Transporting Law(yers) into the future: equality, specialisation and legal tech at the start of the 21st century

Rotterdam, Netherlands

27 June 2024 - 29 June 2024

TRACK 1 : International private clients and family law Commission


Thursday 27 June 2024

17:45 Registration opens at the Fontein rooftop
18:00 Welcome reception and dinner at the Fontein rooftop
Address: Hofplein 19, 3032 AC Rotterdam

Friday 28 June 2024

08:30 Registration desk opens
Address: Weena 10, 3012 CM Rotterdam, Netherlands
09:00 » 09:30 Welcome address by the AIJA Bureau representative and the Organising Committee
09:30 » 10:45 Session 1 - Dependent right of residence & it’s implications in the daily lives of marriage migrants

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 Coffee break
11:15 » 12:30 Session 2 - The role of article 8 ECHR at the intersection of family law and immigration law proceedings

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 Lunch
14:00 » 15:15 Session 3 - Children’s rights in Court proceedings: Are children equally heard as independent bearers of rights?

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 Coffee break
15:45 » 17:00 Session 4 - (In)equality amongst children in succession law

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 Commission Meeting
19:00 » 01:30 Dinner and Party at Jack's
Address: Raampoorstraat 10, 3023 AH Rotterdam

Saturday 29 June 2024

08:30 Registration desk opens
Address: Weena 10, 3012 CM Rotterdam, Netherlands
09:30 » 10:45 Arbitration for disputes involving private clients. Part 1: The benefits and challenges of arbitration involving private clients compared to commercial arbitration

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 Coffee break
11:15 » 12:30 Arbitration for disputes involving private clients. Part 2: Dealing with arbitrations involving private clients in practice: a case study with a focus on the complexities and opportunities of arbitration in family disputes

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 Lunch
16:00 » 18:00 Optional city tour

Departure and arrival at Hilton Rotterdam.
19:00 Optional dinner at Stadshaven Brouwerij
Address: Galileïstraat 24, 3029 AM Rotterdam

TRACK 2 : Arbitration Commission


Thursday 27 June 2024

17:45 Registration opens at the Fontein rooftop
18:00 Welcome reception and dinner at the Fontein rooftop
Address: Hofplein 19, 3032 AC Rotterdam

Friday 28 June 2024

08:30 Registration desk opens
Address: Weena 10, 3012 CM Rotterdam, Netherlands
09:00 » 09:30 Welcome address by the AIJA Bureau representative and the Organising Committee
09:30 » 10:45 Session 1 - Legal tech in arbitration proceedings: A variety of potential uses raising multiples questions and challenges

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 Coffee break
11:15 » 12:30 Session 2 - The Trend of Specialized Arbitration Institutes: What makes them so special?

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 Lunch
14:00 » 15:15 Session 3 - Expert Evidence in the Modern Era: Unraveling Complexity in International Arbitration

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 Coffee break
15:45 » 17:00 Session 4 - Arbitration in 2030 and beyond: Advancements and Sustainable Paradigms vs Fundamental Rights

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 Commission Meeting
19:00 » 01:30 Dinner and Party at Jack's
Address: Raampoorstraat 10, 3023 AH Rotterdam

Saturday 29 June 2024

08:30 Registration desk opens
Address: Weena 10, 3012 CM Rotterdam, Netherlands
09:30 » 10:45 Arbitration for disputes involving private clients. Part 1: The benefits and challenges of arbitration involving private clients compared to commercial arbitration

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 Coffee break
11:15 » 12:30 Arbitration for disputes involving private clients. Part 2: Dealing with arbitrations involving private clients in practice: a case study with a focus on the complexities and opportunities of arbitration in family disputes.

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 Lunch
16:00 » 18:00 Optional city tour

Departure and arrival at Hilton Rotterdam.
19:00 Optional dinner at Stadshaven Brouwerij
Address: Galileïstraat 24, 3029 AM Rotterdam