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The International Arbitration Commission is thrilled to announce its 14th Annual Arbitration Conference which will take place in the form of a double seminar together with the Private Clients and Family Law Commission from 27 to 29 June 2024 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

How equal is equal in legal proceedings? Social developments v legal impediments.

The International Private Clients and Family Law Commission will focus on equality amongst couples and children or better said, the implicit inequality, whether objective or subjective, in legal proceedings and the consequences there off.

We will first explore the imbalance of autonomy within a relationship when, after migrating to another country, one of the partners becomes dependent on the other for their residency status.

In a second part, we will deal with equality or inequality amongst children, first in their treatment as independent bearers of legal rights in family proceedings that concerns them, and then as heirs in the successions of their parents where their rights may be different regarding the notion of forced heirship or gender discrimination.

Transporting Arbitration and ADR into the future : from specialized Arbitration Institutes to legal tech and AI.

The International Arbitration Commission will zoom in on topics such as specialised renowned arbitration institutes, present in Netherlands and abroad (such as transport and maritime disputes (UNUM), The Hague Court of Arbitration for Aviation, the Court of Arbitration for Sports, the Dutch Foundation for the Settlement of Automation Disputes), and the use of technology – including AI – in the context of arbitration.

As a matter of fact, in the (digital) future it is to be expected more and more disputes will arise around matters that are very complex and complicated for lawyers to debate. Think of disputes around AI and other tech developments (robotics, data analytics, internet of things) or construction disputes related to the offshore sector (also relevant to Rotterdam and The Netherlands with regard to the construction of huge windmill parks on the North Sea).

The more technical matters will be, the more specialised arbitration institutes may help. But is specialisation really necessary and do these specialised instutes also pose a risk ? Come join the debate !

 

The 2 Commissions will finally meet for a joint session aiming to explore and promote the benefits of alternative dispute resolutions and arbitration in family law, particularly in estate and financial issues.

Next to this academic programme, the OC will provide you with a lively social programme, giving you a true Rotterdam experience !

Come and join us in one of the most central, international and vibrant cities of Europe !

AIJA Commissions involved
  • International Arbitration
  • International Private Clients and Family Law

Programme

TRACK 1 : International private clients and family law Commission

17:45

18:00

Address: Hofplein 19, 3032 AC Rotterdam

08:30

Address: Weena 10, 3012 CM Rotterdam, Netherlands
09:00 - 09:30

09:30 - 10:45


This session covers an immigration meets family law topic. Keynote speaker is Betty de Hart. She is a professor of transnational families and migration law at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. She conducts legal, empirical and historical research on the national, European and international rules that transnational families encounter, the views behind these rules as well as the impact on the everyday lives of transnational families. She will discuss her 2022 research “Have patience: The meaning of the dependent right of residence in the daily lives of marriage migrants and their partners”. We will discuss the daily implications of a dependent right of residence and the options in different jurisdictions for marriage migrants to obtain an independent right of residence, whether related to death, break-up or other reasons.

Moderator: Nikki Vreede, Everaert advocaten, the Netherlands

Keynote speaker: Betty de Hart, Professor for transnational families and migration law at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Speakers:
  • Virginia Maürer, Advant Beiten, Germany
  • James Riby, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP, UK
10:45 - 11:15

11:15 - 12:30


From session 1 we will continue this topic by discussing the role of article 8 ECHR at the intersection of family and immigration law proceedings. What happens if a relationship turns sour and, worst case scenario, leads to domestic violence? Where does that leave the dependent family member in terms of legal residency, child custody and parental authority? Do different jurisdictions consider that the outcome of a family court case impacts the outcome in an immigration court case and vice versa? Is that the case in different jurisdictions? And if so, how does article 8 ECHR, which covers the right to protection of family life and private life, affects these proceedings?

Moderator: Sonia Cala-Lesina, Farrer & Co, UK

Speakers:
  • Janaína Albuquerque , Janaína Albuquerque , Brazil
  • Philippa Bouveau , Ivoire Famille, France
  • Jennifer Moore, Rayden Sollicitors, United Kingdom
  • Sara Sahranavard, Schwarzler Rechtsanwalte, Liechtenstein 
12:30 - 14:00

14:00 - 15:15


Children's rights can be very different from one country to another. In order to understand them better, this panel will adopt a comparative approach in analysing inequalities or equalities that exist in treatment of children as independent bearers of legal rights in Court proceedings compared to adults :
  • In what type of proceedings can children be heard, and how ? We’ll focus on children age as a condition, on who generally hears them, and how they may be independently advised and assisted, especially if parents are in disagreement ;
  • How children's opinions are (or aren't) made primary considerations in verdicts ? Are they equally heard and taken seriously as their parents ?
Moderator: Veronica Dindo, Studi Legale Veronica Dindo, Italy 

Speakers:
  • Vanessa Ndoumbe Nkotto, Oratio Fortis Avocates, Switzerland
  • Agata Kiełczyńska, Crido, Poland
  • Jennifer Dickson, Withers LLP, United Kingdom
  • Inès Amar, Libra Avocats, France
  • Melis Yokay, Yalcin & Toygar, Turkiye
15:15 - 15:45

15:45 - 17:00


International families may be confronted, while trying to plan and structure their assets and succession, to the question of equality or inequality among children. In this perspective, the concept of forced heirship, that is present in almost all civil law systems has to be studied and considered, in contrast with the common law systems where the freedom for any individual to dispose of his assets shall prevail.
In this session, we will debate the notion of forced heirship, if and how it guarantees equality, what assets can be affected, and how and when it may apply. The question of equal treatment regarding daughters and sons or other discriminatory distinctions in wills or will substitutes will also be considered.

Moderator: Bernhard Motal, Gasser Partner Attorneys at Law , Liechtenstein

Speakers:
  • Hannah Mantle, Forsters LLP, United Kingdom
  • Tomasz Krzywański, Kordia Legal, Poland
  • Peter Von Burg, Burckhardt Ltd, Switzerland
  • Hélène de Bollardière, Cazals Manzo Pichot Saint Quentin, France
  • Giovanni Francesco Angelini, Maisto e Associati, Italy
17:00 - 17:20

19:00 - 01:30

Address: Raampoorstraat 10, 3023 AH Rotterdam

08:30

Address: Weena 10, 3012 CM Rotterdam, Netherlands
09:30 - 10:45


This panel will discuss the potential benefits and challenges of arbitration for disputes with private persons, including family law disputes with high financial stakes, surrounding (international) estates and/or involving trusts or foundations.

Moderator: Benjamin Dors, Advant Altana, France

Speakers:
  • Giuseppe Scotti, Machi di Cellere Gangemi, Italy
  • Mery Canella, Pestalozzi, Switzerland
  • Eleanor Moodey, Pennigtons Manches Cooper, UK
  • Caoimhe Sykes, Irwin Mitchell LLP, UK
  • Raluca Lolev, Ivoire, France 
10:45 - 11:15

11:15 - 12:30


In this second session, a panel will put the insights gained from the previous session into practice, by delving into a case study based on an actual precedent centered around a complex family law dispute with high financial stakes.

Moderators: 
  • Maximin de Fontmichel, Professor of Law and Arbitrator, France
  • Emily Bueno, Mishcon de Reya LLP, UK
Speakers:
  • Eleni Skoufari, LCI Law, Greece
  • Hugues Gaston, Boiché Avocats, France
  • Nicol Schneider, DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH, Austria
  • Anna Zabrotskaya, Nordic Star Law Offices, Russia
12:30 - 14:00

16:00 - 18:00


Departure and arrival at Hilton Rotterdam.
19:00

Address: Galileïstraat 24, 3029 AM Rotterdam
TRACK 2 : Arbitration Commission

17:45

18:00

Address: Hofplein 19, 3032 AC Rotterdam

08:30

Address: Weena 10, 3012 CM Rotterdam, Netherlands
09:00 - 09:30

09:30 - 10:45


Will AI lead us to a new era of digital arbitration transforming the way disputes are resolved? Or will it – and should it – remain nothing more than a useful tool to assist counsels and arbitrators and decrease the costs of the proceedings? The rapid expansion of legal tech and AI technology is affecting the entire legal industry but raises very specific questions and challenges when it comes to litigation and arbitration. This panel will examine the potential uses of legal tech – including AI – in arbitration, assessing possible deployment of such technology in different aspects of the arbitration process such as: (i) document review, (ii) selecting arbitrators, and (iii) decision-making. The session will discuss its potential benefits but also the risks that it may pose, particularly with respect to confidentiality, ethical issues or the integrity of the arbitral process.

Moderator: Max Maillet, E2M - Etude Max Mailliet, Luxemburg

Speakers:
  • Catherine Penny, Stevens & Bolton, United Kingdom
  • Duran Ross, Lewis Silkin, United Kingdom
  • Marc Krestin, Fieldfisher, the Netherlands
  • Ewelina Wętrys, DWF Poland Jamka sp.k., Poland
10:45 - 11:15

11:15 - 12:30


We have seen in recent years the multiplication of arbitration institutions specializing in disputes related to specific sectors. While sport, construction and maritime disputes have traditionally been referred to specialized arbitral bodies, other institutions are relatively new to the world of arbitration, for example the Court of Arbitration for Art (CAfA). The speakers will have a closer look at several of these industry-specific institutions and give an overview of their particularities and advantages, also vis-à-vis the leading arbitral institutions. The panelists will also discuss the broader implications of specialized arbitration institutes, such as the question whether the growing presence of smaller arbitration institutes elevates the quality of arbitration and speculate on whether a surge in specialized arbitration institutes is imminent due to ongoing developments.

Moderator: Brian van Egmond, Conway, the Netherlands

Keynote Speaker: Frans de Weger, BMDW Advocaten, the Netherlands 

Speakers:
  • Paulo Magalhães Nasser, M Nasser Dispute Resolution, Brazil
  • Lotte Schat, AKD, the Netherlands
  • Sabrine Schnyder, Solo Practitioner and Independent Arbitrator, Switzerland
  • Florian Renaux, TALMA Dispute Resolution, France 
12:30 - 14:00

14:00 - 15:15


In an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving industries, the landscape of international arbitration is witnessing a surge in complex disputes, particularly in sectors like technology, energy, construction and more. This panel delves into the indispensable role of experts in effectively navigating and resolving intricate disputes. The panelists will analyze the hurdles practitioners might face when utilizing experts to their full potential, address ethical considerations tied to expert evidence and explore strategies aimed at optimizing the value derived from experts.

Moderator: Diederik Besouw, Van Doorne, the Netherlands

Speakers:
  • Gabriel Ganot, Exponent, USA
  • Tanja Schasfoort, Stek, the Netherlands
  • Maciej Durbas, Kubas Kos Gałkowski, Poland
  • Evgenia Peiffer, CMS, Germany
  • Hugo-Frans Bol, Diales, The Netherlands 
15:15 - 15:45

15:45 - 17:00


The current era brings both opportunities and challenges with it for international arbitration. Climate change and the emphasis on reducing carbon footprints pose the question how arbitration can adapt to minimize travel and foster a more sustainable approach. At the same time new technologies can be used to improve arbitration accessibility, for example for lower value disputes. In the midst of these developments, the effectiveness of arbitration and fundamental rights of the parties may become at risk. During this session, the panelists will explore how arbitration can strike a balance between adapting to the digital age and upholding the rights of the parties involved.

Moderator: Chloé Terrapon Chassot, Walder Wyss, Switzerland

Speakers:
  • Alexander van Someren Gréve, MAAK Advocaten, the Netherlands
  • Gennaro Paone, De Berti Jacchia Franchini Forlani, Italy
  • Khaled Moyeed, gunnercooke, United Kingdom
  • Laure Perrin, Squire Patton Boggs, France 
17:00 - 17:20

19:00 - 01:30

Address: Raampoorstraat 10, 3023 AH Rotterdam

08:30

Address: Weena 10, 3012 CM Rotterdam, Netherlands
09:30 - 10:45


This panel will discuss the potential benefits and challenges of arbitration for disputes with private persons, including family law disputes with high financial stakes, surrounding (international) estates and/or involving trusts or foundations.

Moderator: Benjamin Dors, Advant Altana, France

Speakers:
  • Giuseppe Scotti, Machi di Cellere Gangemi, Italy
  • Mery Canella, Pestalozzi, Switzerland
  • Eleanor Moodey, Pennigtons Manches Cooper, UK
  • Caoimhe Sykes, Irwin Mitchell LLP, UK
  • Raluca Lolev, Ivoire, France
10:45 - 11:15

11:15 - 12:30


In this second session, a panel will put the insights gained from the previous session into practice, by delving into a case study based on an actual precedent centered around a complex family law dispute with high financial stakes.

Moderator: 
  • Maximin de Fontmichel, Professor of Law and Arbitrator, France
  • Emily Bueno, Mishcon de Reya LLP, UK
Speakers:
  • Eleni Skoufari, LCI Law, Greece
  • Hugues Gaston, Boiché Avocats, France
  • Nicol Schneider, DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH, Austria
  • Anna Zabrotskaya, Nordic Star Law Offices, Russia
12:30 - 14:00

16:00 - 18:00


Departure and arrival at Hilton Rotterdam.
19:00

Address: Galileïstraat 24, 3029 AM Rotterdam

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

We are pleased to announce that the sessions of the upcoming seminar will be held at the Hilton Rotterdam.

Address: Weena 10, 3012 CM Rotterdam, Netherlands

We have negotiated special rates with the Hilton Rotterdam for the participants of the seminar. Participants can book directly using the following link.

Booking deadline: 27April 2024 (after this date, availability may not be guaranteed for all nights and at the preferential rate).

Room rate per night: Standard single room including breakfast and VAT 189€. The city taxes are not included in the rate.

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

How to get to the seminar venue?

If you're arriving on an international flight, chances are you'll land at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. Here's your guide on getting from there to the seminar venue:

Train from Schiphol Airport to Rotterdam Centraal: Dutch Railways (NS) operates trains departing from Schiphol Airport to Rotterdam Centraal every 15 minutes. The journey takes approximately 26 minutes, with tickets priced between €9 and €24. Alternatively, FlixBus runs buses from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Rotterdam Central Station every 4 hours, with ticket prices ranging from €7 to €11.

From Rotterdam Centraal to Hilton Rotterdam: Upon arrival at Rotterdam Centraal, you have several options. You can hop on the subway from Rotterdam Centraal to Stadhuis, a journey of about 1 minute. Alternatively, take the line 125 tram from Rotterdam Centraal (platform D) to Weena, which takes roughly 6 minutes. If you prefer to stroll, it's approximately a 6-minute walk (582 meters) from Rotterdam Centraal to the Hilton Rotterdam.


Please bear in mind that these are recommended options, and travel times may vary depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. It's advisable to check the latest schedules and routes for a smooth journey. Safe travels!

Organising Committee

Marion CARREGA
Marion CARREGA Aramis Avocats (FRANCE)
Raluca LOLEV
Raluca LOLEV Ivoire (FRANCE)
Bernhard MOTAL
Bernhard MOTAL Gasser Partner Rechtsanwälte (LIECHTENSTEIN)
Diederik VAN BESOUW
Diederik VAN BESOUW Van Doorne N.V. (NETHERLANDS)
Veerle VAN DRUENEN
Veerle VAN DRUENEN Kennedy Van der Laan (NETHERLANDS)
Brian VAN EGMOND
Brian VAN EGMOND Conway & Partners (NETHERLANDS)
Nikki VREEDE
Nikki VREEDE Everaert Advocaten Immigration Lawyers (NETHERLANDS)

Sponsors

Become a sponsor

Partnership with AIJA as a sponsor provides the best networking opportunities in a relaxed business environment.
If you have any questions, contact us on ‘Become a sponsor’ and check for more opportunities.

Become a sponsor More about sponsorship

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

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