November 2015

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On November 20, 2015, ECLA held its General Assembly in Copenhagen, which was hosted by the national association of company lawyers of Denmark.

One of the more important topics discussed in the meeting was TTIP (the Trans-Atlantic Trade & Investment Partnership), between the USA and the European Union. It was felt that the average knowledge level on TTIP should be increased among the members, also as it is still unknown how TTIP might influence the profession of the company lawyer in Europe.

President Sergio Marini gave some insight into the negotiations and emphasized the wish to be involved in the opinion making process, and (indirectly) in the negotiations.
No definitive position has been taken in the meeting, but the President set a strict deadline in order to understand how ECLA should act in these negotiations which could have an important impact on the role of company lawyers in Europe. However, nobody knows at this point of time what the final text of TTIP will be, as on both sides of the Atlantic there are several contradicting political streams.

Another topic of interest was the opportunity of strategic partnerships with other company lawyers organizations in order to do lobbying actions viz. the European Commission with respect to the recognition of the position of the company lawyer. Also the topic of Legal Privilege is, of course, still important for ECLA, as it has always been the case since 1982. This topic may also play a role in the negotiations around TTIP.

Further, it was discussed how to improve ECLA’s visibility, as well as to encourage more networking among individual members in and between national associations.

President Marini expressed a special word of gratitude to Danske Advokater for its hospitality in its attractive headquarter and to Gorrissen Federspiel Law Firm, for offering ECLA such a pleasant Gala Dinner.

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On November 25, 2015 the Legal Directors Strategy Meeting took place in Amsterdam and included presentations and discussions on various topics.

Amongst the panel leaders was Han Kooy (General Manager of ECLA) who dealt with the topic concerning the differences between company lawyers and external advisors as well as with the possibilities to create efficiencies and how to motivate legal staff. Interesting debates resulted in some conclusions on aspects as outsourcing ( with possible loss of jobs for company lawyers), the use of paralegals, document handling (considered as a must but often difficult to implement), knowledge sharing ( also focused on the specifics of the company and its business segment). The exchange of views was considered very useful by the attendants.

In addition many contacts were made between providers and (possible) clients, on a one-to-one basis during table contacts.

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Month: November 2015

ECLA General Assembly (Copenhagen)

Legal Directors Strategy Meeting (Amsterdam)