UK lawyers used the International Bar Association's annual conference in Copenhagen to build overseas business relationships and promote the rule of law, with a 24-strong delegation joining representatives from UK professional bodies.
The conference, attended by more than 6,400 lawyers from 120 countries, provided a platform for regional firms, specialist practices and barristers, as well as law societies and bar associations from across the UK.
Representatives of the law societies of Scotland and Northern Ireland also participated, alongside counterparts from across the UK's bar associations.
The delegation took part in a tailored programme of discussions and networking events on Monday and Tuesday. Participants included former London International Disputes Week co-chairs Luke Tucker Harrison and Professor Loukas Mistelis, as well as arbitrator-only boutiques such as Arbitra International.
Sarah Sackman KC MP, minister for courts and legal services, linked the visit to the UK's Global Business and Law Summit, which will bring business and legal leaders together in London in December.
"The UK is a legal powerhouse, home to some of the brightest legal minds and most respected expertise anywhere in the world, and this visit was a brilliant opportunity to put that strength firmly on the international stage," she said.
"This has given us real momentum ahead of the UK's Global Business and Law Summit, which will showcase the vital role English law plays in giving businesses around the world the confidence and certainty they need to invest, innovate and grow in an increasingly complex global environment."
The Advocate General for Scotland, Baroness Smith of Cluny KC, highlighted Scotland's contribution and the opportunities a UK-wide delegation offers.
"Scotland already has a world-leading reputation among legal professionals, and this summit provided the opportunity to showcase the expertise, skills and knowledge Scotland can offer, as well as highlighting the strength of working together as part of the UK," she said.
Sarah Khan-Bashir MBE, founder of SKB Law, emphasised the value of participation for smaller practices seeking international contacts.
"This was a really valuable opportunity for smaller firms like ours. The delegation shone a spotlight on the impact smaller firms make, while giving us the chance to build new relationships and open up opportunities overseas," she said.
Alistair Kennedy, a partner at Tyr Law, said the firm was joining a GREAT Legal Services delegation for the second time.
"We have greatly benefitted from new and stronger relationships created as part of this initiative and have no doubt that this year's trip to Copenhagen will be just as productive."
Alongside the programme, the Law Society of England and Wales and the Bar Council led IBA sessions on technology, access to justice, advocacy, climate change and diversity.
Law Society president-elect Brett Dixon, who takes office next week, spoke on Monday about technology's impact on law and access to justice. On Tuesday, he presented the Society's findings on the economic value of the rule of law at the Bar Leaders' Open Forum.
On Wednesday, Dixon spoke at a session on lawyers supporting lawyers worldwide and chaired a roundtable for members in Denmark. On Thursday, he moderated a panel examining the next steps for bars on climate change.
Law Society chief executive Ian Jeffrey, former president Christina Blacklaws, and head of international, Mickael Laurens, also attended. The Society also hosted a popular joint reception for members and stakeholders with its Scottish counterparts and the Ministry of Justice.
Dixon said: "The IBA conference is a reminder that, wherever we practise, the rule of law and the legal profession play a vital role in helping businesses and individuals navigate a complex world."
He added: "That success depends on the rule of law. It provides the certainty businesses need to invest, innovate and grow. It gives people confidence that disputes will be resolved fairly and their rights protected."
"In an increasingly uncertain world, our shared commitment to the rule of law is more important than ever and is something we must continue to champion together."
The Bar Council delegation was led by chair Kirsty Brimelow KC, accompanied by Young Barristers' Committee chair Amelia Clegg, former chair Amanda Pinto KC, policy director Phil Robertson and head of international policy Natalie Darby.
Former Bar Council chair Samuel Townend KC also led the IBA's Forum for Barristers and Advocates, with support from Roddy Dunlop KC of the Faculty of Advocates.
Brimelow described the conference as "an opportunity for the Bar Council to advance the specialist expertise of barristers and continue legal business that we are developing for our Bar. It is also excellent to link with barristers, clerks and chambers at the conference."
She spoke on equitable briefing, diversity and inclusion, and highlighted the need to ratify the Luxembourg Convention on the protection of lawyers. She also called for freedom of expression to be protected, including for lawyers.
"I am particularly enthusiastic about speaking on equitable briefing and earnings, and on measuring diversity and inclusion. This is a focus. We have the data and can share our techniques with other Bars."
Change, she said, “should not lag too far behind.”
The Global Legal Post is the official publisher of the IBA Daily News at the IBA Annual Conference in Copenhagen. Follow our coverage for the latest news, interviews and insights from the conference. Click here to download a PDF version of Thursday’s issue.
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