Conference programme

In this session, seasoned mergers and acquisitions (M&A) experts will share lessons learned regarding financial mechanisms that tend to work well in M&A deals and pitfalls that may be encountered along the way. 

The session will cover issues including:
•    Contractual options for managing changes in the financial condition of a target prior to closing;
•    pros and cons of these options from buy- and sell-side perspectives;
•    current trends in adjustment mechanisms; and
•    sample cases illustrating the practical application of different mechanisms.

How does artificial intelligence (AI) impact on tax practice. Join the IBA Taxes Committee for an in-depth discussion on all things tax and AI.

Join us for an eye-opening session as we delve into how AI may be revolutionizing the legal landscape and specifically law firms worldwide. This SPPI AI Working Group practical session offers insights into the transformative capability of AI within law firms based on data collected by the IBA from over 300 law firms in more than 75 jurisdictions. Discover how law firms of all sizes are assessing AI to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and strategic decision-making, while also addressing the challenges and ethical considerations involved. The session will deal with issues including how major law firms are using AI and what is foreseen over the next 5+ years. 

Discover the approaches to critical questions that will redefine the future of the legal profession.

The increased emphasis on delivering safe products to consumers has made product safety regulations in various parts of the world more and more complex and demanding for all stakeholders. 

For example, under the new EU product safety legislation – the General Product Safety Regulation that will become effective in December 2024 – manufacturers and distributors who want to sell products into the EU market will have to comply with more rigorous product safety requirements. Product safety regulators from different parts of the world cooperate in order to achieve common goals.

The session will present an overview of changes to product safety regulations in various continents and give practical tips as to what economic operators must take into account in regards to product safety and litigation risk.

Engagement in pro bono work in Latin America grows every year and law firms across the region are consolidating their offerings by taking important steps to further institutionalise their practices. Share in the discussion and be inspired by examples of trending topics in pro bono projects in Latin America.

This is a situation the clients want to avoid but where insolvency and restructuring lawyers meet practitioners in the closely held businesses. A session supported by the Closely Held Companies Committee.

A number of jurisdictions have implemented mechanisms for the review of the performance and conduct of judges. Some of these can result in removal. Very rarely, judges have been held liable for criminal conduct or civil remedies. Whilst judges should be accountable, should they serve at the whim of the executive? What is appropriate review of judicial conduct?

An open meeting of the Senior Lawyers’ committee where all conference participants are invited to learn more about the activities of the committee and express their interest in participating in such activities. 

Open business meeting of the Anti-Corruption Committee, open to members and Officers alike, to discuss ongoing Committee activities, updates, projects, and developments.

For some time, ESG has been gaining attention from large law firms, auditors and their clients. ESG issues are also gaining traction in other circles in the legal profession, notably alternative business structures. ESG frameworks evaluate business practices and performance but also measure risks and opportunities. The panel will assess each pillar of ESG (environmental, social, governance), exploring the practices and steps law firms and alternative business structures can adopt and implement to uphold the 2030 UN Sustainability and Development Goals.

Latin America (Latam) continues to be a large, growing and dynamic market for both regional and global deals. This panel of leading practitioners will dissect the latest trends and challenges impacting Latam mergers and acquisitions (M&A), including those local and international issues that you need to navigate in order to execute transactions successfully in this region.

What does responsible action by a tech company look like in the midst of a war zone? Panelists representing a diverse range of views and experiences will explore the intersection between the laws of war, international criminal law, business & human rights (BHR), corporate accountability, and responsible tech policy. The session will explore the risks faced by and posed by digital technology companies operating in conflict zones, examine best practices in minimizing those risks and averting unintended impacts for conflict-affected populations, and offer insights on how tech companies can engage constructively to support atrocity prevention and accountability efforts, collaborating across sectors to better protect victims and survivors of atrocity crimes.

This session will address how artificial intelligence (AI) has impacted mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions in terms of legal tech tools used, topics for due diligence, additional covenants/reps & warranties, warranty and indemnity (W&I) insurances, etc.

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.

Business and leisure travellers face a raft of new global schemes that require pre-travel electronic authorisation. Is global travel becoming more difficult? 

The pollution liability and applicable limitation schemes will explore similarities and differences between various liability and limitation regimes, with a focus on the applicable schemes in the Americas.

Navigating Mexican taxation and employment-ownership regimes for multinational enterprises (MNEs) contemplating business expansion into Mexico.

An honest conversation about lawyers choosing clients, and also clients choosing law firms.