Access to Justice and Legal Aid Committee

Essay topic: Navigating the crossroads between Arbitration and Access to Justice

Arbitration clauses in contractual agreements pre-drafted by employers can hinder access to justice in the event of dispute. It limits parties' ability to pursue legal remedies in courts and from using other dispute resolution options to resolve their dispute, thereby denying them true access to justice.

Arbitration may be less transparent, less accessible, and more costly for some parties, particularly smaller businesses or individuals.

Arbitrators' decisions are typically final and may lack appeals, reducing fairness and accountability. Additionally, arbitration can be biased if drafted by dominant parties and can undermine fairness.

Format: 1500 word essay.

Arbitration clauses in contractual agreements pre-drafted by employers can hinder access to justice in the event of dispute. It limits parties' ability to pursue legal remedies in courts and from using other dispute resolution options to resolve their dispute, thereby denying them true access to justice.

• Essay Submission
• The deadline is 23:59 British Summer Time (BST) on Monday 4 May 2026.

Alternative and New Law Business Structures Committee

The Alternative and New Law Business Structures Committee (ANBLS) invites you to submit a project proposal for either an ANBLS webinar or for a panel session at the 2026 Annual Conference.

Proposals should be no longer than 3 pages total and should follow the format of the Annual Meeting panels for 2025 and 2024 or for a previous ANBLS webinar:

• proposed panel or webinar title;
• short description (no more than 200 words) summarizing the topic and areas to be discussed; and
• a brief (no more than 300 words) note explaining why the topic is topical/timely, relevant to the work of the Committee, and of global / multi-regional interest.

The session topics for our Annual Conference meeting are listed below:

Show Me the Money: How Private Equity is Reshaping Law Firms Through Management Service Organizations

How do law firms fund innovation when traditional partnership models were not built for it? As legal services evolve in North America and England, this question has become increasingly urgent. Arizona, Utah, and Puerto Rico have broken new ground by allowing limited non-lawyer ownership, but private equity has not waited for regulatory permission everywhere. Instead, investors are finding creative workarounds through management service organizations (MSOs).

This session will examine how prevalent these structures have become, where regulators are drawing the line, and what they mean for U.S. firms navigating a patchwork of global regulations.

Strength in Numbers: Can Law Firm Alliances Navigate Ethics Rules and Compete with Global Brands?

Global clients want seamless, cross-border legal services. But can independent law firms deliver this through international alliances, or do ethics rules stand in the way?

This session explores the regulatory and competitive challenges facing law firm networks. It will ask how different jurisdictions’ ethics rules enable or restrict alliance structures, whether independent firms can operate as effective one-stop shops while managing conflicts and confidentiality, and whether alliances can realistically compete with the brand power and integration of global law firms.

Participants will engage in a practical examination of whether the alliance model can truly level the playing field in today’s competitive legal marketplace.

What Are Clients Really Paying For: From Hours to Outcomes, AI, and the (End of) Traditional Billing

As AI tools draft contracts, predict case outcomes, and analyse vast datasets in seconds, clients are confronting a fundamental question: what are they actually paying for?

This session examines how technology is transforming the nature of legal practice. It considers the shift from time-based billing to value-driven partnerships, from individual expertise to human–AI collaboration, and from traditional service delivery to platform-based models.

We will explore how forward-thinking firms are reimagining their business models, how clients are demanding greater transparency and measurable outcomes, and how a new generation of lawyers is combining technological fluency with strategic insight. This is the new age of law: faster, smarter, and fundamentally different from what came before.

• Essay Submission
• The deadline is 23:59 British Summer Time (BST) on Monday 4 May 2026.

Antitrust Section

Essay topic: The Role and Limits of Antitrust laws on Unilateral Conduct in regulating Digital Platforms’ use of Consumer Data

• Essay Submission
• The deadline is 23:59 British Summer Time (BST) on Monday 4 May 2026.

Asia Pacific Forum

Essay topic: Regulating Everyday Robotics in Asia and the Pacific: As service and care robots transition from controlled industrial settings into public spaces and private homes, their deployment raises complex legal and regulatory questions, including for example, privacy, data protection, and labour law. Using two jurisdictions (at least one of which must be in Asia-Pacific), critically evaluate whether the existing legal and regulatory frameworks in each jurisdiction are adequate to address these challenges. Where deficiencies exist, propose and justify suitable legal or regulatory reforms.

• Essay Submission
• The deadline is 23:59 British Summer Time (BST) on Monday 4 May 2026.

Criminal Law Committee + Business Crime Committee

The Criminal Law Section invites you to write about one of the topics below:

Criminal and Rule of law issues that arise from mass migration and the political responses to it

The movement of large numbers of people across borders continues to generate profound legal and political challenges. This panel will explore the criminal law and rule of law issues that arise from mass migration — including the criminalisation of irregular entry, human smuggling, trafficking, and the treatment of asylum seekers — and the political responses these movements provoke. The topic also has clear multi-jurisdictional resonance, as migration remains a highly charged political issue in jurisdictions such as the UK, US, Germany, Italy, and Australia.

Cross-Border Tax Advice and Criminal Prosecution – Is There Still Room for Tax Avoidance Schemes?

The boundaries between legitimate tax planning and criminal tax evasion are increasingly under scrutiny. This panel will examine the criminal law risks associated with cross-border tax structuring and the evolving distinction between tax avoidance and criminal conduct. Topics include national and international approaches to criminal liability for aggressive tax planning, the reporting obligations of tax advisors, and the mechanisms for information exchange and cooperation in cross-border investigations. The discussion will also address the institutions and legal instruments available to prosecutors and regulators confronting complex, multi-jurisdictional tax cases.

Social Media and Free Expression

The rise of social media has transformed the global landscape of free expression — but it has also raised complex criminal law and human rights questions. This panel will explore the tensions between freedom of speech, online safety, and the prevention of crime in the digital age. Topics include the criminalisation of online hate speech and disinformation, state regulation of digital platforms, and the responsibilities of social media companies in balancing free expression with harm prevention. The discussion will also consider recent case law, jurisdictional challenges, and the role of criminal justice systems in safeguarding both liberty and accountability in the online sphere.

• Essay Submission
• The deadline is 23:59 British Summer Time (BST) on Monday 4 May 2026.

Arbitration Committee

The Arbitration Committee invites you to on the topic of one of their upcoming Annual Conference Sessions below.

Rethinking Arbitrator Ethics: Toward a Modern Global Framework

The IBA Rules of Ethics for International Arbitrators (1987) saw limited adoption compared to other IBA instruments. Meanwhile, arbitration laws and practice have evolved, once again bringing the need for updated and harmonized ethical guidance to the fore. This panel will explore the need for a unified global standard, and how far those reforms should go.

Arbitral Institutions Leading the Way

This panel will focus on the critical role that arbitral institutions play in shaping international arbitration. As technology evolves and user expectations shift, institutions are at the forefront of innovation—adapting procedures, launching new initiatives, and addressing emerging concerns. Join us for a forward-looking discussion on what’s next in institutional arbitration, the key developments practitioners should be aware of, and the challenges that lie ahead.

Is Arbitration a Victim of Its Own Success?

As more disputes are resolved by private international arbitration, notably post-transaction disputes and in the construction sector, is this trend impacting the quality and availability of relevant jurisprudence and procedural know how, what effect does this have on predictability, efficacy and judicial expertise, and what solutions are out there?

Arbitration of Disputes in the Defense Sector – Benefits and Challenges

With the geopolitical tensions and increases in defense spending, it is timely to discuss the arbitration of disputes arising in the defense sector. This panel will examine the continued growth of private military contracting, and the emergence of advanced cyber defense technologies, including AI systems. Does the privacy or confidentiality offered by international arbitration make it suited to these disputes, and is arbitration equipped to handle sensitive national-security-related information? Do we need special protocols or frameworks to address the unique challenges posed by this sector?

AI Disputes: What Are They, Where Do They Arise and What Challenges Do They Pose?

This session will look at disputes arising out of the development and integration of AI technology into other products and services, and where issues of liability may involve multiples parties in the AI supply chain all the way to the end-user. What are the advantages and limitations of arbitrating versus litigating these disputes?

Investor-State Dispute Settlement: What’s New and What’s Cooking?

This panel will examine recent developments in the sphere of investment arbitration and treaty practice.

• Essay Submission
• The deadline is 23:59 British Summer Time (BST) on Monday 4 May 2026.

European Regional Forum

The European Regional Forum invite you to write about one of the topics below:

The Role of AI in Due Diligence: Risks and Regulatory Considerations in Europe

Examine how AI is reshaping due diligence in European cross-border transactions, focusing on compliance with the EU AI Act and GDPR. Analyse risks such as algorithmic bias and liability for errors, and propose strategies for aligning AI-driven processes with European regulatory and ethical standards.

Cybersecurity and Contractual Liability in European Digital Transactions

Analyse how European businesses allocate cybersecurity risks in digital contracts, considering GDPR obligations, the NIS2 Directive, and sector-specific rules. Review common contractual clauses, liability allocation, and dispute resolution mechanisms, offering recommendations for harmonized cybersecurity standards in cross-border European commerce.

• Essay Submission
• The deadline is 23:59 British Summer Time (BST) on Monday 4 May 2026.

Insolvency Section

Essay topic: The Impact of Liability Management Exercises (LMEs) on Insolvency Law

• Essay Submission
• The deadline is 23:59 British Summer Time (BST) on Monday 4 May 2026.

Forum for Barristers and Advocates

Applicants must:

Submit a CV and short application outlining their intended participation and why support is needed and include one positive idea they have to improve the position of the referral bars - 500 max words

Commit to submitting a blog report setting our reflections and lessons -learned post-Annual Conference.

• Essay Submission
• The deadline is 23:59 British Summer Time (BST) on Monday 4 May 2026.

(Art, Cultural Institutions and Heritage Law Committee + Communications Law Committee + Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law Committee + Media Law Committee + Space Law Committee + Technology Law Committee)

Essay topic: From communications law - Innovations Shaping Tomorrow: IP, Technology and Communications in a New Era

• Essay Submission
• The deadline is 23:59 British Summer Time (BST) on Monday 4 May 2026.

(International Commerce and Distribution Committee + International Franchising Committee + International Trade and Customs Law Committee + Product Law and Advertising Committee)

Essay topic: The impact of digital health on global medical device supply chains The rapid diffusion of digital health—particularly connected medical devices—is reshaping global supply chains end to end. Manufacturers must navigate fragmented regulatory regimes on cybersecurity, software updates, and postmarket surveillance, driving region-specific design, documentation, and distribution strategies. Proposed subject for the scholarship program: In this context, what kind of strategy or method do you believe a manufacturer is legally required and/or allowed to implement to secure safety and compliance and to what extent should or could he rightfully rely on IA tools ?

• Essay Submission
• The deadline is 23:59 British Summer Time (BST) on Monday 4 May 2026.

Leisure Industries Section

The Leisure Industries Section invite you to write a project proposal of your choice within the subject matter / scope of our section.

• Essay Submission
• The deadline is 23:59 British Summer Time (BST) on Monday 4 May 2026.

Healthcare and Life Sciences Committee

Essay topic: Interactions Between Industry and Physicians

This theme covers key issues such as transfers of value, medical education, undue influence, indirect promotion, and emerging digital practices.

Applicants are expected to develop their project by first analysing the legal, regulatory, and self-regulatory framework applicable in their own jurisdiction. Where relevant, this should also include applicable regional standards (for example, the EU, Mercosur, ASEAN, or the GCC).

Building on this local foundation, applicants should then conduct a comparative analysis against recognised international industry benchmarks, in particular: IFPMA, PhRMA, other relevant global or regional codes (such as EFPIA, Interfarma, or equivalent frameworks).

The project should go beyond a purely descriptive comparison. Applicants are expected to critically assess their domestic framework and identify gaps, inconsistencies, and loopholes arising from: national legislation; regulatory or administrative practice; self-regulation and industry codes; and real-world professional or market experience, including how rules are applied in practice.

This gap analysis is a core element of the proposal. It should demonstrate the applicant’s understanding of how local rules diverge from international standards and where legal or compliance risks and ambiguities may arise. Relevant areas may include, for example:

• transfers of value;
• medical education and scientific exchange;
• digital advertising and communications;
• influencer engagement; and
• indirect or implicit promotion.

Applicants are also encouraged to present innovative ideas or frameworks to address emerging challenges linked to new technologies and evolving business strategies in their market ecosystem, while taking into account broader considerations such as access to digital tools and transparency.

• Essay Submission
• The deadline is 23:59 British Summer Time (BST) on Monday 4 May 2026.

Real Estate Section

Essay topic: Review and discuss key contractual terms that support successful development Joint Venture developments

• Essay Submission
• The deadline is 23:59 British Summer Time (BST) on Monday 4 May 2026.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTQI+) Committee

Essay topic: LGBTQI+ Rights in a Changing World

• Essay Submission
• The deadline is 23:59 British Summer Time (BST) on Monday 4 May 2026.

Poverty and Social Development Committee

Essay topic: Navigating the Crossroads Between Arbitration and Access to Justice

Arbitration clauses included in contractual agreements that are pre-drafted by employers can hinder access to justice in the event of a dispute. Such clauses may limit parties’ ability to pursue legal remedies before courts or to make use of other dispute resolution mechanisms, thereby restricting genuine access to justice.

In many cases, arbitration may be less transparent, less accessible, and more costly for certain parties, particularly individuals or smaller businesses. These barriers can place weaker parties at a disadvantage when disputes arise.

In addition, arbitral decisions are typically final and often subject to very limited rights of appeal. This lack of appellate review may reduce perceptions of fairness and accountability within the dispute resolution process. Concerns may also arise where arbitration clauses are drafted by dominant parties, creating potential bias and undermining procedural fairness.

This essay invites a critical examination of the extent to which arbitration, as currently practised in employment and similar contractual settings, strikes an appropriate balance between efficiency and the fundamental right of access to justice.

• Essay Submission
• The deadline is 23:59 British Summer Time (BST) on Monday 4 May 2026.

Professional Ethics Committee

Essay topic: Please write about the ethical issues created by the emergence of generative artificial intelligence in the legal profession, and how those issues may differ for new lawyers compared with more established practitioners. Applicants should explore obligations to properly utilise and verify AI-generated content, how to ethically bill and provide value to clients when using AI tools, and how to communicate to clients and colleagues that young lawyers remain necessary and vital to the practice of law in the age of generative AI.

• Essay Submission
• The deadline is 23:59 British Summer Time (BST) on Monday 4 May 2026.

Senior Lawyers’ Committee

Essay topic: How can senior lawyers contribute more effectively to the future of their law firms?

Please write an essay that explores and discusses how senior lawyers can be more effective in their contributions to the continuation and future success of their firms, through a more effective “passing the torch” process, as seen both from the senior lawyers and from the junior lawyers perspective.

• Essay Submission
• The deadline is 23:59 British Summer Time (BST) on Monday 4 May 2026.

Taxes Committee

Essay topics (option of 2):

What are the GAARdrails?

Essays will discuss how courts and tax authorities have applied or sought to apply anti-avoidance rules, whether in the form of a domestic GAAR, the PPT, Treaty-embedded SAARs or the beneficial ownership test, to deny Treaty or EU Directives benefits and explore the similarities and differences among them and posit at what point taxpayers appear to be falling over the anti-avoidance tax cliff.

When Tech Triggers Tax

New technologies and highly mobile workforces are reshaping the manner in which business is being conducted around the world, both in terms of how goods and services are being delivered to consumers and how entities within a multinational group interact and share resources. Essays will discuss some of the emerging income tax, transfer pricing and withholding tax issues that arise as a result.

• Essay Submission
• The deadline is 23:59 British Summer Time (BST) on Monday 4 May 2026.

Young Lawyers' Committee

Essay topic: Career Development in the age of AI

• Essay Submission
• The deadline is 23:59 British Summer Time (BST) on Monday 4 May 2026.