IBA Annual Conference Rome 2018

7 Oct - 12 Oct 2018

Session Rooms D&E, Level -1

Session information

Rule of Law Symposium: business for the rule of law - business panel perspective
Session Rooms D&E, Level -1

Committee(s)

Rule of Law Forum (Lead)
Business Human Rights Committee
Corporate Counsel Forum

Description

The Rule of Law is important, as it represents the basis on which the Judiciary reviews administrative action, and it also goes to the very foundation of order in our society. Around the world, countries are increasingly scrutinised for their adherence to, deviation from, or abuse of, the rule of law. What is becoming clearer, however, is the connections between rule of law and social and economic development. Today’s Symposium will move the debate from legal concepts and the role of state actors, to the specific roles that both business (including the business of the legal profession) and the legal profession have to play in respecting, supporting and advancing the rule of law. General counsels, corporate lawyers and the overall legal profession are called to understand the impact of business for the rule of law initiatives and lead them. Stable jurisdictions with strong rule of law both attract and provide confidence for business to make long term investment decisions. The rule of law is also a matter of business. Whilst public support for the rule of law by business is a relatively new concept, it is fast gaining traction and may have an enormous positive and multiplier effect. A growing number of businesses around the globe are seizing the opportunity to take action and support the rule of law. Compliance is necessary, but the engagement of corporations in global initiatives that advance the rule of law makes sense strategically for more competitive, stable and sustainable markets. The Symposium will hear from a panel of eminent in-house counsels, as business leaders, on the specific initiatives their companies are pursuing. We will hear about how companies are supporting and advancing the rule of law through their core business, internal business and human rights policies, strategic social investment, public policy engagement and collective action. Specifically, we will understand how the legal department is engaged in these actions considering the role of lawyers as trusted advisors of companies.

Session / Workshop Chair(s)

Speakers

Marco Bollini eni S.p.A., Amsterdam, Netherlands
Cristiana Cappetta Fendi, Rome, Italy
Mauricio Lazala Business & Human Rights Resource Center, Frankfurt, Germany
Eyitemi Ned Mojuetan Chevron Services Company, Houston, Texas, USA
Nicola Port Chubb Fund, New York, New York, USA
Maysa Zorob Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, New York, New York, USA