INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE

Trobades de Barcelona, Memorial Jacques Henry

Interest in international relations has always been a part of the work of the City of Westminster and Holborn Law Society. From the 13th-15th February two members of the International Committee - Co Vice Chair Professor Sara Chandler KC (Hon) and Patricia Ayodeji, attended the 41st edition of “Trobades de Barcelona, Memorial Jacques Henry” organized by the Barcelona Bar Association, ICAB, in collaboration with The European Bars Association, the FBE, in Barcelona.

ICAB is one of our twinned bars and WHLS is member of the FBE. FBE membership is comprised of national and local Bars, and Law Societies within the Council of Europe.

The Trobades (A Catalan word meaning ‘meetings’ or ‘encounters’) is an annual three-day International Conference bringing together legal professionals in Europe, and beyond. Countries represented in this 41st edition included Bulgaria, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Serbia and Switzerland; amongst many others.

Day One – Meeting with representatives of ICAB’s Twinned Bars followed by a welcome reception open to all conference attendees.

Day Two – Expert insights on Directive (EU) 2024/1069 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11th April 2024 on protecting persons who engage in public participation from manifestly unfounded claims or abusive court proceedings – the ANTI-SLAPP Directive (in other words; Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation).

The Law Society of British Colombia discussed the UK’s Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), a legal framework for tackling corporate and economic crime. The stated purpose of ECCTA is to tackle the use of UK businesses and finance for criminal activities. As such, it introduces changes such as reforms to Company House to prevent the creation of, and shutting down, fraudulent companies, and introduces measures to address SLAPPs. The role of the SRA and the Law Society of England and Wales in tackling financial crime and SLAPPs was also mentioned. Please see links below for more information.

Expert insights on Leadership in Action and Global Legal Associations advocating for public interest and freedom of information.

Day Three - International Legal Brunch where AI Innovation in legal practices and Bar Associations, was discussed. Moot points included whether AI will “steal” clients from lawyers by potential clients’ seeking initial legal ‘advice’ from internet search engines (likened to users searching medical symptoms in Google before deciding to consulting a doctor) and the fact that AI will not replace lawyers, but lawyers who don’t use AI will be replaced by those lawyers who do use AI.

And of course, we were able to network to strengthen existing contacts and make new ones whilst enjoying Mediterranean cuisine and sunshine! ■