Half-Year May Conference

The Hague , Netherlands

24 May 2023 - 27 May 2023

Track #A - The Hague Conventions: Practical Impacts to Every-Day Work of International Lawyers in 2023


Wednesday 24 May 2023

14:00 » 19:00 Registration & open welcome desk
15:00 » 17:00 Public Speaking Crash Course (for speakers & moderators)
Organised by the Skills, Career, Innovation, Leadership and Learning (SCILL) Commission

For lawyers, content is king… but if you cannot deliver your message in a way that people actually listen, you won’t get the content across…

Join the SCILL Public Speaking Crash Course:
This will be a perfect platform to bring out the inner confidence and people's attention open to speakers at the HYC.
AIJA’s SCILL (Skills, Career, Innovation, Leadership & Learning) Commission presents the Public Speaking Crash Course for all speakers, panelists and moderators to help elevate your stage presence, fine tune your presentation and practice your speech for greater impact!

You will learn last minute tricks and tips to enhance the professional delivery and impact of your presentation and already prepared content. The course will be a hands-on session where some of you will also have the chance to rehearse parts of your respective speeches (max. 2 minutes, subject to the number of participants) in front of a live audience consisting of fellow speakers and moderators. You will get valuable information and feedback on body language, rhetoric and impact. This is a chance not to miss!

This interactive session will be run by Wendy Rundberg from Studio Public Speaking.


About Wendy:
Wendy Rundberg, founder & owner of Studio Public Speaking, will help to sharpen your personal performance to reach your goal. She has experience in the field of personal presentations for over 20 years. She guides individuals and teams to success with her engaged and professional way of working, and result driven mindset. Many companies have benefitted from her expertise. Wendy worked with corporates by crafting their business presentations, helped companies to win Tenders with their presentations and coached various keynote and TEDx speakers. 


18:00 » 20:00 Welcome Reception
Welcome address by Saskia Bruines, Alderman of the city of The Hague
@ Nieuwe Kerk

Thursday 25 May 2023

07:00 » 08:30 AIJA Triathlon for Human Rights
08:00 » 18:15 Registration & open welcome desk
09:15 » 09:45 Welcome to the Half-Year May Conference

Welcome Addresses

Moritz Maurer, Niederer Kraft Frey & AIJA President 2022-2023, Switzerland
Marjolein van Rest, BarentsKrans, The Netherlands - on behalf of the Organising Committee

Keynote Presentation - Working together towards Global Justice

Egbert Myjer, Former judge elected in respect of The Netherlands (2004-2012) - European Court of Human Rights, Netherlands





09:45 » 10:00 Transfer to respective track rooms
10:00 » 10:10

Hague Track and the Hague Conference on Private International Law
Introduction:
Štěpán Holub, Holubová advokáti, Czech Republic

Keynote Speaker:
Christophe Bernasconi, Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH), Netherlands

10:10 » 11:15 Session 1 - Do we still need an apostille? Recognising documents in foreign countries
Organised by the International Business Law Commission

We will deal with the Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents and address the following questions:
- What is legalisation (authentication) and why has an apostille made a difference?
- When do we need an apostille? Practicalities around legalisation. To apostille or not to apostille, that is the question.
- EU regulation 2016/1191 abolishing the requirement of certification with an apostille for certain types of documents.
- Bilateral treaties on legalising documents.

Moderator:
Bartosz Kuraś, Wardynski & Partners, Poland

Speakers:
Monika Křižánková, PRK Partners, Czech Republic
Gustavo Coelho, Bastilho Coelho Advogados, Brazil
Eirik Børstein, Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS, Norway
René Mauricio Alva, EC Rubio, Mexico

Guest HCCH Speaker:
Caio Gomes De Freitas, Legal Officer, Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH), Netherlands
11:15 » 11:45 Coffee break

Supported by
11:45 » 13:00 Session 2 - The supply chain put to the test: how international convention tackles recent disruptive events?
Organised by the Trade, Retail, Agency, Distribution, E-commerce (T.R.A.D.E.) Commission

The international conventions on sale adopted in the past century were among the most successful, leading to the creation of a single body of law, approved by the vast majority of states, even of completely different legal systems.
In recent decades, however, this process seems to have stalled, and unification has continued in a jeopardized manner, by macro-areas and without a single body of law.
In this panel, we will consider how major international distribution conventions govern recent events that have severely stressed supply chains around the world, and how these conventions have been interpreted in different legal systems.

Moderator:
Giuliano Stasio, Macchi di Cellere Gangemi, Italy

Speakers:
Sara Khalil, Schönherr Rechtsanwälte GmbH, Austria
Timothée Giard, GATE AVOCATS, France
Stephan Korte, Kanzlei Korte, Germany
13:00 » 14:00 Lunch

Supported by
14:00 » 15:15 Session 3 - To trust or not to trust for nomad individuals and international families?
Organised by the International Private Clients and Family Law Commission

The 1985 Hague Convention on the Law Applicable to Trusts and on their Recognition entered into force in 13 countries. Its influence however has been far greater since other countries choose to implement the common law trust concept of the Convention into their national conflict of laws. Other jurisdictions created fiduciary arrangements more or less similar to the trust.

Contrary to common law jurisdictions where the trust is widely used and has a long history, both inter vivos and testamentary, in civil law jurisdictions the trust’s image is clouded: from a historical perspective, Napoleon already discouraged the concentration of wealth over generations in the Code Civil. Today, the trust is often framed as a money-laundering (‘AML’) tool, used by criminals and key persons of sanctioned regimes.

From a tax perspective, setting aside money in an overseas trust raises income tax and inheritance tax concerns. Jurisdictions strive to attribute the income of the trust’s assets to their domestic settlors and beneficiaries, rather than to the trust itself or its elusive trustees. From an inheritance tax perspective the estate or the beneficiaries are also the targeted taxpayers.

Hence the importance of identifying the beneficiaries of a trust for AML and tax purposes through ultimate beneficial owner rules and international exchange of information agreements.

This panel will deal with the question why (not) to advise a trust to individuals and families in an international situation?

Moderator:
Ferenc Ballegeer, FB-tax, Belgium

Speakers:
Jenny Duggan, Stewarts Law LLP, United Kingdom
Bernhard Motal, Gasser Partner Rechtsanwälte, Liechstentein
Hannah Mantle, Forsters Service Company Limited, United Kingdom
John Davies, Farrer & Co, United Kingdom
Riccardo Vitolo, Dejalex, Italy
Armando Perna, Pozzi&Partners, Italy

Guest HCCH Speaker:
Melissa Ford, Secretary (Diplomat Lawyer), Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH), Netherlands
15:15 » 15:45 Coffee break

Supported by

15:45 » 17:00 AIJA Women Network Session - Why do lawyers need to understand the menopause

Women today make up half the legal profession with an rising trend of mid-life women joining the global labour force. The number of Employment Tribunal claims in the UK alone that reference the menopause have nearly doubled in the last year. We would undoubtedly stand to benefit from gaining a better understanding of women’s health as it journeys through different stages of the menopause.
In today’s modern age of great digital advancements and diversification of culture, menopause is little understood by those who go through it and by their nearest and dearest. Menopause is commonly considered as a taboo subject and carries a stigma whenever it is brought up for discussion.
As lawyers, you will interact frequently with menopausal women, be they your colleagues, managers, friends and family or even your clients. The hesitancy to openly discuss menopause must change – we need to increase awareness and understanding of menopause, and how it affects everyone. Indeed, have you thought about how the law treats menopausal women in various legal contexts such as in family law or employment law? Have you ever considered the menopause to be a factor in your legal cases?
This workshop, a follow on from the successful reproductive health challenges workshop in Edinburgh, will guide you through an understanding of what the menopause is, how you can better support your colleagues and family who are going through this life stage, and how to better advise your clients where the menopause may be a significant factor.
This workshop is not to be missed.

Welcome address:
Jennifer Maxwell, Blake Cassells, United Kingdom
Joanna Chew, Braddell Brothers LLP, Singapore

Moderators:
Claire Huijts, Pels Rijcken, The Netherlands
Louise Wong, Messrs. B. Mak & Co., Solicitors, Hong Kong

Speakers:
Natalie Sutherland, Co-Founder of In/Fertility in the City, United Kingdom
Helen O’Neill, Founder and CEO of Hertility Health and Lecturer in Reproductive and Molecular Genetics, United Kingdom
Moira Campbell, Kingsley Napley LLP, United Kingdom
15:45 » 17:00 Session 4 - The Hague Judgment Convention – A Game Changer?
Joint session with Track B – Arbitration, Litigation & Human Rights: Taking Action Today to Protect Tomorrow

This session will address the Hague Judgment Convention and discuss the recognition and enforcement grounds as well as the refusal grounds. The enforcement and recognition system of various jurisdictions and the relationship between the Hague Judgment Convention and the New York Convention will also be discussed.

Moderator:
Tanja Schasfoort, Stek Advocaten, The Netherlands

Speakers:
Cinzia Catelli, Bär & Karrer AG, Switzerland
Juan Mendoza, Sequor Law, P.A., United States of America
Wajma Mangal, MANGAL LEGAL Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH, Germany
Catherine Penny, Stevens & Bolton LLP, United Kingdom
Giacomo Pailli, MPM avvocati, Italy

Guest HCCH Speaker:
Ning Zhao, Principal Legal Officer, Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH), Netherlands

Session is supported by

17:15 » 18:15 Joint Academic Programme Committee (APC) + Officers of the Commissions Committee (OCC) meeting
17:15 » 18:15 National Representatives Committee (NRC) meeting
17:15 » 18:15 First Timers gathering
19:00 » 19:30 Transfer by bus to the Conference Dinner
Departure from Amare Convention Centre + Voco Hotel
19:30 » 02:00 Conference Dinner & Afterparty
@ Xiringuito Beach Club

Supported by

Friday 26 May 2023

08:30 » 09:45 Executive Committee meeting (for EC Members & AIJA Officers)
09:00 » 18:30 Registration & open welcome desk
10:00 » 11:15 Session 5 - Article 13b: Achilles Heel of the Hague Child Abduction Convention?
Organised by the International Private Clients and Family Law Commission

This panel shall focus on the application of bilateral conventions and the Hague convention on international child abduction across various jurisdictions.
Case study: the impact of criminal proceedings and protection orders on return applications.

Moderator:
Niamh Ni Ghairbhia, Garvey Avocats, France

Speakers:
Chloé Gossart, ORIGO AVOCAT, France
Forum Shah, Dawson Cornwell, United Kingdom
Valentin Todorow, Raue, Germany
Joanna Wsolek, Joanna Wsołek Mediator, Poland
Melis Yokay, YALÇIN & TOYGAR, Turkey

Guest HCCH Speaker:
Philippe Lortie, First Secretary (Diplomat Lawyer), Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH), Netherlands
11:15 » 11:45 Coffee Break

Supported by
11:45 » 13:00 Session 6 - Spouses or strangers?
Organised by the International Private Clients and Family Law Commission

This panel shall focus on the scandal that arises when people are spouses in one country and strangers in another, as well as how The Hague Convention is helping to prevent and manage such situations. Such as…
- divorced in the Netherlands, but husband and wife in India or
- married in England, but complete strangers in Poland

Moderator:
Sabine Imdahl, Bowmer & Nuiten Advocaten, Netherlands

Speakers:
Daisy Tarnowska, Farrer & Co, United Kingdom
Sophie Zeilstra, LINK Advocaten, The Netherlands
Sandra Strahm, Schwärzler Rechtsanwälte, Switzerland
Lukas Deppenkemper, WHL Weiss Hippler Leidinger, Germany
Melanie Burtscher, Schwärzler Rechtsanwälte, Liechtenstein

Guest HCCH Speaker:
Philippe Lortie, First Secretary (Diplomat Lawyer), Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH), Netherlands
13:00 » 14:00 Lunch

Supported by
14:00 » 15:00 Human Rights Committee meeting - The increasing importance of Human Rights for business lawyers

Human Rights are not only relevant for activists, pro bono attorneys, etc. Human Rights are becoming increasingly relevant to businesses and their lawyers too. Not just for lawyers who practice privacy laws or litigate about freedom of speech, but for all lawyers. Nowadays businesses face serious reputation and liability risks when they infringe human rights or allow their business partners to do so. With ESG requirements being included in laws more and more the compliance angle of this is becoming more relevant as well.
15:00 » 16:00 Commission meetings I
  • Banking, Finance and Capital Markets (BFCM) Commission
  • Healthcare and Life Sciences Commission meeting
  • Insolvency Commission 
  • Litigation Commission 
  • T.R.A.D.E. (Trade, Retail, Agency, Distribution, E-commerce) Commission
16:00 » 17:00 Commission meetings II
  • Commercial Fraud Commission 
  • Corporate and M&A Commission 
  • Environment & Energy Law Commission 
  • International Arbitration Commission 
  • Intellectual Property, Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (IPTMT) Commission 
  • Skills, Career, Innovation, Leadership and Learning (SCILL) Commission
17:00 » 18:00 Commission meetings III
  • Antitrust Commission 
  • International Business Law Commission (IBLC) + Sports Law Sub-Commission 
  • International Private Clients and Family Law Commission 
  • Labour Law Commission + Immigration Law Sub-Commission 
  • Real Estate Commission 
  • Transport Law Commission 
19:00 » 23:00 Home Hospitality Dinner

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 Home Hospitality Afterparty
@ Crazy Pianos

Saturday 27 May 2023

10:00 » 11:00 Arrival at Peace Palace for security check
11:00 » 12:30 Human Rights Committee Plenary Session - The international criminal law institutions of The Hague and their role in combatting current crimes against humanity
During the session, the keynote speakers will tell us about their experiences at international criminal law institutions such as the International Criminal Court, Yugoslavia Tribunal and Kosovo Tribunal. We will talk about how these organisations work, the lessons learned from the past and the problems that may arise when combatting crimes against humanity and war crimes. We will also discuss the role such organisations can play in combatting those types of crimes currently being committed in the world. Will there be a Ukraine Tribunal in the future? Or a general tribunal focussed on the crime of aggression?

Moderators:
Silvia van Schaik, Bureau Brandeis, Netherlands
Judith de Boer, Hertoghs Advocaten, Netherlands

Speakers:
Catherine Marchi-Uhel, Head of the United Nations International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism regarding Syria, France
Michael G. Karnavas, Defence attorney at inter alia the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands
12:30 » 13:30 Drinks & guided visits of the Peace Palace
15:00 » 17:00 Optional city tours
18:30 » 19:00 Transfer by bus to the Gala Dinner
Departure from Amare Convention Centre + Voco Hotel
19:00 » 01:00 Gala Dinner & Closing Party
@ Kunst Museum

Supported by

Track #B - Arbitration, Litigation & Human Rights: Taking Action Today to Protect Tomorrow


Wednesday 24 May 2023

14:00 » 19:00 Registration & open welcome desk
15:00 » 17:00 Public Speaking Crash Course (for speakers & moderators)
Organised by the Skills, Career, Innovation, Leadership and Learning (SCILL) Commission

For lawyers, content is king… but if you cannot deliver your message in a way that people actually listen, you won’t get the content across…

Join the SCILL Public Speaking Crash Course:
This will be a perfect platform to bring out the inner confidence and people's attention open to speakers at the HYC.
AIJA’s SCILL (Skills, Career, Innovation, Leadership & Learning) Commission presents the Public Speaking Crash Course for all speakers, panelists and moderators to help elevate your stage presence, fine tune your presentation and practice your speech for greater impact!

You will learn last minute tricks and tips to enhance the professional delivery and impact of your presentation and already prepared content. The course will be a hands-on session where some of you will also have the chance to rehearse parts of your respective speeches (max. 2 minutes, subject to the number of participants) in front of a live audience consisting of fellow speakers and moderators. You will get valuable information and feedback on body language, rhetoric and impact. This is a chance not to miss!

This interactive session will be run by Wendy Rundberg from Studio Public Speaking.


About Wendy:
Wendy Rundberg, founder & owner of Studio Public Speaking, will help to sharpen your personal performance to reach your goal. She has experience in the field of personal presentations for over 20 years. She guides individuals and teams to success with her engaged and professional way of working, and result driven mindset. Many companies have benefitted from her expertise. Wendy worked with corporates by crafting their business presentations, helped companies to win Tenders with their presentations and coached various keynote and TEDx speakers. 


18:00 » 20:00 Welcome Reception
Welcome address by Saskia Bruines, Alderman of the city of The Hague
@ Nieuwe Kerk

Thursday 25 May 2023

07:00 » 08:30 AIJA Triathlon for Human Rights
08:00 » 18:15 Registration & open welcome desk
09:15 » 09:45 Welcome to the Half-Year May Conference

Welcome Addresses

Moritz Maurer, Niederer Kraft Frey & AIJA President 2022-2023, Switzerland
Marjolein van Rest, BarentsKrans, The Netherlands - on behalf of the Organising Committee

Keynote Presentation - Working together towards Global Justice

Egbert Myjer, Former judge elected in respect of The Netherlands (2004-2012) - European Court of Human Rights, Netherlands





09:45 » 10:00 Transfer to respective track rooms
10:00 » 10:10 Welcome Words and Introduction to Track B: Arbitration, Litigation & Human Rights

Nadia Ohlhoff-Smahi, Bär & Karrer AG, Switzerland
10:10 » 11:15 Session 1 - Access to Justice, Right to a Fair Trial, Consent to Arbitration – Ensuring Everyone’s Right to a Day in Court

Everyone should have equal access to justice, with a right to legal counsel. This session will address potential hurdles for a party’s access to justice and right to a fair trial, such as costs, procedural tactics and (social) media influencing. In addition, the question of what constitutes valid consent to arbitration will be investigated.

Moderator:
Marijn De Ruysscher, LYDIAN, Belgium

Speakers:
Vincenzo Palmisano, PBC Legal, Italy
Edward Taylor, Shearman and Sterling, Hong-Kong
Diederik Van Tuyll, Höcker advocaten, The Netherlands
Gretta Walters, Chaffetz Lindsey LLP, United States of America
11:15 » 11:45 Coffee break

Supported by
11:45 » 13:00 Session 2 - Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Thought, Belief and Religion – When Online Matters Lead to Real-Life Disputes

This session will explore the disputes that can arise when (online) freedom of expression, including in relation to freedom of belief and religion, conflicts with other individuals' rights and interests, as well as with state-imposed restrictions. The special responsibilities and challenges of journalists as well as social media companies will also be addressed.

Moderator:
Adrian Zwettler, Binder Grösswang Rechtsanwälte GmbH, Austria

Speakers:
Sarah Clarke, ARTICLE 19 Europe, The Netherlands
Chloé Heydarian, Paris Bar School, France
Paulo Nasser, Nasser Advocacia Estratégica, Brazil
Michael Schifferli, Wenger Plattner Attorneys-at-law, Switzerland
Evelien Wijkstra, Free Press Unlimited, The Netherlands
13:00 » 14:00 Lunch

Supported by

14:00 » 15:15 Session 3 - Infringement of the Right to Privacy – Identifying the Interests at Stake and the Best Arena to Fight

The protection of the right to privacy is gaining importance every day. This session will explore the various interests at stake in this context, in particular in relation to the balance between right to privacy vis-à-vis the right to information. When and which claim(s) for violation of the right to privacy may be raised, as well as which damages and/or remedies can be sought, will be discussed. Further, the best "arenas" to fight for one's right to privacy will also be addressed.

Moderator:

Jacopo Piemonte, De Berti Jacchia, Italy

Speakers:

Matthew Dacoronias-Marin, Dacoronia Law Offices, Greece
Evin Durmaz, MONFRINI BITTON KLEIN, Switzerland
Sean McCarthy, ArbTech, Ireland
Katarzyna Szczudlik, SSW Pragmatic Solutions Spaczyński, Szczepaniak, Okoń sp.k., Poland
15:15 » 15:45 Coffee break

Supported by

15:45 » 17:00 AIJA Women Network Session - Why do lawyers need to understand the menopause

Women today make up half the legal profession with an rising trend of mid-life women joining the global labour force. The number of Employment Tribunal claims in the UK alone that reference the menopause have nearly doubled in the last year*. We would undoubtedly stand to benefit from gaining a better understanding of women’s health as it journeys through different stages of the menopause.
In today’s modern age of great digital advancements and diversification of culture, menopause is little understood by those who go through it and by their nearest and dearest. Menopause is commonly considered as a taboo subject and carries a stigma whenever it is brought up for discussion.
As lawyers, you will interact frequently with menopausal women, be they your colleagues, managers, friends and family or even your clients. The hesitancy to openly discuss menopause must change – we need to increase awareness and understanding of menopause, and how it affects everyone. Indeed, have you thought about how the law treats menopausal women in various legal contexts such as in family law or employment law? Have you ever considered the menopause to be a factor in your legal cases?
This workshop, a follow on from the successful reproductive health challenges workshop in Edinburgh, will guide you through an understanding of what the menopause is, how you can better support your colleagues and family who are going through this life stage, and how to better advise your clients where the menopause may be a significant factor.
This workshop is not to be missed.

Welcome address:
Jennifer Maxwell, Blake Cassells, United Kingdom
Joanna Chew, Braddell Brothers LLP, Singapore

Moderators:
Claire Huijts, Pels Rijcken, The Netherlands
Louise Wong, Messrs. B. Mak & Co., Solicitors, Hong Kong

Speakers:
Natalie Sutherland, Co-Founder of In/Fertility in the City, United Kingdom
Helen O’Neill, Founder and CEO of Hertility Health and Lecturer in Reproductive and Molecular Genetics, United Kingdom
Moira Campbell, Kingsley Napley LLP, United Kingdom
15:45 » 17:00 Session 4 - The Hague Judgment Convention – A Game Changer?
Joint session with Track A – The Hague Conventions: Practical Impacts to Everyday work on International Lawyers in 2023.

This session will address the Hague Judgment Convention and discuss the recognition and enforcement grounds as well as the refusal grounds. The enforcement and recognition system of various jurisdictions and the relationship between the Hague Judgment Convention and  the New York Convention will also be discussed.

Moderator:

Tanja Schasfoort, Stek Advocaten, The Netherlands

Speakers:

Cinzia Catelli, Bär & Karrer AG, Switzerland
Juan Mendoza, Sequor Law, P.A., United States of America
Wajma Mangal, MANGAL LEGAL Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH, Germany
Catherine Penny, Stevens & Bolton LLP, United Kingdom
Giacomo Pailli, MPM avvocati, Italy

Guest HCCH Speaker:
Ning Zhao, Principal Legal Officer, Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH), Netherlands

Session is supported by
17:15 » 18:15 Joint Academic Programme Committee (APC) + Officers of the Commissions Committee (OCC) meeting
17:15 » 18:15 National Representatives Committee (NRC) meeting
17:15 » 18:15 First Timers gathering
19:00 » 19:30 Transfer by bus to the Conference Dinner
Departure from Amare Convention Centre + Voco Hotel
19:30 » 02:00 Conference dinner & Afterparty
@ Xiringuito Beach Club

Supported by

Friday 26 May 2023

08:30 » 09:45 Executive Committee meeting (for EC Members & AIJA Officers)
09:00 » 18:30 Registration & open welcome desk
10:00 » 11:15 Session 5 - Fighting Discrimination – From the Labour Law Courts to the Court of Arbitration for Sport

This session will address discrimination-related proceedings, focusing in particular on discrimination in the workplace and in sports competition. Aspects related to migration and gender discrimination will also be addressed.

Moderator:
Eline Verelst, Laurius BV CVBA, Belgium

Speakers:
Tom Cleeve, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, United Kingdom
Claire Huijts, Pels Rijcken, The Netherlands
Sabrine Schnyder, Vischer AG, Switzerland
Maria Verwoerd, Ministerie van Justitie en Veiligheid, The Netherlands
11:15 » 11:45 Coffee break

Supported by
11:45 » 13:00 Session 6 - The Right to Health – How Can Law Help with Access to Healthcare and Medication and What are the Challenges?

This session will discuss legal and ethical aspects of using strategic dispute resolution to access healthcare and needed medication. Can and should courts be used to influence the governmental decisions on the health system? If a country lacks compassionate use legislation, is litigation an alternative? Can courts fill in the gap? Can arbitration and other ADR processes assist?

Moderator:
Janine Reudt-Demont, Niederer Kraft Frey AG, Switzerland

Speaker:
Edoardo d’Ippolito, Cocuzza & Associati, Italy
Daniel Lucey, McCann FitzGerald, Ireland
Josefine Sommer, Sidley Austin LLP, Belgium
Christopher Wolters, BLOMSTEIN, Germany
13:00 » 14:00 Lunch

Supported by

14:00 » 15:00 Human Rights Committee meeting - The increasing importance of Human Rights for business lawyers

Human Rights are not only relevant for activists, pro bono attorneys, etc. Human Rights are becoming increasingly relevant to businesses and their lawyers too. Not just for lawyers who practice privacy laws or litigate about freedom of speech, but for all lawyers. Nowadays businesses face serious reputation and liability risks when they infringe human rights or allow their business partners to do so. With ESG requirements being included in laws more and more the compliance angle of this is becoming more relevant as well.
15:00 » 16:00 Commission meetings I
  • Banking, Finance and Capital Markets (BFCM) Commission
  • Healthcare and Life Sciences Commission
  • Insolvency Commission
  • Litigation Commission
  • T.R.A.D.E. (Trade, Retail, Agency, Distribution, E-commerce) Commission
16:00 » 17:00 Commission meetings II
  • Commercial Fraud Commission
  • Corporate and M&A Commission
  • Environment & Energy Law Commission
  • International Arbitration Commission
  • Intellectual Property, Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (IPTMT) Commission
  • Skills, Career, Innovation, Leadership and Learning (SCILL) Commission
17:00 » 18:00 Commission meetings III
  • Antitrust Commission
  • International Business Law Commission (IBLC) + Sports Law Sub-Commission
  • International Private Clients and Family Law Commission
  • Labour Law Commission + Immigration Law Sub-Commission
  • Real Estate Commission
  • Transport Law Commission
19:00 » 23:00 Home Hospitality Dinner

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 Home Hospitality Afterparty
@ Crazy Pianos

Saturday 27 May 2023

10:00 » 11:00 Arrival at Peace Palace for security check
11:00 » 12:30 Human Rights Committee Plenary Session - The international criminal law institutions of The Hague and their role in combatting current crimes against humanity
During the session, the keynote speakers will tell us about their experiences at international criminal law institutions such as the International Criminal Court, Yugoslavia Tribunal and Kosovo Tribunal. We will talk about how these organisations work, the lessons learned from the past and the problems that may arise when combatting crimes against humanity and war crimes. We will also discuss the role such organisations can play in combatting those types of crimes currently being committed in the world. Will there be a Ukraine Tribunal in the future? Or a general tribunal focussed on the crime of aggression?

Moderators:
Silvia van Schaik, Bureau Brandeis, Netherlands
Judith de Boer, Hertoghs Advocaten, Netherlands

Speakers:
Catherine Marchi-Uhel, Head of the United Nations International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism regarding Syria, France
Michael G. Karnavas, Defence attorney at inter alia the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands
12:30 » 13:30 Drinks & guided visits of the Peace Palace
15:00 » 17:00 Optionnal city tours
18:30 » 19:00 Transfer by bus to the Gala Dinner
Departure from Amare Convention Centre + Voco Hotel
19:00 » 01:00 Gala Dinner & Closing Party
@ Kunst Museum

Supported by

Track #C - The Impact of ESG on International Business and Legal Practice


Wednesday 24 May 2023

14:00 » 19:00 Registration & open welcome desk
15:00 » 17:00 Public Speaking Crash Course (for speakers & moderators)
Organised by the Skills, Career, Innovation, Leadership and Learning (SCILL) Commission

For lawyers, content is king… but if you cannot deliver your message in a way that people actually listen, you won’t get the content across…

Join the SCILL Public Speaking Crash Course:
This will be a perfect platform to bring out the inner confidence and people's attention open to speakers at the HYC.
AIJA’s SCILL (Skills, Career, Innovation, Leadership & Learning) Commission presents the Public Speaking Crash Course for all speakers, panelists and moderators to help elevate your stage presence, fine tune your presentation and practice your speech for greater impact!

You will learn last minute tricks and tips to enhance the professional delivery and impact of your presentation and already prepared content. The course will be a hands-on session where some of you will also have the chance to rehearse parts of your respective speeches (max. 2 minutes, subject to the number of participants) in front of a live audience consisting of fellow speakers and moderators. You will get valuable information and feedback on body language, rhetoric and impact. This is a chance not to miss!

This interactive session will be run by Wendy Rundberg from Studio Public Speaking.


About Wendy:
Wendy Rundberg, founder & owner of Studio Public Speaking, will help to sharpen your personal performance to reach your goal. She has experience in the field of personal presentations for over 20 years. She guides individuals and teams to success with her engaged and professional way of working, and result driven mindset. Many companies have benefitted from her expertise. Wendy worked with corporates by crafting their business presentations, helped companies to win Tenders with their presentations and coached various keynote and TEDx speakers. 


18:00 » 20:00 Welcome Reception
Welcome address by Saskia Bruines, Alderman of the city of The Hague
@ Nieuwe Kerk

Thursday 25 May 2023

07:00 » 08:30 AIJA Triathlon for Human Rights
08:00 » 18:15 Registration & open welcome desk
09:15 » 09:45 Welcome to the Half-Year May Conference

Welcome Addresses

Moritz Maurer, Niederer Kraft Frey & AIJA President 2022-2023, Switzerland
Marjolein van Rest, BarentsKrans, The Netherlands - on behalf of the Organising Committee

Keynote Presentation - Working together towards Global Justice

Egbert Myjer, Former judge elected in respect of The Netherlands (2004-2012) - European Court of Human Rights, Netherlands





09:45 » 10:00 Transfer to respective track rooms
10:00 » 10:10 The Impact of ESG on International Business and Legal Practice Track Opening

Introduction:
Louise Wong, Messrs. B. Mak & Co., Solicitors, Hong Kong

Keynote Speaker:
Marijke Wolfs, Former Secretary General / Managing Director of ICC Netherlands, Netherlands
10:10 » 11:15 Session 1 - Whistleblowing: everybody hurts when you get it wrong

The session will focus on the balance between on one hand making sure that whistle-blowers can “blow the whistle” and are protected, and taking your ESG responsibility in general, against protecting the reputation of your organisation and the person accused of misconduct.

Moderator:
Silvia Van Schaik, Bureau Brandeis, Netherlands

Speakers:
Emanuela Hernandez, Foot Locker EMEA, Italy
Til Quadflieg, TQF legal, Germany
Evita Slijper-Sips, Chief Customer - People Intouch, Netherlands
11:15 » 11:45 Coffee break

Supported by
11:45 » 13:00 Session 2 - Overcoming Compliance Challenges in Tomorrow’s World

ESG issues are rising up to the boardroom agenda in response of increasing global regulation and employers must position themselves as businesses with a strong commitment to ESG matters. This session shall highlight how HR professionals play a critical role in shaping and delivering the ESG strategy while at the same time focusing on the compliance challenges arising with such ESG commitment to avoid breaching any regulations and to keep the organization fully compliant.

Topics to be discussed:
  • Facilitation of behavioural change;
  • Preventing bullying, harassment, and discrimination;
  • Ensuring diversity;
  • Protecting business secrecy and company reputation;
  • Health and safety measures;
  • Measures to tackle Covid-19 challenges.

Moderator:
Marcin Wujczyk, Wardynski & Partners, Poland

Speakers:
Wiecher van Lingen, Pels Rijcken & Droogleever Fortuijn N.V., Netherlands
Michal Chodkowski, Łaszczuk i Wspólnicy, Poland
Laurent Lehner, Altenburger Ltd legal + tax, Switzerland
Katrien Coenen, Lydian, Belgium
13:00 » 14:00 Lunch

Supported by
14:00 » 15:15 Session 3 - Corporate sustainability and good governance – how to navigate across the European regulatory jungle

Our session will discuss the latest pieces of legislation and proposals at EU level on corporate sustainability and sustainable governance and the growing complexity of their interconnections, both for EU companies and third country companies having operations in the EU market. We will in particular focus on the increasing standards and obligations for governing bodies of companies and how they may change the paradigm at national level to reform long-standing legal principles to bridge the gap to the new European standards. Panelists will present the result of the Country-by-Country Survey on Corporate Sustainability organised by the AIJA Sustainability Board and the Corporate and M&A Commission.

Moderators:
Dino Serafini, Arendt & Medernach S.A., Luxembourg
Milena Charnitzky, Rittershaus Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaftsgesellschaft mbB, Germany

Speakers:
Lisa Urbas, PHH Rechtsanwält:innen, Austria
Djotika Bissessur, HOUTHOFF, The Netherlands
Jascha Trubowitz, CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd, Switzerland
India Benjamin, Farrer & Co LLP, United Kingdom
Manav Raheja, Veritas Legal, India
15:15 » 15:45 Coffee break

Supported by
15:45 » 17:00 AIJA Women Network Session - Why do lawyers need to understand the menopause

Women today make up half the legal profession with an rising trend of mid-life women joining the global labour force. The number of Employment Tribunal claims in the UK alone that reference the menopause have nearly doubled in the last year*. We would undoubtedly stand to benefit from gaining a better understanding of women’s health as it journeys through different stages of the menopause.
In today’s modern age of great digital advancements and diversification of culture, menopause is little understood by those who go through it and by their nearest and dearest. Menopause is commonly considered as a taboo subject and carries a stigma whenever it is brought up for discussion.
As lawyers, you will interact frequently with menopausal women, be they your colleagues, managers, friends and family or even your clients. The hesitancy to openly discuss menopause must change – we need to increase awareness and understanding of menopause, and how it affects everyone. Indeed, have you thought about how the law treats menopausal women in various legal contexts such as in family law or employment law? Have you ever considered the menopause to be a factor in your legal cases?
This workshop, a follow on from the successful reproductive health challenges workshop in Edinburgh, will guide you through an understanding of what the menopause is, how you can better support your colleagues and family who are going through this life stage, and how to better advise your clients where the menopause may be a significant factor.
This workshop is not to be missed.

Welcome address:
Jennifer Maxwell, Blake Cassells, United Kingdom
Joanna Chew, Braddell Brothers LLP, Singapore

Moderators:
Claire Huijts, Pels Rijcken, The Netherlands
Louise Wong, Messrs. B. Mak & Co., Solicitors, Hong Kong

Speakers:
Natalie Sutherland, Co-Founder of In/Fertility in the City, United Kingdom
Helen O’Neill, Founder and CEO of Hertility Health and Lecturer in Reproductive and Molecular Genetics, United Kingdom
Moira Campbell, Kingsley Napley LLP, United Kingdom
17:15 » 18:15 Joint Academic Programme Committee (APC) + Officers of the Commissions Committee (OCC) meeting
17:15 » 18:15 National Representatives Committee (NRC) meeting
17:15 » 18:15 First Timers gathering
19:00 » 19:30 Transfer by bus to the Conference Dinner
Departure from Amare Convention Centre + Voco Hotel
19:30 » 02:00 Conference Dinner & Afterparty
@ Xiringuito Beach Club

Supported by

Friday 26 May 2023

08:30 » 09:45 Executive Committee meeting (for EC Members & AIJA Officers)
09:00 » 18:30 Registration & open welcome desk
10:00 » 11:30 Session 4 - A Values-Driven Business Model: How to Build (and Grow) a “Pro-Bono” Practice

After having discussed about “Legal Impact” during the joint session at the 2022 Half Year Congress in Edinburgh, the SCILL Commission and the Sustainability Board brought together a panel of expert to discuss the business case for pro bono in law firms. Learn first-hand from our experts what are the drivers, concern and law firm management tools to develop and grow a pro bono practice in your law firm.

Moderator:
François Barre, Azam-Darley et Associés, France

Speakers:
Ana Perez, PILnet, Hungary
Federica Genovesi, Strali, Italy
Huib Schrama, Rutgers & Posch, The Netherlands
Joanna Khatib, Europe Pro Bono Coordinator, Dentons Europe LLP, Netherlands
11:30 » 12:00 Coffee break

Supported by
12:00 » 13:00 Session 5 - Effective Management of Pro Bono project: UA SUPPORT Case Study

Kateryna will tackle the type of legal challenges that have been tackled by individuals during the war in Ukraine and how they were addressed by pro bono lawyers in 20 European countries. She explains how a young lawyer can create a pro bono project from scratch in few months.
Ondrej will explain the key principles of agility and teamwork in international projects or large teams. Ondrej describes implementation of agile management for 200 international lawyers providing pro bono help to Ukrainian refugees within UA.SUPPORT project.
Roundtable discussion:
The panellists from the SCILL and Sustainability Board joint session will be invited to join the discuss and provide their opinion on the UA.SUPPORT Case Study, joining an extended Q&A session where speakers and audience can exchange and get tailored advice on how to manage pro bono projects.

Moderator:
François Barre, Azam-Darley et Associés, France

Speakers:
Kateryna Balaban, UA SUPPORT, Czech Republic
Ondřej Dvořák, AgiLawyer, Czech Republic
13:00 » 14:00 Lunch

Supported by
14:00 » 15:00 Human Rights Committee meeting - The increasing importance of Human Rights for business lawyers

Human Rights are not only relevant for activists, pro bono attorneys, etc. Human Rights are becoming increasingly relevant to businesses and their lawyers too. Not just for lawyers who practice privacy laws or litigate about freedom of speech, but for all lawyers. Nowadays businesses face serious reputation and liability risks when they infringe human rights or allow their business partners to do so. With ESG requirements being included in laws more and more the compliance angle of this is becoming more relevant as well.
15:00 » 16:00 Commission meetings I
  • Banking, Finance and Capital Markets (BFCM) Commission
  • Healthcare and Life Sciences Commission
  • Insolvency Commission
  • Litigation Commission
  • T.R.A.D.E. (Trade, Retail, Agency, Distribution, E-commerce) Commission
16:00 » 17:00 Commission meetings II
  • Commercial Fraud Commission
  • Corporate and M&A Commission
  • Environment & Energy Law Commission
  • International Arbitration Commission
  • Intellectual Property, Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (IPTMT) Commission
  • Skills, Career, Innovation, Leadership and Learning (SCILL) Commission
17:00 » 18:00 Commission meetings III
  • Antitrust Commission
  • International Business Law Commission (IBLC) + Sports Law Sub-Commission
  • International Private Clients and Family Law Commission
  • Labour Law Commission + Immigration Law Sub-Commission
  • Real Estate Commission
  • Transport Law Commission
19:00 » 23:00 Home Hospitality Dinner

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 Home Hospitality Afterparty
@ Crazy Pianos

Saturday 27 May 2023

10:00 » 11:00 Arrival at Peace Palace for security check
11:00 » 12:30 Human Rights Committee Plenary Session - The international criminal law institutions of The Hague and their role in combatting current crimes against humanity
During the session, the keynote speakers will tell us about their experiences at international criminal law institutions such as the International Criminal Court, Yugoslavia Tribunal and Kosovo Tribunal. We will talk about how these organisations work, the lessons learned from the past and the problems that may arise when combatting crimes against humanity and war crimes. We will also discuss the role such organisations can play in combatting those types of crimes currently being committed in the world. Will there be a Ukraine Tribunal in the future? Or a general tribunal focussed on the crime of aggression?

Moderators:
Silvia van Schaik, Bureau Brandeis, Netherlands
Judith de Boer, Hertoghs Advocaten, Netherlands

Speakers:
Catherine Marchi-Uhel, Head of the United Nations International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism regarding Syria, France
Michael G. Karnavas, Defence attorney at inter alia the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands
12:30 » 13:30 Drinks & guided visits of Peace Palace
15:00 » 17:00 Optional city tours
18:30 » 19:00 Transfer by bus to the Gala Dinner
Departure from Amare Convention Centre + Voco Hotel
19:00 » 01:00 Gala Dinner & Closing Party
@ Kunst Museum

Supported by