TRACK #1 | International disputes 2021: Tackling new challenges resolving disputes in the post-Covid world
As the global economy emerges from Covid and faces ongoing challenges such as climate change, businesses are more likely than ever to face cross-border disputes. The legal systems of the UAE and other GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries pose challenges for international litigators and arbitrators, both because of the interaction of Shari’a, civil and common law and the practical challenges of resolving disputes between parties from different backgrounds and cultures.

Our programme will showcase key new developments in the GCC legal systems, focus on hot topics and industries, and provide practical know how for managing cross-border disputes involving the Middle East. Speakers will include leading figures from the GCC litigation and arbitration community as well as international lawyers with hands on experience of GCC-centred disputes.

Topics to be discussed

• Key developments in GCC courts and arbitration institutions
• An overview of the UAE’s and GCC’s legal systems, and practical tips for service and enforcement
• How GCC judges and arbitrators reconcile Shari’a and civil and common laws systems
• New GCC insolvency laws and how they facilitate asset recovery claims
• Impact of the global pandemic on construction disputes
• How the energy sector is grappling with the climate crises, and the role of litigation in driving change.

JOINT TRACK | Energy and Environment – Facing Up to the Climate Crisis

We are now seeing an increased sense of global urgency and public awareness around climate change, related risks, and litigation cases. Individuals and firms are now pursuing judicial remedies and using litigation as a tool to increase pressure on governments and industries to act in protecting the environment and bring an evolution in the fields of energy production, infrastructure development, transportation, carbon-intensive sectors and more. In this session learn how the energy sector is grappling with the climate crises, and the role of litigation in driving change. The session is organised by the Environmental and Energy law commission and will be moderated by its President, Daria Capotorto.

PLENARY SESSION | Skills, Career, Innovation, Leadership and Learning (SCILL) 

Strategies to Improve Your Business Law Practice

This joint session will start with an interactive discussion of the global developments in the legal market and how this affects different types of law firms and practices combined with interactive tools incl. surveys. The Keynote speaker for the first part of this session is Robert van Beemen.  These global developments also challenge law firms to find new and different ways to work and to collaborate. Therefore, in the second part of this session, Ondřej Dvořák will give a Keynote on how law firms can better achieve their targets with the help of agility. We will learn how to build the culture of a sustainable law firm. We will discuss how to create an environment where teamwork is valued and where you will gain improved visibility over your firm’s collective workload. We will also discuss how to move away from emails to other more effective means of communication.

Navigating cross cultural negotiations
It is said that culture can have a profound influence on negotiation style. This session will explore the concept of negotiation at its deepest level: a meaningful conversation. Conversations build relations, create emotions, influence attitudes and, in the long run determine the outcome of every human interaction. The session will provide insights on how to improve our capacity to lead meaningful conversations, to create trust and understanding between parties. The need for change is at the forefront for business globally and the same exists for the law firms and professionals. Leading meaningful conversations can strengthen transparency, accountability, client relationship, business models, communication plans, cross cultural negotiations and much more.

SCILL Coaching Sessions

Coaching Session: Creating a Culture of Trust by Pascal Jossi and Mahmud Samandari

The importance of trust is obvious — it’s the elemental force that allows people, communities, and organizations to flourish. Today, more than ever, trust is an essential asset to help foster collaboration, deepen teamwork, drive engagement, and help individuals and organizations manage the never-ending process of change. No matter the gender, race, or cultural background, where there is trust, new methods and ways of thinking can be explored and expressed freely in a constant learning process. This builds strong, highly performing organisations. 

The soul.com workshop, facilitated by Pascal Jossi and Mahmud Samandari focuses on the dynamics of trust and how you can become a promoter of trust within your law firm. Book your coaching sessions here: https://pascaljossi-coaching.youcanbook.me/

Coaching Session by Ondřej Dvořák, AgiLawyer, Czech Republic

Many managing lawyers are often in rush, juggling constantly changing priorities, drowning in emails, calls, and messages. They find it challenging to keep track of all their business activities and to keep up with the latest technology trends.

During this coaching, we can discuss your challenges concerning office management and digitalization. We may tackle topics like tasks assignments, reporting, communication channels, and the overall team management in your office. Book your coaching sessions with Ondřej Dvořák here: https://agilawyer.youcanbook.me

Learn more about the EXPO at https://www.expo2020dubai.com/en

DUBAI ADVENTURE DESERT SAFARI & DINNER – 19 November
@Al Maha Desert Conservation Reserve
The Dubai Adventure Dinner and activities will provide the AIJA delegates with the unique opportunity to explore the desert wildlife through an exciting experience. You will have the chance to be one with nature and experience firsthand the enthralling scenery of the Arabian Desert in one of the UAE natural desert conservation reserves. After watching the stunning sunset, dinner will take place in a beautifully set Bedouin camp.