Co-Chair
Massimo Calderan
Co-Chair
Anna Dabrowska
European Regional Forum
Since 2004, the European Regional Forum has been developing and strengthening the existence of the IBA within Europe by promoting its goals to both members and non-members, disseminating professional know-how, and assisting committees and other constituencies of the IBA.
About the Forum
The European Regional Forum (ERF) was established in 1989 and has over 8000 members.
The goals of the forum include addressing the current and long-term needs of professional organisations and individual members within the geographical reach of the forum, as well as increasing membership and participation in the IBA and integrating them within the organisation. The forum will also facilitate cross-border activity between lawyers and bars in different European countries. The forum has a particular focus on cross-disciplinary activities.
Statement of Purpose of the ERF:
- Support objectives of IBA and its members in Europe
- A forum to promote a strong/robust civil society in Europe in support of the Rule of Law, the legal professional and other public policy initiatives
- Foster closer connection between lawyers in Europe particularly re professional development and networking opportunities
The ERF is split into 4 regions as follows:
- Northern
- Western
- Central
- Southeastern
Each region has its Chair and Vice-Chair who are ERF Officers. The Regional Groups aim to focus efforts in each region on mutual support and assistance amongst Council Members and to organise networking and professional development initiatives in their region.
Working Parties and Taskforces have been established to plan and implement specific initiatives. These include initiatives on:
- Communications
- Diversity and Inclusion
- ESG
- Mental Wellbeing
- Next Gen Law
Forthcoming conferences and webinars View All Conferences
IBA Annual Conference Mexico City 2024
15 Sep - 20 Sep 2024
Mexico City , Mexico
5th European Automotive and Mobility Services Conference
26 Mar - 27 Mar 2025
Munich , Germany
European Regional Forum Council
The Council Members are the national representatives of the European Regional Forum (ERF) of the International Bar Association (IBA). Their primary task is to implement and support the objectives of the IBA in their home country in accordance with the guidelines of the ERF. This involves promoting a strong and robust civil society in support of the rule of law and the legal profession as well as to assist with the other public policy initiatives.
The role of the Council member
The role of the Council Member is to initiate networking opportunities for existing and potential members in their home country. There is a specific emphasis on professional development and networking opportunities.
They also have a role in building and maintaining contact with their local National Bar Association as well as universities and other legal institutions in their country. This helps to increase the awareness of the IBA and its mission.
A Council Member may for example identify a particular legal/professional topic or issue relating to careers in the law or professional development.
The support from the ERF and the IBA may be useful in providing relevant expertise. This may include, for example, organising a meeting to look at a specific legal development in an industry sector or issues relating to law firm management.
In promoting these initiatives, Council Members will gain access to the depth of experiences and expertise of other lawyers within the IBA. This helps to provide practical assistance locally as well as increasing the profile of the IBA home countries.
Examples of these initiatives include networking luncheons with professional or industry speakers on a specific topic or seminars or bilateral days with lawyers from another counrty. It may also include university days to discuss specific themes including careers in the law and the rule of law.
Publications
European Fashion and Luxury Law Conference summary
The European Fashion and Luxury Law Conference, meticulously organised by the European Regional Forum (ERF) of the International Bar Association (IBA) in Milan on 23 April 2024, was a resounding success. The event, which was fully booked, showcased a remarkable assembly of speakers, each highly esteemed within the industry. These speakers brought with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise, which they shared across a series of discussions and presentations.
Released on Jul 14, 2024
Electrifying discussions: a recap of the 4th European Automotive and Mobility Services Conference
Innovation was the leading topic at the 4th European Automotive and Mobility Services Conference convened on 14 March 2024. Nearly 100 delegates gathered at Upper East, a unique venue boasting an industrial chic vibe on the 9th and 10th floors, located behind Ostbahnhof station.
Released on Jul 14, 2024
IBA European Regional Forum annual retreat
Over the course of 16–18 May this year, the IBA European Regional Forum Officers, Council Members and Advisory Board Members held their annual retreat in sunny Santorini under the hospitality of gracious host and colleague Panagiotis Drakopoulos and Drakopoulos law firm who ensured that the event, dubbed ‘THE BIG RETREAT’, went off without a hitch.
Released on Jul 14, 2024
Professional growth and scenic beauty
The IBA European Regional Forum (ERF) recently hosted an exceptional conference in the picturesque setting of Santorini (huge thanks to the hosting law firm – Drakopoulos – for all their dedicated and hard work with this!). This event masterfully combined a series of compelling professional programmes with unique social activities, offering attendees the opportunity to engage deeply with both the legal landscape and the stunning vistas of Santorini’s past and present.
Released on Jul 14, 2024
Committee Films
Subcommittees and other groups
The European Regional Forum also coordinates the activities of the following subcommittees/working groups.
- European Regional Forum Advisory Board
Join us on LinkedIn
If you are a member of the European Regional Forum, for additional networking opportunities, programs, interviews with fellow members and tips all exclusive to members, join our LinkedIn page at: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9295215/.