Session Details Page | International Bar Association

14th IBA European Corporate and Private M&A Conference

5 Feb - 6 Feb 2026

Session information

A deal lawyer’s worst nightmare: litigating your contract

Friday 6 February (0915 - 1030)

Description

Under pressure, corporate lawyers need to ensure not only that deals get signed but also that their contracts stand up under scrutiny if (or when) relationships sour. This panel will highlight how seemingly standard SPA provisions (from boilerplate to interim covenants to indemnification provisions) are interpreted – or weaponised –in disputes by opportunistic litigators. Panellists will focus on the drafting lessons that deal lawyers can take from a litigator’s perspective, providing practical guidance on how to draft with an eye toward enforceability and clarity.

Session / Workshop Chair(s)

Lorenzo Olgiati	Schellenberg Wittmer, Zürich, Switzerland; Secretary, Corporate and M&A Law Committee

Speakers

Lois Horne	Macfarlanes LLP, London, England
Susan Meisel	Sony Music Entertainment, New York, New York, USA; Secretary, Private Equity Subcommittee
Nicolas Mennesson	Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier , Paris, France
Ilaria Maria Placco	Cappelli Riolo Calderaro Crisostomo Del Din & Partners, Rome, Italy
Cyril Shroff	Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

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