|
|
By Bruno Robert and Lucas Carneiro Gorgulho Mendes Barros. Is it time to end the Brazilian ban on multi-voting shares? - Securities Law Committee newsletter article, March 2020.
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
Welcome to the Taxation Section online
Here you will find information, updates, news and other resources relevant to your section.

Feb 05, 2025
The Illumina/GRAIL Judgment blocks the European Commission’s (the ‘Commission’s) attempt to create a new power under the European Union merger law (EUMR) to de facto call-in and review any transaction it considers potentially problematic. A power that was not based on any specific provision of the EUMR but on the Commission incentivising referrals from EU Member States on the basis of Article 22 of the EUMR, regardless of the solicited Member State(s) being competent to review the transaction under their national law. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decided to block the Commission’s creation of such quasi-unlimited review discretion after an extensive review of the EU Merger Regulations’ travaux préparatoires, which clearly showed that legal certainty was one of the key objectives that the EU legislature sought to achieve through the adoption of the EU Merger Regulations, among others, by designing the EU Merger Regulations around a jurisdictional test based on objective, clear and predictable bright-line turnover thresholds.
IBA Young Lawyers' Committee Training: Becoming a champion
Welcome to the Corporate Law Section online
Here you will find information, updates, news and other resources relevant to your section.
Jan 12, 2024
In this session at the IBA Annual Conference in Paris, a group of experts from various backgrounds addressed topics such as doping, bribery, governance and social responsibility, and offered a comprehensive examination of the complex issues plaguing the world of sport.
The proliferation of class action regimes around the world has created significant risks for defendants who increasingly face parallel mass litigation or class action suits in a growing number of jurisdictions. How are these regimes developing in an antitrust context - are they opt in or opt out? What approach are the courts taking in terms of evidence and disclosure? Which regimes seem to be ”claimant friendly”. For parties and legal practitioners involved in cross-border class actions, how can an effective antitrust class action strategy be developed to handle concurrent lawsuits in different jurisdictions? What insights can be gained to preserve the defense of a case in one jurisdiction without compromising positions in others?
IBA Annual Conference Paris 2023
Welcome to the Criminal Law Section online
Here you will find information, updates, news and other resources relevant to your section.

Aug 05, 2024
European antitrust policy faces three critical stress tests as the new European Commission (2024–29) takes office. The first test challenges the EU’s Article 22 referral policy, which allows the Commission to review global mergers, raising concerns about extraterritoriality and legal principles. Predicted to fail, this test questions the Brussels Effect’s sustainability. The second test examines the Digital Markets Act’s (DMA) aim for regulatory dialogue over litigation in digital competition. Early investigations against major tech firms suggest a litigation-driven enforcement, risking the DMA’s intended regulatory approach. The third test evaluates artificial intelligence (AI) regulation, balancing competition and innovation. Success is possible if the EU adopts a practical, rational approach, recognising AI’s complex layers and promoting competition across the entire AI infrastructure. These stress tests present significant challenges and necessitate strategic responses to ensure robust and effective antitrust policies in Europe.
The role of the courts in arbitration: an Asia Pacific perspective
Welcome to the Human Resources Section online
Here you will find information, updates, news and other resources relevant to your section.
On 8 December 2017, the European Commission decided that the International Skating Union’s (ISU) Eligibility Rules breached EU competition law. The rules provided that an athlete could be sanctioned for participating in an event not authorised by the ISU. The Commission thus examined whether the rules unlawfully restrict competition under Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) by establishing a pre-authorisation procedure for third-party organisers and imposing sanctions
p>
<p style="margin-left:24px">This showcase will consist in a conversation between some of those top female leaders, the IBA female leadership and a leadership expert from a INSEAD business school. p>
<p style="margin-left:24px"> p>
<p style="margin-bottom:16px; margin-left:24px">The dialogue will address the qualities that such leaders bring to the management table and what firms can do to keep the positive vibe from female leadership once they have moved on and have been succeeded by other, male colleagues?p>
<p style="margin-left:24px">Female Leadership Excellence in Law Firms: coincidence or here to stay?
IBA Annual Conference Paris 2023
Welcome to the Dispute Resolution Law Section online
Here you will find information, updates, news and other resources relevant to your section.
Mind the third party in the gap: breach of contract, third-party liability - Litigation Committee newsletter article, April 2020
<p>Old Lisbon Tour – 5 June 2026
The Conference Host Committee has organised an optional guided tour of Lisbon’s historic districts.
12th Annual IBA World Life Sciences Conference
Welcome to the Financial Services Law Section online
Here you will find information, updates, news and other resources relevant to your section.
This article discusses the extraterritorial laws applied by the United States, and the European Union’s response to these laws, since the 1990s. The stakes of this dynamic are high, as extraterritorial laws put in question states’ sovereignty. The evolution of these relations is to be closely watched, as the European Union and its Member States are finding diversified and innovative ways to reaffirm their sovereignty in the face of US extraterritorial laws, even if it is has been with limited success.
Join us at the awards breakfast where the IBA Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Legal Practitioner to Human Rights, the IBA Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, and the IBA Pro Bono Award will be presented.
IBA Annual Conference Paris 2023
Welcome to the Law and Individual Rights Section online
Here you will find information, updates, news and other resources relevant to your section.
The legal protection of artificial intelligence is one of the current challenges to EU law. Since it is accepted that artificial intelligence regulation should remain in the realm of intellectual property law, the same approach could be adopted to the results of artificial intelligence activity. Copyright law has historically been adopted to protect immaterial goods created by humans.
Join us at the awards breakfast where the IBA Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Legal Practitioner to Human Rights, the IBA Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, and the IBA Pro Bono Award will be presented.
IBA Annual Conference Mexico City 2024
Welcome to the Maritime and Aviation Law Section online
Here you will find information, updates, news and other resources relevant to your section.
Apr 29, 2024
When the Bolar exemption was introduced at the EU level in 2004 (though some Member State case law applied it prior to that date), it struck a balance between the need for patent owners to preserve their proprietary rights as long as possible and the desire of businesses to enter the market without undue delay the day after patent expiration (known as 'Day 1').
Join us at the awards breakfast where the IBA Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Legal Practitioner to Human Rights, the IBA Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, and the IBA Pro Bono Award will be presented.
IBA Annual Conference Toronto 2025
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.
The majority of the new European Union (EU) Prospectus Regulation will become applicable in July 2019. As part of the wider Capital Markets Union initiative, the new Prospectus Regulation aims to reduce costs for issuers in accessing European capital markets, facilitate cross-border investments in the EU and to build a framework resulting in EU-wide risk-sharing.
Join us at the awards breakfast where the IBA Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Legal Practitioner to Human Rights, the IBA Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, and the IBA Pro Bono Award will be presented.
IBA Annual Conference Copenhagen 2026
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.
View officer list
This article engages in the ‘pandemic’s dilemma’ on whether to favour policies that protect the economy over public health or vice versa. It focuses particularly on the considerations which courts could apply in deciding on legal actions challenging these measures. The proportionality assessment (a judicial approach to cost-benefit analysis) is suggested as a potentially useful tool.
<p>The session time listed is British Summer Time (BST).
Join us for the virtual awards ceremony, where the IBA Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Legal Practitioner to Human Rights, the IBA Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, in recognition of William Reece Smith Jr, the IBA Pro Bono Award and the IBA Outstanding International Woman Lawyer Award, in recognition of Anne-Marie Hutchinson, all supported by LexisNexis, will be presented.p>
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.
Oct 21, 2022
The arbitration agreement provokes dilemmas when related to legal acts with implications in consumer protection law (including class claims). The solutions have oscillated between favoring either arbitration or consumer protection. I propose that there is a better view: their coexistence. This alternative has the merit that the protected interest of each of them is respected and achieved. This leads to more rights, which is always desirable, particularly when dealing with protected parties (as consumers).
p>
< p>We will also be recognising the award winners from 2020 and 2021, which also includes the recepient of the 2021 IBA Outstanding International Woman Lawyer. p>
< p> Book social eventp>
IBA Annual Conference Miami 2022
The IBA Arbitration Committee focuses on laws, practice and procedures relating to the arbitration of transnational disputes. Through its conferences, publications and projects, the Committee seeks to share information about international arbitration, promote its use and improve its effectiveness. Become a member of the Committee to benefit from networking opportunities, discounts on conferences and the opportunity to write for IBA publications. You can also get involved with the work of the Committee, which is detailed further below.
Download the Arbitration Committee membership presentation for full details of the Committee's work.
Mar 04, 2022
Questions have arisen as to the impact of growing compliance requirements on the practice of arbitration, allowing compliance to find its place in the field of arbitration. This growing importance first raises the question of the arbitrability of compliance law, then of the impact of compliance on the arbitration activity itself, and finally demonstrates that arbitrators have become actors in implementing and respecting compliance requirements
<p>This sesion will be using SLIDO. To participate go to SLIDO.com and enter the code: 1447129p>
<p>Let's discuss what the legal profession should be doing to enhance its value proposition to those in the profession, those contemplating joining the profession and those who engage the services of the profession by developing and expanding the legal and non-legal skillsets of lawyers to equip them for the multi-faceted and global profession that lawyers operate in today and by creating a working environment that affords work life balance and a rewarding career so as to retain lawyers in the practice of law. p>
<p>This will focus on lawyers in private practice, in-house and, across all legal sectors and will discuss and aggregate the findings in the Panel Sessions earlier in the week at IBA Paris Annual Conference which address various facets of these issues. p>
<p>This SPPI Showcase promises to be a dynamic and interactive session bringing together the experiences of wide range of lawyers, young and senior, and those who rely on legal services.
IBA Annual Conference Paris 2023
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.
Mar 04, 2022
Blockchain-based arbitration is just like traditional arbitration except it takes place on blockchains, such as Ethereum. The arbitration agreement forms part of the smart contract, arbitrators are selected using random numbers extracted from the blocks in the blockchain and the award is also embedded in a self-executable smart contract. There is currently no regulation in transnational blockchain-based arbitration. Any such regulation faces a number of serious challenges, such as how to determine the applicable jurisdiction in a blockchain-based arbitration. This article seeks to address such challenges by suggesting some possible guidelines.
Based on key findings of the 2021-2022 Legal Policy and Research Unit tech competency survey report, the session will discuss tech competency as a core legal skill and the need for developing a sustainable concept for the IBA’s existing code of principles.
IBA Annual Conference Paris 2023
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.
Oct 08, 2025
The High Court in England and Wales has recently examined the use of generative artificial intelligence tools by lawyers in litigation. Two cases were referred to the High Court after it became apparent that false citations appeared in legal documents that were being relied upon by lawyers. Intentionally submitting false material in court proceedings, with the knowledge that the information is false, will amount to contempt of court. This could attract a prison sentence of up to two years. The harshness of the punishment is for good reason: deliberate interference with the administration of justice is a serious act that undermines public confidence in the legal process.
The rule of law depends upon an independent judiciary. Appointment to judicial office carries with it the responsibility to be, and be seen to be, independent. Why? What does that mean in practice? From the tests for actual and ostensible bias- determining when judges should be disqualified or recused from sitting- through to social and political activities, there are many things that judges must navigate. Hear from experienced judges and advocates discuss the applicable tests, traps and guides associated with being a judge, especially when judges must ‘stand down’ and ‘stay out of it’.
IBA Annual Conference Toronto 2025
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.

Sep 26, 2023
The commitment of the European Commission (the ‘Commission’) to create a European space for all digital communications has resulted in a proliferation of legislation (actual and proposed) designed to deal with the many different issues raised by digital communications and services. The governance and enforcement provisions of each of these different pieces of legislation have produced a complex matrix of European Union (‘EU’) institutional arrangements, which reflects both the desire to achieve harmonised conditions of operation across the EU, while at the same time seeking to accommodate the desires of 27 Member States to retain some level of sovereignty over subject-matter as technical and as diverse as that presented in the digital environment. The structuring of the relationships between Commission and Member State bodies or expert bodies, the ‘give and take’ between the institutional actors and the level of legal certainty that can be generated by such multi-player decision-making is likely to pose meaningful logistical and procedural challenges as the different elements of the Commission’s Digital Agenda package come into effect. To better understand the nature of those challenges, we analyse below the governance structures used in the key pillars of the Commission’s Digital Agenda and we seek to draw some preliminary conclusions on the effectiveness of those structures in delivering coherent enforcement on a pan-European level.
Aug 12, 2020
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, workers on the lowest wages have had the least protection – from the virus, from unemployment and from financial distress – despite their work being deemed ‘essential.’ Global Insight explores how governments and corporations can step up to create a better world for these workers.
Communication Masterclass
This article analyses the preventive legal measures under Korean law against an unjust bond call by the beneficiary/employer (the ‘Beneficiary’) upon the various unconditional bank guarantees that have been issued by financial institutions located in Korea (the ‘Issuing Bank’).
Dr Evelien Bruggeman provides the second instalment of her article on BIM in the Netherlands, addressing the possible use of selection criteria for the BIM component, the award criteria for BIM and in particular the use of a BIM Execution Plan.
Five considerations if your client faces extradition- Criminal Law/Business Crime Committees newsletter article, July 2020
South Africa recently amended its Competition Act, introducing, among other amendments, a novel provision prohibiting the abuse of buyer power. The novelty of the provision stems from the combination of three features: a public interest focus, a dominance requirement and its application not only to trading terms but prices as well.
Aug 12, 2020
As an emerging economic superpower, China has, over the past 20 years, become increasingly outward looking and ever more assertive. As the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbates existing concerns over human rights, security and foreign policy, Global Insight assesses what the future holds for China and its place in the world.
May 24, 2023
This article considers the role of lawyers in assisting their clients in recognising the challenges and opportunities created by the transition to a net-zero, low-carbon economy. In particular, it focuses upon the impact of United Kingdom regulation and environmentally focused litigation on the private sector’s transition to net zero and the sustainability of business practices.
Proactive versus reactive: regulatory challenges when considering professional wellbeing
By Nadine Bengtsson. Challenges enforcing public policies on data protection and competition in digital markets: an Argentinean perspective
This session will examine attitudes to plagiarism amongst students and junior lawyers, and the challenges it represents to the profession. Many students now see "copy and paste" as a legitimate means of preparing assessments, and this can bleed into their approach to practise as lawyers. While such an approach may be efficient, if done excessively and without proper attribution, it represents an academic offence of plagiarism. In a practice context, it represents unethical practice and potentially significant breach of copyright. It also demonstrates a lack of the ability to articulate ideas and themes in the lawyer’s own words, basic communications skills needed at all professional levels. How should law firms and universities deal with this worrying new mindset and potentially unethical practice - do we need to be more accepting of such new approaches and, if not, how can we effectively control this rapidly escalating problem?
IBA Annual Conference Paris 2023
Sep 20, 2021
Coming forward with information that could get someone into trouble has never been easy. To remedy this, states have been increasing their efforts to encourage whistleblowers to report wrongdoings by ensuring their protection from retaliation,1 which, up until recently, has been scarcely regulated, particularly in the European Union.2 The need to enhance the protection of whistleblowers has been thrown into the spotlight as a result of a series of scandals (such as the Panama Papers,3 Cambridge Analytica and Danske Bank scandals) in which whistleblowers played a key role.
HumanRightsOn 16 February 2021, the European Court of Human Rights held that the non-punishment principle is a component of States' obligation under Article 4, the prohibition of slavery, servitude and forced labour. The principle stipulates that the involvement in unlawful activities by trafficked persons which results from exploitation, should not be criminalised and punished. Such unlawful activities include both 'specific forms of exploitation' that trafficked persons may be coerced to do (such as engaging in illegal work, drugs cultivation, or soliciting prostitution). The IBA has engaged on a project with the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL) to produce unique research of the principle through a comparative analysis of how the non-punishment principle is applied in law and practice across different jurisdictions. The session will look at how the principle is applied across different jurisdictions, and will discuss recommendations to improve the legislative provision and practical implementation, including through due diligence laws imposed on corporates. It will also reference a pilot program to train lawyers and law enforcement personnel on the principle of non-punishment and ancillary matters and the creation of a dedicated online platform on the IBA/BIICL websites which will contain which will host videos, podcasts and web links to interviews with experts and practitioners from NGOs, international organisations and multi-stakeholder initiatives accessible to the public, as well as to legal professionals.
IBA Annual Conference Miami 2022
The world still faces unique challenges to ensure access to justice and protect human rights. Pro bono work has become a crucial tool in addressing these challenges by providing vital legal assistance to those who cannot afford it and by mobilising lawyers who can offer expertise in cases with potential widespread impact. The intersection of pro bono efforts, access to justice and human rights violation are complex and multifaceted. As such, the SPPI showcase intends to highlight this topic at our upcoming IBA Annual Conference.
IBA Annual Conference Mexico City 2024

Jun 11, 2025
Until the advent of new technology and the imminent enforcement challenges posed by AI, the product liability regime that applied at the European Union (EU) level had served the EU well for close to 40 years. At the national level, the rules among EU Member States implementing the Product Liability Directive (PLD – Directive 85/374/EEC) harmonised the liability of producers for defective products. These rules coexisted with other extra-contractual liability rules that can also be invoked by those who have suffered damage. As a result, in relation to liability claims in the EU, there are three avenues currently available for compensation claims (complementary pillars of liability), namely: compensation based on a fault-based liability claim; reliance on a strict liability claim; or actions based on claims against the producer of a defective product. The European Commission (the ‘Commission’) published in September 2022 a proposal for a new Directive on liability for defective products, which would revise, repeal and replace the Product Liability Directive. A new (revised) Product Liability Directive (‘revised PLD’) was formally signed on 23 October 2024 and published on 18 November 2024, with its new rules applying to all products placed on the EU market or put into service after 9 December 2026. This article seeks to assess whether the revised PLD is capable of achieving specific objectives in terms of: accommodating the latest technological advances, circular economy business models and global value chains; ensuring that liability rules reflect the nature and risks of products in the digital age and in the circular economy; promoting undistorted competition (eg, to ensure that a level playing field exists between EU and non-EU manufacturers); ensuring that businesses and consumers are subject to fair and predictable rules; instilling confidence in the safety and reliability of AI-enabled and other innovative products and services; ensuring that consumers’ health and property are afforded a high level of protection for any harm caused by hazardous products, including digital products and AI systems; reducing disproportionate obstacles to achieving effective compensation (by easing the burden of proof in complex cases and easing restrictions on making claims), and ensuring that a fair balance exists between manufacturers/economic operators and consumers (without discouraging investment and innovation in AI-powered products and other emerging digital technologies); and maintaining an appropriate balance between the interests of claimants and defendants before Member State courts.
Developments in executive compensation have resulted in more legislation and regulations on executive pay being introduced over the past two decades than in the previous 150 years. Ever since the last financial crisis, executive compensation has remained high on the agenda of many authorities. When there are concerns about executive remuneration, legislators first of all try to find the remedy through increasing the level of transparency. Such a transparency measure, currently favoured by various countries
Are we doing enough? Global wellbeing for law students
This article addresses the systemic problem of the mistreatment of women who are victims of sexual violence (especially in cases of violence by men against women) by the Brazilian criminal justice system that has come to the fore over the years, some of the key reasons behind the issue, as well as some brief comments on some possible solutions.
United States antitrust enforcers have held off on rigorous enforcement actions of some of the largest US technology companies for years, but now the tide is turning. This year, the FTC launched the Technology Task Force and the Division opened investigations into online platforms. Areas of likely increased antitrust scrutiny, and potentially enforcement include the collection and use of Big Data and the review of acquisitions of nascent competitors.
Thriving through law school and beyond: wellbeing in legal education
|