Category: Activities

ECLA’s First-Ever Annual Conference – A Success!

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[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]In the week leading up to the 2019 European Election, ECLA hosted its long-awaited Annual In-House Legal Conference, a two-day event gathering company lawyers, stakeholders and representatives from the EU institutions, which saw lively debates and fascinating presentations on topical issues and challenges facing in-house counsel across the continent.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]The topics of discussion ranged through various fields of interest for company lawyers, from panel discussions on the digitalisation of legal departments and Brexit, to crisis management, compliance, employment law and the practical implications of GDRP.

On the first day of the Annual Conference, ECLA had the pleasure to welcome MEP and co-chair of the Greens/European Free Alliance Group, Philippe Lamberts, who delivered a thought-provoking speech about the future of European Union and the rebalancing of the European Parliament’s political landscape following the EU elections.

Taking a break from the spirited discussions of the event, the two days were punctuated by a spectacular Gala evening at Train World, the official museum of the National Railway Company of Belgium, featuring delicious food, engaging conversations and a truly spectacular backdrop of historic trains wagons and locomotives.

The Annual Conference also featured an address from Marc Beyens, president of the Belgian Federal Institute for Company Lawyers (IBJ-IJE), who gave an overview of the law recognising the benefits of legal professional privilege to Belgian in-house counsel, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year.

After two days of intense exchanges and debate, ECLA was honoured to have former Vice President and three-term European Commissioner Viviane Adélaïde Reding deliver the closing keynote speech on the future of the Digital Single Market, the upcoming EU elections, and how the surge of populist political movements could, rather than destroy Europe as some have prophesised, end up giving it the boost it desperately needs to reinvent itself and its integration process.

In particular, Commissioner Reding addressed the implementation of GDPR over the last year, and pointed out how other countries and states, most notably Japan, Australia and the State of California, are rallying behind the data protection rules set out by the regulation by adopting similar legislative provisions, proving how the European Union remains a powerful force in setting standard and ethical principles around the world in the digital ages. According to Reding, EU policy efforts in these areas must continue, especially considering the large-scale violations of personal rights that looser data protection regulations can lead to in countries like the United States, as the European Union ought to “be a standard maker not a standard taker”.

ECLA would like to thank everyone who took part in this very successful Annual Conference: stay tuned for our third edition of Legal Disruption, which will take place in Paris on 25 to 26 September, we hope to see you all there![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”6111,6112,6113,6114,6115,6116,6117,6118,6119,6120,6121″ img_size=”1200×800″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Legal Disruption – halfway there, but not halfway done

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[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]With the conclusion of our second Legal Disruption roadshow event in Stuttgart, we are halfway there with discussing legal tech in 2019![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]On 10 April, participants from over 10 different nationalities gathered at the Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin Hotel in Stuttgart to discuss the modernisation of legal departments and how the usage of different technological solutions can increase the accuracy, efficiency, and revenue of corporate legal departments.

General counsel from companies big and small gave their impressions on what implementations have vastly improved their departmental efficiency and how digitalisation and legal tech are shaping the future of corporate legal departments. The discussion topics were fascinating and diverse – from the ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence to how its potential ramifications call for the adoption of ethical guidelines on accountability and the predictability of AI tools. In addition, the modernisation of legal departments was discussed in depth, as it does not only encompass the adoption of new technology tools, but also focuses on redesigning workspaces, in order to increase flexibility, maximise productivity and facilitate collaboration. It was also brought into light how, in the context of fast-developing startups, the implementation of legal tech instruments is not so much a commodity as it is instrumental for the long-term survival of the company.

Unsurprisingly, for big and small companies alike, the recurrent theme around the disruption of legal departments was efficiency, and particularly how automation tools can help reduce levels of stress, save time, money and, most importantly, free up valuable working hours to focus on new and different challenges.

This leads us to one of the most important takeaways from this Legal Disruption event: the key to a successful modernisation of any legal department lies in achieving the delicate balance between technology and human touch.

As cleverly put by Ruud Van Herpen (Xebia Group), in this era of pervasive digitalisation, “1+1 no longer equals 2, but 3”, meaning that, while humans and machine can each do great things separately, when those two elements are combined, they can accomplish much more than could have been imaginable just a few years ago.

Indeed, while the common fear surrounding legal technology is that in-house professionals are destined to be “replaced by the machines”, by listening to the speakers’ presentations one realises that not only are there areas where the machines will never be able to replace humans – conflict resolutions, creative thinking, ingenuity…  – but also that, when properly used, automation can actually contribute to unlock the best out of human potential.

In the words of Peter Schichl (Deutsche Telekom), “Technology is important, but people are key”.

ECLA would like to extend its sincerest thank you to all who took part in this conference, and particularly to our Partners Deloitte Legal, Wolters Kluwer, Consilio and Knowliah, for making this event even possible.

It is clear that the implementation of legal tech solutions is vital for companies of all sizes and the discussion generates much interest. Than can be seen from our first two roadshow events, that took place in Dublin and Stuttgart. Even though we will have two additional Legal Disruption events in Fall 2019 – in Paris and Prague – the discussion and the impact that technological solutions impose on legal departments is not nearly finished. These are still just the first steps – a legal department in a decade will look drastically different from what it is now.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”5910,5911″ img_size=”1200×800″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Legal Disruption: contemporary solutions and approaches for in-house counsel

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[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]With the beginning of a new year, ECLA will venture into a new and exciting territory by organising an exclusive technology conference for in-house counsel: Legal Disruption: Innovation, Technology, Collaboration. The event, taking place on 14 February in Dublin, will concentrate on the usage of legal technology in the legal departments and present how companies of all sizes are implementing various solutions, in order to bring their legal departments into the modern era.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]Nowadays, companies and their respective legal departments face two major challenges that must be overcome in order to stay viable and competitive – globalisation and regulation. The former requires companies to adapt to a changing market, requiring in-house counsels to be knowledgeable of an increasing variety of legal issues, in addition to being aware of country-specific factors. These can range from cultural aspects to specific legal requirements that companies must adhere to in order to function at a certain market. The latter requires companies to stay in tune with current developments as well as actively accompany them wherever possible.

This leads to an increase in complexity – a level that existing structures in legal departments can hardly handle. Modern approaches can change the outlook of a company immensely, making them not only more efficient but leaving more valuable time for in-house counsel to focus on creative tasks and issues that require human input.

ECLA’s Legal Disruption conference will focus on a variety of themes, selected to reflect issues that in-house counsel face in their professional capacity. It will cover the usage of fresh approaches in legal departments, such as artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and permissioned blockchain, but also shine light on more established solutions, such as legal matter management systems, automated processes, smart contracts, and compliance tools. The event will encompass a whole approach to a modern legal department, showcasing what tasks can be delegated to software solutions and what solutions can disrupt the day-to-day routine of a company lawyer completely. This gives the audience the possibility to assess what elements could be incorporated into their own professional lives and made educated selections when modernising their own departments.

Legal Disruption will present a diverse set of top-class speakers and experts in their field. It will host in-house counsel from both SME’s and large corporations, such as Microsoft, LinkedIn, McDonalds, and Anheuser-Busch, bringing their extensive experience into Dublin to reflect how modern solutions are effectively being used. The audience can also hear from solution providers, who will give detailed insight into their approach, establishing how their solutions aim to ease the life of company lawyers. Together with the active engagement of participants, the conference will be the perfect opportunity to share best practices, learn about new approaches and excel in creating a more efficient and sustainable future in legal departments.

Legal Disruption: Innovation, Technology, Collaboration will take place on 14 February at the Gibson Hotel in Dublin, Ireland. We invite all in-house counsel to come and participate, meet and network with fellow peers facing similar issues in their own professional lives and return to their work with innovative ideas, gathered from Legal Disruption.

The programme for Legal Disruption is accessible at https://ecla.martenmannis.eu.online/events/legal-disruption-2019/

Save the date![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”80px”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The European Company Lawyers Association’s 38th General Assembly

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[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]On 9 November, The European Company Lawyers Association (ECLA) held its 38th General Assembly at the Kempinski Hotel Bristol in Berlin, Germany. Hosted biannually, the highlights of the General Assembly include the re-election of Jonathan Marsh as President of ECLA and Giovanni Cerutti as Treasurer of ECLA, respectively, and the admission of representatives from Slovenia as ECLA’s 20th member association.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]Attendees of the General Assembly met on the previous evening, joining a dinner reception at the Museum für Naturkunde, hosted by one of the two German member associations “Arbeitgemeinschaft der Syndikus Anwälte im Deutschen Anwaltverein (DAV)”. Surrounded by bones and fragments of dinosaurs was truly a sight to behold. The reception enabled representatives of national member associations to connect with German company lawyers and hear what issues they regard as essential on a national level. We would once again extend our warmest welcome to the DAV for inviting and hosting us during our stay in Berlin.

The 38th General Assembly started with Jonathan Marsh, President of ECLA, congratulating Dr. Clarissa Freundorfer for being elected as the President of Company Lawyers at DAV the day before. This was followed by a unanimous re-election of Jonathan Marsh and Giovanni Cerutti as President and Treasurer of ECLA, respectively. Both members of the executive board are looking forward to further excel ECLA’s activities in the upcoming two-year-terms that both will serve.

Another major development during the General Assembly was the admission of ECLA’s 20th national member association – Sekcija korporacijskih pravnikov Slovenije from Slovenia was unanimously admitted as ECLA’s newest member association. Represented by Elma Buljko and Ana Jasna Gamulin, we are certain that ECLA has gained yet another invaluable member association, solidifying our mission in giving company lawyers a voice on a European level and sharing best practices throughout the continent.

ECLA also organised a workshop for all participants in the General Assembly, with the central topic being legal professional privilege. Based on a comprehensive survey ECLA conducted in Fall 2018, member associations were divided on the basis of their national recognition of legal professional privilege for company lawyers.

The 38th General Assembly was a great success – a unanimous re-election of the President and Treasurer and a unanimous admission of a new member association – with more on the horizon – shows that ECLA has inherent value for national member associations and will continue organising exciting events and workshops in 2019. The 39th General Assembly will take place on 22-24 May in Brussels.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”80px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Impressions

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4984,4992,4991,4990,4989,4988,4987,4986,4985″ img_size=”300×200″ css_animation=”fadeInLeft” column_number=”4″ grayscale=”no” images_space=”gallery_with_space”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

IN-DEPTH Discussions: ECLA’s First General Counsel Roundtable

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[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_column_text]How to effectively comply with antitrust and competition law on a European level, a practitioner’s view on competition damage claims and the impact of Brexit on competition law – those were the main topics of the first ever General Counsel Roundtable of the European Company Lawyers Association.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_single_image image=”4756″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]On 13 September 2018, the European Company Lawyers Association launched a new series of events at a European level. For the first time in its history, ECLA invited general counsel from European countries to participate in in-depth discussions about current developments and major challenges in the fields of antitrust and competition law. ECLA president Jonathan Marsh greeted participants at a cocktail reception on Thursday evening held on the rooftop terrace of the Cavalieri Hotel, which is situated in the hills of Rome overlooking the Italian capital and the Vatican. During dinner, 40 general counsel followed the speech given by René Bruelhart (non-executive President of the Financial Information Authority (AIF) of the Holy See and the Vatican City State) on the “Reform of the Vatican’s Finances”.

The following morning, participants welcomed the newly elected Secretary-General of Cabinet at the Italian Antitrust Authority (AGCM), Mr. Filippo Arena, who provided an overview on how Italian antitrust authorities are handling current and future challenges in this important field of law. To help prepare legal departments for the future, Veronica Pinotti, Partner at White & Case in Milan, initiated a discussion by presenting latest developments in compliance and the interplay between antitrust and privacy law.

Discussions also addressed competition damage claims, on which Dr. Tim Reher, Partner at CMS Hamburg, offered a practitioner’s view. Finally, the roundtable discussions were brought to a successful close with an overview regarding the impact of Brexit on competition law presented by Caroline Hobson, Partner at CMS London. Participants of the first ECLA General Counsel Roundtable highly appreciated this new format of best-practice sharing at European level and the opportunity to network with colleagues that are facing the same challenges. ECLA will continue to organize General Counsel Roundtables in the future, which will focus on current challenges in various fields of law.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”4758″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image” qode_css_animation=”” qode_hover_animation=”zoom_in”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”4761″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image” qode_css_animation=”” qode_hover_animation=”zoom_in”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”4757″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image” qode_css_animation=”” qode_hover_animation=”zoom_in”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”100px”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

ECLA meets representatives of the In-House and Public Sector Committee of the Law Society of Ireland

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[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]On 23 May 2018, ECLA’s General Manager, Marcus M. Schmitt, informally met with Mark Cockerill, Chairman of the Law Society of Ireland’s In-house and Public Sector Committee, and the Society’s ECLA representative, and Louise Campbell, Secretary to the Committee.

Discussions included the current status of in-house solicitors in Ireland and Europe, and proposed co-operation between ECLA and the Committee.

In-house solicitors in Ireland have the option of becoming Society members. Practicing in-house solicitors are bound by the same rules and ethical standards that apply to solicitors in private practice. Therefore, they are also equipped with legal professional privilege. As in many other European countries, in-house solicitors in Ireland constitute a growing segment within the legal community. Today, there are approximately 2,200 in-house solicitors in the private and public sectors across Ireland.

The Committee aims to represent the views and promote the interests of in-house solicitors from the private and public sectors, in Ireland. It helps to support the Society in the exercise of its representative, educational and regulatory roles as they relate to the in-house sector. The Committee promotes collegiality and the creation of connections and networking opportunities between in-house solicitors, and it works on building upon and strengthening the relationship between the Society and its in-house members.

The Society has been affiliated to ECLA since 1998.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

ECLA met with representatives of the Estonian company lawyers association

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[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]On 9 May 2018 Marcus M. Schmitt, General Manager of the European Company Lawyers Association (ECLA) met with representatives of the Estonian company lawyers association “Eesti Juristide Liitu ja Ettevõtlusjuristide ühendust” in Tallinn, Estonia. Mr. Schmitt met representatives of the Estonian Ministry of Justice to discuss the current status of the profession of company lawyers in Estonia. After having briefly visited government institutions, the meetings continued with Krista Paal, Director of the Estonian Association as well as Meelis Pirni, President of the Estonian Lawyers Union.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]In the afternoon Tiina Sepa, the Estonian representative to ECLA and Marcus M. Schmitt discussed current legal developments in Estonia as well as in Europe.

In the evening Mr. Schmitt met the board of the Estonian company lawyers association and participated in the General Assembly.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”4048″ img_size=”medium” style=”vc_box_shadow” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_single_image image=”4045″ img_size=”medium” style=”vc_box_shadow” qode_css_animation=””][/vc_column][/vc_row]

37th General Assembly of the European Company Lawyers Association

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[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]The 37th General Assembly of the European Company Lawyers Association was held on 12 April 2018 in Brussels, Belgium. For the first time the General Assembly was hosted by ECLA itself, inviting the 19 national associations to the new ECLA office in the Blue Tower at Avenue Louise. 32 members represenatatives and borad members from 18 different countries participated in the meeting.

The General Assembly focussed on providing services for the national associations‘ individual members in the future. Such services will include publications to inform about current legal challenges and developments and expert’s events to provide a platform for networking and best-practice sharing.

The next General Assembly will be held on 8/9 November 2018 in Berlin, Germany.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”80px”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Reception 2018 – Kick-Off at ECLA’s new offices in Brussels

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[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]On 11 April 2018 ECLA opened its new offices in Brussels, Belgium, and hosted the 2018 Reception. 200 participants from all over Europe attended the exclusive event. Representatives of ECLA member associations, European politics, bar associations and various members of the European legal community gathered in a pleasant atmosphere for a lively exchange and networking.

After a warm welcome by Managing Director Marcus M. Schmitt, ECLA Association Services SPRL, ECLA’s President Jonathan Marsh opened the evening with a plea for the professional status of company lawyers. “It is high time for the EU and for governments to view company lawyers as partners, as go-betweens, and as ambassadors of EU law in the corporate world.”

 

The nights key speaker Guy Verhofstadt, Former Prime Minister of Belgium and Chair of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament, shared his visions for the future of the European Union. Considering the high-speed globalization of the world, he strongly believes that the European Union needs to be reformed deeply. “Europe can only stand strong in this new world order, if we stand united, and that means: if we build up the right institutions to keep us united” – like ECLA does. This European association is representing company lawyers all over Europe and addresses major challenges for legal in-house departments in European companies.

“We will bring Europe’s company lawyers closer together, offer a vital and unprecedented platform for networking and best practice sharing within the legal community”, said Jonathan Marsh, President of ECLA. Marcus M. Schmitt, General Manager of ECLA added: “With the new offices, permanent presence in Brussels and a strong team, the association is taking the next step to becoming the strongest pan-European voice, exclusively dedicated to the company lawyers of Europe.”

To conclude the event Guy Verhofstadt was presented with a copy of the White Paper “Company Lawyers: Independent by Design”, which has been co-edited by former ECLA President Philippe Coen and Prof. Christophe Roquill. This paper is the first international and comparative work ever published on the important topic of the independence of the company lawyers profession.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”80px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Impressions

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3605,3604,3603,3602,3601,3600,3599,3598,3597,3596″ img_size=”300×200″ css_animation=”fadeInLeft” column_number=”4″ grayscale=”no” images_space=”gallery_with_space”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

ECLA meets the company lawyers association of Italy, 4th April (Milan)

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[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]On 4 April 2018 Marcus M. Schmitt, general manager of the European Company Lawyers Association met representatives of the Italian Company Lawyers Association – Associazione Italiana Giuristi di Impresa (A.I.G.I.). During the meeting Giovanna Ligas, former president of AIGI, Silvia Bonacossa, representative at ECLA and Giovanni Cerutti, ECLA board member, discussed the current legal challenges for company lawyers in Italy as well as the impressive history of AIGI.

Associazione Italiana Giuristi di Impresa was founded in 1976 and has been member with ECLA for decades. Today there are more than 220.000 attorneys in all over Italy.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”80px”][/vc_column][/vc_row]