Autumn 2025 Newsletter
Dear Colleagues,
Please find below the latest edition of our Newsletter.
Autor: office
Save the Date! Online Webinar organized by AEA-EAL-CLA – November 20, 2025
The European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL) and California Lawyers Association (CLA) invite you to attend the online webinar titled „Cybersecurity Risks to Law Firms: how to mitigate them and deal with them when they happen.”
When: November 20, 2025 5PM GMT
Platform: Zoom
Further details and the agenda will be shared in due course.
International Conference on Environmental Protection Supported by AEA-EAL was Held in Gdańsk, Poland
On October 24, 2025, the University of Gdańsk hosted the International Conference on “The Right to an Adequate Quality Environment and Its Protection: Perspectives of the Public Sector, Entrepreneurs and Individuals.”
The event was co-organized by the Gdańsk Bar Association of Attorneys-at-Law and the Faculty of Law and Administration at the University of Gdańsk, in collaboration with the European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL).
The conference brought together 20 distinguished speakers from around the world — including representatives from Indonesia, France, Belgium, and Georgia — spanning academia, legal practice, government, NGOs, and the business sector. Among the speakers were representatives of the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, and the European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL). AEA-EAL was represented by Immediate Past President Maria Ślązak, Chairman of the Sustainable Development Law Commission Giorgi Tshekhani, Attorney at Law Magdalena Witkowska, and Attorney at Law Patrick Van Cauwenberghe.
Beyond the formal sessions, participants enjoyed valuable opportunities for networking and exchange, exploring avenues for future cooperation. The conference underscored the crucial role of collaboration among academia, lawyers, NGOs, and governmental institutions in advancing environmental protection — a key challenge for the legal profession in the 21st century.
International Conference – Environmental Protection Law
The Council of the District Chamber of Legal Advisers in Gdańsk and the European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL) invite you to attend the International Conference – „The right to appropriate environmental quality and its protection – the perspective of the public sector, entrepreneurs and individuals”.
When: October 24, 2025
Where: Faculty of Law and Administration, University of Gdańsk, Jana Bażyńskiego Street 6, Gdańsk
SAVE THE DATE: International Conference organized by GBA-AEA-EAL, November 8, 2025 in Tbilisi, Georgia
The European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL) and the Georgian Bar Association invite you to attend the International Conference entitled “The Convention for the Protection of the Legal Profession as an Effective Pathway to Safeguarding the Rule of Law”.
When: November 8, 2025
Where: Pullman Tbilisi Axis Towers, Tbilisi, Georgia
Click here to view the detailed program.
REGISTRATION OPEN: Conference ‘’Die Schweiz in Europa und der Welt”, Bern, Switzerland, October 9, 2025
University of Bern and the European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL) invite you to attend the yearly Market Access Conference ‘’Die Schweiz in Europa und der Welt”.
When: October 9, 2025
Where: Universität Bern (IEW/WTI), Hallerstrasse 6, CH-3012 Bern
Click here to view the detailed program.
AEA-EAL President, David Asatiani, Delivers speech at International Legal Conference in Moldova
The President of the European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL), David Asatiani, delievered a speech at the international conference “The Independent Legal Profession – A Pillar of the Rule of Law,” which took place on October 12, in Chișinău, the capital of Moldova.
🔸 During the event, David Asatiani shared insights on the contemporary challenges facing the legal profession. He underscored the significance of unity, independence, and international solidarity among lawyers, which are essential for upholding and strengthening the rule of law. In addition, he provided an in-depth discussion on the crucial role of initial and continuous legal training in maintaining the standards and quality of the profession.
🔸 The conference brought together the Presidents of Bar Associations from France, Belgium, Poland, Ukraine, Germany, and Romania, and provided an excellent opportunity for professional exchange and networking.
🔸 Within the framework of the conference, a thorough discussion took place on the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer, with particular emphasis on the importance of its ratification by all European countries.
Global Conference in Hamburg – Invitation to AEA-EAL Members
On 28 April 2025, the European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL) and the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen transatlantic ties between our associations. This milestone marks a significant step toward building lasting professional bridges across the Atlantic.
In this spirit, we are delighted to invite our members to participate in the NYSBA International Section 2025 Global Conference, taking place on 15–17 October 2025 at Le Méridien Hotel, Hamburg, Germany.
The Global Conference is recognized as one of the premier international gatherings of lawyers, attracting practitioners from across Europe, the United States, and beyond. The three-day program will feature high-level panel discussions on today’s most pressing topics in international law and practice, including:
- Arbitration and dispute resolution
- Trade and cross-border investment
- Artificial intelligence and the law
- Diversity in the legal profession
- Ethics and professional responsibility
Alongside the panels, participants will enjoy unique networking opportunities, such as the Welcome Reception at the Hamburg Parliament Restaurant, the Legal Dine-Around hosted by local firms, and the Gala Reception and Dinner at the International Maritime Museum.
This conference offers an outstanding opportunity for AEA-EAL members to exchange expertise, strengthen cooperation with U.S. colleagues, and expand their international networks.
We warmly encourage you to take part in this important event and contribute to advancing dialogue within the global legal community. Please note that a limited number of discounts and scholarships are available.
👉 For full details, please refer to the following link.
Second Edition of AEA-EAL- EYBA Mentoring Program Successfully Concludes
The second edition of the joint Mentoring Program by the European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL) and the European Young Bar Association (EYBA) has officially come to an end.
The Mentoring Program is a unique initiative developed by AEA-EAL and EYBA since 2023 connecting cross-border the young lawyers and senior lawyers with the goal to strengthen communication between generations of lawyers, guide young lawyers from different countries in their career path and personal development, contribute for the implementation of the best standards in the exercise of the profession of lawyer.
The second edition brought together six mentor-mentee pairs, including lawyers from Moldova, Turkey, Kazakhstan, France, Poland, Switzerland, Armenia, Scotland, England, and Lithuania. It offered a unique space for intergenerational exchange, professional guidance, and personal growth among lawyers across Europe.
Launched in 2023, the program connects experienced legal professionals with young lawyers from different jurisdictions, fostering dialogue, mutual learning, and the promotion of best standards in the legal profession.
Participants shared their reflections on the value of the program:
„Thank you for the opportunity to engage with such inspiring attorneys and mentors.” — Oxana Brighidin, Moldova, mentee
„The exchange of perspectives, insightful mentorship, and opportunity to build cross-border relationships were among the most enriching aspects. I would certainly recommend it to fellow young lawyers.” — Fatih Ozdemir, Turkey, mentee
” The Second edition of the European Mentoring Program has come to an end – and I had the pleasure of taking part as a mentor. My mentee, a brilliant young lawyer from Moldova, brought energy, insight and fresh perspective into every conversation we had. We talked about career paths, legal practice in different systems, challenges (both personal and professional), and the many unexpected similarities across borders. Mentoring is never a one-way street. It’s about sharing, but also learning, reflecting and being reminded of why we do what we do” – Ewa Weinar, Poland, mentor
Special thanks are extended to the Presidents of AEA-EAL and EYBA, Mr. David Asatiani and Mrs. Shannon Gawley, respectively, whose visionary leadership and unwavering support were fundamental to the success of the second edition of the Mentoring Program. We also acknowledge the invaluable contribution of Mr. Vladimir Palamarciuc, the Mentoring Program Coordinator, whose active engagement ensured the smooth organization and promotion of this initiative.
Following the success of this second edition, AEA-EAL and EYBA are committed to continuing their joint efforts to support the growth and development of future legal professionals in Europe.
A New Member Has Been Elected to the Board of Directors of the European Association of Lawyers
On July 10, 2025, the Annual General Assembly of the European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL) was held, during which a new member of the Board of Directors was elected. Mr. Michał Widawski, Attorney at Law (Radca Prawny) and member of the Gdańsk Bar Association of Attorneys at Law (Poland), has joined the Board of AEA-EAL.
In professional career he holds a position of a Managing Partner at the Law Firm in Gdańsk and serves as general counsel in one of companies operating in CEE region. Beyond his primary responsibilities, he is involved in the corporate governance of other companies in Poland and actively collaborates with local and international organizations, NGOs, and academic institutions. His professional experience includes specialization in corporate law, M&A, due diligence, and the succession and restructuring of family-owned and international businesses. Michał directly works for international capital groups, and represents clients in civil, administrative, criminal, and commercial disputes.
Since 2012, Mr. Widawski has been serving as a member of the Permanent Commission for International Cooperation at the Gdańsk Bar Association of Attorneys at Law. Over the years, he has taken part as a speaker and delegate in numerous legal events across Europe and internationally. He also serves as a delegate in both regional and national elections to the Polish Bar Association of Attorneys at Law.
Mr. Widawski’s cooperation with the Association dates back to 2019, when he co-organized and participated as a speaker in the “Twinning of Lawyers” event held in Gdańsk, representing his Bar Association. He remains a strong advocate for the continuation of this initiative, launched by the immediate past President of AEA-EAL, Maria Ślązak.
His extensive experience and dedication to international legal cooperation will further strengthen the mission and activities of AEA-EAL.