Event Overview

The Corporate and M&A Commission and the Litigation Commission are thrilled to invite you to the joint Winter Seminar 2026, set amidst the breathtaking beauty of the snowy Alps in Courmayeur. During the academic sessions, the participants will plunge into the latest pitfalls and challenges faced by Corporate/M&A practitioners and litigation lawyers. At the foot of Mont Blanc, we will slalom through the complexities of new and future issues decision makers face in the corporate world, taking into account the sharp turns posed by recent ESG legislation, insurance trends, AI and blockchain technology.

Focusing on "Off-Piste" risk factors, the seminar will therefore cast a peculiar spotlight on how new challenges in technologies and legislation are impacting lawyers' approach to M&A transactions and litigation. The sessions will also highlight the do's and don't's that M&A lawyers should be aware when drafting an SPA, keeping in mind a potential post-M&A litigation and encouraging the exchange between lawyers from diverse backgrounds.

Beyond the academic sessions, Courmayeur's stunning mountain scenery offers a perfect blend of outdoor activities and Italian hospitality, setting an exceptional scene for professional networking: Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the numerous slopes catering to all ski levels, opportunities for snow shoeing and winter hiking. The town itself features a picturesque main street lined with cozy shops, charming cafes, fine dining options and Aprés-Ski. For those who prefer to unwind after the academic sessions, the town is also in the proximity to the Pré-Saint-Didier SPA which is renowned for its natural hot springs and wellness facilities with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Get ready for an in-depth, dynamic experience that will not only equip you with the insights and strategies you need to excel in today's demanding legal landscape, but will also deepen your professional network in the midst of a spectacular alpine scenery.

AIJA Commissions involved
  • Corporate and M&A
  • Litigation

Programme

18:00


Details regarding the welcome reception will be shared soon
19:30


Details regarding the optional dinner will be shared soon

08:30

09:00 - 09:30

09:30 - 10:30


As regulatory scrutiny intensifies, corporate directors face increasing liability risks both nationally and internationally. This panel will explore key trends in national laws and jurisprudence, highlighting how evolving legal frameworks are shaping directors' responsibilities. We will also examine common pitfalls that can expose directors to personal liability, and litigation. By understanding these developments, lawyers can better mitigate risks in an ever-changing legal landscape.
10:30 - 11:00

11:00 - 12:00


With rising litigation and increasing regulatory scrutiny, corporate directors face evolving risks that directly impact their liability and insurance coverage. This session will examine key trends in Directors & Officers (D&O) insurance, including coverage developments, excess insurance, and common exclusions.  This session will discuss how insurers are adapting to emerging claims trends, the obligations of the insured, and the risks of losing coverage. Additionally, this session will explore best practices for lawyers advising clients on D&O policies, risk mitigation strategies, and navigating complex legal challenges.
12:00 - 13:00

15:00


Details regarding the optional activity will be shared soon
19:30


Details regarding the dinner will be shared soon

08:30

09:00 - 10:00


In times of financial distress, corporate directors must compose with complex legal and fiduciary responsibilities to mitigate risks and protect stakeholders. This panel will explore key challenges, including directors' filing duties, the increasing use of claw-back actions, and recent national and international legal developments shaping liability in insolvency scenarios. With the insights of litigation lawyers, experts will discuss strategies for compliance, risk mitigation, and proactive decision-making to help directors fulfill their obligations while safeguarding the company's future.
10:00 - 10:30

10:30 - 11:15


When negotiating a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA), ensuring it is bullet-proof can mean the difference between a smooth transaction and costly litigation. This discussion will explore the critical importance of precise contract drafting and thorough documentation to mitigate risks. We will examine enforcement measures both in and out of court, common pitfalls in Warranty & Indemnity (W&I) litigation, and key lessons learned from past disputes. By understanding these elements, parties can safeguard their agreements and steer through potential legal minefields with confidence.
11:15 - 12:00


Structuring a well-drafted Shareholders’ Agreement or Joint Venture Agreement is essential for fostering successful business partnerships while mitigating risks. This panel will explore key provisions, including non-compete and confidentiality clauses, strategies for resolving deadlocks, and common pitfalls that lead to disputes. Litigation experts will share lessons learned from past cases, highlighting how legal challenges arise and how they can be avoided. Through practical insights, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of balancing opportunities and obstacles in partnership agreements.
11:45 - 12:15

12:15 - 13:00

15:00


Details regarding the optional activity will be shared soon
19:30


Details regarding dinner will be shared soon

08:30

09:00 - 10:00


Balancing the interests of shareholders and stakeholders is essential for sustainable corporate governance. This discussion will explore key mechanisms such as anti-dilution rights, which protect shareholders from unfair equity dilution, information rights that ensure transparency and accountability, and governance rights that promote fair decision-making. Drawing on lessons learned from litigation, we will examine how these rights have been enforced and challenged in practice. By striking the right balance, corporations can empower shareholders while safeguarding the interests of employees, customers, and the broader community, fostering long-term success.
10:00 - 10:30

10:30 - 11:30


In today’s digital landscape, corporate directors play a crucial role in ensuring their organizations are prepared for cyber threats. This workshop will explore key responsibilities, including developing a robust cybersecurity strategy, implementing effective data backup and recovery plans, and establishing a comprehensive incident response framework. Additionally, we will examine the risk of litigation that can arise from cyberattacks, including liability for data breaches, regulatory penalties, and shareholder actions. Participants will gain insights into best practices and proactive measures to mitigate risks, ensuring business continuity and regulatory compliance in the face of cyber threats.
11:30 - 11:45

11:45 - 13:00

15:00


Details regarding the optional activity will be shared soon
19:30


Details regarding the optional dinner will be shared soon

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.

Organising Committee

Grégoire CHAPPUIS
Grégoire CHAPPUIS Niederer Kraft Frey Ltd (SWITZERLAND)
Romain FRANZETTI
Romain FRANZETTI BerryLaw (FRANCE)
Julie HARTVIG-ROVSING
Julie HARTVIG-ROVSING Bruun & Hjejle Law Firm (DENMARK)
Giuseppe Luigi Eugenio RIZZO
Giuseppe Luigi Eugenio RIZZO LCA STUDIO LEGALE (ITALY)
Marco ROSTETTER
Marco ROSTETTER Homburger AG (SWITZERLAND)
Theresia Franziska WELSER
Theresia Franziska WELSER WOLF THEISS Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG (AUSTRIA)

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:

  • 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.

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