Joint Corporate/M&A and Litigation Winter Seminar 2026 - Escaping the Whiteout: Dealing with Off-Piste risk factors in Corporate/M&A and Corporate Litigation
Courmayeur, Italy
14 January 2026 - 17 January 2026
Wednesday 14 January 2026 | |
| 17:30 | Opening of the Registration Desk |
| 18:00 | Welcome Reception at Hotel TH Courmayeur The welcome reception will take place at Hotel TH Courmayeur. |
| 19:30 | Optional Dinner at Hotel TH Courmayeur You can enjoy the optional dinner on Wednesday at the TH Hotel Courmayeur. |
Thursday 15 January 2026 | |
| 08:00 | Opening of the Registration Desk |
| 08:30 » 08:45 | Welcome Address by the AIJA President, the Commission Officers and the Organising Committee |
| 08:45 » 09:30 | Panel 1 - Directors in the Crosshairs: National and International Trends Shaping Liability As regulatory scrutiny intensifies, corporate directors face increasing liability risks both nationally and internationally. This panel will explore key trends in national laws and jurisprudence, highlighting how evolving legal frameworks are shaping directors' responsibilities. We will also examine common pitfalls that can expose directors to personal liability, and litigation. By understanding these developments, lawyers can better mitigate risks in an ever-changing legal landscape. Moderator: Patricio J. Gutierrez, Gutierrez Law Group, USA Speakers: Markus Taufner, Kinstellar Rechtsanwalts GmbH, Austria Carla Munt Feixas, RocaJunyent, Spain Giovanni Candiotto, SAT Studio Legale, Italy |
| 09:30 » 10:00 | Coffee Break |
| 10:00 » 11:00 | Panel 2 - Navigating the Future of D&O Insurance With rising litigation and increasing regulatory scrutiny, corporate directors face evolving risks that directly impact their liability and insurance coverage. This session will examine key trends in Directors & Officers (D&O) insurance, including coverage developments, excess insurance, and common exclusions. The speaker will discuss how insurers are adapting to emerging claims trends, the obligations of the insured, and the risks of losing coverage. Additionally, the speaker will explore best practices for lawyers advising clients on D&O policies, risk mitigation strategies, and navigating complex legal challenges. Moderator: Duran Ross, Lewis Silkin LLP, UK Speakers: Angus Duncan, Willis Towers Watson, Executive Director - D&O Insurance Coverage Specialist, United Kingdom Laura Manz, Kellerhals Carrard, Switzerland Elena Pintea, Racine avocats, France Jean-Luc Hagon, CMS, Belgium |
| 11:00 » 12:00 | Panel 3 - Facing Distress: Mitigating Risks in Challenging Times In times of financial distress, corporate directors must compose with complex legal and fiduciary responsibilities to mitigate risks and protect stakeholders. This panel will explore key challenges, including directors' filing duties, the increasing use of claw-back actions, and recent national and international legal developments shaping liability in insolvency scenarios. With the insights of litigation lawyers, experts will discuss strategies for compliance, risk mitigation, and proactive decision-making to help directors fulfill their obligations while safeguarding the company's future. Moderator: Rachel Vella Baldacchino, WH Partners, Malta Speakers: Antonio Faruzzi, RP Legal & Tax, Italy Polina Perova, ALRUD law firm, Russia Joseph Tendler, Marriott Harrison LLP, United Kingdom Raysa De Gracia, Galindo, Arias & López, Panama |
| 12:00 » 13:00 | Lunch Break |
| 13:30 » 16:30 | Optional Activity Spa The optional spa activity will take place at QC Terme Pré-Saint-Didier spa. At 13:30 there will be a bus transport from the Hotel directly to the spa. The meeting point is at the lobby of the Hotel TH Courmayeur. At 16:30 there will be again a bus transport from the spa back to the Hotel. The meeting point is at the entrance of the spa. |
| 13:30 | Optional Activity Skiing If you would like to rent skis or snowboards, there are several rental shops within a five-minute walk from the hotel. There is always a rental shop available directly at Val Veny Gondola. Ski passes can be purchased at Val Veny Gondola or directly online The Après-ski will take place at Super G. While it is located on the slopes, it is also accessible to non-skiers via the gondola from either Dolonne or the Town Center. |
| 19:30 » 00:20 | Dinner and Afterparty at Loge du Massif Enjoy an evening in a restaurant where tradition meets culinary excellence at Loge du Massif. The first shuttle bus from the hotel will depart at 19:20, heading to the cable car station "Courmayeur Mont Blanc Funivie S.p.A.". From there, the gondola will take you up to the restaurants. Gondola tickets will be distributed before boarding the bus. The last descent from the cable car station will be at 00:00 with bus transfer back to the hotel. |
Friday 16 January 2026 | |
| 10:00 | Optional Activity skiing or networking / time off If you would like to rent skis or snowboards, there are several rental shops within a five-minute walk from the hotel. There is always a rental shop available directly at Val Veny Gondola. Ski passes can be purchased at Val Veny Gondola or directly online. |
| 13:00 | Open Event desk You will receive your standard cable car tickets directly at the station Skyway Montre Bianco from the AIJA team. |
| 13:00 | OPTIONAL: Visit to Punta Helbronner Participants who would like to visit the summit of Punta Helbronner may purchase an additional ticket at the cable car station for €34 (VAT included). But please pick up your standard cable car ticket at the event reception before. If you would like to take part, please arrive at the station no later than 13:30. |
| 13:30 | Get together in the hotel lobby to walk to the station. It is approximately a 10-minute walk. |
| 14:00 » 14:30 | Departure to Skyway - Monte Bianco Start departure from station of Skyway Monte Bianco with 3 cabins of 50 people each. Cabins depart every 10 minutes within this slot. Reach Pavilllon (2,173 m) for an unforgettable experience. www.montebianco.com/en |
| 14:30 » 15:00 | Welcome Coffee |
| 15:00 » 15:45 | Panel 4 - Partners in Practice: Opportunities and Obstacles in Shareholders’ Agreements and Joint Ventures Structuring a well-drafted Shareholders’ Agreement or Joint Venture Agreement is essential for fostering successful business partnerships while mitigating risks. This panel will explore key provisions, including non-compete and confidentiality clauses, strategies for resolving deadlocks, and common pitfalls that lead to disputes. Litigation experts will share lessons learned from past cases, highlighting how legal challenges arise and how they can be avoided. Through practical insights, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of balancing opportunities and obstacles in partnership agreements. Moderator: Clara Gordon, Wolf Theiss, Austria Speakers: Taila Centrella, Target, Italy Philippe Sylvestre, Brucher, Thieltgen & Partners, Luxembourg Vít Kučera, Endors, Czech Republic |
| 15:45 » 16:15 | Coffee Break |
| 16:15 » 17:15 | Panel 5 - SPA: Is Your Agreement Bullet-Proof? Or how to Avoid the Litigation Minefield When negotiating a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA), ensuring it is bullet-proof can mean the difference between a smooth transaction and costly litigation. This discussion will explore the critical importance of precise contract drafting and thorough documentation to mitigate risks. We will examine enforcement measures both in and out of court, common pitfalls in Warranty & Indemnity (W&I) litigation, and key lessons learned from past disputes. By understanding these elements, parties can safeguard their agreements and steer through potential legal minefields with confidence. Moderator: Marylisa Izzo, Partners Group, Italy Speakers: Dafni Loizou, A.G. Erotocritou LLC, Cyprus Pascal Hodel, Niederer Kraft Frey Ltd, Switzerland Damien Bergerot, Aramis Avocats, France Lorenzo Arrigoni, Portolano Cavallo, Italy |
| 17:15 » 22:00 | Dinner at Alpino Restaurant Skyway We start with a aperitif on the first floor of the pavillon. Meanwhile, guests may enter the Mont Blanc Infinity Room in groups to visit the Hangar 2173. Followed by a seated dinner at the Alpino Restaurant. |
| 22:00 » 22:30 | Departure to the valley Start departure from Skyway with 3 cabins of 50 people each. Cabins depart every 10 minutes within this slot. 22:00 – Start of descent to the valley 22:30 – Last cabin down for guests. |
| 22:30 | Afterparty at Shatush Buy an entrance ticket and a table reservation here. |
Saturday 17 January 2026 | |
| 08:30 | Opening of the Registration Desk |
| 09:00 » 10:00 | Panel 6 - Striking a Balance in Corporations: Empowering Shareholders While Protecting Stakeholders Balancing the interests of shareholders and stakeholders is essential for sustainable corporate governance. This discussion will explore key mechanisms such as anti-dilution rights, which protect shareholders from unfair equity dilution, information rights that ensure transparency and accountability, and governance rights that promote fair decision-making. Drawing on lessons learned from litigation, we will examine how these rights have been enforced and challenged in practice. By striking the right balance, corporations can empower shareholders while safeguarding the interests of employees, customers, and the broader community, fostering long-term success. Moderator: Barbara Elion, Stek Advocaten, Netherlands Speakers: Richard G. Allemann, Homburger, Switzerland Eva Gargya, Oppenheim, Hungary Leonardo Theon de Moraes, TM Associados, Brazil Donato Romano, Gianni & Origoni, Italy |
| 10:00 » 10:30 | Coffee Break |
| 10:30 » 11:30 | Workshop: Mitigating Cyber Risks - The Role of Directors in Prevention and Response In today’s digital landscape, corporate directors play a crucial role in ensuring their organizations are prepared for cyber threats. This workshop will explore key responsibilities, including developing a robust cybersecurity strategy, implementing effective data backup and recovery plans, and establishing a comprehensive incident response framework. Additionally, we will examine the risk of litigation that can arise from cyberattacks, including liability for data breaches, regulatory penalties, and shareholder actions. Participants will gain insights into best practices and proactive measures to mitigate risks, ensuring business continuity and regulatory compliance in the face of cyber threats. Speaker: Madalina Cristea, OneAdvanced, Legal Director - Privacy, Cybersecurity & AI | Solicitor, United Kingdom Hosts: Theresia Welser, Marco Rostetter, Grégoire Chappuis |
| 11:30 » 11:45 | Closing Remarks from the OC |
| 11:45 » 13:00 | Lunch Break |
| 13:30 » 17:00 | Optional Activity Skiing If you would like to rent skis or snowboards, there are several rental shops within a five-minute walk from the hotel. There is always a rental shop available directly at Val Veny Gondola. Ski passes can be purchased at Val Veny Gondola or directly online The Après-ski will take place at Super G. While it is located on the slopes, it is also accessible to non-skiers via the gondola from either Dolonne or the Town Center. |
| 13:30 » 17:00 | Optional snowshoe hiking Snowshoe hiking with a professional guide in the mountains of Courmayeur. Equipment included. Please bring warm, waterproof boots with stiff soles that go above the ankle (Moon Boots, Timberlands or similar are not acceptable), as well as warm winter clothes. A small backpack for carrying water and snacks is also recommended. All participants are responsible for their own insurance coverage. At 13:30, there will be transportation from the hotel to the starting point of the snowshoe tour. The meeting point is at the lobby of the Hotel TH Courmayeur. At 17:00, there will be transportation back to the hotel. |
| 19:30 | Optional Dinner and Afterparty at Shatush Mont Blanc Ristorante Enjoy a pleasant evening at Shatush Mont Blanc Ristorante. There is an entrance fee of 30 euros for those who are not attending the dinner at Shatush. |
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