EVENTS
September 28 2017
The European Circuit Annual Conference in cooperation with the French and Flemish speaking Bars of Brussels and the American Counsel Association
In 2017, when nothing is certain and international relationships are in a state of flux, the European Circuit is collaborating with the Brussels Bars to explore important issues that are likely to shape cross-border litigation in the months and years to come. We are hoping that our longstanding professional friends and contacts will join us and that new voices will join the debate as the international legal ground shifts beneath our feet. The conference offers the opportunity to observe court proceedings in the Palais de Justice and then meet those working at the “coalface” over a working lunch; listen to and debate with highly experienced and eminent judges and practitioners about issues at the pinch-points of change; and enjoy fine wines and cuisine in the company of lawyers interested in cross-border issues within Europe and beyond. The conference objectives are to provide a highly enjoyable and stimulating exchange of experience and ideas and to strike up new professional relationships. The European Circuit is open to lawyers from all Council of Europe countries and we hope that many of you will join us in September in Brussels.
Thursday 28.09.17 – evening reception
18:00 Welcome reception at the UK Residency. Rue Ducale 17, Brussels
Welcome: Andrew Langdon QC, Chairman of the Bar
Katrina Williams, Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU
Friday 29.09.17 – Court visit and conference
08:30 – 10:30
Visit to the Palais de Justice, Place Poelaert – 1000, Bruxelles, including observing a case and a Q&A session with local judges and lawyers.
Please bring ID.
10:30-11 :00
Conference registration: Salle des audiences solennelles de la Cour d’Appel
11:00-11:15
WELCOME ADDRESS – M. Michel Forges (Vice-bâtonnier) and Patrick A Dillen (Stafhouder)
11:15 -12:15
THE IMPORTANCE OF AN INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY
Chair: Sir Nicholas Forwood QC
Speakers: The Hon Lady Wolffe – Justice of the Scottish Court of Session
Judge Anthony M. Collins, Judge of the General Court, Court of Justice of the European Union
Mr. Alfred Vanwinsen, President of the Brussels Court of first instance (Dutch section)
12:15-13:15
THE IMPACT OF THE COMMON LAW/COMMON LAWYERS ON EU LAW AND WHAT EU LAW HAS BROUGHT TO THE COMMON LAW
Chair: David Barniville SC – past Chairman of the Irish Bar
Eleanor Sharpston, Advocate General at the Court of Justice of the European Union
Seamus Woulfe SC – Attorney General of Ireland
13:15 – 14:15
Lunch – cafeteria Palais de Justice
14:15-15:15
The Future of the UK in Europe – WTO rights and remedies
Chair: Alexander Cooke, UK Government Legal Department
Ed McGovern – Chambers of Edmond McGovern
Alastair Sutton – Barrister, Brick Court Chambers
Isabelle Van Damme – Avocat, Van Bael & Bellis
15:15- 16:15
FORUM SHOPPING IN COMMERCIAL, TORT AND FAMILY LAW
Chair: Paul McGarry SC, Chairman of the Bar of Ireland
Me Arnaud Gillard– Avocat, Belgium family law practitioner
Philip Mead – Barrister, 12 King’s Bench Walk
Jane Russell, Barrister, Essex Court Chambers
16:15 – 16:40
Coffee break
16:40-17:40
LAWYERS PRACTISING ABROAD – EU & THIRD COUNTRY LAWYERS
Chair: Jean-Louis Joris – Avocat Cleary Gottlieb Brussels
Trevor Soames – Avocat au Barreau de Bruxelles, Solicitor-Advocate and Barrister
Jean Paul Hordies – Avocat, Alphalex Avocats
Luc Vanheeswijck – Head of Cabinet of the Stafhouder
17:40-18:00
European Circuit AGM.
18:00
Conference closes
19:30
Dinner (lounge suits)
Au Vieux St Martin, Grand Sablon
To see the range of accommodation close to the Bruxelles Palais de Justice and the conference venue, please use the url address: https://HotelMap.com/pro/MYAKH or alternatively contact [email protected] and quote reference MYAKH. For those intending to travel by Eurostar packages can be obtained at www.eurostar.com
In relation to CPD, the scheme in England and Wales changed as of 1st of January 2017. As a result organisations are no longer formally accredited. In addition for established practitioners there is no minimum hours threshold and whether the event will be considered CPD will depend on your personal practitioner plan and whether it fits in with your desired learning objectives.
Whilst there is no longer a requirement for minimum hours or points we thought it may be useful to provide a guideline and therefore we calculate this event to be equivalent to 4.5 CPD points.
To read more about the new CPD scheme please visit the Bar Standards Board’s website here
The Bar of Northern Ireland have awarded this event with 5 CPD points for its members
FOR BELGIAN LAWYERS PLEASE CHOOSE THE OPTION OF UNDER 7 YEARS CALL/STUDENTS
If you are interested in becoming a member of the European Circuit, please complete our membership form using the link provided.
Join Us