Annual Conference, Prague 2023

We are delighted to be being hosted by the Czech Bar Association and look forward to establishing and strengthening ties between the European Circuit and the Czech Bar.

Prague is well known for its rich culture and history. Alongside the traditional tourist attractions such as Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square, the Czech Bar Association itself is housed in the baroque Kaňka Palace, built in 1752 and located on Národní třída (National Avenue), the street where the Velvet Revolution started on 17 November 1989. Prague is also an important legal centre, both historically and more recently, with Czech lawyers, together with colleagues from abroad, playing a significant role in the economic and legal transformation that took place following the Velvet Revolution.

The programme covers a broad range of topics of interest to multi-jurisdictional practitioners and those with an interest in cross-border issues. The conference will also kick off with a session with the leaders of the Bars of the Czech Republic, England & Wales and Ireland.

Planned topics are:

CURRENT ISSUES IN ARBITRATION | COLLECTIVE REDRESS | LEGAL ISSUES ARISING FROM THE INVASION OF UKRAINE – LOOKING TO THE FUTURE | CHALLENGES FACED BY TRUSTEES OF OFF-SHORE TRUSTS | AI IN DISPUTES | PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH LEGISLATION & LITIGATION

Confirmed speakers & chairs include:

Vladimír Ambruz, consultant solicitor, Czech Republic and England & Wales; Ingrid Beránková Ambruzová, partner at Harber; Illia Chernohorenko, University of Oxford; Charles Ciumei KC, Essex Court Chambers; Kate Davenport OBE, Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy, Prague; Dr Alessandra Donti, référendaire at the CJEU; Nathy Dunleavy, Bar of Ireland; Marta Fantová, Havel & Partners; Jamas Hodivala KC, Matrix Chambers; James Hope, Vinge; The Hon Mr Justice Richard Humphreys, High Court of Ireland; Alexander Hutton KC, Hailsham Chambers; Dr Václav Janecek, University of Bristol; Clíona Kimber SC, chair of the Climate Bar Association of Ireland; Niamh Leinwather, Vienna International Arbitral Centre; Martin Maisner, Vice-President of the Czech Bar Association; Paul McGarry SC, Bar of Ireland; Antonín Mokrý, Board of Directors of the Czech Bar Association and past president of the CCBE; Catherine Moore, partner, Ogier; Robert Němec, President of the Czech Bar Association; The Hon Mrs Justice Finola O’Farrell, Presiding Judge of the Technology and Construction Court, England & Wales; Sara Phelan SC, Chair of the Bar of Ireland; Dr Klara Polackova Van der Ploeg, University of Nottingham and Bars of New York and the Czech Republic; Lucy Rigby, partner, Hausfeld; Ben Rusch, Vice President of review solutions (Europe and Asia), Consilio; Irena Sabic KC, Garden Court Chambers; Renáta Šínová, Havel & Partners; Olena Sukmanova, former First Deputy Minister of Justice of Ukraine; Nick Vineall KC, Chair of the Bar of England & Wales.

There will be a court visit during the programme, as we have done at past conferences, and a full social programme, which will culminate in the annual Gala Dinner on the Friday evening.

PLEASE NOTE: All tickets include the Gala Dinner and all social events.

This event is kindly sponsored by CONSILIO & ASPIRO

HOTEL INFORMATION:

Hotel 1: MGallery

Century Old Town Prague boasts its majestic Neo-Baroque architecture in the very heart of the city, near the Old Town Square and the famous astronomical clock. This 169-room hotel is a perfect starting point for unveiling the treasures of the Old Town Square, the Jewish Quarter or the Wenceslas Square. Follow the footsteps of the great writer Franz Kafka and embark on a journey to discover all the charms of Prague, in this non-smoking charming hotel with laundry and valet parking service. Breakfast included. Website: https://all.accor.com/hotel/3440/index.en.shtml Contact email: Barbora.beranova@accor.com

Hotel 2: Ibis Praha Old Town

Ibis Praha Old Town is situated in the heart of Prague, 100 yards from the old town. Na Porici, the main shopping street, is just a few steps away. All rooms of the Ibis Praha provide air conditioning, a shower and a toilet. Some also have flat-screen TV sets. The whole hotel property is accessible to wheelchairs. The hotel also offers rooms with accessibly designed bathrooms on special request. The Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and the Jewish quarter are 550 yards from the Ibis Praha Old Town. Charles Bridge is 0.6 miles and Prague Castle is 0.9 miles away. The next public transportation hub is Namesti Republiky, which is 100 yards from the hotel. The State Opera can be reached within 900 yards. Breakfast and dinner not included. Website: https://tinyurl.com/3pvtmptd Contact email: H5477@accor.com

Hotel 3: The Julius Prague

Ideally set in the centre of Prague, The Julius Prague features air-conditioned rooms, a fitness centre, free WiFi and a restaurant. This 5-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service. Private parking is available on site. All rooms at the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box. The rooms are fitted with a coffee machine and a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries, while some rooms also boast a kitchen fitted with a dishwasher. At The Julius Prague each room comes with bed linen and towels. A buffet, continental or American breakfast is available each morning at the property. along with internet access, gym access, and access to a coworking centre. Website: http://www.thejulius.eu/ Contact email: info@thejulius.eu