Half-Year November Conference

Paris, France

29 November 2023 - 02 December 2023

TRACK 1 - Resilience: The Need to Adjust, Adapt and Succeed in Times of Polycrisis


Wednesday 29 November 2023

14:30 » 20:00 Registration & open welcome desk
15:00 » 17:00 Public Speaking Crash Course (for speakers & moderators)

Elevate your public speaking skills and conquer the challenges that can leave you feeling apprehensive, uncertain - and in the wort case speechless. As legal professionals, you're well acquainted with the demanding nature of speaking engagements.

AIJA’s SCILL (Skills, Career, Innovation, Leadership & Learning) Commission presents the Public Speaking Crash Course for all speakers, panelists and moderators which is tailored to empower you with tools to bolster your stage confidence, engage your audience effectively, and navigate the unpredictable during speaking engagements smoothly.

The workshop will be led by Abdallah Hassani, a Toastmaster, award-winning international speaker, and founder/trainer at Feed my Speech. In this workshop, Abdallah will distill key lessons from his extensive journey, sharing insights into comprehensive physical and mental preparation methods for delivering impactful speeches. As AIJA members, you possess valuable insights worth refining and presenting impeccably.

Join us on 29 November, from 15:00 to 17:00, and let's sculpt your expertise to captivate your audience!

Agenda: 

Step #1: Understand public speaking confidence and craft the tools to build it.

Step #2: Understand the mechanics of audience attention and tools to make the difference.

Step #3: Navigate public speaking chaos and cultivate resilience.

Step #4: Time to practice.
17:00 » 18:00 Skills, Career, Innovation, Leadership and Learning (SCILL) Commission meeting
18:00 » 20:00 Welcome Reception

The Organising Committee will welcome everyone in style followed by an introduction speech by the Bâtonnière de Paris (President of the Paris Bar Association), Julie Couturier.

Supported by



Thursday 30 November 2023

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

Before we commence with the first sessions of our academic programme, AIJA President, Eduardo de la Peña Bernal together with Marine Simonnot and Joëlle Muchada, HYC Co-Chairs on behalf of the Organising Committee, will officially welcome you to this year's Half-Year November Conference.


After that, we will host on stage Alain Bernard, Olympic Gold Medalist and Sport Consultant, France who will be introduced by Thierry Aballea, Council Member of the Paris Association and former AIJA President. Alain will be then interviewed by one of our Organising Committee member Coralie Devernay and he will share his insights on the significance of resilience and sports values, exploring why they matter, how they are interconnected, and how they can be applied not only in sports but also in your daily life. This keynote promises to inspire and motivate, offering a fresh perspective on personal and professional success.


This part will be closed by an introduction session on the two tracks of the event from the two Organising Committee members who coordinated the Academic programme of the Paris Half-Year Conference, Timothée Giard and Michel Segers.

Welcome Address
Eduardo De La Peña Bernal, Reed Smith LLP & AIJA President 2023-2024, United States
Marine Simonnot, UGGC Avocats, France
Joëlle Muchada, Qualiens, France

Keynote Session

Introduction by
Thierry Aballea, Council Member Paris Bar Association and AIJA Past President, France

Interviewer
Coralie Devernay, Clery Devernay, France

Keynote speaker
Alain Bernard, Olympic Gold Medalist & Sport Consultant, France

Presentation of the Academic Tracks
Timothée Giard, Gate Avocats, France
Michel Segers, Marx Van Ranst Vermeersch and Partners, Belgium
09:45 » 10:00 Transfer to respective track rooms
10:00 » 11:15 Session 1 - Will more red tape effectively kill the deal?
Organised by the Corporate and M&A and the Antitrust Commissions

Resilience is about how we adapt and adjust to challenging situations and ongoing crisis. In Europe and outside, this need to withstand perceived internal and external risks and to become more resilient in the business field materialized in a heightened regulatory scrutiny of M&A transactions.

The overall purpose of the panel is to discuss the (actual or potential) impact of these largely unprecedented “regulatory hurdles” in the M&A process (merger control, FDI, Foreign Subsidies). The heightened scrutiny constitutes challenges for M&A lawyers at every step of the process. Will the deepened regulatory scrutiny discourage investors / have a negative lasting effect on M&A deals? This is not an issue only in Europe.  We also note a further fragmentation of the “business world” globally around emerging blocks (see the IRA in the US). The panel dives deeper into these developments, discuss several case studies and practical approaches.

Moderator:
Sandra Wong, Browne Jacobson, United Kingdom

Speakers:
Martina Edlinger, Wolf Theiss, Austria
Céderic Devroey, Strelia, Belgium
Rory ffrench, Blakes, Canada
Maïja Brossard, UGGC, France
11:15 » 11:45 Coffee break

Supported by
                
11:45 » 13:00 Session 2 - Driving on Demand. Transport as a Service. Access over Ownership. The revolution of shared mobility.
Organised by the T.R.A.D.E. (Trade, Retail, Agency, Distribution, E-commerce) and the Transport Law Commissions

The “Millennial” generation is quickly adopting car sharing as a mainstream transportation solution and prefers car ‘Access’ over car ‘Ownership’.

Among the factors persuading Millennials to refuse car ownership are environmental concerns, which have led this generation to consciously reduce road travel.  Other concerns include the total cost of vehicle ownership and the perceived advantages of “collaborative consumption” programs.

Also, millennials see transport as a service and would like to use cars, bicycles, e-scooters and public transport as part of the same subscription. How can the transport and automotive industry shift gears quickly to remain resilient and cope with these fast-changing consumer behavior?

Moderator:
Jelle Blom, Kennedy, The Netherlands

Speakers:
Giorgia Carandente, Taylor Wessing, Germany
Leonora Kamps, Ahlers & Vogel, Germany
Raymond Sherry, Browne Jacobson, Ireland
George Gerassimou, Gerassimou & Partners, Greece
13:00 » 14:00 Lunch

Supported by
                      
14:00 » 15:30 Session 3 - Staying human - Why language and behaviours matter in challenging times
Organised by the Litigation and the International Private Clients and Family Law Commissions

As lawyers, we are expected to navigate the cross-currents of conflict for our clients.  It could be said we are therefore always operating in a micro-“polycrisis” of sorts. 

The current global polycrisis has had a bearing on how clients behave when faced with their own personal crises.  We’ve all heard of the flight or fight (or freeze) responses which become heightened in times of crisis and conflict.  In the legal world, conflict is often addressed through litigation, which is a necessarily adversarial process.  The adversarial nature of the proceedings should not preclude “fair play”, but litigation is stressful for the individuals involved and can lead to increasingly aggressive behaviours in the way that we litigate – often creating further conflict rather than solving it.  Family lawyers in particular see the detrimental impacts of litigation on individuals and families close up and so can offer a sound case study on the impacts for both the main protagonists and those involved in or impacted by the litigation process – a common example being disputes over children.

The fast paced and often pressurised life of a litigator can also take its toll on lawyers, as statistics on lawyers’ mental health reflect.

This session will explore whether we can do better for clients, for our fellow professionals and for ourselves - to ensure that we and our clients stay resilient in amongst the cross-currents of conflict, drawing on recent reports that look at why Language Matters, as well as guidance for litigation lawyers produced by the Mindful Business Charter (an organisation committed to promoting better mental health and wellbeing in the workplace). We will also focus on new ways of Conscious Lawyering - a way of working which promotes that lawyers do not merely focus on the legal aspect, but also the human element of resolving conflict.

The panel will cover worked examples using case studies from different litigation scenarios (both personal and commercial) so that we can assess the impact and consider the key takeaways for “better” conflict resolution and staying resilient. 

 “I cannot remember moments when there were as many separate aspects and as many cross-currents as there are right now” - Larry Summers, FT, October 2022 agreeing with Adam Tooze on the use of the term Polycrisis.

Moderators:
Jennifer Wilkie, Burness Paull, United Kingdom
Guillermo Bayas, AGM Abogados, Spain

Speakers:
Stephanie Lee, TraversSmith, United Kingdom
Lauren Evans, Kingsley Napley, United Kingdom
Alexandra Sin, INTLAW, Spain
15:30 » 16:00 Coffee break

Supported by
         
16:00 » 17:15 Session 4 - Are we ready or still TRIPping? Pathways to Resilience for Global Health
Organised by the Intellectual Property, Technology, Media, and Telecommunications and the Healthcare and Life Sciences Commissions.

This panel will first look at the immense challenges faced by pharmaceutical companies during the covid pandemic and provide an insight into their lessons learned.

This insight into the industry’s challenges will then set the stage for a discussion of post-pandemic issues such as access to innovation and equitable access to medicines, including through patent waivers, compulsory licensing, monopoly restrictions and ABS (access and benefit sharing) mechanism. How can the pharmaceutical industry prepare and become more resilient? What is the impact of the proposed revision of the EU's pharmaceutical legislation? Will the revision deliver what it promises and make medicines more available, accessible and affordable while at the same time support innovation and boost competition?

Are there other opportunities and approaches that we can look at across the world stage such as from traditional knowledge and non-Western medicinal systems to improve global law and practice in pursuit of public health?

Moderator:
Angelika Murer, Homburger, Switzerland

Speakers:
Vikas Saraswat, Saraswat & Co, India
Koen T'Syen, Van Bael & Bellis, Belgium
Paul-Henry Devèze, Product Law Firm, France
Mathilde Rauline, Sanofi, France
17:15 » 18:15 First Timers gathering

Supported by

  
17:15 » 18:15 National Representatives Committee (NRC) meeting
19:30 » 02:00 Conference Dinner & Afterparty

Supported by


Friday 01 December 2023

08:00 » 18:30 Registration & open welcome desk
08:30 » 09:45 Joint Academic Programme Committee (APC) + Officers of the Commissions Committee (OCC) meeting
08:30 » 09:15 Morning YOG´AIJA

Join our morning relaxation yoga class! This gentle, yet full-body stretch hatha yoga lesson will help you to reconnect with your inner self, dive into the present moment and relax completely. Experience meditation through mindful movement and start your day with a full awareness of your body and mind.

The class will be led by Eva Indruchova, Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), a member of Yoga Alliance.

Practical information: This yoga practice is suitable for all, even complete beginners. Yoga mats will be provided. Comfortable clothing is recommended. Please note that places are limited! Please register in advance at the Wellbeing desk.
08:30 » 09:15 ACamp

Join the ACamp, the ultimate mat and band-based bootcamp experience that's all about pushing your limits and unleashing your inner A-Game. Our workouts are designed to help you achieve peak physical fitness through a combination of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), strength training, and motivation. Are you ready to bring your A-Game?

Arzu is a group fitness instructor and teaching indoor cycling classes since 2019, and a certified personal trainer since 2022, coaching clients in traditional strength fitness and lifting. Some people say that she wears her coach cape in early mornings and late evenings, and her lawyer cape during the day.
10:00 » 11:15 Session 5 - Building (for) a brighter future: Strengthening resilience in infrastructure projects
Organised by the Public Procurement Law Interest Group and the Real Estate Commissions

Current challenges have shifted the focus (back) to the importance of resiliency in large infrastructure projects. Together with speakers with first-hand expertise of what that means, we will have a closer look on the legal framework facilitating this development from all possible angles. Public Procurement law legislation in the EU and in particular the Foreign Subsidy Regulation aims at eliminating unfair competition for EU companies, creating a resilient European industry. Simultaneously, new administrative regulations also aim at enhancing the resiliency of infrastructure projects once they are finished. Meanwhile, contractor and principle will have fierce discussion during contract negotiation and performance to bring their different perceptions into alinement, how the project can become resilient against any form of setback.

Moderator:
Christopher Wolters, Blomstein, Germany

Speakers:
Rita Zuppke, Vinci Concessions, Germany
Monika Křižánková, Havel & Partners, Czech Republic
Ivana Filipovic, Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS, Norway
Manuel Alessandro Deamici, Cocuzza & Associati, Italy
11:15 » 11:45 Coffee break

Supported by

11:45 » 13:00 Plenary Session - Slam Dunk Your Resilience Game - Lessons from the Field
Organised by the Skills, Career, Innovation, Leadership and Learning (SCILL) Commission and the AIJA Women Network

In this inspiring and engaging joint session between the SCILL commission and AIJA Women Network, the speakers will explore the parallels between mindset and techniques used by elite athletes and coaches and those that are essential for success in the legal profession as well as the role of organizations and management in building a resilient workforce. The participants will take away practical tools and strategies for building resilience, managing stress and pressure, thriving in high-stakes legal environments, teamwork, collaboration, and building a supportive network.

Moderators:
Aline von Düring, Bonnard Lawson, United Arab Emirates
Jean-Rodolphe Fiechter, Kellerhals Carrard, Switzerland

Speakers:
Andréanne Morin, Tikehau Capital, Canada
Agata Perepeczko, Resilient Work Force, United Arab Emirates
13:00 » 14:00 Lunch

Supported by

      
13:45 » 15:00 Executive Committee meeting (for EC Members & AIJA Officers)
15:00 » 16:00 Commission meetings I
  • Insolvency Commission meeting
  • International Business Law Commission (IBLC) + Sports Law Sub-Commission meeting
  • International Private Clients and Family Law Commission meeting
  • Labour Law Commission + Immigration Law Sub-Commission meeting
  • Real Estate Commission meeting
  • Transport Law Commission meeting
16:00 » 17:00 Commission meetings II
  • Antitrust Commission meeting
  • Banking, Finance and Capital Markets (BFCM) Commission meeting
  • Healthcare and Life Sciences Commission meeting
  • Litigation Commission meeting
  • Tax Law Commission meeting
  • T.R.A.D.E (Trade, Retail, Agency, Distribution, E-commerce) Commission meeting
17:00 » 18:00 Commission meetings III
  • Commercial Fraud Commission meeting
  • Corporate and M&A Commission meeting
  • Environment & Energy Law Commission meeting
  • International Arbitration meeting
  • Intellectual Property, Technology, Media and Telecommunications (IPTMT) Commission meeting
20:00 » 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

Saturday 02 December 2023

09:15 » 10:00 Transfer by bus from Pullman Tour Eiffel to Maison du Barreau
10:00 » 10:45 Arrival at Maison du Barreau de Paris and welcome coffee
10:45 » 12:30 Keynote Session - Resilience in the Face of Adversity
@Maison du Barreau de Paris - 2 Rue de Harlay, 75001 Paris, France

Join us at la Maison du Barreau de Paris located at the emblematic Place Dauphine for a poignant Keynote Session titled "Resilience in the Face of Adversity".

Timothée Giard, on behalf of the Organising Committee, will first wrap-up the academic programme of the Conference with some recommendations from the AIJA community and commissions to strengthen the resilience of the law and the legal profession amidst the polycrisis

The session will focus on the aftermath of the tragic terrorist attacks that occurred in Paris and Europe in the last few years. Moderators, Marie Davy (Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP) and Michel Segers (MVVP), will guide a panel of distinguished speakers, including Sebastien Bellin, Thomas Ricard (Partner JP Karsenty), and Melissa Palet (Psychologist Ministère de la Justice France).

Sebastien Bellin, a former professional basketball player, will share his personal experience in a keynote build up around four pillars that helped him overcome these traumatic events.

Thomas Ricard will address the legal and logistic challenges of the trial in Paris and highlight important lessons learned with regard to a renewed approach to victims.

As a forensic psychologist, Melissa Palet is working for the French Prison administration, in a unit dedicated to violent radicalisation. Her mission is to manage and risk assess persons prosecuted or convicted for terrorist-related offences. She will give an inside view on how practitioners work daily with people who have been radicalised or are at risk of radicalisation, as a mean of trying to disengage persons from extreme ideologies.

This session is a unique opportunity to reflect on the strength and determination of strong democracies to address the challenges that come together with persons adhering to extreme ideologies.

Wrap-up of the Conference:
Timothée Giard, GATE Avocats, France

Moderators:
Marie Davy, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP, France
Michel Segers, MVVP, Belgium

Speakers:
Sebastien Bellin, Belgium
Thomas Ricard, JP Karsenty, France
Melissa Palet, Ministère de la Justice, France
12:30 » 13:30 Networking Cocktail Reception at Maison du Barreau
13:30 » 17:00 Optional city tours
Departing from Maison du Barreau
17:45 Transfer by Bus to Académie Equestre de Versailles
19:00 » 02:00 Gala Dinner & Closing Party

TRACK 2 - The Importance of the Growing Sport Entertainment Industry and Its Inspirational Values and Ethics


Wednesday 29 November 2023

14:30 » 20:00 Registration & open welcome desk
15:00 » 17:00 Public Speaking Crash Course (for speakers & moderators)

Elevate your public speaking skills and conquer the challenges that can leave you feeling apprehensive, uncertain - and in the wort case speechless. As legal professionals, you're well acquainted with the demanding nature of speaking engagements.

AIJA’s SCILL (Skills, Career, Innovation, Leadership & Learning) Commission presents the Public Speaking Crash Course for all speakers, panelists and moderators which is tailored to empower you with tools to bolster your stage confidence, engage your audience effectively, and navigate the unpredictable during speaking engagements smoothly.

The workshop will be led by Abdallah Hassani, a Toastmaster, award-winning international speaker, and founder/trainer at Feed my Speech. In this workshop, Abdallah will distill key lessons from his extensive journey, sharing insights into comprehensive physical and mental preparation methods for delivering impactful speeches. As AIJA members, you possess valuable insights worth refining and presenting impeccably.

Join us on 29 November, from 15:00 to 17:00, and let's sculpt your expertise to captivate your audience!

Agenda:

Step #1: Understand public speaking confidence and craft the tools to build it.

Step #2: Understand the mechanics of audience attention and tools to make the difference.

Step #3: Navigate public speaking chaos and cultivate resilience.

Step #4: Time to practice.
17:00 » 18:00 Skills, Career, Innovation, Leadership and Learning (SCILL) Commission meeting
18:00 » 20:00 Welcome Reception

The Organising Committee will welcome everyone in style followed by an introduction speech by the Bâtonnière de Paris (President of the Paris Bar Association), Julie Couturier.


Supported by


Thursday 30 November 2023

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

Before we commence with the first sessions of our academic programme, AIJA President, Eduardo de la Peña Bernal together with Marine Simonnot and Joëlle Muchada, HYC Co-Chairs on behalf of the Organising Committee, will officially welcome you to this year's Half-Year November Conference.


After that, we will host on stage Alain Bernard, Olympic Gold Medalist and Sport Consultant, France who will be introduced by Thierry Aballea, Council Member of the Paris Association and former AIJA President. Alain will be then interviewed by one of our Organising Committee member Coralie Devernay and he will share his insights on the significance of resilience and sports values, exploring why they matter, how they are interconnected, and how they can be applied not only in sports but also in your daily life. This keynote promises to inspire and motivate, offering a fresh perspective on personal and professional success.


This part will be closed by an introduction session on the two tracks of the event from the two Organising Committee members who coordinated the Academic programme of the Paris Half-Year Conference, Timothée Giard and Michel Segers.

Welcome Address
Eduardo De La Peña Bernal, Reed Smith LLP & AIJA President 2023-2024, United States
Marine Simonnot, UGGC Avocats, France
Joëlle Muchada, Qualiens, France

Keynote Session
Introduction by
Thierry Aballea, Council Member Paris Bar Association and AIJA Past President, France

Interviewer
Coralie Devernay, Clery Devernay, France

Keynote speaker
Alain Bernard, Olympic Gold Medalist & Sport Consultant, France

Presentation of the Academic Tracks
Timothée Giard, Gate Avocats, France
Michel Segers, Marx Van Ranst Vermeersch and Partners, Belgium
09:45 » 10:00 Transfer to respective track rooms
10:00 » 11:15 Session 1 - Game On: Mastering E-Sports IP and Tax Law for Competitive Advantage
Organised by the Intellectual Property, Technology, Media, and Telecommunications and the Tax Law Commissions

E-sports, the competitive playing of video games, has gained immense popularity and become a global phenomenon.

However, the rapid growth of this industry has brought forth several legal challenges, particularly in the realms of intellectual property (IP) and taxation.

What about trademark and copyright protection in the meta-verse? Why did EA Sports lose the license on the trademark “FIFA” and what was at stake? What with the licensing income out of turnover generated in e-sports? Could you just forum-shop the best tax environment?

E-sports athletes and professionals often earn income through tournament winnings, sponsorships, endorsements, and streaming. Determining the tax obligations associated with these revenue streams, including cross-border taxation for international events, can be complex.

Moderators:
Axel Munier, Bardehle Pagenberg, France
Silvia Niubó Vidal, Cuatrecasas, Spain

Speakers:
Julian Kläser, Blum & Grob, Switzerland
Giulia Della Nina, Abion, Italy
Tetiana Kharebava, SportLabs Group, Ukraine

Keynote speaker:
Céline Ferté, Vitality Esport Team, France
11:15 » 11:45 Coffee break

Supported by
            
11:45 » 13:00 Session 2 - Fair Play vs. Fair Competition: The role of the rule of law when doing competition in sports
Organised by the Antritrust, International Arbitration and International Business Law Commissions

In recent years, some of the biggest sport and football clubs in the world have been making headlines for their efforts to break away from established governing bodies and create their own rules. This trend is driven by a desire for greater control over the financial and competitive aspects of the sport, as well as a growing sense of dissatisfaction with the existing structures of governance.

The battle of the big sport and football clubs and investors comes together with numerous legal obstacles and (pending) milestone cases before national courts and the ECJ (Super League). What will the role of players agents be in the future? How can football clubs ensure fair competition beside the pitch ? And how could associations support the rule of law?

A wide range of disputes with professional sports is also exclusively brought before specific arbitration bodies where specific proceedings and the set of rules of national sport associations are applied. When could sportsmen or sport clubs contest the competence of such private arbitration bodies and challenge decisions before national courts?

Moderators:
Philipp Hagen, Pachmann Law, Switzerland

Speakers:
Max Schulz, Glade Michel Wirtz, Germany
Nahik Solano, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Ecuador
Kaj Ludwig, Switzerland
Aleksandra Dziurkowska, WKB, Poland
13:00 » 14:00 Lunch

Supported by
                      
14:00 » 15:30 Session 3 - Acquiring and managing big sport (football) clubs: From Scoring to Closing
Organised by the Corporate and M&A and Banking, Finance and Capital Markets Commissions

This panel will explore the differences in the M&A Process, financial fair play and corporate compliance in the football game (industry).

In recent years we have seen an ever-growing interest of investment companies and wealthy individuals willing to invest billions of EUR into football clubs. What does drive those investors? How is the M&A process different when taking a stake or take over of a football club? What about the rules of financial fair play which seem to have missed their objectives? How do you manage to stay corporate compliant in a very risky and volatile industry? What is the role of the fans and other stakeholders in the decision-making process and capital?

This session will dive into the big money of football clubs and highlight in which different (legal) game the companies are operating.

Moderator:
Hugo Texeira, Abreu Advogados, Portugal

Speakers:
Niklas Fuchs, Deutsche Fussball Liga, Germany
Matthew Kaiser, Global Sports Advocates, United States
Olivier Jaubert, Toulouse Football Club, France
Stefan Blunschi, Homburger, Switzerland
India Benjamin, Farrer & Co, United Kingdom
Gustavo Coelho, Bastilho Coelho Advogados, Brazil
15:30 » 16:00 Coffee break

Supported by
         
16:00 » 17:15 Session 4 - Rolling the Dice: The intersection of match-fixing, gambling and personal liability in the sports arena of fraud and insolvency
Organised by the Commercial Fraud and Insolvency Commissions

The world of sport is facing very difficult times due to the financial crisis and the hangover from covid lockdowns which left pitches, courts and TV schedules empty. As a high profile, high net-worth area, it is also exposed to corruption, match fixing and cheating which continue to undermine the integrity of the sector. This can have significant financial and reputational consequences (including fines, bans, points deductions) -  in certain situations that is a significant factor in an insolvency.

Sports organisations are often structured differently to regular companies, leading to novel legal issues when dealing with the fall-out from fraud and insolvency. Investigators, liquidators and creditors have so much more to think about than just money – there is so much emotion and passion tied up amongst supporters, there is much more press coverage, and there is often politics – where national governing bodies, politicians and governments have stepped in. It would also be interesting to explore the role that corruption and fraud, (particularly in relation to match-fixing / betting) plays in some of these situations, and how that impacts on personal liability of directors or even athletes.

Moderators:
Fanny Laune, Simont Braun, Belgium
Adam Flacks, LK, United Kingdom

Speakers:
Patricia Moyersoen, Moyersoen, France
Geraldo Fonseca, FVA | Fonseca Vannucci Abreu, Brazil
Raffael Fach, Beukelmann Müller, Germany
17:15 » 18:15 First Timers gathering

Supported by

  
17:15 » 18:15 National Representatives Committee (NRC) meeting
19:30 » 02:00 Conference Dinner & Afterparty

Supported by


Friday 01 December 2023

08:00 » 18:30 Registration & open welcome desk
08:30 » 09:45 Joint Academic Programme Committee (APC) + Officers of the Commissions Committee (OCC) meeting
08:30 » 09:15 Morning YOG´AIJA

Join our morning relaxation yoga class! This gentle, yet full-body stretch hatha yoga lesson will help you to reconnect with your inner self, dive into the present moment and relax completely. Experience meditation through mindful movement and start your day with a full awareness of your body and mind.

The class will be led by Eva Indruchova, Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), a member of Yoga Alliance.

Practical information: This yoga practice is suitable for all, even complete beginners. Yoga mats will be provided. Comfortable clothing is recommended. Please note that places are limited! Please register in advance at the Wellbeing desk.
08:30 » 09:15 ACamp

Join the ACamp, the ultimate mat and band-based bootcamp experience that's all about pushing your limits and unleashing your inner A-Game. Our workouts are designed to help you achieve peak physical fitness through a combination of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), strength training, and motivation. Are you ready to bring your A-Game?

Arzu is a group fitness instructor and teaching indoor cycling classes since 2019, and a certified personal trainer since 2022, coaching clients in traditional strength fitness and lifting. Some people say that she wears her coach cape in early mornings and late evenings, and her lawyer cape during the day.
10:00 » 11:15 Session 5 - Survival of the fittest on the workplace
Organised by the Labour Law and the In-House Counsel Commissions

Can an employee be fired for not being fit enough for the job? In which jobs physical prerequisites are lawful (policemen, army, model, other,…?) Can an employer measure its employees’ health in order to see if they are still physically and mentally fit? Can the employer incite its employees to do (more) sport? Is not being fit enough accepted by courts (EU, USA, Asia, other) as a sound reason for dismissal? Which work policies could an employer install to keep his workforce fit. What about a good ‘culture fit’ within the team.

Moderator:
Michael Fausel, Bluedex Labor Law, Germany

Speakers:
Susanna Dall'Ara, Nike, The Netherlands
Arzu Cakmak, Legal Counsel Mondi Group, Austria
Ailie Murray, TraversSmith, United Kingdom
Camille Leung, GPS Legal, Hong Kong
11:15 » 11:45 Coffee break

Supported by

11:45 » 13:00 Plenary Session - Slam Dunk Your Resilience Game - Lessons from the Field
Organised by the Skills, Career, Innovation, Leadership and Learning (SCILL) Commission and the AIJA Women Network

In this inspiring and engaging joint session between the SCILL commission and AIJA Women Network, the speakers will explore the parallels between mindset and techniques used by elite athletes and coaches and those that are essential for success in the legal profession as well as the role of organizations and management in building a resilient workforce. The participants will take away practical tools and strategies for building resilience, managing stress and pressure, thriving in high-stakes legal environments, teamwork, collaboration, and building a supportive network.

Moderators:
Aline von Düring, Bonnard Lawson, United Arab Emirates
Jean-Rodolphe Fiechter, Kellerhals Carrard, Switzerland

Speakers:
Andréanne Morin, Tikehau Capital, Canada
Agata Perepeczko, Resilient Work Force, United Arab Emirates
13:00 » 14:00 Lunch

Supported by

      
13:45 » 15:00 Executive Committee meeting (for EC Members & AIJA Officers)
15:00 » 16:00 Commission meetings I
  • Insolvency Commission meeting
  • International Business Law Commission (IBLC) + Sports Law Sub-Commission meeting
  • International Private Clients and Family Law Commission meeting
  • Labour Law Commission + Immigration Law Sub-Commission meeting
  • Real Estate Commission meeting
  • Transport Law Commission meeting
16:00 » 17:00 Commission meetings II
  • Antitrust Commission meeting
  • Banking, Finance and Capital Markets (BFCM) Commission meeting
  • Healthcare and Life Sciences Commission meeting
  • Litigation Commission meeting
  • Tax Law Commission meeting
  • T.R.A.D.E (Trade, Retail, Agency, Distribution, E-commerce) Commission meeting
17:00 » 18:00 Commission meetings III
  • Commercial Fraud Commission meeting
  • Corporate and M&A Commission meeting
  • Environment & Energy Law Commission meeting
  • International Arbitration meeting
  • Intellectual Property, Technology, Media and Telecommunications (IPTMT) Commission meeting
20:00 » 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

Saturday 02 December 2023

09:15 » 10:00 Transfer by bus from Pullman Tour Eiffel to Maison du Barreau
10:00 » 10:45 Arrival at Maison du Barreau de Paris and welcome coffee
10:45 » 12:30 Keynote Session - Resilience in the Face of Adversity
@Maison du Barreau de Paris - 2 Rue de Harlay, 75001 Paris, France

Join us at la Maison du Barreau de Paris located at the emblematic Place Dauphine for a poignant Keynote Session titled "Resilience in the Face of Adversity".

Timothée Giard, on behalf of the Organising Committee, will first wrap-up the academic programme of the Conference with some recommendations from the AIJA community and commissions to strengthen the resilience of the law and the legal profession amidst the polycrisis.

The session will focus on the aftermath of the tragic terrorist attacks that occurred in Paris and Europe in the last few years. Moderators, Marie Davy (Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP) and Michel Segers (MVVP), will guide a panel of distinguished speakers, including Sebastien Bellin, Thomas Ricard (Partner JP Karsenty), and Melissa Palet (Psychologist Ministère de la Justice France).

Sebastien Bellin, a former professional basketball player, will share his personal experience in a keynote build up around four pillars that helped him overcome these traumatic events.

Thomas Ricard will address the legal and logistic challenges of the trial in Paris and highlight important lessons learned with regard to a renewed approach to victims.

As a forensic psychologist, Melissa Palet is working for the French Prison administration, in a unit dedicated to violent radicalisation. Her mission is to manage and risk assess persons prosecuted or convicted for terrorist-related offences. She will give an inside view on how practitioners work daily with people who have been radicalised or are at risk of radicalisation, as a mean of trying to disengage persons from extreme ideologies.

This session is a unique opportunity to reflect on the strength and determination of strong democracies to address the challenges that come together with persons adhering to extreme ideologies.

Wrap-up of the Conference:
Timothée Giard, GATE Avocats, France

Moderators:
Marie Davy, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP, France
Michel Segers, MVVP, Belgium

Speakers:
Sebastien Bellin, Belgium
Thomas Ricard, JP Karsenty, France
Melissa Palet, Ministère de la Justice, France
12:30 » 13:30 Networking Cocktail Reception at Maison du Barreau
13:30 » 17:00 Optional city tours
Departing from Maison du Barreau
17:45 Transfer by Bus to Académie Equestre de Versailles
19:00 » 02:00 Gala Dinner & Closing Party