On November 10th, 2023, the International Conference – Business and Human Rights for Legal Practitioners took place in Tbilisi, Georgia. This event, organized by the European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL) in partnership with the Georgian Bar Association (GBA), received support from various entities, including the UN Global Compact Network Georgia, UN OHCHR, Council of Europe, USAID Rule of Law Program, and the Solidarity Center.

Mr. David Asatiani, the Chairman of the Georgian Bar Association, set the tone for the conference with his opening address. Amid welcoming the attendees, Mr. Asatiani notably emphasized the critical importance of understanding the intersection between business and human rights within the realm of legal practice. This focus underscored the evolving landscape of legal responsibilities and challenges faced by lawyers in the contemporary world. Mr. Asatiani highlighted the essential need for lawyers to comprehend the dynamics between business activities and human rights issues to provide effective legal counsel and contribute to the promotion of ethical business practices. His emphasis served as a call to action for legal professionals in attendance to deepen their understanding of the complexities inherent in this intersection.

The conference drew participation from more than 170 individuals, including lawyers, members of the Executive Board of the Georgian Bar Association, Ethics Commission representatives, and legal professionals from various countries, such as Austria, Poland, Latvia, Estonia and Italy. Notably, delegations from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan specifically attended the conference in Georgia. The conference also had the honor of hosting Georgia’s Minister of Justice, who addressed the participants, underscoring the increasing significance of acknowledging the intersection between business and human rights as a crucial element of professional competence. The opening remarks by the representatives of the donor organizations were followed by welcoming speeches from the Bar Presidents of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, respectively.

The conference featured sessions that delved into critical aspects of business and human rights. The first session, focusing on the International Legal Framework and Emerging Case-Law Regarding Business and Human Rights, featured distinguished panelists such as Salome Zurabishvili, Executive Director of Global Compact Network Georgia, Alix Frank-Thomasser, Member of the Managing Board of the Vienna Bar and Besarion Bokhashvili, Human Rights Officer at UN OHCHR. Mr. Giorgi Tsekhani, Executive Director of the Georgian Bar Association, moderated the session.

The second session concentrated on environmental law, with discussions centering on recent developments in environmental case law and legal challenges encountered in environmental litigation. Esteemed experts such as Jean Marc-Gollier, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee of the CCBE; Tamar Alania, Judge at the Tbilisi Court of Appeal; and Ketevan Vardosanidze, Climate Law and Policy Researcher, led the discussions. Mr. Giorgi Chkheidze, Chief of Party of the USAID Rule of Law Program, moderated the session.

The third session explored labor rights concerning the intersection of business and human rights, providing a comprehensive review of international standards and the challenges faced by labor rights in this context. Speakers for this session included Lara Douvartzidis, Lawyer at the International Bar Association; Nato Natenadze, First Deputy Head of the Labour Inspection Office of Georgia; Tamar Gabisonia, Regional Coordinator for Europe and Central Asia at Solidarity Center, and Sharaf Mammadova, Lawyer of the Azerbaijani Bar Association.

The fourth session involved the presentation of theCouncil of Europe HELP Platform and an introduction to the HELP Business and Human Rights Course, led by Mr. Levan Meskhoradze -Senior Project Officer at the Council of Europe.

The Executive Director of the Georgian Bar Association concluded the conference by expressing thanks to the distinguished experts and participants, international donor organizations who supported the event as well as to the European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL) and its President – Maria Slazak under whose initiative the conference was organized in Tbilisi.   

In conclusion, the conference served as a valuable platform for promotion the issue of business and human rights among legal professionals as well as knowledge exchange and the reinforcement of a network dedicated to advancing professional values, upholding the rule of law, and protecting human rights.

AEA-EAL together with the Gdańsk Bar Association of Attorneys-at-Law invite you to attend the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity „Business. Algorithm. Law.”, which will take place on November 16-17, 2023, in Gdynia-Gdańsk, Poland.

Join us in Gdynia, Poland for the „Business. Algorithm. Law.” International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. In today’s fast-paced technological environment, it’s imperative to understand both the business and legal ramifications. Hosted by the Gdańsk Bar Association of Attorneys-at-Law and in collaboration with the European Association of Lawyers, this conference offers a deep dive into the transformative power of AI and cybersecurity on our professional landscapes. Stay ahead of the curve by joining us from 16-17 November 2023.

Register now at https://www.bal-conference.com/

AEA-EAL together with the Georgian Bar Association invite you to attend the International Conference on Business and Human Rights, which will take place on November 10, 2023, in Tbilisi, Georgia.

The purpose of the Conference is to bring together lawyers and legal practitioners from different countries with the aim of developing knowledge, exchange experience, and build a network for the promotion of professional values, rule of law and human rights.

The Conference on Business and Human Rights is organized with support of the UN Global Compact Network Georgia, UN OHCHR, Council of Europe and USAID. The comprehensive details regarding the Conference is available in the attached Brochure as well as on the following website:

https://gba.ge/en/Conference-2023

Registration is available at:

https://gba.ge/en/Conference-2023/Registration

Dear Colleagues,

AEA-EAL invites you to join our webinar “Mediation in Digitalization Era, forms and practice of mediation“

• Date: October 26, 2023 
• Time: 14:00 pm – 15:20 pm (CET) 
• Online zoom platform
• Register in advance: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ocuqgqjIjHNU2qveHa-QP-FJRpxbM_xJq

• Participation is free of charge
• Language: English

AGENDA

14:00 – 14:15 – Opening remarks

14:15 – 14:30 – General Review of the Issue

14:30 – 15:00 – Mediation in Digitalization Era, forms and practice of mediation

15:00 – 15:20 – Discussion, Q/A session

15:20 – 15:30  – Closing remarks

On August 29, 2023 virtual meeting/webinar was organized by the Law Society of Hong Kong. The meeting was dedicated to an important issue “Women in Leadership”.

Our president, Maria Ślązak was  invited  as the speaker, among others who were:

• Dr. Pinky ANAND – Former Additional Solicitor-General of India.

• Ms. Christina BLACKLAWS – Former President, The Law Society of England & Wales.

• Ms. Karen CHEAH – President, The Malaysian Bar.

• Ms. Lisa SAM – Vice President, The Law Society of Singapore.

Speakers of the meeting focused on sharing insights and experience of their jurisdictions in promoting women in leadership within the legal industry. During the webinar discussion  focused on the following:

• What are the challenges in promoting women in leadership within the legal profession – practice in different jurisdictions.
• What are the measures to overcome these challenges?
• Different practices of how to attract women to leadership roles?
• Sharing personal experience in promoting gender equality in workplace/industry?

In her speech President Ślązak highlighted the importance of cooperation between European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL) and the Law Society of Hong-Kong. She  mentioned that “If we women – leaders from various countries and even continents, will cooperate regularly, we have a chance to facilitate carriers of some young, ambitious ladies. In consequence, the percentage of women in the leaders’ position will increase, and this is what we are looking for”.  European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL) will also consider to organize information sharing event regarding up mentioned significant topic.

Conference on (Open) Strategic Autonomy – Foundations and Tools Hosted by Marc Bungenberg, Michael Hahn & Philipp Zurkinden

The registration deadline is prolonged until noon September 5, 2023.

When: 7 & 8 September 2023
Time: 9:00 – 18:00 / 9:00 – 13:00

Program of the Conference can be downloaded below

On the 20th of June took place the seminar 'Preparing lawyers to conduct war crime cases in Ukraine before courts and tribunals. Participants from many countries had a chance to watch 5 brilliant presentations of experts, translated to 4 languages: English, Polish, Ukrainian, and German.

1. Admissibility of evidence collected during the armed conflict in Ukraine from the perspective of international criminal law

Prof. Dr hab. Paweł Wiliński, academic scientist of the Faculty of Law and Administration, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, judge of the Supreme Court

2. Rights of the victim in criminal proceedings

Manon Heindorf, Rechtsanwaltin Kanzlei Heindorf

3. Hearing the accused of war crimes in court proceedings – procedural methodology

Prof. dr hab. Piotr Kardas, academic scientist, Jagiellonian University in Cracow, attorney at law

4. The victim as an auxiliary prosecutor in cases of war crimes – procedural rights and how to use them

Dr Piotr Chrzczonowicz. academic scientist of the Faculty of Law and Administration, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, attorney at law

5. Preparation for interviewing a victim of war sex crimes

Dr Wiola Rebecka-Davie, a psychotherapist specializing in therapy of victims of war-related sex crimes, WTCI New York

After the seminar, the very much touching documentary „Limbo” directed by Marina Nikitina and Vincent Lefebvre has been screened, with opening remarks from Ukrainian artist Julia Oginska and director Marina Nikitina herself.

Organizers: Regional Bar Association of Attorneys at Law in Opole, Rechtsanwaltskammer Sachsen, European Association of Lawyers AEA-EAL and
Partners: Fundacja Współpracy Polsko-Niemieckiej, Okręgowa Rada Adwokacka w Częstochowie, Координаційний центр з надання правової допомоги

Agenda of the meeting: https://aea-eal.eu/2023/06/12/preparing-lawyers-to-conduct-war-crime-cases-in-ukraine-before-courts-and-tribunals-on-line-seminar-for-lawyers-from-ukraine-poland-germany-and-around-the-world/

On June 2^nd International Conference: Gender Equality as Part of the International Human Rights Law took place in Azerbaijan – Baku.

The event was organized by the Azerbaijan Bar Association, Сhаmbеr of Advocates of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) – Project Со-оrdinаtоr in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Conference was dedicated to the 120^th anniversary of the first female lawyer of the Turkic countries, Mrs. Sureyya Aghaoghlu. Süreyya Ağaoğlu was the first female lаwуеr in Тurkey (worked as a lawyer from 1927 till 1989) and Аzеrbаijаn as well as the second president of the International Confederation of Woman Lawyers.

The conference was attended by the Chairpersons of the Bar Associations and its representatives from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Turkiye, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ireland, and India.

During the meeting following Topics were discussed.

• Gender Equality and Mainstreaming from the International Perspective;
• Towards Gender Equality: Ending Violence Against Women;
• Addressing Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment;

At the end of the conference, a joint statement (declaration) was signed regarding gender equality, which will support the improvement of the gender policy in the participating countries, strengthen the protection of women’s rights, elaborate on the appropriate mechanisms for women’s rights protection and ensuring access to effective protection in practice

The European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL) was represented by its Vice President – David Asatiani. In his opening remarks, it was highlighted that the cooperation, as well as systemic collaboration of the European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL) with the Azerbaijani Bar Association and Azerbaijani lawyers, is particularly rather significant for our legal professionals, both within the gender equality context, as well as in the wider legal framework. This allows us to address the challenges together and share the best international practices.

David Asatiani underlined that “Gender equality and women’s rights must be at the heart of a renewed social contract that is fit for today’s societies and economies. This is a vitally important topic when it comes to defending human rights, promoting the rule of law, and supporting democratic reforms. Bar associations and law societies can play a fundamental role in promoting gender equality, among others, by encouraging their members to adopt and implement policies that tackle gender inequality and improve work-life balance that benefits all. With the increasing challenges to women’s rights across the globe, the position of women in law is as important as ever. The road to achieving gender equality is long and challenging, that requires a comprehensive approach, responsibility, and joint action by all: institutions and individuals. Not only the absence of a discriminatory legal framework is vital for achieving gender equality, but relevant legislation or policies should not be discriminatory in their impact and consequences. In addition, more emphasis should be placed on the culture change. Culture provides a unique space where gender roles and social norms are constantly questioned and reimagined, thus challenging stereotypes that present barriers to gender equality”.

By the end of the conference, it was once more underlined that the representative of the legal profession should stress that legal professions have the authority and resources to support women by advocating for gender equality, providing equal access to the profession, and opportunities to progress in their careers without fear of stigma or exclusion

Dear AEA-EAL Members, Dear Colleagues, We kindly invite you to our  AEA-EAL Annual General Assembly in hybrid form which will take place on Monday, June 19, 2023, at 12:00 CET.

• Rules of the meeting

– Room will be open five minutes prior to the meeting at 11.55 CET for all participants. – Working language of the meeting is English. – Please be sure that your full name and surname are displayed in order to confirm your identity, and right to vote. – All participants will be muted upon entry.  

Preparing Lawyers to conduct war crime cases in Ukraine before courts and tribunals On-Line Seminar for Lawyers from Ukraine, Poland, Germany, and around the World When: June 20, 2023 Time: 13:00  – 17:30 CET Screening of a Documentary film “LIMBO”    –   17:30 – 18:45 CET Platform: Zoom Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqdO6tqTsqEtcA__xrGUpma0bLHLNNjYfU After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Organizers and Partners: Organizers:  Okręgowa Izba Radców Prawnych  in Opole, Rechtsanwaltskammer Sachsen and  European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL); Fundacja Współpracy Polsko-Niemieckiej/ Die Stiftung Für Deutsch-Polnische Zusammenarbeit,  Legal Aid Ukraine, Częstochowsko-Piotrkowska Izba Adwokacka   The Seminar is granted 4 training points by Regional Bar Attorneys of Law in Opole (for EU Lawyers). To receive training points please send an e-mail before the date of the seminar to the address: administracja@oirp.opole.pl Program ENG – download Program PL – download Program DE – download Program UKR – download

On May 30, 2023 Webinar “AI in Chinese Courts and Europe – A first-hand Account” took place. Webinar was organized by the New Technologies Committee of the European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL) with the involvement of the Shenzen Lawyers Association. It is worth mentioning that the webinar head continuous character of the meeting that took place on April 20 “AI in Chinese Courts – A first-hand account”. The general overview, as well as the moderation of the webinar, was made by Mr. Iain G. Mitchell KC – Barrister and King’s Counsel as well as Chairperson of the New Technologies Committee of the European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL) The meeting was  focused on covering questions such as: Can Artificial Intelligence (AI) ever replace judges? And Can AI ever replace lawyers? During the discussion, it was highlighted that the question of whether AI can replace judges is a complex and debated topic. Judicial decision-making involves not only interpreting and applying the law but also considering the nuanced aspects of each case, such as empathy, context, and moral judgment. Moreover, there are ethical and legal concerns associated with AI in the Judiciary. Transparency, accountability, and the potential for bias in AI algorithms are critical issues that need to be addressed before considering their extensive use in Judicial systems. At the end of the meeting, participants agreed that similar discussions will have a continuing character in the near future.    

„AI in Chinese Courts and Europe – A first-hand account” Webinar on – May 30, 2023 Time: 13:00 – 14:30 CET Webinar is organized by: AEA-EAL New Technologies Committee Location: ZOOM online platform Language: English Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYld-CvqzIoG9DCH_cV1cW96G_LWLTa8ToF After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

On May 24, an online Meeting regarding “Learning about the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and using it effectively in practice” took place. The online event was organized by the European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL) with partnership OIRP Białystok & European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). Opening remarks were made by Gabriel N. Toggenburg – Head of Sector, Human Rights Structures and Mechanisms, EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), Maria Ślązak – President, European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL), and Joanna Beata Kamieńska – Dean, OIRP Białystok. The first half of the meeting was dedicated to the introduction, that was made by Sanja Jovicic, Project Manager, of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) regarding – “The Relevance of the EU Charter for Lawyer’s work and how to enhance its application”.  The second part of the meeting covered the issue regarding – „FRA’S Practical Tools and Materials on the EU charter „which was presented by – Cathrin Larmian, Project Assistant, Human Rights Structures and Mechanisms, FRA, and  – Sandra Aigner-Accardo, Project Manager, Equality, Roma and Social Rights Unit, FRA.  By the end of the meeting, attendees had the opportunity to exercise in Practical Case Study on the EU Charter. The materials presented on the Webinar can be found here: Case law database: https://fra.europa.eu/en/case-law-database FRA e-guidance: https://e-learning.fra.europa.eu/ Charter case studies:  trainer’s manual: https://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2022/charter-case-studies-trainers-manual Country sheets: https://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2019/eu-charter-fundamental-rights-use-and-added-value-eu-member-states Charter App: https://fra.europa.eu/en/charterapp For additional information please visit: https://fra.europa.eu/en    

On Wednesday 17 May, a conference promoted and supported by the Association Européenne d’Avocats – European Association of Lawyers  (AEA-EAL) and the General Council of the Spanish Bar took place, with Spanish and Argentine specialists on the treatment and obligations of lawyers in the prevention of money laundering and the financing of terrorism in Europe and South America, sparking a lively debate on the professional secrecy of lawyers and their defense in this matter. In Europe, according to the provisions of Directive (EU) 2015/849 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering or terrorist financing, lawyers are obliged to take special care to ensure that the transactions we advise or carry out on behalf of our clients are not financed with illegal funds. The regulations oblige any lawyer, as an obliged entity, who becomes aware of a transaction or event, even an attempt, that may be related to money laundering, to report the situation to the corresponding Service, and not to inform the client of it (Art. 33 and 34 of the Directive). We are only exempted from this if the client comes to us to defend him in legal proceedings or if we intervene after the irregular transaction has taken place. This raises important loopholes in what is a fundamental principle of the legal profession: the maintenance of professional secrecy. This problem does not arise in Argentina, where lawyers are not yet obliged to disclose such information about their clients. Apart from the controversy as to whether this could make it easier for situations in which illegally obtained funds are laundered, this exemption respects the position of trust that any person should have the right to maintain with their lawyer, without the latter having to betray them without even informing them of this. If we look at the fact that citizens end up being confidential collaborators of the authorities, just as we are tax collectors for clients, withholders of pensions and taxes for employees, controllers of compliance with labor and tax regulations for subcontractors, among many other business obligations that have proliferated in recent years, we have the eternal debate as to whether lawyers should have this „whistleblower” function that has been attributed to us and in which, on the basis of the principle of lawyer-client trust, we feel uncomfortable. Between four animated speeches by Anna Núñez and Nielson Sanchez-Stewart, on the Spanish side, and by Marta Nercillas and Carlos Negri, on the Argentinean side, this passionate debate took place in front of more than ninety attendees from both sides of the Atlantic. The conference was, therefore, a success, and denotes a concern for these issues, which go to the very core of our principles and profession. Lawyers will continue to fight, now and always, for professional secrecy which is the main pillar of our relationship of trust with the client.

Online Meeting regarding „Learning about the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and using it effectively in practice” Organized by: The European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL) with partnership OIRP Białystok & European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). Date: Wednesday- 24 May 2023 Time: 11:00 – 12:30 CEST Meeting link: https://fra-meetings.webex.com/weblink/register/r1a099f6ab7cfa8f1e779fe8601d072c8 Agenda of the Meeting: 11:00-11:10 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION Gabriel N. Toggenburg – Head of Sector, Human Rights Structures and Mechanisms, EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) Maria Ślązak – President, European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL) Joanna Beata Kamieńska – Dean, OIRP Białystok 11:10-11:30 THE RELEVANCE OF THE EU CHARTER FOR THE LAWYERS’ WORK AND HOW TO ENHANCE ITS APPLICATION Sanja Jovicic, Project Manager, Human Rights Structures and Mechanisms, FRA 11:30-11:45 DISCUSSION, Q&A 11:45-12:15 FRA’S PRACTICAL TOOLS AND MATERIAL ON THE EU CHARTER Charterpedia, Charter app, Case Law Database, country sheets Sanja Jovicic EFRIS and Charter e-guidance Please register to the training platform in advance: https://e-learning.fra.europa.eu/local/customlogin/ Cathrin Larmian – Project Assistant, Human Rights Structures and Mechanisms, FRA Trainer’s manual – case studies 12:15-12:45 Sandra Aigner-Accardo, Project Manager, Equality, Roma and Social Rights Unit, FRA PRACTICAL CASE STUDY ON THE EU CHARTER Group exercise work Sanja Jovicic 12:45-13:00 CONCLUSIONS Sanja Jovicic      

Webinar euro-iberoamericano, organizado por AEA-EAL, Association Européenne des Avocats-European Association of Lawyers, con la participación del Consejo General de la Abogacía Española La Abogacía ante la Prevención del Blanqueo de Capitales en España e Iberoamérica: Un análisis comparativo FECHA: 17 de mayo de 2023 /  Date: MAY 17, 2023 La conferencia se impartirá en español / The conference language will be Spanish Platform: Zoom TIEMPO: 10:00 (hora de Chile) 11:00 (hora argentina) 16:00 (hora europea) / Time: 10:00 (Chile), 11:00 (Argentina), 16:00 (CET) El seminario es gratuito – Webinar is free of charge   Registro – Zoom / Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkdeuoqzsqGNIHC6mJelKU6U5hND2AvkC5 La presente conferencia pretende acercar a abogados de ambos continentes a las medidas a adoptar por los abogados tanto para la Prevención del Blanqueo de Capitales como para la defensa de los clientes infractores de las disposiciones en dicha materia. De un modo rápido y ameno, diversos juristas españoles e iberoamericanos plantearán someramente las reglas a las que se hallan sometidos los abogados, a la hora de prevenir el Blanqueo de Capitales, y defender a los clientes que pudieran haber incurrido en blanqueo; en qué medida y con qué actuaciones pueden verse los abogados involucrados por las operaciones llevadas a cabo por el cliente, o en interés del cliente, lo cual entendemos y esperamos será del interés de muchos juristas. El timing será el siguiente: CHI / ARG / ESP 10:00 / 11:00 / 16:00: Inicio de la sesión. Conexión de todos los intervinientes. 10:10 / 11:10 / 16:10: Bienvenida e introducción inaugural por parte de D. Jesús Pellón Fernández-Fontecha , presidente de la Subcomisión de Prevención del Blanqueo de Capitales del Consejo General de la Abogacía Española. . 10:20 / 11:20 / 16:20: Bienvenida por parte del Presidente emérito de la AEA-EAL, Sr. D. Juan Núñez, y presentación de los ponentes españoles. 10:25 / 11:25 / 16:25: Bienvenida por parte del representante de la AEA-EAL en Iberoamérica, Sr. D. Marcelo Castrogiovanni, y presentación de los ponentes iberoamericanos. Primer panel: Obligaciones de los profesionales de la Abogacía en la prevención del blanqueo: 10:30 / 11:30 / 16:30: Exposición de la ponente española Dª Anna Núñez Miró 11:00 / 12:00 / 17-00: Exposición del ponente argentino D. Carlos Negri Segundo panel: el secreto profesional y la obligación de comunicar: 1:30 / 12:30 / 17:30: Exposición del ponente español Dr. D. Nielson Sanchez-Stewart 12:00 / 13.00 / 18:00 Exposición de la ponente argentina Dra. Dª Dra. Marta Nercellas 12:30 / 13:30 / 18:30: Apertura del debate y respuestas a las preguntas planteadas por escrito. 13:00 / 14:00 / 19:00: Clausura del webinar.  

Dear AEA-EAL Members, The members of the European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL) were invited by the Azerbaijan Ваr Association the international соnfеrеnсе on the topic “Gеndеr equality as раrt of intеrnаtiоnаl human rights law”. The conference is dedicated to the cherished mеmоrу of Ms. Süreyya Ağaoğlu who was the first female lаwуеr in Тurkey (worked as a lawyer from 1927 till 1989) and Аzеrbаijаn as well as the second president of the International Confederation of Woman Lawyers. When: June 1-4, 2023 Where: Baku-Azerbaijan Organizers: Azerbaijan Bar Association, Сhаmbеr of Advocates of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) -Project Со-оrdinаtоr in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The organizers kindly ask you to confirm your availability before May 5^th, by contacting the Head of the International Cooperation Department of the ABA, Narmin Abbasova by emailing narmin.abbasova@barassociation.az. (cc. office@aea-eal.eu). Note: There are no fees required to attend the conference, as well as to join the Gala dinner and Cultural program.

On April 20, 2023 Webinar “AI in Chinese Courts – A first-hand account” took place. Webinar was organized by the New Technologies Committee of the European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL) with the involvement of the Shenzen Lawyers Association. The general overview, as well as the moderation of the webinar, was made by Mr. Iain G. Mitchell KC – Barrister and King’s Counsel as well as Chairperson of the New Technologies Committee of the European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL) Presentations were made by: Mrs. Monika Susalko, Mr. Adam Kaczko, Mr. T.J Shen, and Mr. Derrick Lau. The meeting focused on information regarding Artificial Intelligence tools in the European Legal and Judicial System, as well as on the situation in the United Kingdom. The speakers also made an overview of ethical guidelines for Artificial Intelligence in Europe. Our invited guests from the Shenzen Lawyers Association represented issues regarding the Application of AI Technology in Legal Proceedings in China, the Basic Legal Landscape, Legal and Compliance risks in China. Opening remarks of the webinar made Maria Ślązak – President of  he European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL)  and  Winston Gao – Chief of the International Committee Shenzhen Lawyers Association. Maria Ślązak reminded the Memorandum of Understanding signed in Warsaw in 2016 between the National Bar of Attorneys at Law and All China lawyers which brought the possibility of organizing common conferences, seminars, and webinars for the benefit of the legal profession, citizens, and Justice. She also mentioned the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Shenzen Lawyers Association with Gdansk Bar of Attorney at Law  in 2017 in Gdansk. In the closing remarks Magdalena Witkowska – Dean of the Gdańsk Bar of Attorneys-at-Law expressed her readiness to be actively involved in the meetings on a similar topic which should  have a continuing character in the near future.              

AI in Chinese Courts – A first-hand account DATE: April 20, 2023 Time: 13:00 – 15:00 CET Webinar is organized by: AEA-EAL – New Technologies Committee  Opening Remarks: Maria Ślązak – President of the European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL) Mr. Winston Gao  – Chief of International Committee Shenzhen Lawyers Association Moderator/Speaker: Iain G. Mitchell KC –Barrister and King’s Counsel – AI in UK Courts Invited Speakers: Representatives from the Shenzhen Lawyers Association – AI in Chinese Courts Platform: Zoom Language: English Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYuf-iqrDksEty0vhdQcaqNlddhEr9FCvGv After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

On April 4-5, 2023 International Scientific and Practical Conference “Lawyers for the Rule of Law. Strengthening the Impact of Education on Justice. Restoring the right to defense in new realities, and the human rights lawyers’ right to Association” took place in Vilnius.

Organizers and Partners were the Center for Constitutionalism and Human Rights, European Humanities University; International Law in Advocacy – ILIA; University without Borders; Belarusian Human Rights House. Our Association was represented by its President Maria Ślązak, who addressed the audience in the first panel “European instrument on the protection of lawyers and lawyers’ associations: status and a search for answers to the main questions”. The considerations of organizers concentrated on the necessity of creating safe conditions of work for human rights lawyers, especially in countries where bars are not independent. Human rights defenders hope very much that they will also be included in the future Convention on Protection of Lawyers. The second panel of the Conference: “An Association of independent lawyers: the Voice of Belarusian Lawyers and a Search for normative instruments for the professional guarantees realization” was dedicated to the situation of Belarusian lawyers who suffer much harassment from their government. In consequence, many of them left the country to avoid arrests, imprisonment, or danger to their families. The group of Belarusian colleagues, who emigrated, established the independent association of lawyers. To express the support for the Belarusian lawyers three AEA-EAL’s Board Members were present at this panel: Monique Stengel from Paris, a member of AEA-EAL Human Rights Committee, Olivier d’Ursel from Brussels, who at the same time represented the Human Rights Institute of the Brussels French Speaking Bar and Nielson Sanchez Stewart, Spanish lawyer, who passed on behalf of Abogacia Espanola Consejo General words of condemnation for repressions towards Belarussian colleagues. The event in Vilnius continues the scientific and practical cooperation of civil society organizations, professional associations of lawyers, international organizations, and academic institutions focused on the implementation of the principle of the rule of law, and especially the protection of human rights. The project “Lawyers for the Rule of Law: Human Rights Training and Education”, continued for more than a decade, concentrates on the educational activities of experts and alumni of the Center for Constitutionalism and Human Rights which cooperates with the International Law in Advocacy (ILIA) and the University Without Borders.

European Young Bar Association (EYBA) Spring Conference on the 30^th  Anniversary  was held in Lisbon  On March 25^th, 2023 our President Maria Ślązak participated virtually in the EYBA General Meeting and addressed the audience.  It was highlighted that EYBA, celebrating this year 30^th Anniversary,  and AEA-EAL have strengthened cooperation in the last five years through various common activities and projects. Further collaboration of both Associations will be continued in the interest of members and in the interest of justice systems of their countries.

On Wednesday, March 15, 2023, an interesting online meeting took Place dedicated to Representation and the Role of a Lawyer in Mediation. The Event was organized by the European Association of Lawyers. The meeting focused on presenting information regarding the European Code of Conduct for Mediators including the priority of interests of the client, the main principles in the mediation process, appropriate ethical behaviors for mediators, as well as “How lawyers can avoid ruining mediation” During the opening speech Maria Ślązak, AEA-EAL President, noted the importance of the role of a Lawyer in the Mediation Process. Our Organization was represented by: Prof. Irakli Kandashvili – Chairperson of the Mediation Committee (AEA – EAL) Djamshid Turdaliev – Mediator, Member of the Board of Bar of Uzbekistan Luiza Romanadze – Mediator, President of the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation Svetlana Sergeyeva – Attorney, Mediator, Vice-President of Ukrainian Academy of Mediation Iain G. Mitchell KC – Barrister and King’s Counsel The event was concluded by Maria Ślązak, AEA-EAL President who represented information regarding the ECHR Knowledge Sharing platform (ECHR-KS). It was highlighted that the mission of the Platform is to share Convention case-law knowledge, complementing the existing information tools such as HUDOC.

We are pleased to announce that on March 14, 2023. there will be an online International Women’s Day event featuring lawyers from India, China, Italy, Germany, Austria, Romania, Serbia, UK. The event will be in the form of an interview titled „Everything you wanted to know about lawyers but were afraid to ask.”

• Date: March 14, 2023
• Time:16:00 pm – 19:00 pm  (CET)
• Online zoom platform
• Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrc-6srzgrGdf39keDR9OLLWH-mpNb-Jxj Registration for the event will be possible from March 6 Organizers and partners:

• OIRP – Okręgowa Izba Radców Prawnych  in Opole
• European Association of Lawyers – Association Européenne des Avocats (AEA-EAL)

   

• Date: March 15, 2023 
• Time: 12:30 pm – 14:00 pm (CET) 
• Online zoom platform
• Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYud-6przwpGtxYALGNIQMqw92N7aP16J3G
• Participation is free of charge
• Language: English

• Agenda:

Opening remarks: Maria Ślązak -President of the AEA – EAL Prof.  Irakli Kandashvili – Chairperson of the Mediation Committee (AEA – EAL) Speakers: General Review of the Issue

• Prof. Irakli Kandashvili – Chairperson of the Mediation Committee (AEA – EAL)

Mediating Ethically – Deontological Issues

• Djamshid Turdaliev – Mediator, Member of the Board of Bar of Uzbekistan
• Luiza Romanadze – Mediator, President of the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation
• Svetlana Sergeyeva – Attorney, Mediator, Vice-President of Ukrainian Academy of Mediation
• Discussion, Q/A session

Life Hacks – How lawyers can avoid ruining mediations`

• Iain G. Mitchell KC – Barrister and King’s Counsel
• Discussion, Q/A session

Closing remarks                    

On 13 October 2022 the European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL), together with the World Trade Institute (WTI), organized the annual Workshop on European and International Economic Law for the fifth time in Berne. The topic of this conference was the relationship between Switzerland (CH) and the European Union (EU), in particular the 50^th anniversary of the Swiss-EU Free Trade Agreement, the European Economic Area and possible forms of a future relationship between CH and the EU.

Again this year the conference included high-level speakers like the new Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs, the Secretary-General of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the Secretary General of the Swiss cantons and eminent representatives of the EU and the Swiss economy.

The AEA-EAL is also looking forward to co-organising the market access conference next year.

It was a pleasure to meet you in the beautiful city of Gdańsk. The important topic, engaged audience, top speakers and vibes of the Gdańsk Old Town created an event to be remembered. We will publish a conference report shortly and now please find below some photos from the BAL Conference. All photos were made by our Colleague Adam Kaczko.

Magdalena Witkowska

Dean of the Gdańsk Bar of Attorneys-at-Law

European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL) congratulates AEA-EAL members who successfully completed the Council of Europe HELP course on Ethics for Lawyers, implemented in a joint initiative of the Council of Europe HELP Programme, the European Association of Lawyers and the European Young Bar Association. Participants received certificates issued by the Council of Europe confirming course completion.

During the implementation of the course, AEA-EAL Deontology Committee actively contributed by delivering presentations and sharing experiences with participants. The contribution was provided mainly by Nielson Sanchez Stewart, chair of the Committee, Advocate, Doctor Iuris, Counsellor of the Consejo General de la Abogacía Española and Professor of Ethics, Jedrez Klatka, member of AEA-EAL and Vladimir Palamarciuc, co-author of the HELP course on Ethics for Judges, Prosecutors and Lawyers and HELP certified tutor.

AEA-EAL highly appreciates cooperation with the Council of Europe HELP Programme and the European Young Bar Association during the implementation of the HELP course and expresses its readiness for further cooperation to improve training activities for legal professionals across Europe and better standards in the exercise of the profession of lawyer.

More information about this HELP course is available at the following link about the launching event: https://www.coe.int/en/web/help/-/the-council-of-europe-help-course-launched-jointly-with-european-association-of-lawyers-and-the-european-young-bar-association

It was a wonderful time to see old friends and colleagues in person on the occasion of the 35th Anniversary of the AEA-EAL after two years of lockdown and pandemic restrictions. We met for a lovely dinner in Brussels to share memories and to be together.

Dear Colleagues, Dear Friends, We wish to express our gratitude for your engagement and participation in the third Twinning of Lawyers held on October 16, 2021. Together we organised and conducted an exceptional event with top speakers and participants from so many countries – an achievement to remember. But above all, we are delighted to gather lawyers from Caucasus and other Eastern Partnership Countries as well as from other regions such as Central Asia, Pacific or Central and Western Europe. Twinning of Lawyers is an excellent tool not only to share knowledge and experience related directly to legal profession, but also to share common values and goals stated in the Statute of the Council of Europe as well as in the European Convention on Human Rights. The promotion of those values is one of the main goals of the European Association of Lawyers.. We do hope to organise the 4th Twinning of Lawyers in a traditional form of a meeting in person in 2022 and welcome all of you to join us! Your Twinning Team Ps. Conference materials and other information will be available soon on twinningoflawyers.eu.

It was a real pleasure to see so many of you during the AEA-EAL General Assembly held on June 14. It was again only a virtual meeting of friends from so many countries! We are all tired of restrictions connected with the pandemic and hoping to see each other in person next year. Our President Maria Ślązak delivered a report (which can be downloaded in EN FR RU and PL), covering the year 2020. She also mentioned important developments that occurred in the first part of the current year. Many things have happened in the last 18 months. We smoothly moved from stationary conferences and events into online seminars and workshops deciding to allow free participation to all our members and friends. Seven international events gathered lawyers from more than 20 countries on three continents, among the others Twinning of Lawyers, organized for the second time, in partnership with the Council of Europe (CoC) and the Bar in Odesa, Ukraine. We participated in a special hearing organized by the Committee for Legal Affairs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the CoC delivering expertise and information in the process of work on the  Convention on the profession of a lawyer. Each year we are more visible and recognizable internationally. Chairs of AEA-EAL Committees delivered information on activities of respective commissions: Philipp Zurkinden – Scientific Committee, Maria Ślązak instead of deceased Jean-Pierre van Cutsem) – Marketing Committee, Magdalena Witkowska – Human Rights Committee, Irakli Kandashvili – Mediation Committee and Juan Nunez – Networking – Membership Committee. AEA-EAL Treasurer Sabine Perquy – Forke presented yearly accounts that were accepted unanimously by participants. Unfortunately in the last 18 months, we experienced some sad news that had to be announced. Between spring 2020 and spring 2021 four distinguished members of the AEA-EAL Andrzej Kaliński (Poland), Kurt Weil (Germany), Albert- Louis Dupont-Willemin (Switzerland), Philippe Jacob, (France) as well as Jean-Pierre van Cutsem (Belgium). All our deceased Friends were honoured with a minute of silence. Existing members of the Board of Directors were re-elected for another 3-years term of office. Also, three new Directors were elected: Nielson Sanchez Stewart (Spain), Olivier d’Ursel (Belgium) and Vladimir Palamarciuc (Moldova). We wish all new Directors good luck in their work for the AEA-EAL. Elisabeth Hoffmann (Belgium), a long-lasting member of the AEA-EAL, its past President and member of the Board of Directors till last year has been awarded honorary membership thanks to her exceptional involvement, work and dedication to the AEA-EAL. And finally – another good information: The General Assembly decided to lower membership fees for full individual members from outside the EU/EEC.  

On Friday, June 4, 2021 a very interesting and live debate took place in Brussels, where lawyers, judges and other stakeholders met to discuss the erosion of rule of law principle in European Union. The discussion followed a Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament…

Online event on current issues of independence of lawyers took place on May 12, 2021. It was a common initiative of the European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL), Polish National Bar of Attorneys-at-law and Warsaw Bar of Attorneys-at-law. With over 150 registered participants and 13 speakers, among others 5 Bars/ Organisations Presidents from 7 countries it was successful and significant event that brought together lawyers from East and West. The independence of lawyers has a crucial value for society and for justice. There are key factors of independence raised by speakers – independence itself, preserving professional secrecy and avoidance of conflict of interests. Then freedom of association and establishing strong self-governments – Bars; clear entry requirements…

We are delighted to deliver you a report from our webinar on „Mediation: an effective tool for commercial and family disputes Singapore Convention” that took place on January 28 this year.

On 11 December 2020 the AEA-EAL acted, together with the World Trade Institute in Berne and the Swiss law firm Prager Dreifuss Ltd, as a co-organiser of a webinar about Financial Services in Europe in the Global Context Bridges and Ditches for Switzerland

For the second time representatives of Bar Associations and individual lawyers from more than 15 countries gathered together to discuss, exchange knowledge and experiences but above all to get together.

It was a fantastic meeting of Iberoamerican and European lawyers, experts and academics from 15 countries discussing on how various countries responds to Covid-19 and showing different approaches in Europe and Iberoamerica to the pandemic challenge.

The webinar was organized together with the Consejo General de la Abogacia Espanola and was related to very practical and current issue of publicity of legal services. During Covid-19 pandemic, when lawyers have been facing dramatical fall of number of clients

Due to Covid-19 pandemic, and restrictions imposed by the Belgian law, the 2020 AEA-EAL General Assembly had a hybrid form: the Chair of the Assembly, the AEA-EAL Treasurer and secretary of the meeting were present in Brussels in the AEA-EAL premises

Our second seminar dedicated to English-speaking audience took place on May 18 at 17:30 CET on “Impact of COVID-19 on the access to justice – general overview of the situation in various countries throughout the world”. During the seminar…

AEA-AEAL together with Institute for Human Rights of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and the Legal Policy Research Center (LPRC) organized on May 16 the International online conference in Russian:

Thanks to Professor Philipp Zurkinden, AEA-EAL Past President and Professor Michael Hahn, Director of the World Trade Institute, University of Bern, we organised for the second time a highly successful conference on the legal parameters of market access

Organized in the „Polish Manchester”, industrial XIX century city of Łódź Legal Business Forum had the aim to show a practical implementation of new technologies in our daily work. We focused on such topics as digital transformation in law offices

It was wonderful to be in Tbilisi again and to make such a great event – Tbilisi Legal Forum – together with the Georgian Bar Association and Hong Kong Law Society. With 100 participants (Georgia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, China etc.) – among others 20 lawyers from Poland coming from our collective members…

There were intensive days in Gdańsk when representatives of 11 countries from Asia and Europe took part in scientific, networking and social activities. On the first day of the Twinning, lawyers from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova…

It was a great pleasure in meeting you in Edinburgh on an international conference on Artificial Intelligence AI Beyond the Hype – Benefits, Challenges and Liabilities on May 30 – June 1, 2019. The conference was organized by our Association AEA-EAL…

A successful conference on posted workers in Lyon. With a number of engaged participants, top speakers and lively discussions it was one of the best AEA-EAL event organized this year. Thank to Lyon Bar for hosting us in its premises. Thanks to all speakers…

A very intensive conference on the Modern Legal Profession held in Tbilisi together by the Georgian Bar Association (GBA) and European Association of Lawyers (AEA-EAL). The speakers touched such issues like exclusivity of lawyers’ profession, protection of…

On October 26, 2018, AEA-EAL and World Trade Institute organized workshop „Market Access: Legal Parameters in Europe and beyond” devoted to various aspects of trade of third parties with the UE. Top experts, politicians and specialists discussed possibilities of…

Five conference sessions: INDEPENDENCE was chaired by Maria Ślązak, CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION chaired by Sergiey Sizintzev, PROFESSIONAL ETHICS chaired by Jędrzej Klatka, LEGAL AID, chaired by Jonathan Goldsmith, and DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS…

AEA-EAL together with Moldavian Young Lawyers Association (MYLA) organized on May 4, 2018 a seminar for young lawyers on European convention on the profession of lawyer (context and need for adoption), view on ethics rules – independence, confidentiality…

Conference “Practical aspects of the EU regulation 2016/679 concerning the protection of personal data. How the lawyers should be prepared?” took place on September 7-9, 2017 in Olsztyn. The AEA-EAL was a co-organizer of this event with its four prestigious speakers…

On June 15-16-17, took place at the Barcelona Bar Association the congress of the our Association, with a very important and successful conference on the new European Regulation on cross-border insolvencies, and the forthcoming Proposal for a Directive…

here you can find a list of all our events held between establishing of the AEA-EAL in 1986 till our 30 Anniversary celebrated in Paris in 2016.