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Mar 11, 2020
The Hanseatic Bar Association has mounted a successful challenge against a ‘legal bot’, with the regional court of Cologne finding in October that the bot, an online contract generator, was in effect providing legal services. Under German law, only lawyers, not computer bots, can dispense legal advice.
This session will talk about how young lawyers can build their personal brand.
Fundamentals of International Legal Business Practice: IBA Young Lawyers’ Training Course Helsinki
The Agriculture and Food Section (AFS) focuses on the evolving intersection of agricultural and food law and policy. Addressing urgent issues such as equitable food production in the face of climate change, land use, food production and distribution, farmers’ rights, seed and biotechnology laws, food safety, and agri-tech. We also explore sustainable agricultural practices and investment strategies. As a dynamic and essential field, the AFS provides a platform to address critical legal challenges in feeding the planet effectively and sustainably.
Speaker
IBA Annual Conference Toronto 2025
The 21st edition of the Monitor covers topics including a fire in Moria refugee camp forcing refugees ill with Covid-19 to flee and the growing crisis for worldwide refugee camps, the effect on low-income earners, including redundancies and homelessness and the difficulties for those living with disability in the reopening of schools.
IBA Young Lawyers' Committee Training: Becoming a champion
Welcome to the Taxation Section online
Here you will find information, updates, news and other resources relevant to your section.
The latest issue of the IBAHRI Covid-19 Human Rights Monitor contains updates on gender-based violence and women’s health in India and Northern Ireland. Also: refugee camps, including the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, which has no reported cases of Covid-19 to date.
This workshop will explore the impact of global macro-economic trends and geopolitical situation on (i) market access, (ii) product design and (iii) fundraising in traditional and alternative structuring jurisdictions. This workshop will also cover the regulatory trends and challenges to overcome with respect to utilising offshore financial centres.
21st Annual International Conference on Private Investment Funds
Welcome to the Corporate Law Section online
Here you will find information, updates, news and other resources relevant to your section.
Jul 22, 2025
From 11–13 June, leading legal experts in life sciences and healthcare convened at the Ritz-Carlton, Boston, for the 11th Annual IBA World Life Sciences Conference. The event, co-hosted by the IBA Intellectual Property and Healthcare and Life Sciences Law Committees, brought together regulators, corporate counsel, private practitioners and academics to address the most pressing developments at the intersection of law, innovation and global health. This articles considers the key themes and panel highlights of the conference.
In the last years, we have seen several Latin American companies filing for Chapter 11 in United States instead of filing for reorganization in their own countries and then seeking protection in the US under Chapter 15. This panel will address the reasons for such trends, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of each of such strategies (Chapter 11 vs. Chapter 15), as well as on cultural matters.
IBA Annual Conference Miami 2022
Welcome to the Criminal Law Section online
Here you will find information, updates, news and other resources relevant to your section.
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI), in conjunction with the Anti-Torture Initiative (ATI), has written to Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, condemning the conviction of 11 members of the Turkish Medical Association (TMA) Central Council on terrorism charges.
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.
IBA Annual Conference Toronto 2025
Welcome to the Human Resources Section online
Here you will find information, updates, news and other resources relevant to your section.
Jan 03, 2023
The Anti-Corruption Law was first regulated, at the federal level, by Decree No 8,420 of 18 March 2015. On 12 July 2022, more than seven years later, Federal Decree No 11,129 of 11 July 2022, which regulates Anti-Corruption Law and repeals Decree No. 8,420/2015, was published by the Brazilian government. This article provides a detailed overview of the new Decree.
Welcome to the Dispute Resolution Law Section online
Here you will find information, updates, news and other resources relevant to your section.
Feb 17, 2023
Report on the session of the Insolvency Section of the Latin American Regional Forum at the IBA Annual Conference in Miami
Illicit financial flows, drivers of poverty and vulnerability: a sustainable development quagmire
Welcome to the Financial Services Law Section online
Here you will find information, updates, news and other resources relevant to your section.
A webinar presented by the IBA Insolvency Section, 8 September 2020, 1400-1500 BST
7th IBA Asia Pacific Regional Forum Biennial Conference
Welcome to the Law and Individual Rights Section online
Here you will find information, updates, news and other resources relevant to your section.
This article is aimed at providing detailed information about the procedures and pertinent details of rehabilitation or Chapter 11 proceedings of Korea regarding shipping companies.
• The role that Africa’s minerals resources will play in the green energy transition
• The management of relationships with local and indigenous communities
• Addressing the causes and impact on sustainability of forced migration and people trafficking
• The legal mechanisms used by governments, development finance institutions, civil society organisations, and the private sector to establish and promote sustainable practices
• What the world could (and should) learn from Africa on the regulation and implementation of sustainability
Biennial IBA African Regional Forum Conference: future-proofing the African legal profession
Welcome to the Maritime and Aviation Law Section online
Here you will find information, updates, news and other resources relevant to your section.
Jun 27, 2022
Report on session at 6th IBA Global Entrepreneurship Conference, 16 – 17 May 2022, presented by the IBA Closely Held and Growing Business Enterprise Committee
Welcome to the Intellectual Property, Communications and Technology Law Section online
Here you will find information, updates, news and other resources relevant to your section.

Sep 27, 2023
The rise in popularity of generative artificial intelligence (‘generative AI’) has ignited the discussion on whether junior employees can be replaced by it. Some have gone to the extent of questioning whether professionals, such as lawyers, can also be replaced by generative AI. Is it wise to replace junior employees or lawyers with generative AI? What factors should be considered before deploying generative AI tools in your business? To consider these questions, we first need to understand the basic workings of generative AI and what it can offer. Fundamentally, AI is intelligence that is not biological. The general understanding is that machines will be ascribed with this intelligence. These machines have the ability to interpret, learn from and process external data in a way that is similar to the capabilities of the human mind. Generative AI is a type of AI program that generates content from a data set. It uses deep learning, a type of machine learning system that behaves like a neural network to simulate the functions of a human brain. In other words, it can mimic human intelligence by exhibiting analytical skills to create new content. Not only can generative AI be utilised in chatbot programs to create text, but it can also be used in programs that can create images, sound or videos. This article will consider two major forms of generative AI, in the context of risks to businesses: chatbots using generative pre-trained transformer technology programs; and image generating programs.
Drivers of change in the legal profession and legal education - Africa focus
Welcome to the Section on Energy, Environment, Natural Resources and Infrastructure Law (SEERIL)
Here you will find information, updates, news and other resources relevant to your Section.
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Jun 12, 2024
The new Foreign State Immunity Law 2023 of the People’s Republic of China came into force on 1 January 2024. This shifts the country (as well as its special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macau) away from absolute state immunity to restrictive state immunity, bringing it more in line with the relatively prevalent practice among the international community. This article discusses the status of state immunity in public international law, analyses the new law’s provisions and examines practical challenges that will be faced by those seeking to utilise this law to enforce judgments or awards against foreign states and state entities, and the new law’s innovations that go beyond the United Nations Convention on Jurisdictional Immunities of States and Their Property of 2004 and the UK State Immunity Act 1978.
In today’s globalised world, businesses and legal professionals often find themselves navigating complex legal landscapes across multiple jurisdictions. Join us for an illuminating session that delves into the nuances and strategies of presenting effective pitches in diverse legal environments. Whether you’re an international law practitioner, a global business leader or a legal enthusiast, this discussion is a must-attend event.
IBA Annual Conference Mexico City 2024
The Antitrust Section provides an international forum for thought leadership with respect to antitrust law developments and the profession through submissions to competition agencies, training programs/missions, developing the law through our conferences, publications, and interaction with antitrust enforcement authorities and the profession.
In addition, there is a strong commitment to bring together international practitioners to facilitate closer working relationships. The Section is increasingly relied upon by government officials and members of the private sector for its expertise and practical input into antitrust developments, including through its Working Group submissions.
Feb 17, 2023
This article will outline the development of China’s restrictions on the cross-border transfer of personal information (PI export), detailing PI export mechanisms provided by the Personal Information Protection Law. It will also explain the practical implications of the restrictions.
The session will explore the new shift in business and supply chains from globalisation to regionalisation, the phenomenon known as nearshoring. Panelists from North-America will comment on aspects of this shift to regionalisation, examine various legal and practical issues presented by nearshoring, particularly as they relate to North America, and provide insights on the role of lawyers in connection with those issues.
IBA Annual Conference Mexico City 2024
The Insolvency Section is a network of leading lawyers, judges, and academics from restructuring, insolvency, and creditors' rights law. With over 30 years of experience, we play a pivotal role in the development and reform of international insolvency law. We shape global frameworks by sending expert delegates to leading organisations, such as the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law and the World Bank.
The Section represents high standards in the field, giving members opportunities to connect, contribute, and lead globally. Members benefit from cross-referral opportunities, involvement in law reform initiatives, and access to the Insolvency and Restructuring International journal. Our conferences bring together experts to exchange ideas, collaborate, and shape the future of insolvency practice.

Jul 08, 2025
Mediation is on the rise internationally as a means to settle disputes in a cost-effective manner. Chinese parties appear to be increasingly interested in mediation as an option. This article examines the evolving landscape of mediation in China and internationally. It considers how mediation for Chinese parties is evolving and whether mediation is a good option for Chinese parties in cross-border disputes. Commercial mediation has seen remarkable growth, bolstered by a supportive PRC judicial system and legislative initiatives encouraging parties to find harmonious ways to resolve disputes. The article analyses the three primary types of mediation in China: people’s mediation, administrative mediation, and commercial mediation. It also looks at mediation rules and proceedings in common law jurisdictions, such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United States. The article anecdotally considers the cultural elements, emphasising the Chinese parties’ preference for evaluative mediation styles as a reflection of civil law. Through case studies of international disputes involving Chinese and US parties, the article illustrates the practical dynamics of mediation involving Chinese parties and underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity in international mediation. As Chinese parties continue to go global, mediation is emerging as an attractive option for efficient and cost-effective dispute resolution. This analysis assesses whether the promotion of mediation is yielding tangible outcomes and explores the future of mediation involving Chinese and foreign parties.
<p>In this interactive session, we will discuss with highly reputable general counsel from multinational companies the main challenges and trends they face when managing legal teams and dealing with complex transactions and issues resulting from the global pandemic.
6th IBA Global Entrepreneurship Conference: The Netherlands – sailing the seas of global innovation
The Real Estate Section is a global forum for lawyers interested in real estate law. With the increasing internationalisation of real estate transactions, the Section has evolved to address legal and practical issues in a global context. It provides a platform for lawyers from diverse legal backgrounds to exchange views, collaborate, and participate in conferences. Members are encouraged to engage in annual conferences, special projects, and the Section's newsletter. The Section fosters valuable networking opportunities and continues to prepare impactful conferences on international real estate matters, welcoming contributions and ideas from members worldwide.
<p>The session, supported by the Regional Fora of the IBA and with expert speakers from different sectors and organisations, will be focused in helping lawyers — even those not practicing in international trade — understand their role and the opportunities arising for them and their clients in the public and private sectors, from the implementation of free trade agreements and new regional economic communities.p>
<p>As part of this session, specific attention will be put also on explaining the current situation of hot topics in international trade, such as e-commerce, investment protection and investor-state disputes, and on the relevance of sunset clauses contained in recently negotiated free trade agreements (e.g., the USMCA case, among others).p>
IBA Annual Conference Miami 2022
Apr 22, 2022
This article discusses the recent SEC case involving PwC and highlights the wider implications for intermediary institutions providing professional services in a tightened regulatory and enforcement regime in China’s banking and financial sector.
• Confronting the expectations of the user, counsel, arbitrator and centre: perspectives in sports disputes resolution, is everyone happy about the process and the outcome?
• Applying the rule of law versus applying the rule of the game: is the frontier clear or blurred?
• Who sits as arbitrators in sports disputes: are arbitrators good referees?
• Gender equality in sports dispute resolution: better or worse than in commercial arbitration?
• Conflicts of interest in sports arbitration: the same old story?
• Post World-Cup or Olympics construction disputes: are they all about delays?
• Other disputes at the crossroad of sports and commercial laws: the example of sponsorship cases.
• Sports and arbitration: the ideal doubles pairing?
• The arbitrability of sports law disputes: the case of employment contracts.
• Is there room for mediation between litigation and arbitration?
• Are national state courts a better forum for sports-related disputes?
• The specificity of internal dispute resolution mechanisms within international sporting federations.
The Laws of Sports: fast and furious or stable and reliable?
By Yi-An (Ann) Lai. Alipay and the impact of e-payment systems resulting in new regulations in China and other jurisdictions.
Apr 06, 2022
In this article, we consider what the best contracting model may be in order to deliver New Zealand’s significant renewable construction projects in an expedient and effective way, and to minimise the likelihood of disputes arising. To do so, we examine the more traditional international approach using an EPC form of contract and whether New Zealand’s approach to being more collaborative may be suitable.
IBA ESG Accelerator Training Programme: ESG disclosures, reporting and due diligence
Jan 21, 2022
In rapid succession, a number of jurisdictions have moved away from focusing on antitrust enforcement to the proposed regulation of digital platforms. Ostensibly, the regulatory focus is about competition and potential concerns that traditional ex post enforcement may be ill-equipped to address the power of digital platforms. This article focuses on the realities of what platform regulation might mean, and how to better frame and structure the nature of appropriate regulation. This article first identifies a number of the different approaches to regulation that various jurisdictions have put forward, and then lays out six basic principles for platform regulation to help address some of the potential harms that such approaches may unwittingly be pursuing.
Apr 28, 2023
Corruption is a global issue that impacts all facets of society and undermines the rule of law and the effective administration of justice. Nigeria is not immune to this trend, as corruption has had devastating effects on its legal system, resulting in a weakened judiciary and law enforcement agencies, thus fostering a culture of impunity for the affluent and powerful.
IBA ESG Accelerator Training Programme: ESG litigation and dispute resolution trends

May 30, 2022
International human rights law (IHRL) and international investment law (IIL) are two influential subsets of public international law reflecting distinct purposes and historical evolutions. Nonetheless, the two subsets interact in the context of the investor–state dispute settlement system (ISDS), due to the rise in human rights claims under international investment agreements. This article appraises this interaction from the perspective of IHRL in light of the fragmentation of public international law. It argues for the need to recognise and assess concurrent international legal obligations systematically and coherently, suggesting that the principle of systemic integration could support the consideration of human rights treaty obligations in ISDS and promote legal accountability. Foreign direct investment and human rights are linked in complex and non-linear ways. Furthermore, a predictable, coherent and transparent legal approach is necessary to ensure that IIL respects substantive and procedural human rights. This may also bolster the legitimacy of ISDS by redressing perceived power imbalances. It may attenuate the potential negative externalities of granting broad, asymmetrical rights to investors without any concomitant obligations under investment treaties. This article concludes that to prevent accountability gaps, tribunals must recognise: (1) a home–host state continuum of human rights legal accountability; (2) home state obligations to protect against third party violations by its investors abroad; and (3) host state obligations to respect, protect and fulfil human rights.

Feb 17, 2025
Since the introduction of the legislative regime for class actions in Canada, there has been a growing number, size and scope of legal claims being litigated as class proceedings in Canada, including mass consumer class actions. As most class actions settle before proceeding to trial, and the court must approve any class action settlement, this has led to increased judicial scrutiny of class action settlements, and a growing body of case law in Canada analysing what a class action settlement that is fair, reasonable and in the best interest of the class members looks like, particularly in the unique context of a mass consumer class action. In this article, we provide an in-depth review of the law in Canada concerning the settlement of mass consumer class actions, outline the observed trend of increased judicial scrutiny over mass consumer class action settlements and ultimately conclude that the question of whether a settlement is fair, reasonable and in the best interest of the class can be a challenging question to answer in mass consumer class actions, given the unique features of these types of claims.
IBA ESG Accelerator Programme – Sustainable finance
Jul 22, 2025
The International Bar Association’s (IBA) European Regional Forum brought the global fashion and luxury law community together in London for the 2025 edition of its highly anticipated European Fashion and Luxury Law Conference. Held on 15–16 May at the iconic OXO2 venue, the event drew over 100 attendees, including leading legal professionals, in-house counsel and industry experts, all eager to explore the latest legal and commercial trends shaping the fashion and luxury sectors. This article provides an overview of the conference.
Jan 27, 2025
A report on the panel session ‘To list, to sell or to flip to the US: sucessful exist methods in Europe’. Participants discussed recent challenges in the initial public offerings market, the ‘dual-track’ strategy and the role of legal advisors among other interesting points.
IBA ESG Accelerator Training Programme: Climate change, nature and just transition
Jan 12, 2024
On the afternoon of Thursday 2 November 2023, at the IBA Annual Conference in Paris, the European Regional Forum lead the organisation of the automotive session titled ‘The European automotive and mobility service industry: transformation and revolution’. Contrary to its title the panellists came from different areas of the world, including Europe, India, Mexico and South Korea. During the session, panellists discussed issues relating to data privacy, developments concerning autonomous vehicles, the future of electric vehicles and more.
An issue that often arises in international arbitrations involving construction contracts with stepped dispute resolution clause is whether a claimant’s failure to: (a) go through the dispute resolution provisions; or (b) comply with a time bar clause gives rise to a question of admissibility or jurisdiction. Put another way, if a claimant has failed to refer a dispute to an adjudicator as a condition precedent to arbitration should the arbitral tribunal decline to proceed because it lacks jurisdiction ...
IBA ESG Accelerator Training Programme: Business and human rights
Jan 12, 2024
The European Regional Forum (ERF), in particular its Professional Wellbeing Working Party (PWWP), organised a session on lawyers' wellbeing and ways in which we can make our law firms become better working environments. This session was additionally organised with the support of the IBA’s Presidential Task Force on Mental Health and wellbeing and the Professional Ethics Committee; it took place at the IBA 2023 Annual Conference in Paris.
Nov 14, 2024
A session report from the joint session of the IBA Regional Fora at the IBA Annual Conference 2024 in Mexico City.
IBA ESG Accelerator Training Programme: Governance
Jan 13, 2022
A report on a survey created by the Diversity and Inclusion Working Party of the IBA European Regional Forum to understand how Diversity & Inclusion is perceived by European law firms and to try to learn from each other’s experience.
<p>Mergers and acquisitions often present strategic imperatives and pose unavoidable compliance risks.
19th Annual IBA Anti-Corruption Conference
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