On May 26-27, 2022, in the heart of Europe – in Warsaw, took place the First Legal Forum – a grand event in the legal world! It`s time to summarize the work of the new communication platform for the EU and the Eastern Partnership, which was able to prove itself as an important event that brings together the best experts in their field. So our results are:
- 2 working days;
- 11 sessions;
- 19 countries;
- 80 speakers;
- 150 participants.
We started this long-awaited day and the First Legal Forum with a Special Session `The challenges of globalization and the needs of the legal market: how these factors may affect the future of legal education and what are the particularities of the struggle for young talent today`.
Our experts began by discussing questions about the importance of international exchange in the context of legal education, a knowledge of several foreign languages, the importance of studying the laws of other countries, the school of Polish law, the use of technology in legal education, changing the paradigm of motivation for law students, globalization of legal education and integration knowledge of jurisprudence for other specialties, including related ones, the need to initiate changes by teachers of law schools, the need to transform educational communication, skills that should be acquired by a law student in the framework of legal education.
It was moderated by Piotr Alchimowicz – Marketing & Communication Expert, University Lecturer, Brainfore.
The following speakers took part in this session:
- Roman Sobiecki – Vice-Rector for Development, Warsaw School of Economics;
- Jarosław Turłukowski – Faculty of Law and Administration, University of Warsaw;
- Itzik Amiel – Attorney-at-law Founder & CEO, THE SWITCH™, Award-winning International Speaker;
- Bartłomiej Nowak – Vice-Rector for Cooperation with the Environment, Dean of the College of Law, Kozminski University;
- Olha Sushyk – Vice-director of Centre for European Studies, Educational and Scientific Institute of Law, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (Ukraine).
A session was finished with a powerful presentation by Itzik Amiel, which was dedicated to the need to change approaches to the transformation of legal education.
Special guests opened the First Legal Forum with their welcome speeches.
Welcome speeches were made by:
- Malgorzata Gosiewska – Vicemarshal, Sejm of the Republic of Poland;
- Ruslan Stefanchuk – Chairman, Verkhovna Rada;
- Oleksii Boniuk – Head of the Criminal Law Policies and Investments Protection Department, Prosecutor General’s Office;
- Wojciech Baginski – Chair of the International Relations Committee, Polish Bar Council;
- Holger Zscheyge – President, European Legal Tech Association;
- Anna Ogrenchuk – President, Ukrainian Bar Association;
- Irina Paliashvili – Founder, Europe-Caucasus-Asia Legal Forum.
During the welcoming speech, the guests of the forum spoke about the need for urgent action in the legal field aimed at ending the war in Ukraine and just punishment of russia for all war crimes and military aggression in the international legal paradigm; the importance of a constructive dialogue of lawyers at the international level on the prompt development of effective mechanisms and tools to bring the Russian authorities to justice for all crimes committed and the resolution of the war in Ukraine before international judicial institutions. Political, economic, and legal consolidation of European countries and their prospects in the context of solving urgent problems are extremely important. The speakers stressed that Poland’s unprecedented assistance to Ukraine is an incredible example of good neighborliness and the country’s consciousness in the context of protecting human values. Speakers made an accent on the crucial role of lawyers as defenders and the voice of law and their constructive dialogue in resolving global change and problems. In addition, speakers stressed that all of the world admires and is motivated by the bravery and strength of the Ukrainian people.
‘I want to change the motto of the Forum ‘International legal community stands with Ukraine ‘ to the ‘International legal community win with Ukraine’ – said Irina Paliashvili.
A Session 1 `Transformation of the trade and economic situation on the European market in the light of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine: consequences of the economic blockade, sanctions, trade barriers, changes in the supply of goods, transport restrictions` was distinguished by an active discussion and actual speeches.
Speakers discussed the complexity of the current situation in Ukraine, the catastrophic consequences of the war, and the courage of Ukrainian business, which despite the multimillion losses is using all available resources and opportunities to continue to support the economy and finance the Ukrainian army. They assessed the real complexity of the situation in the world due to the war in Ukraine, in particular in the economic sphere, discussing changes in logistics chains, blocking Ukrainian ports, the impact of sanctions on russia on changing the economic landscape, and their consequences. Experts analyzed the experience of Georgia and Finland in the context of previous armed conflicts and russia’s immediate neighborhood. The speakers also praised and stressed the importance of strengthening sanctions against Russia, in particular in the context of finding mechanisms to minimize the negative consequences for countries imposing sanctions, and at the same time the effectiveness of these sanctions. Each of the speakers agreed that it’s now essential to develop aid and support packages for Ukrainian business, the destabilization of which has dire consequences for both Ukraine and the world economy.
It was moderated by Yaroslav Romanchuk – Managing Partner, EUCON Legal Group.
The following speakers took part in this session:
- Dr. Oleksiy Kot – Director, Kyiv Regional Center of National Academy of Legal Sciences of Ukraine;
- Marcin Nowacki – Vice President, Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers;
- Svitlana Romanova – Chief Legal Officer, METINVEST HOLDING, LLC;
- Agnieszka Deeg-Tyburska – Legal Director, Commercial Proxy, Polpharma Group;
- pr. Anna Touraton – Head of Legal NEE Cluster, Schenker sp. z o.o.;
- Igor Livchitz – Senior Counsel, Rödl & Partner;
- Ewa Kaluzinska – Partner, Attorney at law VERNE LEGAL;
- Mikheil Gogeshvili – Partner, MKD Law.
Participants of the Session 2/1 `Businesses entering on foreign markets as a way of gaining access to investment capital, financial resources and innovative financial instruments` discussed issues of entering foreign markets as a means of gaining access to investment capital, how Ukrainian business survive in new conditions, the impact of the war in Ukraine on the investment market, overcoming global economic problems affecting investment (post-pandemic crisis, war), ways to diversify risks, criteria for deciding to enter foreign markets, tax aspects. Experts also focused on using Poland’s potential to further enter EU markets and Poland’s benefits for business expansion. In addition, the speakers pointed out that it is important to take into account local peculiarities when entering foreign markets, and Ukraine has excellent potential for investment in the postwar period.
It was moderated by Magdalena Zawadzka – Partner, Business & Innovation Consulting, CRIDO.
The following speakers took part in this session:
- Justyna Bauta-Szostak – International Tax Services, Partner, MDDP;
- Andrii Romanchuk – Partner, EUCON Legal Group;
- Łukasz Szczepaniak – Legal Advisor;
- Sergii Agratina – Head of the Legal Department, Oshchadbank JSC, General Directorate in Kyiv & Kyiv region;
- Adam Morawski – Managing Partner, Morawski & Partners International Lawyers.
The next parallel session was a Session 2/2 ‘BEPS 2.0 (Pillar 1 — Pillar 2): how will the new OECD initiatives affect international company taxation and will they stop tax migration?’.
Speakers focused on the analysis of national legislative changes in connection with the implementation of BEPS. In particular, the experts reviewed examples and features of BEPS implementation in Ukraine and Poland, discussed the main goals and objectives of implementation, consequences, and prospects, the end of the offshore era and tax competition, and its advantages, and disadvantages in the world. The speakers expressed their vision of the prospects of international tax law, technical aspects, and difficulties in the process of implementing BEPS. Experts also assessed the real prospects for the implementation of BEPS 2.0. and future transfer pricing, and considered business attitudes on these issues, harmonization of international tax laws and sanctions in the context of taxes.
‘BEPS is a huge revolution in the field of transfer pricing’, – said Agnieszka Wnuk.
It was moderated by Agnieszka Wnuk – Partner, Tax adviser, MDDP.
The following speakers took part in this session:
- Dominik Gajewski – Professor, Head of the Chair of Tax Law, Warsaw School of Economics, Judge at the Supreme Administrative Court;
- Jakub Bińkowski – Board Member and Director of the Law and Legislation Department, ZPP;
- Anton Polianychko – Advocate, Head of Research Council, Tax advisor’s Association;
- Larysa Vrublevska – Partner, EUCON Legal Group;
- Filip Majdowski – Counsellor to the Minister od Finanse, BEPS2.0 negotiator.
During Session 3/1 ‘The crisis landscape of international trade, e-commerce in the era of existing sanctions, barriers, trade wars, and what is the value of external lawyers for business?’ experts outlined the range of problems faced by businesses due to the crisis, in particular in the context of changing market conditions in international trade and e-commerce. The speakers shared their own experiences in solving these problems, including their own anti-crisis tools, preventive measures, and the development of anti-crisis management strategies. The experts also analyzed the impact of the adopted sanctions packages, assessing the existing experience in various fields and jurisdictions and the role of the lawyer in solving problematic aspects.
It was moderated by Marcin Rutecki – Managing partner, Business Intelligence Club.
The following speakers took part in this session:
- Vladislav Rosca – Partner, «Efrim, Roşca şi Asociaţii» Law Firm;
- Dariusz Sojka – Director & Counsel, American Express CEE & PAYBACK CEE;
- Natalia Petrik – Deputy Secretary General, Head of Business Development, SCC Institute;
- Margaryta Vasylieva – Leading legal advisor, lifecell;
- Illia Antonov – Attorney at Law, PRK Partners;
- Michał Sas – Compliance Officer, MLRO Eastern Europe.
During Session 3/2 `International experience and effective ways to manage the risks of fraud, bribery and corruption in the corporate sector, the practice of searching for stolen assets and returning them to their owners` our experts talked about effective tools to combat corruption, in particular through transparency, using integrated and rational approaches. Experts also discussed the importance of compliance procedures for business and the actual detection of corruption crimes in the context of disappointing statistics. According to the speakers, the system and mentality need to be changed in order to overcome corruption. The participants of the session also discussed the experience of applying anti-corruption practices in different countries. It should be noted that public accountability in the business sector and in the public sphere is paramount.
It was moderated by Oleksandr Movchan – President, Institute for Internal Controls in Eastern Europe.
The following speakers took part in this session:
- Georg Jaster – Partner, TIGGES Rechtsanwälte;
- Piotr Żyłka – Compliance & Anti-Money Laundering Officer, Billion;
- Marcin Dublaszewski – Board representative for Whistleblowing matters, Institute for Internal Auditors (IIA) Poland;
- Robin Barnett – Head of international strategy, British diрlomat, Business Intelligence Club.
One of the most difficult and important questions became an object of the discussion within the framework of Session 4 `Mechanisms for reparations and contributions as a way to compensate for the damage caused by Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. International criminal liability of the leadership and citizens of the Russian Federation for war crimes in Ukraine`.
The participants of the session discussed the crucial issues of ways to compensate for russia’s losses, bureaucratic and legal difficulties in this context, methods of recording losses and potential options for compensation, and the possibility of reparations, including from frozen russian assets abroad. The experts also outlined possible ways to bring to justice those involved in the commission of war crimes and discussed problematic aspects of the operation of international institutions that could potentially bring to justice. Speakers unanimously stressed the critical need to develop an effective system of punishment as soon as possible.
It was moderated by Marek Jezewski – Advocate, Partner, Head of Dispute Resolution, Kochański & Partners.
The following speakers took part in this session:
- Dmytro Taranchuk – Director of Legal Support, JSC «Farmak»;
- Olesia Otradnova – Deputy Head of the Task force on freezing and seizing of russian assets, Prosecutor, General’s Office of Ukraine;
- Yuliya Atamanova – Partner, Head of International Arbitration, LCF Law Group;
- Galyna Kuznyetsova – Forensic expert, Vice President, Ukraine Union Experts;
- Gabriel Olearnik – Managing Director, Director of Investor Relations, Delta Capital Partners.
A second day started with Session 1 `Global challenges for the legal market in the new geopolitical and economic reality. Local features of legal business management`.
The speakers began the working day of the forum to discuss global factors that have influenced the transformation of the legal market. In particular, the speakers shared their observations on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the work of law firms and the consequences of the post-war crisis. The experts also discussed changes in the legal sphere caused by the war in Ukraine, the impact of russian sanctions on the work of lawyers in the context of legal changes and the transformation of the client base, the role of lawyers in resolving conflicts, and the impact of the current political situation on legal markets, economic consequences of events.
It was moderated by Irina Paliashvili – President and Senior Counsel, RULG-Ukrainian Legal Group.
The following speakers took part in this session:
- Vardan Stepanyan – Managing Partner, K&P Law Firm;
- Jerzy Sawicki – Legal Department Director, Centralny Port Komunikacyjny Sp. z o.o.;
- Oleg Efrim – Partner, «Efrim, Roşca şi Asociaţii» Law Firm;
- Magdalena Zak – Legal counsel, Legal Director, Medical Devices Group – Poland and Baltics, Johnson & Johnson Poland Sp. z o.o.;
- Tomasz Cyrol – Member, International Relations Committee, Polish Bar Council;
- Olga Usenko – Legal Practice Publishing, Head of International and Domestic Research Programs (Kyiv, Ukraine);
- Jan Kohout – Managing Partner, Attorney at Law, PRK Partners;
- Dominika Durchowska – Advocate, Partner in International Disputes practice, Kochański & Partners.
Our star experts in Session 2 `Future is now: Legal Tech, Legal Design, YouTube, LinkedIn, ESG as modern tools for communication with customers in the framework of a win-win approach` discussed the future of the legal market through the prism of innovative resources, modern tools, and technologies.
During this session, the speakers discussed ways and motives for involving technology in the legal sphere, emphasizing the conservatism and archaic nature of the legal sphere, which needs to be digitalized and modernized. Yes, experts have rightly believed that Legal Tech is an ideal tool to reduce the distance between lawyers and clients, simplifying many work processes and making legal information clearer to the client. In addition, the speakers discussed how to effectively and creatively use available digital tools, programs, and systems. Another important issue in the context of the session is the range of issues and challenges that new tools need to address and the difficulties that arise in developing such tools. The participants of the session could not avoid the issues of lawyer’s activity and creating a personal brand in social networks, as well as how to effectively and correctly use publicity and presence in networks for networking, finding clients, promoting, and gaining a business reputation.
It was moderated by Andrii Romanchuk – Partner, EUCON Legal Group.
The following speakers took part in this session:
- Przemysław Barchan – Advocate, Owner, Barchan Legal;
- Anna Atanasow – Head of Legal, Huuuge Games;
- Wojciech Baginski – Chair of the International Relations Committee, Polish Bar Council;
- Itzik Amiel – Attorney-at-law, Founder & CEO, THE SWITCH™, Award winning International Speaker;
- Tomasz Kokoszka – Director of Legal Department and Compliance, Signify;
- Karolina Małagocka – Assistant Professor, Kozminski Univeristy.
Session 3 ‘Features of the promotion of legal services through the lens of marketing and PR in times of crisis. The influence of international ratings and research on customer choice — myth or reality?’ was so productive and interesting.
Analysis of the legal marketing market in crisis conditions, features of marketing strategies in the legal field in different European countries, relevance and effectiveness of various tools to promote legal services, limitations and difficulties, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, target audience and customer focus, new methods of promotion, future prospects and changes in the market – these and other issues were discussed by the speakers during the session.
‘Crisis periods, in addition to problems and difficulties, also open up new opportunities that provoke the generation of new marketing strategies. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your potential, relevance, sense of trends, expand the geography of activities by entering new markets, radically change the vector and ways to promote ‘, – said Bartosz Jankowski.
The experts also singled out the topic of local and international legal ratings, the reputation of these ratings, their significance, relevance and attitude to markets in different countries, discussing this issue in the context of clients’ attitudes to the presence of companies in ratings when choosing a law firm.
‘The result of good marketing is a good company, the result of excellent marketing is a satisfied customer’, – said Katarzyna Kozłowska.
It was moderated by Eugenia Ruzhentseva – CEO, Legal High School.
The following speakers took part in this session:
- Dominik Wagner – Partner, TIGGES Rechtsanwälte in Düsseldorf;
- Dorota Grzelińska – Managing Director, Innovative Lawyers Consultants;
- Bartosz Jankowski – Partner, Morawski & Partners;
- Katarzyna Kozłowska – Legal Counsel, Board Member, Atlas Management Company (Poland) Sp. z o.o.;
- Przemysła Jakubowski – Legal Counsel Europe.
Session 4 `The future of the legal profession: managing human capital, how to retain and motivate staff, the importance of developing soft skills and hard skills?` was the final one, putting a bright finish to the end of the First Legal Forum.
At the end of the event, the participants discussed their predictions for the future of the legal profession, and shared their management secrets with large, medium, and small law firms and departments, in particular, discussing different styles and concepts of management. Experts also said that due to the impact and consequences of the pandemic and the war, the work of a lawyer will eventually become a hybrid, combining office work and removal.
The main message of the session was the idea that there is empathy in management and communication with employees, which should be developed both in yourself and in colleagues. The leader should become a leader and mentor for team members, taking care not only of the development of professional skills but also emotional state. As for soft skills and hard skills, it is important to develop, in addition to the already mentioned empathy, communication skills, flexibility, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
It was moderated by Zoya Ilyenka – Vice-Chair of Law Firm Management, Knowledge Management & Technology Subcommittee (IBA).
The following speakers took part in this session:
- Marcin Durlak – Managing Partner and Joint Founder, IMD Solicitors LLP;
- Paulina Pistor-Buława – Managing Director, PPB Recruitment Firm;
- Svitlana Romanova – Chief Legal Officer, METINVEST HOLDING, LLC;
- Jacek Jadziński – General Counsel and Management Boards member, Eltel Networks Group in Poland;
- Malgorzata Domurat – p.d. Director, Office of Legal Service and Ownership Supervision, PKP CARGO S.A.;
- Renata Dłuska – Partner, Head of Employment & Pensions, Osborne Clarke.
It was a brilliant start for a big event, which has become a dialogue platform for discussing the most relevant and important issues of the legal market in the context of global changes. See you next on May, 25-26, 2023!