IBA - ILSA Conference


think beyond linear logic. He encouraged every- one to read Nobel Laureate Daniel Kahneman’s book “Thinking, Fast and Slow” to be able to understand how the brain synthesizes informa- tion. The modules Professor Jeklic introduced us to illustrated different ways of approaching infor- mation and how that can be further implemented in our practice in the future. The lunch that fol- lowed his talk provided for lively discussion about all of the new ideas we had been introduced to and proved to also act as a wonderful icebreaker that encouraged delegates to get to know one another.


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Next was the keynote address by Dr. Geert Van Calster who is, among many other notable ac- complishments, a professor at the University of Leuven and Head of its Department of European and International Law. Though his lecture was titled “On the Role of Science in International Law: From Whales via Paintball to Plain Packag- ing”, Professor Van Calster spent a considerable amount of time emphasizing that his talk would not center on the obviously scientific. Instead it was based on the understanding that interna- tional law is expansive and can be felt at the local level. Dr. Geert even graciously offered more of his time after his lecture to further engage our delegates with his expertise.


The final panel of the first day was “Pathways to Employment in International Law”. Panelists included Ronald Bornstein from Pillsbury Win- throp Shaw Pittman LLP , Peter Castellon from Proskauer Rose LLP, and Mark Cardale, a corpo- rate finance consultant.. Although the panelists’ area of practice primarily focused on international financial and corporate law, their paths to their current positions exemplified the diversity the le- gal field has to offer. Every panelist had moved at least a few times during their career, had changed direction in their profession at least once and could comfortably say that international law had afforded them opportunities that expanded their horizons both literally and figuratively.


The evening was not over yet as delegates were invited to a drinks reception and the IBA-ILSA Oratory Competition. The reception was held just a short walk away in Trafalgar Square. Every- one was able to enjoy a wonderful array of hors d’oeuvres while mingling at the iconic Gallery in the Crypt of St. Martins-in-the-Fields. As the par- ticipants presented their argument for the oratory competition they were impressive, prepared and captivated the entire audience. After some delib- eration, the first place winner and second place winner were honored with a certificate and gift.


On the second day of the IBA-ILSA Conference, the delegates began their day by listening to an exciting expert discussion of the recently re- leased Jessup Compromis. Panelists included Eirik Bjorge of Jesus College at the University of Oxford, James Irving from the London School of Economics, and Rumiana Yotova from the Univer- sity of Cambridge. Delegates were able to get insight in to what would be expected of them as participants in the Jessup Moot Court Com- petition as well as an introduction to a plethora of ideas and resources regarding to the various aspects covered in the Compromis such as, but not limited to self-determination and succession. This session was recorded and is already avail- able on ILSA’s website. I would encourage all Jes- sup competitors to consult this video as a part of their preparation.


The IBA Women’s Interest Group then led a net- work panel moderated by the group’s Co-Chair, Maria Wolleh from Mannheimmer Swartling. The panel also included, Pramodhan Vanniasegaram from the University of New South Wales, Alberto Perez Cedillo from the Spanish Lawyers & Solici- tors, and Elizabeth McGowan from Dawson Corn- well. Delegates and panelists discussed woes and success stories in trying to make the most out of one’s network in a highly globalized and technological world. One thing that was agreed upon in this IBA session was the importance of expanding one’s network and maintaining those


ILSA Quarterly » volume 23 » issue 1 » October 2014


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