5 minute read
INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE
INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE
A HOMECOMING AND A GLOBAL VISION AT THE FBE GENERAL CONGRESS IN MÁLAGA
Last June, I returned to Málaga, the city where I grew up, to attend the General Congress of the Fédération des Barreaux d'Europe (FBE) on "The Lawyer of the Future," hosted by the Málaga Bar Association from 6-8 June 2024. And it was a great honour to do so representing the Westminster and Holborn Law Society in London, the city where I have honed my skills as an international lawyer over the past several years. This experience was both professionally fulfilling and personally meaningful.
The congress offered a rare and enriching opportunity to engage with fellow legal professionals from all across Europe, reaffirming a belief I hold dear: law mirrors the human experience and is often more similar than we might think, as, at the end of the day, we all share the same human challenges and, consequently, similar solutions. The FBE General Congress served as a vital forum for exploring these commonalities and the many ways in which law shapes our identities as practitioners and, indeed, as societies.
This gathering also reminded me of the importance of cultivating international legal discourse. A lawyer should not be constrained by a narrow understanding of their home jurisdiction but rather distinguished by their ability to communicate and apply that knowledge within a global framework. In today’s interconnected world, it is only logical that the law must transcend national borders. Events such as the FBE General Congress are essential in facilitating this exchange of ideas and expertise.
Returning to Málaga after so many years, now as an international lawyer, highlighted the strides we’ve made towards a more global outlook within the legal profession and underscored the necessity of continuing this work. Engaging with peers from different jurisdictions, recognising our shared humanity, and understanding that the law can serve as a bridge rather than a barrier are all vital to our progress.
Thanks for the opportunity to Coral Hill and Sara Chandler, whom I had the pleasure of attending the congress with. I regard both of them as exemplary figures in the legal profession. Their dedication and insight have been invaluable to me, and it was a privilege to share this occasion with them.
Looking ahead, it is evident that the future of law is intrinsically international. There is no turning back, and the relationships we forge at these congresses will only enhance our ability to serve justice in a globalised world. I am eager to continue this journey and to the many discussions and collaborations that lie ahead. And finally, I would also like to encourage all members of our WHLS, whether on the International Committee or not, to get involved in such events, as they offer invaluable opportunities to engage with the broader legal community! ■
Marta Sanchez Merino
Spanish Abogada (Madrid Bar Association) & Registered Foreign Lawyer (SRA, UK)
Annual Dinner at the House of Lords
We were delighted to be joined by some guests from our twinned Bar Associations at the WHLS annual dinner. The following day they met with members of the International Committee to discuss general matters and to develop ideas for our major event in June 2025 (discussed below).
Save the date:
Thursday 5 June 2025 - Saturday 7 June 2025.
Legal London: Law & Networking
The International Committee is planning an event for our twinned bar associations on the theme Legal London: Law & Networking.
The International Committee continues to work on building relationships with bar associations around the world. Our international visits are an exciting opportunity to broaden your understanding of the different law systems and immerse yourself in a different legal culture and all members of WHLS are welcome to participate.
In 2025, we will hold an event in London to attract the bar associations twinned with WHLS and those interested in developing a closer relationship. All WHLS members have the opportunity to network with other legal professionals, join legal discussions and visit some beautiful legal places in London.
There will be a full schedule of activities including a Legal London walk, visits to the Royal Courts of Justice and the Supreme Court, and meetings at law firms where seminars on international and cross-border issues will be held. If you or your firm would like to get involved please contact cwhlawsoc@gmail.com
Bern, 29-31 May 2025
European Bars Federation GENERAL CONGRESS
Each year the President of the FBE hosts a Congress in their jurisdiction. For 2025 this will be in Switzerland where the current President, Marc LABBE, is a member of the Fédération Suisse des Avocats.
To check on any information relating to the FBE please go to www.FBE.org
Additional news
The international committee is intending to visit Gdansk during 2025 and will update members as soon as confirmed.
Please keep an eye on our magazine and social media for further information.
The Forum of International Lawyers in London (FILL) is for any lawyers working in London and qualified in another jurisdiction and for London lawyers interested in international work. We will be hold an event in January to discuss dual qualification.
