Half-Year May Conference
Milan, Italy
14 May 2025 - 17 May 2025
TRACK 1 - Re-shaping Cities: Private Equity, Real Estate, and Finance as Key Industries for Fast-Growing Cities.
Wednesday 14 May 2025 | |
| 14:00 » 17:00 | Extended Bureau meeting |
| 14:00 » 20:00 | Registration & open welcome desk at NHOW Milano Address: Via Tortona, 35, 20144 Milano, Italy |
| 14:00 » 16:00 | SCILL Public Speaking Crash Course Only for speakers and moderators |
| 17:15 » 18:15 | First Timers' Gathering at NHOW Milano Is this your first AIJA event? Come and meet other first-timers, more experienced attendees, and AIJA officers. Get to know the AIJA spirit and enjoy the event to the fullest! |
| 18:30 » 20:30 | Welcome Reception at NHOW Milano Address: Via Tortona, 35, 20144 Milano, Italy |
Thursday 15 May 2025 | |
| 07:00 » 08:00 | AIJA Run for Human Rights |
| 08:00 » 18:00 | Registration & open welcome desk at NHOW Milano Address: Via Tortona, 35, 20144 Milano, Italy |
| 09:00 » 10:00 | Welcome to the Half-Year May Conference 2025 09:00 - 09:30 Opening Session by the Academic Coordinators and Keynote Speaker 09:30 - 10:00 Welcome speech by AIJA President Kato Aerts |
| 10:15 » 11:15 | Session 1 – Private Equity, Real Estate, and Finance’s Impact on Fast-Growing Cities Organised by the Corporate and M&A and Real Estate Commissions A keynote speech on the impact of these industries on the city of Milan. Moderators:
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| 11:15 » 11:45 | Networking Coffee break |
| 11:45 » 13:00 | Session 2 - Characteristics of a PE investment, deal with critical issues and common pitfalls Organised by the Corporate and M&A and Tax Law Commissions In this session, we aim to establish some of the basics of a PE investment (especially for those who do not deal with PE transactions on a daily basis), but also to discuss the most critical issues and common pitfalls in PE investments. The speakers provide practical advice on how to overcome these challenges by offering insider perspectives on deal negotiation, structuring and risk management. Moderator: Sandra Wong, Brown Jacobson, United Kingdom Speakers:
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| 13:00 » 14:00 | Networking Lunch |
| 14:00 » 15:15 | Session 3 - Corporate structures for PE investment in real estate transactions Organised by the Banking, Finance and Capital Markets, Corporate and M&A, Real Estate and Tax Law Commissions In this session, we learn about different ways to structure a corporation to mitigate risk, e.g. club deals, how to set them up and what the boundaries are to avoid falling into regulated markets. We also look at other risks, such as credit risk and tax issues. Moderator: Roman Graf, Lenz & Staehelin, Switzerland Speakers:
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| 15:30 » 16:30 | Session 4 - Sustainable Finance for Urban Growth: Innovative Financing for Real Estate and Private Equity Organised by the Banking, Finance and Capital Markets, Corporate and M&A, Public Procurement Law, Real Estate and Tax Law Commissions This session explores how sustainable finance is being used to drive urban transformation, with a focus on fast-growing cities, including Milan. It covers innovative financial instruments such as green bonds and ESG-focused private equity strategies that are shaping the real estate and private equity landscapes. Moderator: Beatrice Bottini, Cozen O'Connor, USA Speakers:
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| 16:30 » 17:00 | Networking Coffee break |
| 17:00 » 18:00 | Joint Academic Programme Committee (APC) & Officers of the Commissions Committee (OCC) meeting (special guest: Editorial Board) |
| 17:00 » 18:00 | National Representatives Committee (NRC) meeting |
| 17:00 » 18:00 | Human Rights Committee (HRC) meeting |
| 19:30 » 02:30 | Conference Dinner & Afterparty
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Friday 16 May 2025 | |
| 08:00 » 19:00 | Registration & open welcome desk at NHOW Milano Address: Via Tortona, 35, 20144 Milano, Italy |
| 09:00 » 10:00 | Session 5 – Real estate projects shaping cities: the permitting challenge Organised by the Public Procurement Law and Real Estate Commissions This panel focuses on significant renovation and development projects and urban plans that have the potential to reshape the cities involved, as well as the challenges of the approval phase, a phase that can determine both the timing and the success of the project. A case study from the city of Milan will be presented. Moderator: Ioan Radu, Frățilă, Rödl & Partner, Romania Speakers:
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| 10:15 » 11:15 | Session 6 – Managing a successful exit for a PE Fund Organised by the Banking, Finance and Capital Markets and Corporate and M&A Commissions This panel explores the intricacies of managing a PE fund exit. Topics will cover the full spectrum of the exit process, including timing considerations, maximising valuation, choosing the right exit strategy (IPO, strategic sale or secondary buyout) and navigating regulatory and market challenges. Speakers will share insights on optimising returns, aligning with investor expectations and addressing post-exit considerations for lasting impact. Moderator: Sandy Van Der Schaaf, Heussen, Netherlands Speakers:
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| 11:15 » 11:45 | Networking Coffee break |
| 11:45 » 13:00 | AIJA Women Network Plenary Session: Female Empowerment in Fashion: Law, Sustainability, and Inclusion Milan is the fashion capital: what better place to explore the growing role of women lawyers in promoting sustainable and inclusive legal practices within the fashion industry. Join us in discussing the promotion of sustainable and inclusive legal practices within the fashion industry such as socially and environmentally responsible policies and initiatives to improve inclusivity and female representation in legal leadership roles. Moderator: Margherita Stucchi, Martini Manna & Partners, Italy Speakers:
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| 13:00 » 14:00 | Networking Lunch |
| 14:00 » 14:45 | OC Seminar Crash Course The OC Seminar Crash Course provides a comprehensive guide on successfully organising AIJA seminars. Open to all members—whether experienced event organizers, new members, or First Timers—the course is designed to equip anyone interested in contributing to seminar organisation with the essential skills and knowledge for successful AIJA event planning. |
| 14:45 » 16:15 | Executive Committee Meeting |
| 16:15 » 16:30 | Networking Coffee break |
| 16:30 » 17:15 | Commission meetings I |
| 17:15 » 18:00 | Commission meetings II |
| 18:00 » 18:45 | Commission meetings III |
| 20:00 » 23:30 | Home Hospitality Dinner |
| 23:30 » 03:00 | Home Hospitality Afterparty at Justme Milano Address: Via Luigi Camoens, 20121 Milano, Italy |
Saturday 17 May 2025 | |
| 09:00 » 13:00 | Registration & open welcome desk at BASE Address: V. Ambrogio Bergognone da Fossano, 34, 20144 Milano, Italy |
| 10:00 » 10:30 | Plenary Session - Closing remarks Track #1 and Track #2 Speakers:
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| 10:30 » 11:00 | Plenary Session - “International trade wars, tariffs and WTO’s intergovernmental dispute settlement mechanism” Keynote Speaker:
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| 11:00 » 11:30 | Networking Coffee break |
| 11:30 » 13:00 | Human Rights Committee (HRC) Plenary Session - Do Human Rights Exist Behind Bars? A discussion on how to solve the global prison overcrowding crisis What if you or someone you love ended up in prison? How would you or them expect to be treated by the authorities, the staff, and the other inmates? What kind of conditions would you face in terms of health, safety, education, and rehabilitation? What rights would you have to challenge any abuse, injustice, or discrimination? And what impact would your imprisonment have on your future prospects, your family, and your community? These are some of the questions that we will explore in our panel discussion on prisoners' rights, a crucial but often neglected aspect of human rights. We will have a chance to talk with two international experts on this topic and discuss what you can do to get involved! Moderators:
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| 14:30 » 16:30 | Optional City Tours |
| 19:30 » 02:00 | Gala Dinner & Afterparty at Rotonda della Besana Address: Via Enrico Besana, 12, 20122 Milano, Italy |
TRACK 2 - Dispute resolution in the international supply chain and third-party funding
Wednesday 14 May 2025 | |
| 14:00 » 17:00 | Extended Bureau meeting |
| 14:00 » 20:00 | Registration & open welcome desk at NHOW Milano Address: Via Tortona, 35, 20144 Milano, Italy |
| 14:00 » 16:00 | SCILL Public Speaking Crash Course Only for speakers and moderators |
| 17:15 » 18:15 | First Timers' Gathering at NHOW Milano Is this your first AIJA event? Come and meet other first-timers, more experienced attendees, and AIJA officers. Get to know the AIJA spirit and enjoy the event to the fullest! |
| 18:30 » 20:30 | Welcome Reception at NHOW Milano Address: Via Tortona, 35, 20144 Milano, Italy |
Thursday 15 May 2025 | |
| 07:00 » 08:00 | AIJA Run for Human Rights |
| 08:00 » 18:00 | Registration & open welcome desk at NHOW Milano Address: Via Tortona, 35, 20144 Milano, Italy |
| 09:00 » 09:30 | Welcome to the Half-Year May Conference 2025 Welcome Address by AIJA President Kato Aerts & the Academic Coordinators of Track #2:
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| 09:30 » 10:00 | Opening session “Milan and Dispute resolution in the international supply chain” Speakers:
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| 10:15 » 11:15 | Session 1 – ADR as a Shield or Sword in Supply Chain Contracts Organised by the International Arbitration, Antitrust and T.R.A.D.E (Trade, Retail, Agency, Distribution, E-commerce) Commissions This panel focuses on the negotiation and drafting of key international commercial distribution contracts and the strategic use of ADR clauses. Moderator: Brian Van Egmond, Conway & Partners, Netherlands Speakers:
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| 11:15 » 11:45 | Networking Coffee break |
| 11:45 » 13:00 | Session 2 – In-House Strategies for Mitigating Litigation Risks Organised by the In-house Counsel Board This panel is dedicated to the world of in-house lawyers. In-house speakers discuss inhouse methods aimed at managing and mitigating litigation risk, including contract drafting techniques, risk assessments, crisis management and managing external counsel. Moderator: Mariagiovanna Mandara, ISS Facility Services, Italy Speakers:
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| 13:00 » 14:00 | Networking Lunch |
| 14:00 » 15:15 | Session 3 – Third-Party Funding: When Arbitration is the Best Choice for Your Contract Organised by the International Arbitration and T.R.A.D.E (Trade, Retail, Agency, Distribution, E-commerce) Commissions This panel focuses on the role of third-party funding in disputes between commercial enterprises, with a particular emphasis on those that arise within the same supply chain. Indeed, recent times have seen a number of disruptive events that have made it very difficult for business operators to meet their contractual obligations, often resulting in economically burdensome chain disputes. In this context, third party funding is playing an increasingly important role in providing companies with the ability to support such disputes. Moderator: Paulo Nasser, M Nasser, Brazil Speakers:
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| 15:30 » 16:30 | Session 4 – A Tailored Peace: Why ADR can be the Perfect Fit for Product Liability Disputes Organised by the Healthcare and Life Sciences, International Arbitration, Litigation and T.R.A.D.E (Trade, Retail, Agency, Distribution, E-commerce) Commissions This session will explore the evolving role of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) with a focus on mediation and arbitration. Expect a practical mock-trial in a patient vs. medical device manufacturer scenario as well as a discussion based on an OEM vs. automotive parts supplier scenario. The panelists will discuss how ADR can offer more efficient, cost-effective and flexible solutions compared to traditional litigation and which challenges can be faced. The session will also address the implications of the revised EU Product Liability Directive. Moderator: Janine Reudt-Demont, Niederer Kraft Frey, Switzerland Speakers:
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| 16:30 » 17:00 | Networking Coffee break |
| 17:00 » 18:00 | Joint Academic Programme Committee (APC) & Officers of the Commissions Committee (OCC) meeting (special guest: Editorial Board) |
| 17:00 » 18:00 | National Representatives Committee (NRC) meeting |
| 17:00 » 18:00 | Human Rights Committee (HRC) meeting |
| 19:30 » 02:30 | Conference Dinner & Afterparty
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Friday 16 May 2025 | |
| 08:00 » 19:00 | Registration & open welcome desk at NHOW Milano Address: Via Tortona, 35, 20144 Milano, Italy |
| 09:00 » 10:00 | Session 5 – Saving the Supply Chain with Mediation (Workshop) Organised by the Litigation and T.R.A.D.E Commissions This session is a workshop in which speakers will present participants with some mock cases to refine the use of mediation clauses in international commercial contracts and to develop some strategies to better protect clients during the mediation process. Moderator: Laura Coad, Keidan Harrison, United Kingdom Speakers:
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| 10:15 » 11:15 | Session 6 – Fashion in Trouble: ADR or Litigation to the Rescue? Organised by the Litigation, International Arbitration, Insolvency and Intellectual Property, Technology, Media, and Telecommunications Commissions In intellectual property ("IP") driven industries like fashion, the value of a company is often tied to intangible assets such as brand identity, trademarks, designs, copyright and relating licences. In the event of financial distress or insolvency, these assets become critical to stakeholders, including creditors, licensors and licensees. This panel explores, among other things, how such assets can be valued, the barriers to the sale of IP, and the role that arbitration and litigation may play in resolving disputes in distressed situations. We will look at case studies, legal principles and best practices for protecting IP rights in times of financial instability. Moderator: Giulia Beneduci, De Berti Jacchia, Italy Speakers:
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| 11:15 » 11:45 | Networking Coffee break |
| 11:45 » 13:00 | AIJA Women Network Plenary Session: Female Empowerment in Fashion: Law, Sustainability, and Inclusion Milan is the fashion capital: what better place to explore the growing role of women lawyers in promoting sustainable and inclusive legal practices within the fashion industry. Join us in discussing the promotion of sustainable and inclusive legal practices within the fashion industry such as socially and environmentally responsible policies and initiatives to improve inclusivity and female representation in legal leadership roles. Moderator: Margherita Stucchi, Martini Manna & Partners, Italy Speakers:
|
| 13:00 » 14:00 | Networking Lunch |
| 14:00 » 14:45 | OC Seminar Crash Course The OC Seminar Crash Course provides a comprehensive guide on successfully organising AIJA seminars. Open to all members—whether experienced event organizers, new members, or First Timers—the course is designed to equip anyone interested in contributing to seminar organisation with the essential skills and knowledge for successful AIJA event planning. |
| 14:45 » 16:15 | Executive Committee Meeting |
| 16:15 » 16:30 | Networking Coffee break |
| 16:30 » 17:15 | Commission meetings I |
| 17:15 » 18:00 | Commission meetings II |
| 18:00 » 18:45 | Commission meetings III |
| 20:00 » 23:30 | Home Hospitality Dinner |
| 23:30 » 03:00 | Home Hospitality Afterparty at Justme Milano Address: Via Luigi Camoens, 20121 Milano, Italy |
Saturday 17 May 2025 | |
| 09:00 » 13:00 | Registration & open welcome desk at BASE Address: V. Ambrogio Bergognone da Fossano, 34, 20144 Milano, Italy |
| 10:00 » 10:30 | Plenary Session - Closing remarks Track #1 and Track #2 Speakers:
|
| 10:30 » 11:00 | Plenary Session - “International trade wars, tariffs and WTO’s intergovernmental dispute settlement mechanism” Keynote Speaker:
|
| 11:00 » 11:30 | Networking Coffee break |
| 11:30 » 13:00 | Human Rights Committee (HRC) Plenary Session - Do Human Rights Exist Behind Bars? A discussion on how to solve the global prison overcrowding crisis What if you or someone you love ended up in prison? How would you or them expect to be treated by the authorities, the staff, and the other inmates? What kind of conditions would you face in terms of health, safety, education, and rehabilitation? What rights would you have to challenge any abuse, injustice, or discrimination? And what impact would your imprisonment have on your future prospects, your family, and your community? These are some of the questions that we will explore in our panel discussion on prisoners' rights, a crucial but often neglected aspect of human rights. We will have a chance to talk with two international experts on this topic and discuss what you can do to get involved! Moderators:
|
| 14:30 » 16:30 | Optional City Tours |
| 19:30 » 02:00 | Gala Dinner & Afterparty at Rotonda della Besana Address: Via Enrico Besana, 12, 20122 Milano, Italy |
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