Law Society promotes international opportunities for members at IBA Annual Conference, Madrid

The Law Society repeated its success of previous years with its largest ever trade mission to the IBA Annual Conference in Madrid. For the last five years, the Law Society has worked with UKTI to design a programme of briefing and networking opportunities to complement the official IBA events. This year was no exception and twenty seven solicitors participated in the trade mission which included:

• market briefing on Iberia with expert speakers from the British Embassy and local lawyers;
• networking breakfast with lawyers from Madrid and Barcelona;
• drinks reception hosted by British Ambassador;
• Latin America roundtable; and
• use of meetings facility at the Law Society / UKTI stand.

Paul Marmor, from Sherrards Solicitors (a participant in the trade mission) said: "the team from the Law Society and UKTI provided excellent support throughout the trade mission. Their dynamic approach helped mission participants make the most out of the opportunities to promote their business".

Law Society President Robert Heslett addressed a packed session on Alternative Business Structures and Chief Executive Des Hudson spoke on Anti-Money Laundering.

The Law Society's Lexcel team hosted a practice management breakfast, ahead of the anticipated launch of their international practice standard in early 2010.

About the IBA Annual Conference 2009

Over 5,000 lawyers from around the world attended the IBA Annual Conference this year, which was opened by the King of Spain. Highlights included a speech by Morgan Tsvangirai, Prime Minister of Zimbabwe and a session on rule of law addressed by Judge Garzon and Lord Bingham.

Register your interest for next year's conference

UK law firms interested in joining our delegation to the 2010 IBA Annual Conference in Vancouver should register their interest with Charlotte Ford, Policy Adviser for the Americas and Caribbean: charlotte.ford@lawsociety.org.uk