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May 25, 2020
As the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia reforms its justice system, the Chair of the International Bar Association Bar Issues Commission (IBA BIC), Dr Péter Köves, has sent a report to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and new Attorney General, Adanech Abebe, in support of the changes.
The panel will explore the types of alleged wrongdoing on which multi-lateral banks are currently focusing, as well as the latest updates on their investigative methods and potential consequences, including suspension and debarment.
IBA Annual Conference Miami 2022
The Regulation of Lawyers Committee provides a global perspective on practical and legal aspects of the growing body of regulation affecting all lawyers (whether individual lawyers, firms, in-house lawyers or those who work for clients) as well as current professional risk management topics and compliance issues affecting lawyers around the world. The Anti-Money Laundering and Sanctions Expert Subcommittee focuses on anti-money laundering requirements and financial and trade sanctions legislation, regulation and trends as they impacts lawyers. The Committee provide a forum to discuss and consider legislation impacting the practice of law, considering the ever-expanding multi-jurisdictional approach to lawyer regulation.
Feb 18, 2025
Language in the context of the law can affect the ability of parties to participate and access justice, thus influencing sovereign equality and due process. With such implications, the choice of language in the law is one requiring significant reflection. The choice of law may also bring with it certain legal and cultural influences. This article explores the language of the law in different contexts. The use of language is the common thread throughout, affecting the law in a wide range of environments. It addresses five topics, each of which is the subject of substantive and extensive exploration and research in the academic papers of legal and linguistic experts alike. The article therefore provides an overview of the use of language in the practice of international business law.
However, to meet the needs of both large-scale and complex infrastructure contracts, often involving cutting-edge processes and technologies, and the plethora of other construction and engineering projects which require to be delivered, there is an increase in popularity of non-traditional forms of contracting – framework agreements, multi-party contracts and alliancing contracting.
IBA Annual Conference Miami 2022
The Public Law Section provides a global platform for discussing public law topics, exchanging ideas, and fostering development. Our members actively engage in debates about government policy, administrative action, judicial review, and constitutional law. The Section examines how citizens and businesses interact with government actions and anticipates future trends, including the evolving relationship between government and the private sector. Key topics include the principles of fairness, deregulation, and the comparison between civil and common law systems. The Section has an interest in international legal developments and the differences between the various systems.
Sep 24, 2024
Homophobic language in the field or court remains a rampant reality in the sports scene worldwide. Therefore, it is of paramount importance that all jurisdictions pass explicit and specific legislation addressing, prohibiting and sanctioning hate, violence and intolerance in sports in general, and homophobic conduct and slurs specifically. This paper shall essentially be centered around a draft bill being reviewed by the Uruguayan Parliament, as a recent and comprehensive example to follow.
The Family Law Committee provides a unique forum for members from different countries and different legal systems to exchange views, meet during conferences and debate issues concerning the substantive and procedural aspects of family law. The work of the committee has focused on developments of international significance, involving all aspects of family law, for example, marriage, divorce, inheritance, human rights in the family, adoption, international child abduction, etc. There is a close interaction within the committee and its members through newsletters and via e-mail.
The Criminal Law Committee provides a forum for members from various countries and criminal justice systems to meet, exchange views, and monitor developments in criminal law. The Committee focuses on transnational and international issues. The Committee keeps members informed through newsletters and rapporteurs. The member listings, organised by location and practice area, allow for case referrals, cooperation in transnational criminal cases, and the exchange of professional experiences. This platform also offers opportunities for members to assist one another in transnational criminal law matters and share expertise in related cases.
Dec 01, 2021
Multi-tiered dispute resolution clauses have been used for many years, although the jurisprudence has taken time to develop in order to support their proper practical application.
This is our traditional land transport session and this year we will discuss the future of rail transport and multi modal transport based on the thesis that in 2034, rail carriage under CIM will rule global multi modal contracts of carriage.
IBA Annual Conference Paris 2023
The Pro Bono Committee promotes pro bono legal services globally, through the IBA Pro Bono Declaration, the exchange of information and initiatives, and by promoting best practices.
Pro bono work supports access to justice where this right is not fully supported by legal aid. The Committee provides resources, including digital content and articles highlighting pro bono efforts by legal professionals, which can be found below.
The Committee is committed to advancing pro bono work across the profession and welcomes new members passionate about contributing to this mission.
Mar 31, 2026
mobility and investment-based residence within a diversified legal structure. Built progressively over decades, this multi-layered architecture is increasingly positioning Panama as a strategic platform for global mobility and regional business operations.
This session will discuss the recent developments within land transports and containers.
IBA Annual Conference Toronto 2025
The Rule of Law Forum, established in 2007, supports IBA members in advocating for the Rule of Law, as per the 2005 Prague Resolution. Originally the Rule of Law Action Group, the Forum operates within the Section on Public and Professional Interest (SPPI). Its purpose is to assist members in responding to the IBA Council's call to support the Rule of Law in their communities. The Forum's activities are led by Co-Chairs, with Vice-Chairs assisting them. The Forum does not have formal membership but maintains a circulation list. Liaison members from other IBA committees help integrate Rule of Law into their work.
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.
Can restructuring tools really save corporate entities, and if they can, at what price to the junior creditors?
This panel will consider a number of different restructuring tools in a number of different jurisdictions and consider:
• the use of reverse vesting orders;
• how are assets transferred and liabilities compromised?;
• the involvement of the courts;
• the increasing use of cross cram down powers in restructuring plans;
• how courts approach the sharing of the restructuring surplus;
• treatment of “ out of the money” creditors;
• treatment of junior creditors who object to restructuring proposals.
The panel will have speakers from a number of jurisdictions including Canada, the United States, South Korea, and Chile who will comment on the restructuring tools in their jurisdictions.
IBA Annual Conference Toronto 2025
The Forum for Barristers and Advocates represents Bar Associations whose members practice as independent referral practitioners in jurisdictions with a divided legal profession. Formed by Bar Leaders, the Forum advocates for the principles of independent advocacy within the IBA. The Forum addresses the importance of advocate and judiciary independence, ethical conduct, and training. The Forum supports human rights and collaborates with the Judges' Forum and other committees on litigation and trial topics. The Forum’s inaugural members include Bar Associations from England and Wales, Scotland, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, and Hong Kong, representing over 16,000 barristers and advocates. Membership is open to bar associations which are full or supporting members of the IBA, and to individual members of any Divisions.
Oct 29, 2025
This article addresses joinder issues in United States litigation for foreign counsel handling cross-border disputes. Using a scenario derived from an actual case handled by our firm, it analyses the joinder framework under the US Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) and highlights procedural safeguards to prevent misuse of joinder mechanisms against foreign parties. It contrasts these rules briefly with international arbitration frameworks – such as those of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) – to provide foreign litigation practitioners with contextual clarity. The article concludes with practical recommendations for foreign clients and litigation counsel navigating US court proceedings.
The Anti-Corruption Committee brings together public and private-sector practitioners to advance understanding of global anti-corruption laws, enforcement trends, and compliance practices. The committee supports members through conferences, research, and practical collaboration on emerging risks, enforcement developments, and asset recovery.
The continue evolution of the telecoms sector, together with the development of digital platforms and services is growing at an unprecedented pace. This has resulted in some jurisdictional conflicts between antitrust regulators in Mexico, when defining whether or not a transaction is related to the telecoms sector. Within this context, it is relevant to analyse the most recent resolutions regarding jurisdiction conflicts between the Federal Antitrust Commission (COFECE) and the Federal Telecoms Institute (
How lawyers can use AI in daily work: a practical introduction on large language models and legal prompt engineering – session one
The Corporate and M&A Law Committee connects corporate, compliance, private equity, and M&A practitioners globally. Focused on education, networking, and collaboration, we address key challenges in corporate law and M&A.
Our goals include: promoting knowledge-sharing through conferences and legal guides, enhancing participation in IBA activities, and supporting professional development. We also contribute to legal education through training, book donations, and programming on emerging trends like ESG, compliance, and cross-border M&A. We publish a newsletter annually.
As lockdown restrictions are relaxed and more companies are starting to think about a Covid-19 Secure return to the office, what practical steps should landlords and tenants take to ensure a safe return? What legal implications will these steps have? Landlords and tenants have a common interest here and it is fundamental to any safe and successful reopening that they work collaboratively and cooperatively.
How lawyers can use AI in daily work: a practical introduction on large language models and legal prompt engineering – session two
The IBA Technology Law Committee brings together lawyers addressing the evolving legal challenges of modern technologies. The Committee's mandate covers a wide range of tech-related areas, supported by eight subcommittees: AI and Robotics, Data Law, Technology Disputes, Fintech, Life Sciences, Outsourcing and Managed Services, Platforms, E-commerce & Social Media and Cybersecurity.
Each subcommittee focuses on specific issues, such as intellectual property, data protection, financial regulation, medical technologies, and cybersecurity, helping professionals navigate the complex legal landscape of emerging technologies.
Feb 04, 2022
The German arbitration community is on a quest for practical solutions that can better suit multi-party disputes in arbitration. Prominent German practitioners recently proposed the DIS Supplemental Rules for Third-Party Notices in Arbitration (“SRTPN”), which the DIS and the wider arbitration community are currently scrutinizing. The authors contribute here to the discussion by re-viewing existing practices on multi-party arbitration and the possible advantages of third-party notices, particularly for the stakeholders of the construction industry.
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This panel will discuss current challenges for custodians. Issues to be covered will include:
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34th IBA Global Challenges and Opportunities for the Asset Management Industry Conference
The Poverty and Social Development Committee, builds on years of work under various IBA auspices. We engage the legal profession to contribute to UN Sustainability Goal #1: Eradicating Poverty. Our committee advocates for using law to protect individuals and communities from poverty, promoting well-being. We believe legal professionals have a duty to create and apply law for good, preventing exploitation and mitigating harm. Planned projects include a podcast, a practical book for lawyers, a session at the IBA Annual Conference, and supporting NGOs focused on poverty eradication. We invite members to join our efforts.
May 12, 2026
This article provides an overview of Japan’s reexamination system and patent linkage system, both of which protect the interests of brand-name drug companies. The reexamination system effectively functions as a form of data exclusivity by preventing generic entry during a specified period. The Japanese patent linkage system, operated through MHLW notifications without a statutory basis, coordinates generic drug approvals with patent rights. The article also examines recent reforms introduced at the end of 2025, including the formal inclusion of biosimilars, the clarification of patent information submission requirements, and the introduction of an expert advisor system. The practical implications of these reforms and future developments are also discussed.
Shortages of medicines and medical devices are caused not only by manufacturing challenges, but also by distribution unavailability, due to issues at distribution chain level. This session will examine the phenomena within the distribution chain that can lead to shortages of medicine and medical devices, such as parallel trade. The session will also explore different approaches to deal with such shortages by several jurisdictions, including the imposition of regulated prices, blacklist, export controls/restrictions, government mandated distribution and challenging product registration rules.
IBA Annual Conference Miami 2022
The Academic and Professional Development Committee connects law schools, legal professionals, and the IBA. We aim to enhance the quality of lawyers worldwide, modernise legal practice, and attract top talent to the profession. We engage directly with law schools, helping students prepare for international practice, and support IBA initiatives to strengthen local Bars globally.
At annual conferences, we bring together academics, lawyers, and experts to explore issues in legal and business education. Additionally, we conduct research on these topics and share insights through newsletters and updates on our webpage to benefit the global legal community.
Sep 11, 2025
A recent IBA webinar examined how junior lawyers can best be supported on their paths towards career progression. In-House Perspective reports on the key points.
A discussion regarding the state of international law, norms and institutions under the stress of a world shifting towards multi-polarity and great power rivalry.
IBA Annual Conference Copenhagen 2026
The Committee aims to gather global information on barriers to justice and solutions, focusing on statutory schemes like legal aid. Findings will be shared through reports and events, with all information available on the website for those unable to attend. Acting as a central hub within the IBA, the Committee will coordinate efforts on access to justice and legal aid, collaborating with other committees on joint projects. The IBA’s global reach will support the exchange of best practices, offering valuable insights for jurisdictions facing challenges in maintaining or improving access to justice during times of austerity.
Jul 14, 2021
Until recently, neurodivergent individuals are likely to have been treated in a different and unfair way, which causes disempowerment, discrimination and unequal life opportunities. There is still a long way to go in terms of tackling the stigma. However, companies are becoming increasingly aware that great minds think differently, and that employing people who are neurodiverse can be a huge competitive advantage.
Pending a resolution of the Appellate Body situation, the EU and other WTO members have established a multi-party interim appeal arbitration arrangement (MPIA), and other bilateral and multilateral initiatives have been undertaken.
Our roster of panellists will discuss how participating WTO members can continue to benefit from two-step dispute settlement systems, as well as the reform of the WTO dispute settlement mechanism.
IBA Annual Conference Copenhagen 2026
The African Regional Forum aims to enhance the value and significance of the International Bar Association (IBA) by addressing issues unique to African lawyers. The Forum focuses on cooperation with bar associations, supporting legal development, and promoting IBA participation across Africa. We organise regional conferences, workshops, and seminars to foster specialisation and partnerships within the legal profession. The Forum also works to educate about legal rights, strengthen sub-regional bars, and facilitate exchanges between developed and developing bars. We play a crucial role in training, legal reforms, and fostering collaboration with government and other regional fora.
Venture capital investments can be exposed to a range of ESG risks with significant consequences. The SFDR and Taxonomy regulations have been impacting more and more the investment strategy and the VC transactions, however the lack of “ESG friendly” framework for start-ups is making hard the implementation of sustainability into start-ups business model and corporate structure.
Only the open debate among stakeholders can lead to the synthesis of the perspectives of investors, start-ups.
6th Annual IBA European Start-up Conference
The Forum for Government and Public Lawyers provides a platform for government and public lawyers worldwide. As the global voice of the legal profession, the IBA supports these lawyers and connects them with both public and private sector practitioners. The Forum focuses on the role of government and public lawyers, covering public service values, ethics, specialist skills, and public international law developments. Membership is open to Bar Associations that are IBA members and individual members of any Division. The Forum is especially relevant to practitioners working in government or public entities at domestic, regional, or international levels.
Oct 13, 2022
Despite the ongoing hostilities, time has not stood still for Ukraine’s legal profession. As a recent trip to Kyiv by the IBA Executive Director revealed, the country’s legal community continues to advocate for citizens’ rights as troops fight Russian aggression on the frontline.
A discussion on how to design, build, operate and maintain sustainable mediation systems that actually improve access to justice and the rule of law.
IBA Annual Conference Toronto 2025
The Healthcare and Life Sciences Law Committee addresses legal issues in the healthcare and life sciences sectors, such as medicine, intellectual property, biotech, bioethics, regulatory matters, and scientific developments. With a dynamic, diverse, and growing membership, the Committee fosters collaboration to tackle industry challenges, such as increased competition and regulatory changes.
We provide a platform for discussion, sharing knowledge, and updating members on key developments. Through conferences, seminars, and global events, the Committee promotes professional growth, enabling members to benefit from advanced practices in well-established jurisdictions while supporting those new to this field.
Feb 13, 2020
The justice system in England and Wales has been seriously under-resourced for far too long and is showing significant signs of strain. Global Insight assesses how the years of neglect might be reversed.
This session will address the evidence related to the condition of cargo in container transportation, and the difficulties in demonstrating the condition of the cargo at the commencement of transportation when goods are shipped in containers.
IBA Annual Conference Mexico City 2024
The Business Human Rights (BHR) Committee creates awareness of business and human rights and broader corporate sustainability principles. Preventing and addressing business-related human rights risks is key to ethical business, good governance and increasingly legal compliance for businesses including law firms.
The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, as the core international standard, provide guidance on governments’ duty to protect against human rights harm by business; business’ responsibility to respect human rights; and access to remedy for business-related human rights harm.
The BHR Committee promotes legal skills to advise clients in this area and facilitates dialogue among lawyers to support evolution.
Nov 29, 2024
Neurodivergence isn’t uncommon in the legal profession but while the environment for such individuals is improving, there’s still work to be done towards full inclusion, as In-House Perspective reports.
In May 2024, the UK Supreme Court considered, in Invest Bank v El-Husseiny, whether the Court of Appeal reached the right decision in finding that where a debtor causes a company that he owns and controls to transfer assets in an attempt to frustrate enforcement action, those transfers can be challenged as transactions at an undervalue under section 423 of the UK Insolvency Act (which the UK courts have confirmed may have extraterritorial effect). This panel will discuss:
- the use of section 423 as a helpful cross-border fraud fighting tool;
- other countries’ approaches to transactions at undervalue; and
- other means to getting around separate legal personality arguments behind which fraudsters all too often hide.
2nd Annual IBA Asset Recovery Conference
The War Crimes Committee works to promote justice around the world and uphold the principle of accountability. We focus on atrocity crimes, international criminal law, and practice. We provide a forum for practitioners and scholars, offering reliable resources and a network of contacts in this field. The committee supports international, ad hoc, and domestic war crimes tribunals and collaborates with the IBA Human Rights Institute to promote justice and accountability. We also have a working relationship with the International Committee of the Red Cross. The Committee aims include being a leading professional body for international criminal law, providing valuable resources, and inspiring young lawyers in this area.
Feb 24, 2020
In the wake of the Weinstein trial and revelations of the widespread abuse of non-disclosure agreements , Global Insight assesses how legal and judicial systems continue to let down victims of sexual harassment and violence. IBA Multimedia Journalist Ruth Green, Senior Content Editor Meg Lewis and Content Editor Jennifer Venis discuss the issues, including prosecution and conviction rates, consent and rape definitions, and related societal issues.
Online mediation has changed the practice of mediation. Artificial Intelligence has the potential to revolutionise it. This session will explore the intersection of mediation and technology with an emphasis on psychological effects on mediation participants. Does online mediation make mediation fairer? Can digital mediators build rapport with parties? Can AI ever do what a mediator does? We will discuss these issues and more with specialists in mediation, psychology and technology.
IBA Annual Conference Paris 2023
The European Regional Forum (ERF), established in 1989, has over 8,000 members. The forum is divided into four regions - Northern, Western, Central, and Southeastern - each led by a Chair and Vice-Chair. We have five working parties - communications, D&I, ESG, mental wellbeing, and next-gen law - and we organise four conferences annually (automotive & mobility services, fashion & luxury law, ESG and start-up) in addition to many leading and participating in many smaller initiatives.
Our goals include: addressing the needs of professional organisations and individual members, increasing participation in the IBA, fostering cross-border collaboration among European lawyers and bars and supporting the Rule of Law and civil society. The ERF promotes professional development and networking opportunities through our many initiatives.
In order to combat Covid-19, governments around the world have shut down national economies, in some cases almost entirely. Economic life in many jurisdictions has abruptly come to a standstill and international trade has been disrupted.
This session will discuss the points to be noted for buying and selling franchise systems internationally: from drafting of the agreements to practical aspects.
IBA Annual Conference Paris 2023
The Women Lawyers’ Committee (WLC) aspires to empower its 3000 highly valued members from all over the world to engage, network and share knowledge. The committee was originally an interest group which was introduced as an IBA constituent in 1996 to allow efficient global networking of women lawyers.
WLC aims to level the playing field in the legal profession and inspire leaders to work to achieve gender parity. It's 20 committee officers create awareness tools to help the profession achieve this goal, while at the same time facilitate an efficient global network for women lawyers to connect and develop business and expertise, supported by its Advisory board.
We welcome members with all genders and encourage all perspectives and remain a committee dedicated to the cause of women lawyers.
A webinar presented by the IBA Closely Held and Growing Business Enterprises Committee, supported by the IBA Corporate and M&A Committee, IBA European Regional Forum, IBA Latin American Regional Forum, IBA Law Firm Management Committee and IBA Young Lawyers Committee.
The panel will discuss how boards of directors should face ESG related duties, especially in multi-national environments, and how ESG matters may impact M&A transactions in this continuously evolving world.
IBA Annual Conference Copenhagen 2026
Data is becoming the core asset of our economies and takes up a central role in our societies. Government attempts to obtain access or receive information, as well as the responses of the private sector to such attempts, raise complex legal issues, depending on the specific socio-political context and the domestic legal traditions. The International Bar Association (IBA) Legal Practice Division set up the Task Force on Government Access to IT Systems in October 2017.
Today, general counsels are called to manage a widening range of risk, compliance, governance, regulatory and operational issues and, at the same time, to support and promote their company’s business.
7th Global Entrepreneurship Conference
Apr 22, 2021
As the economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic continues, a new £180,000 funding programme offers a much-needed financial lifeline to frontline legal aid providers worldwide.
This session will offer a roadmap for legal professionals to proactively support and protect their organisations. Contractual considerations, compliance frameworks, corporate requirements, governance issues, different standards etc. would need to be considered.
8th Global Entrepreneurship Conference
This article considers the position under English law for parties seeking to injunct proceedings in other jurisdictions in breach of a valid agreement to arbitrate. English courts have shown great willingness to grant such injunctions in appropriate cases. Recent case law demonstrates the English courts’ commercial mindedness and adherence to a strongly pro-arbitration policy. However, different considerations apply in instances where the non-arbitration proceedings are issued in a European Union state.
Europe’s world-class research institutions are a wellspring of DeepTech innovation, yet the path from scientific discovery to scalable venture remains fraught with structural and financial hurdles. As the US and Asia continue to dominate DeepTech investment, Europe faces a pivotal moment. With new EU funding instruments, evolving regulatory frameworks, and a growing appetite for mission-driven innovation, can Europe close the gap? This panel will compare regional investment dynamics, exit environments, and geopolitical influences, offering a candid assessment of Europe’s position in the global DeepTech race—and what it will take to lead.
8th Annual IBA European Start-up Conference
Oct 14, 2025
In recent years the UK government has pushed ahead with the large-scale digitalisation of immigration and border services. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven tools, while still marginal, are increasingly becoming part of this programme. The stated aims of this automation have included expediting low-complexity transactions, automating identity and document checks, and freeing civil servants to focus on legally complex matters. However, civil-society groups and lawyers have grown increasingly vocal about transparency, fairness, and the lawfulness of automated tools.
Is the Indian justice system too slow? Does it not move with
remarkable speed when there is some urgency demonstrated? Is
there a risk that the pendency of cases could lead to paralysis of
the system? Is the rule of law an illusion that would be difficult to
sustain through the 21st century?
Third IBA India Litigation and ADR Symposium 2024: From fringe to focal: India at the centre of international dispute resolution
Sep 21, 2021
In this podcast, our speakers discuss the causes and impact of the backlog and the measures proposed to alleviate them, including reopening Crown courtrooms, expanding the Nightingale temporary court system until March 2022 and modifying 71 courtrooms to hold large, multi-hander trials.
What kind of action should be set in motion and how can Bars in other jurisdictions give support? We will discuss situations that originated in some jurisdictions to see if there are lessons to be learned on how to handle future crisis.
16th Annual Bar Leaders' Conference
Apr 20, 2023
This article discusses artificial intelligence in Canadian immigration, including recent developments. It also deals with ethical considerations for automated decision-making, and the evolution of artificial intelligence regulations.
This session will examine the main funding options available to law firms pursuing strategic change, including bank finance, partners’ capital, and private equity investment. It'll explore the pros, cons, and practical considerations of each route to help firms choose the right approach for their ambitions.
IBA Annual Conference Copenhagen 2026
Apr 20, 2023
This article discusses artificial intelligence in Canadian immigration, including recent developments. It also deals with ethical considerations for automated decision-making, and the evolution of artificial intelligence regulations.
Rights of admission reserved? Opportunities and challenges for young lawyers to develop a multi-jurisdictional practice: part one – Asia Pacific
Jun 25, 2017
In the run up to the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on 26 June, the International Bar Association (IBA) has partnered with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to raise awareness about the absolute prohibition of torture, the damaging repercussions of its practice on the rule of law, and the active role that the legal profession can have in preventing its use and recurrence.
On 1 January 2020 new legislation came into force in the Netherlands, introducing a comprehensive system for dealing with collective actions. It holds out the prospect of substantial advantages to groups of people injured by the same event, as well as the person or entity held liable to resolve claims in a single collective action.
Professional ethics in online dispute resolution systems
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