Conference programme

Join this session to understand how the use of AI could amplify the outcomes of pro bono projects.

As private equity firms continue to invest in franchise systems and multi-unit operators, legal advisors face unique challenges at the intersection of M&A, regulatory compliance, and brand management. This panel will explore the key legal considerations in structuring and executing franchise-related transactions. Topics will include due diligence of franchisor and franchisee operations, regulatory risks under applicable “franchise rules” and state laws, issues in unit economics and franchise agreement enforceability, negotiating management and development rights, and navigating the dynamics between franchisors and franchisees post-acquisition. Panelists will also discuss strategies for maximising value in platform roll-ups and exit planning in the franchise context. This session is essential for attorneys and deal professionals advising private equity sponsors on franchise investments. 

This panel will explore how the real estate and hospitality sectors are facing more regulatory scrutiny today than in many decades which may affects the development of the industry. Panelists will explore how these activities compare from region to region, and how real estate and hospitality companies can navigate these complexities both in their transactions and in their day-to-day operations.

This session will explore the increased role of specialty Bars and cross-border practices. 

Leading psychologist Dr Larry Richard joins us to share his many years of research on lawyers' personality traits.  Following Dr Richard's presentation, we will consider the link between risk management and human behaviour - and debate how a better understanding of this subject is key to good law firm management and drives commercial success and lawyer well-being.

The emergence of voluntary carbon markets is an important phenomenon for the African continent. This phenomenon, however, is fraught with issues of fair regulation and challenges with credible national or continental legal frameworks for the regulation of such a market. There are, however, many opportunities that the continent can take advantage of in such a market. The session will seek to explore these issues, opportunities, and challenges associated with voluntary carbon markets for the African continent.

The panel will discuss copyright protections of TV formats and other online content provided through an increasing number of delivery platforms. The panel will also explore jurisdictional differences in copyright protection of the various components of the content. The panel will also address the thorny issue of when you cross the line between fact and fiction and what protection can be put in place to minimise the risk to the creator?

This session will look at the different aspects of working remotely, be it hybrid, local, national, or international.

A free and uncensored press is a vital aspect of the fundamental right to free expression. The independent media hold governments to account, facilitate the enjoyment of other fundamental freedoms, and shed light on matters of public interest. The role of the media is vital for democracy and facilitating the public’s right to know. And yet, the profession of journalism is becoming more dangerous and even deadly in more countries throughout the globe. Globally, over the last two decades, more than 2000 journalists have been killed for reporting the news and bringing information to the public. Harassment, intimidation and attacks against journalists and the media has increased worldwide and is seeping into more “democratic” societies as rhetoric against the media has become more amplified and commonplace.

The cycle of harassment oftentimes begins online (and is disproportionately directed at female journalists), but more and more, it moves into the courtroom through judicial harassment aimed at silencing or bankrupting the journalist or media, and the ultimate increasing physical attacks and killings are occurring without accountability. Compounding the problem is the fact that human rights defenders, including lawyers, are the subject of attacks themselves.

Despite numerous important initiatives at the international, regional, and national level, a culture of impunity reigns supreme. In this environment, the role of lawyers and the rule of law is more important than ever, and we must work together to fend against this multi-prong effort to kill the news and its vital role in preserving democracies. 

An open committee business meeting where all members and Officers are invited to learn more about the current and upcoming activities and developments of the Committee.

AI is everywhere. How can the in-house legal function assist in monitoring its use within the company, and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations? Where can AI be the most helpful to the legal team itself, and under what conditions can its efficiency and accuracy be assured? What is the proper analysis for issues arising with regard to provenance, input and output of data?

The trade and investment activities between China and the Americas, particularly the United States, have experienced significant changes in recent years due to political turbulence. Alongside the implementation of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) among Canada, the United States, and Mexico, China has maintained its investments in and expanded its trade with these three countries. What is the impact of USMCA on the economic relationship between the Americas and China? Has this relationship retained its strength, or has it been weakened? What changes have been introduced by the new United States government? What challenges do China and the Americas face in trade and investment?

This session will provide a broader picture from a global perspective on new trends in trade and outbound investment between China and the Americas, as well as recent developments in laws and regulations concerning trade, foreign direct investment (FDI), and antitrust. It aims to offer the audience a vivid vision that extends beyond specific legal issues in specialised legal areas. The discussion will focus on changes to China’s investment in the Americas, the challenges Chinese investors face within local communities, and the factors driving these changes and developments.

Additionally, recent cases will be analysed during the discussion to illustrate these dynamics. Through a review of recent investment activities and case studies, the session will provide a fresh perspective on the future of Chinese investment in the Americas. Experts from both China and the Americas will be invited to participate in the discussion.

Globally, technology disputes are on the rise involving tech agreements, data and cybersecurity breaches, cloud service providers, software/Artificial intelligence (AI) malfunctions, copyright infringement, and anti-competitive and unfair trade practices. This session will look at the current trends in technology disputes, with regional experts providing case studies and commentary. The session will provide insight into current and emerging risks and strategies for minimising tech disputes.

In this session we will explore the various aspects of dealing with HR and cultural issues after transaction integration.

This session will discuss the different perspectives on Investor-State dispute settlements. 

A session exploring how changing global tax regimes affect the decisions that private clients make about how and where they want to live.

This session will discuss while Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rulemaking is still going full steam ahead in certain jurisdictions, with considerable extra-territorial effects, in other places lawmakers create rules that seek to push back ESG initiatives with equal force. What should issuers, institutional investors and financial advisers do to avoid ending up crushed between the proverbial rock and hard place?

This session will cover export controls, sanctions, and tariffs, inluding foreign direct investment, and the impact that these factors have on franchise supply chains.

We intend to explore contemporary hot topics on human rights, including those affecting businesses and individuals.

An interactive panel to discuss how a tougher merger control environment and the multitude of jurisdictions with merger control laws around the world affect corporate deal documentation and negotiation. The panel will discuss practical issues including devising a multi-jurisdictional merger filing strategy, conditions precedent, and how to deal with mergers below thresholds, how to allocate risk (hell or high water clauses, break fees and antirust risk allocation), timelines, and gun-jumping rules.