Sanofi, France
17:15 - 18:15


Supported by

  
17:15 - 18:15

19:30 - 02:00


Supported by


08:00 - 18:30

08:30 - 09:45

08:30 - 09:15


Join our morning relaxation yoga class! This gentle, yet full-body stretch hatha yoga lesson will help you to reconnect with your inner self, dive into the present moment and relax completely. Experience meditation through mindful movement and start your day with a full awareness of your body and mind.

The class will be led by Eva Indruchova, Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), a member of Yoga Alliance.

Practical information: This yoga practice is suitable for all, even complete beginners. Yoga mats will be provided. Comfortable clothing is recommended. Please note that places are limited! Please register in advance at the Wellbeing desk.
08:30 - 09:15


Join the ACamp, the ultimate mat and band-based bootcamp experience that's all about pushing your limits and unleashing your inner A-Game. Our workouts are designed to help you achieve peak physical fitness through a combination of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), strength training, and motivation. Are you ready to bring your A-Game?

Arzu is a group fitness instructor and teaching indoor cycling classes since 2019, and a certified personal trainer since 2022, coaching clients in traditional strength fitness and lifting. Some people say that she wears her coach cape in early mornings and late evenings, and her lawyer cape during the day.
10:00 - 11:15

Organised by the Public Procurement Law Interest Group and the Real Estate Commissions

Current challenges have shifted the focus (back) to the importance of resiliency in large infrastructure projects. Together with speakers with first-hand expertise of what that means, we will have a closer look on the legal framework facilitating this development from all possible angles. Public Procurement law legislation in the EU and in particular the Foreign Subsidy Regulation aims at eliminating unfair competition for EU companies, creating a resilient European industry. Simultaneously, new administrative regulations also aim at enhancing the resiliency of infrastructure projects once they are finished. Meanwhile, contractor and principle will have fierce discussion during contract negotiation and performance to bring their different perceptions into alinement, how the project can become resilient against any form of setback.

Moderator:
Christopher Wolters, Blomstein, Germany

Speakers:
Rita Zuppke, Vinci Concessions, Germany
Monika Křižánková, Havel & Partners, Czech Republic
Ivana Filipovic, Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS, Norway
Manuel Alessandro Deamici, Cocuzza & Associati, Italy
11:15 - 11:45


Supported by

11:45 - 13:00

Organised by the Skills, Career, Innovation, Leadership and Learning (SCILL) Commission and the AIJA Women Network

In this inspiring and engaging joint session between the SCILL commission and AIJA Women Network, the speakers will explore the parallels between mindset and techniques used by elite athletes and coaches and those that are essential for success in the legal profession as well as the role of organizations and management in building a resilient workforce. The participants will take away practical tools and strategies for building resilience, managing stress and pressure, thriving in high-stakes legal environments, teamwork, collaboration, and building a supportive network.

Moderators:
Aline von Düring, Bonnard Lawson, United Arab Emirates
Jean-Rodolphe Fiechter, Kellerhals Carrard, Switzerland

Speakers:
Andréanne Morin, Tikehau Capital, Canada
Agata Perepeczko, Resilient Work Force, United Arab Emirates
13:00 - 14:00


Supported by

      
13:45 - 15:00

15:00 - 16:00

  • Insolvency Commission meeting
  • International Business Law Commission (IBLC) + Sports Law Sub-Commission meeting
  • International Private Clients and Family Law Commission meeting
  • Labour Law Commission + Immigration Law Sub-Commission meeting
  • Real Estate Commission meeting
  • Transport Law Commission meeting
16:00 - 17:00

  • Antitrust Commission meeting
  • Banking, Finance and Capital Markets (BFCM) Commission meeting
  • Healthcare and Life Sciences Commission meeting
  • Litigation Commission meeting
  • Tax Law Commission meeting
  • T.R.A.D.E (Trade, Retail, Agency, Distribution, E-commerce) Commission meeting
17:00 - 18:00

  • Commercial Fraud Commission meeting
  • Corporate and M&A Commission meeting
  • Environment & Energy Law Commission meeting
  • International Arbitration meeting
  • Intellectual Property, Technology, Media and Telecommunications (IPTMT) Commission meeting
20:00 - 23:00


One of the most anticipated evenings with a personal-local touch is the ‘Home Hospitality Dinner’, where local lawyers open their homes to welcome AIJA delegates from around the world with local delectable food and drinks. Gain insights into the lifestyle and hospitality of the city hosting the conference in a friendly atmosphere experience.
23:00 - 03:00

09:15 - 10:00

10:00 - 10:45

10:45 - 12:30

@Maison du Barreau de Paris - 2 Rue de Harlay, 75001 Paris, France

Join us at la Maison du Barreau de Paris located at the emblematic Place Dauphine for a poignant Keynote Session titled "Resilience in the Face of Adversity".

Timothée Giard, on behalf of the Organising Committee, will first wrap-up the academic programme of the Conference with some recommendations from the AIJA community and commissions to strengthen the resilience of the law and the legal profession amidst the polycrisis

The session will focus on the aftermath of the tragic terrorist attacks that occurred in Paris and Europe in the last few years. Moderators, Marie Davy (Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP) and Michel Segers (MVVP), will guide a panel of distinguished speakers, including Sebastien Bellin, Thomas Ricard (Partner JP Karsenty), and Melissa Palet (Psychologist Ministère de la Justice France).

Sebastien Bellin, a former professional basketball player, will share his personal experience in a keynote build up around four pillars that helped him overcome these traumatic events.

Thomas Ricard will address the legal and logistic challenges of the trial in Paris and highlight important lessons learned with regard to a renewed approach to victims.

As a forensic psychologist, Melissa Palet is working for the French Prison administration, in a unit dedicated to violent radicalisation. Her mission is to manage and risk assess persons prosecuted or convicted for terrorist-related offences. She will give an inside view on how practitioners work daily with people who have been radicalised or are at risk of radicalisation, as a mean of trying to disengage persons from extreme ideologies.

This session is a unique opportunity to reflect on the strength and determination of strong democracies to address the challenges that come together with persons adhering to extreme ideologies.

Wrap-up of the Conference:
Timothée Giard, GATE Avocats, France

Moderators:
Marie Davy, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP, France
Michel Segers, MVVP, Belgium

Speakers:
Sebastien Bellin, Belgium
Thomas Ricard, JP Karsenty, France
Melissa Palet, Ministère de la Justice, France
12:30 - 13:30

13:30 - 17:00

Departing from Maison du Barreau
17:45

19:00 - 02:00

TRACK 2 - The Importance of the Growing Sport Entertainment Industry and Its Inspirational Values and Ethics

14:30 - 20:00

15:00 - 17:00


Elevate your public speaking skills and conquer the challenges that can leave you feeling apprehensive, uncertain - and in the wort case speechless. As legal professionals, you're well acquainted with the demanding nature of speaking engagements.

AIJA’s SCILL (Skills, Career, Innovation, Leadership & Learning) Commission presents the Public Speaking Crash Course for all speakers, panelists and moderators which is tailored to empower you with tools to bolster your stage confidence, engage your audience effectively, and navigate the unpredictable during speaking engagements smoothly.

The workshop will be led by Abdallah Hassani, a Toastmaster, award-winning international speaker, and founder/trainer at Feed my Speech. In this workshop, Abdallah will distill key lessons from his extensive journey, sharing insights into comprehensive physical and mental preparation methods for delivering impactful speeches. As AIJA members, you possess valuable insights worth refining and presenting impeccably.

Join us on 29 November, from 15:00 to 17:00, and let's sculpt your expertise to captivate your audience!

Agenda:

Step #1: Understand public speaking confidence and craft the tools to build it.

Step #2: Understand the mechanics of audience attention and tools to make the difference.

Step #3: Navigate public speaking chaos and cultivate resilience.

Step #4: Time to practice.
17:00 - 18:00

18:00 - 20:00


The Organising Committee will welcome everyone in style followed by an introduction speech by the Bâtonnière de Paris (President of the Paris Bar Association), Julie Couturier.


Supported by


07:00 - 08:00

08:00 - 18:30

08:45 - 09:45


Before we commence with the first sessions of our academic programme, AIJA President, Eduardo de la Peña Bernal together with Marine Simonnot and Joëlle Muchada, HYC Co-Chairs on behalf of the Organising Committee, will officially welcome you to this year's Half-Year November Conference.


After that, we will host on stage Alain Bernard, Olympic Gold Medalist and Sport Consultant, France who will be introduced by Thierry Aballea, Council Member of the Paris Association and former AIJA President. Alain will be then interviewed by one of our Organising Committee member Coralie Devernay and he will share his insights on the significance of resilience and sports values, exploring why they matter, how they are interconnected, and how they can be applied not only in sports but also in your daily life. This keynote promises to inspire and motivate, offering a fresh perspective on personal and professional success.


This part will be closed by an introduction session on the two tracks of the event from the two Organising Committee members who coordinated the Academic programme of the Paris Half-Year Conference, Timothée Giard and Michel Segers.

Welcome Address
Eduardo De La Peña Bernal, Reed Smith LLP & AIJA President 2023-2024, United States
Marine Simonnot, UGGC Avocats, France
Joëlle Muchada, Qualiens, France

Keynote Session
Introduction by
Thierry Aballea, Council Member Paris Bar Association and AIJA Past President, France

Interviewer
Coralie Devernay, Clery Devernay, France

Keynote speaker
Alain Bernard, Olympic Gold Medalist & Sport Consultant, France

Presentation of the Academic Tracks
Timothée Giard, Gate Avocats, France
Michel Segers, Marx Van Ranst Vermeersch and Partners, Belgium
09:45 - 10:00

10:00 - 11:15

Organised by the Intellectual Property, Technology, Media, and Telecommunications and the Tax Law Commissions

E-sports, the competitive playing of video games, has gained immense popularity and become a global phenomenon.

However, the rapid growth of this industry has brought forth several legal challenges, particularly in the realms of intellectual property (IP) and taxation.

What about trademark and copyright protection in the meta-verse? Why did EA Sports lose the license on the trademark “FIFA” and what was at stake? What with the licensing income out of turnover generated in e-sports? Could you just forum-shop the best tax environment?

E-sports athletes and professionals often earn income through tournament winnings, sponsorships, endorsements, and streaming. Determining the tax obligations associated with these revenue streams, including cross-border taxation for international events, can be complex.

Moderators:
Axel Munier, Bardehle Pagenberg, France
Silvia Niubó Vidal, Cuatrecasas, Spain

Speakers:
Julian Kläser, Blum & Grob, Switzerland
Giulia Della Nina, Abion, Italy
Tetiana Kharebava, SportLabs Group, Ukraine

Keynote speaker:
Céline Ferté, Vitality Esport Team, France
11:15 - 11:45


Supported by
            
11:45 - 13:00

Organised by the Antritrust, International Arbitration and International Business Law Commissions

In recent years, some of the biggest sport and football clubs in the world have been making headlines for their efforts to break away from established governing bodies and create their own rules. This trend is driven by a desire for greater control over the financial and competitive aspects of the sport, as well as a growing sense of dissatisfaction with the existing structures of governance.

The battle of the big sport and football clubs and investors comes together with numerous legal obstacles and (pending) milestone cases before national courts and the ECJ (Super League). What will the role of players agents be in the future? How can football clubs ensure fair competition beside the pitch ? And how could associations support the rule of law?

A wide range of disputes with professional sports is also exclusively brought before specific arbitration bodies where specific proceedings and the set of rules of national sport associations are applied. When could sportsmen or sport clubs contest the competence of such private arbitration bodies and challenge decisions before national courts?

Moderators:
Philipp Hagen, Pachmann Law, Switzerland

Speakers:
Max Schulz, Glade Michel Wirtz, Germany
Nahik Solano, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Ecuador
Kaj Ludwig, Switzerland
Aleksandra Dziurkowska, WKB, Poland
13:00 - 14:00


Supported by
                      
14:00 - 15:30

Organised by the Corporate and M&A and Banking, Finance and Capital Markets Commissions

This panel will explore the differences in the M&A Process, financial fair play and corporate compliance in the football game (industry).

In recent years we have seen an ever-growing interest of investment companies and wealthy individuals willing to invest billions of EUR into football clubs. What does drive those investors? How is the M&A process different when taking a stake or take over of a football club? What about the rules of financial fair play which seem to have missed their objectives? How do you manage to stay corporate compliant in a very risky and volatile industry? What is the role of the fans and other stakeholders in the decision-making process and capital?

This session will dive into the big money of football clubs and highlight in which different (legal) game the companies are operating.

Moderator:
Hugo Texeira, Abreu Advogados, Portugal

Speakers:
Niklas Fuchs, Deutsche Fussball Liga, Germany
Matthew Kaiser, Global Sports Advocates, United States
Olivier Jaubert, Toulouse Football Club, France
Stefan Blunschi, Homburger, Switzerland
India Benjamin, Farrer & Co, United Kingdom
Gustavo Coelho, Bastilho Coelho Advogados, Brazil
15:30 - 16:00


Supported by
         
16:00 - 17:15

Organised by the Commercial Fraud and Insolvency Commissions

The world of sport is facing very difficult times due to the financial crisis and the hangover from covid lockdowns which left pitches, courts and TV schedules empty. As a high profile, high net-worth area, it is also exposed to corruption, match fixing and cheating which continue to undermine the integrity of the sector. This can have significant financial and reputational consequences (including fines, bans, points deductions) -  in certain situations that is a significant factor in an insolvency.

Sports organisations are often structured differently to regular companies, leading to novel legal issues when dealing with the fall-out from fraud and insolvency. Investigators, liquidators and creditors have so much more to think about than just money – there is so much emotion and passion tied up amongst supporters, there is much more press coverage, and there is often politics – where national governing bodies, politicians and governments have stepped in. It would also be interesting to explore the role that corruption and fraud, (particularly in relation to match-fixing / betting) plays in some of these situations, and how that impacts on personal liability of directors or even athletes.

Moderators:
Fanny Laune, Simont Braun, Belgium
Adam Flacks, LK, United Kingdom

Speakers:
Patricia Moyersoen, Moyersoen, France
Geraldo Fonseca, FVA | Fonseca Vannucci Abreu, Brazil
Raffael Fach, Beukelmann Müller, Germany
17:15 - 18:15


Supported by

  
17:15 - 18:15

19:30 - 02:00


Supported by


08:00 - 18:30

08:30 - 09:45

08:30 - 09:15


Join our morning relaxation yoga class! This gentle, yet full-body stretch hatha yoga lesson will help you to reconnect with your inner self, dive into the present moment and relax completely. Experience meditation through mindful movement and start your day with a full awareness of your body and mind.

The class will be led by Eva Indruchova, Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), a member of Yoga Alliance.

Practical information: This yoga practice is suitable for all, even complete beginners. Yoga mats will be provided. Comfortable clothing is recommended. Please note that places are limited! Please register in advance at the Wellbeing desk.
08:30 - 09:15


Join the ACamp, the ultimate mat and band-based bootcamp experience that's all about pushing your limits and unleashing your inner A-Game. Our workouts are designed to help you achieve peak physical fitness through a combination of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), strength training, and motivation. Are you ready to bring your A-Game?

Arzu is a group fitness instructor and teaching indoor cycling classes since 2019, and a certified personal trainer since 2022, coaching clients in traditional strength fitness and lifting. Some people say that she wears her coach cape in early mornings and late evenings, and her lawyer cape during the day.
10:00 - 11:15

Organised by the Labour Law and the In-House Counsel Commissions

Can an employee be fired for not being fit enough for the job? In which jobs physical prerequisites are lawful (policemen, army, model, other,…?) Can an employer measure its employees’ health in order to see if they are still physically and mentally fit? Can the employer incite its employees to do (more) sport? Is not being fit enough accepted by courts (EU, USA, Asia, other) as a sound reason for dismissal? Which work policies could an employer install to keep his workforce fit. What about a good ‘culture fit’ within the team.

Moderator:
Michael Fausel, Bluedex Labor Law, Germany

Speakers:
Susanna Dall'Ara, Nike, The Netherlands
Arzu Cakmak, Legal Counsel Mondi Group, Austria
Ailie Murray, TraversSmith, United Kingdom
Camille Leung, GPS Legal, Hong Kong
11:15 - 11:45


Supported by

11:45 - 13:00

Organised by the Skills, Career, Innovation, Leadership and Learning (SCILL) Commission and the AIJA Women Network

In this inspiring and engaging joint session between the SCILL commission and AIJA Women Network, the speakers will explore the parallels between mindset and techniques used by elite athletes and coaches and those that are essential for success in the legal profession as well as the role of organizations and management in building a resilient workforce. The participants will take away practical tools and strategies for building resilience, managing stress and pressure, thriving in high-stakes legal environments, teamwork, collaboration, and building a supportive network.

Moderators:
Aline von Düring, Bonnard Lawson, United Arab Emirates
Jean-Rodolphe Fiechter, Kellerhals Carrard, Switzerland

Speakers:
Andréanne Morin, Tikehau Capital, Canada
Agata Perepeczko, Resilient Work Force, United Arab Emirates
13:00 - 14:00


Supported by

      
13:45 - 15:00

15:00 - 16:00

  • Insolvency Commission meeting
  • International Business Law Commission (IBLC) + Sports Law Sub-Commission meeting
  • International Private Clients and Family Law Commission meeting
  • Labour Law Commission + Immigration Law Sub-Commission meeting
  • Real Estate Commission meeting
  • Transport Law Commission meeting
16:00 - 17:00

  • Antitrust Commission meeting
  • Banking, Finance and Capital Markets (BFCM) Commission meeting
  • Healthcare and Life Sciences Commission meeting
  • Litigation Commission meeting
  • Tax Law Commission meeting
  • T.R.A.D.E (Trade, Retail, Agency, Distribution, E-commerce) Commission meeting
17:00 - 18:00

  • Commercial Fraud Commission meeting
  • Corporate and M&A Commission meeting
  • Environment & Energy Law Commission meeting
  • International Arbitration meeting
  • Intellectual Property, Technology, Media and Telecommunications (IPTMT) Commission meeting
20:00 - 23:00


One of the most anticipated evenings with a personal-local touch is the ‘Home Hospitality Dinner’, where local lawyers open their homes to welcome AIJA delegates from around the world with local delectable food and drinks. Gain insights into the lifestyle and hospitality of the city hosting the conference in a friendly atmosphere experience.
23:00 - 03:00

09:15 - 10:00

10:00 - 10:45

10:45 - 12:30

@Maison du Barreau de Paris - 2 Rue de Harlay, 75001 Paris, France

Join us at la Maison du Barreau de Paris located at the emblematic Place Dauphine for a poignant Keynote Session titled "Resilience in the Face of Adversity".

Timothée Giard, on behalf of the Organising Committee, will first wrap-up the academic programme of the Conference with some recommendations from the AIJA community and commissions to strengthen the resilience of the law and the legal profession amidst the polycrisis.

The session will focus on the aftermath of the tragic terrorist attacks that occurred in Paris and Europe in the last few years. Moderators, Marie Davy (Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP) and Michel Segers (MVVP), will guide a panel of distinguished speakers, including Sebastien Bellin, Thomas Ricard (Partner JP Karsenty), and Melissa Palet (Psychologist Ministère de la Justice France).

Sebastien Bellin, a former professional basketball player, will share his personal experience in a keynote build up around four pillars that helped him overcome these traumatic events.

Thomas Ricard will address the legal and logistic challenges of the trial in Paris and highlight important lessons learned with regard to a renewed approach to victims.

As a forensic psychologist, Melissa Palet is working for the French Prison administration, in a unit dedicated to violent radicalisation. Her mission is to manage and risk assess persons prosecuted or convicted for terrorist-related offences. She will give an inside view on how practitioners work daily with people who have been radicalised or are at risk of radicalisation, as a mean of trying to disengage persons from extreme ideologies.

This session is a unique opportunity to reflect on the strength and determination of strong democracies to address the challenges that come together with persons adhering to extreme ideologies.

Wrap-up of the Conference:
Timothée Giard, GATE Avocats, France

Moderators:
Marie Davy, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP, France
Michel Segers, MVVP, Belgium

Speakers:
Sebastien Bellin, Belgium
Thomas Ricard, JP Karsenty, France
Melissa Palet, Ministère de la Justice, France
12:30 - 13:30

13:30 - 17:00

Departing from Maison du Barreau
17:45

19:00 - 02:00

Fees & General Info

There are currently no registration fees available.

General terms and conditions

By registering you have to accept the general terms and conditions and accept that your registration is considered binding immediately, but participation to the event is possible only after full payment of the registration fee.

Please note that any arrangements related to the participation of the participant in an AIJA event, including but not limited to booking or cancellation of accommodation or flights, as well as respecting the cancellation deadlines indicated in the general terms and conditions, are the sole responsibility of the participant. AIJA shall not be held liable for any expenses the participant may suffer as the result of participant’s failure to comply with his/her obligations.

It is recommended for each participant to purchase a cancellation and travel insurance.

Please note that in-house counsel registrations are subject to review and confirmation by AIJA. AIJA considers in-house counsel professionals who hold a university degree in law allowing access to a bar association and practicing law as an in-house counsel in private, public, or non-profit companies, institutions or organisations. Please note that in-house counsel who are at the same time active as fee-earning lawyers or consultants are not eligible to the discounted in-house counsel fee.

Please read the general terms and conditions applicable for AIJA events.


Scholarships

If you are a lawyer under 35 years old and meet the requirements, apply to our Scholarship Programme for this event. You can check more details here.

Prepare your stay

ACCOMMODATION AT PULLMAN PARIS TOUR EIFFEL

150 Guest rooms were pre-blocked at Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel at a group preferential rate for AIJA Participants. Please note that rooms will be allocated on a first come first served basis and subject to availability on the required date(s).

AIJA Group Rates:
Run of House Classic Bedroom (single use): 280 EUR per night including full buffet breakfast, wifi and VAT + 2.88 EUR per person per night for the Local Taxes
Run of House Classic Bedroom (double use): 312 EUR per night including full buffet breakfast, wifi and VAT + 2.88 EUR per person per night for the Local Taxes

Cancellation policy: room reservations are cancellable, modifiable and refundable until 30 days prior to the date of check-in. Between 30 days and the date of arrival, bookings are non-cancellable, non-refundable. The full stay will be due. Possibilities to look for a replacement by another AIJA participant may be discussed with the AIJA Team before contacting the hotel.

Update: the AIJA room block is now sold out. Please contact the Pullman Tour Eiffel directly to inquire about the current availability and rates at Edouard.LEBOENNEC@accor.com (mention the AIJA Conference in your communication)



Nearby Hotels

AIJA has partnered with HotelMap, an online accommodation platform that offers a variety of budget-friendly options. By clicking on the button below, you will be able to choose from a wide range of alternative hotels near the event venue. With just a few clicks, you can easily book your accommodation directly on the platform.

Nearby Hotels

Practical Information

CONFERENCE VENUE 

PULLMAN PARIS TOUR EIFFEL

On the Left Bank of Paris, just a short walk away from the Eiffel Tower, this 4-star hotel has become a prime destination for business travellers. The 430 rooms, spread over 11 floors including 96 twins, combine comfort, sobriety and premium equipment. Enjoy 2,200m sqm of meeting space with 24 meeting rooms including a 280 sqm lounge on the 10th floor with an exceptional view of Paris, its monuments and the Eiffel Tower. The business playground, L'Appart' and the Penthouse Eiffel are ultramodern spaces where you can appreciate the Pullman spirit of "work hard, play hard".
The Frame Restaurant & Bar offers an inspired menu based on fresh products (some come directly from the hotel's organic garden). It is a chic, relaxed gastronomic venue in Paris with a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights featuring French and local cuisine. On Sundays, a brunch buffet to suit all tastes with fresh produce.
When sunny days arrive, come and enjoy the flavours of summer on its terrace facing the "Iron Lady". The hotel also offers a fitness room available 24/7.

Sustainability @ Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
AIJA is pleased to partner with Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel & Accor hotels on the occasion of this HYC and supports all sustainability efforts and initiatives put in place by the hotel. Learn more with a brief fact sheet HERE (English version soon available)

LOCATION
18 Avenue De Suffren, 75015 Paris / Access via 22 Rue Jean Rey
Tel: +33 1 44 38 56 00
E-mail: h7229@accor.com 
Website
GPS: 48.855976, 2.293221 / Interactive Accor hotels map

HOW TO ACCESS THE HOTEL

Please note that the Metro Stop BIR-HAKEIM next to the Pullman Tour Eiffel will be closed as of 30 October 2023. You may get off Line 6 at Dupleix or Passy stops, both located at 12-min walking distance from the hotel. 

 TRANSPORT IN PARIS

Getting around the city: all you need to know about transport in Paris is HERE

Organising Committee

François BARRE Azam-Darley et Associés (FRANCE)
Marie DAVY KRAMER LEVIN (FRANCE)
Coralie DEVERNAY CLERY DEVERNAY (FRANCE)
Timothée GIARD GATE AVOCATS (FRANCE)
Roman GRAF Lenz & Staehelin (SWITZERLAND)
Joëlle MUCHADA Qualiens (FRANCE)
David ROCHE Aramis Avocats (FRANCE)
Michel SEGERS MVVP (BELGIUM)
Marine SIMONNOT UGGC AVOCATS (FRANCE)

Sponsors


Personal Protection

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Your data will be managed by AIJA's General Services, Events and Accounts Section:

  • For the purpose of administering your registration for the event and your on-site access to the event;
  • In order to pay for the selected services - your bank details will be deleted after receipt of your payment;
  • In order to communicate information messages from AIJA.

To the extent necessary for the execution of their respective tasks, our subcontractors in charge of our seminar organisation, our IT infrastructure, our management, the production and maintenance of our website and extranet, are likely to gain access to your data from time to time. Their servers are located in the European Union.

Data relating to your participation in the event shall be stored for a period of 10 years. We are obliged to archive billing data until the end of the period required for our tax and accounting obligations, i.e. for 7 full tax years.

We shall store your contact information to keep you informed until you ask us to stop. You have the right to access your data and have it corrected if necessary.