IAG supports Hamburg charity at 2024 General Assembly

IAG Global, the international organisation for lawyers, tax advisors and professional services firms, welcomed Klinik Clowns Hamburg as the Event Charity at the June 2024 Hamburg General Assembly, as chosen by Assembly hosts SNB Law.

Mark Huth and Einar Recknagel from SNB Law in Hamburg chose Klinik Clowns because of the difference they make to children and the elderly when in hospital, as well as to adults in nursing homes and at senior citizens’ centres.

Charity representative Nicole Knapp attended the Assembly Business Session and spoke about how the volunteer clowns make a difference to those they visit and how they willingly give up their time to make someone’s day a little brighter – after all ‘laughter is the best medicine’.

As Nicole finished answering questions, delegates embraced the wearing of red noses for a group photograph, with many delegates taking their own selfies of themselves wearing the colourful adornment.

Later on that day, delegates were delighted to see couple of clowns make an appearance at the Friday evening cruise along the River Elb.

In 2023, IAG Global pledged to support a local charity at each of the three annual IAG Assemblies held in locations around the world. Each charity is chosen by the IAG member hosting that event.

You can read more about the charity here

Photo – IAG delegates wearing red noses to support Klinik Clowns

IAG Members join Morison Global Prague Conference

IAG Chair Tomasz Szarek and fellow IAG member Stuart Haynes of UK-member firm Aaron & Partners, represented IAG at the Prague Morison Global conference.

It was a great chance to strengthen the relations between IAG and Morison Global. It was also a chance to again meet Morison Global Chairman Paul Wan after him joining the IAG Global Singapore Assembly in October 2023.

IAG Global To Host Record High Delegate Numbers in Germany

IAG Global will host its highest number of delegates in the 35-year history of the global organisation at the upcoming General Assembly in Hamburg, Germany, in June next week, beating the previous high in Madrid earlier this year.

Over 110 delegates and guests will attend some or all of the three-day international assembly, being hosted by Hamburg-based member Schulz Noack Bärwinkel PartmbB (SNB Law). The programme includes a packed Business Session with some excellent speakers lined up, a cruise through Hamburg’s spectacular harbour, a tour of the Airbus factory, and finishing at a Gala Dinner with nighttime views over Hamburg.

IAG members from five continents covering 21 jurisdictions are joining the event, showing what a truly global organisation IAG is.

IAG is also very excited to be welcoming four potential new member firms at the Assembly.

IAG Chair Tomasz Szarek said: “It is wonderful to see so many members joining our General Assembly. The SNB Law team has done an excellent job of creating an exciting programme of events, and calmly handling the unprecedented demand for places. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone in Germany.

“It is at these events that relationships are formed and developed, which is what IAG is all about. It is also great to see the number of excellent observer firms attending Hamburg, and scheduled to attend our other upcoming events; interest in joining the organisation is currently very high. These are exciting times for IAG!”

Dr. Mark-Alexander Huth, host and Partner at SNB Law said: “We all at SNB Law are overwhelmed with the response of so many colleagues and friends and we are looking very much forward to welcoming everybody for a memorable three day Assembly.”

Dr. Einar Recknagel, host and Partner at SNB Law, added: “It has been 5 years since SNB Law has been invited to join IAG and we had the opportunity of visiting many assemblies in Europe and Asia. After receiving so much hospitality which not only led to getting to know so many interesting people but also to referrals, we are delighted to host IAG in our home base in Hamburg.”

IAG Global is an international network of independent law firms, accountants, tax advisers and other professional services firms. It currently has over 50 member firms covering 60+ jurisdictions.

For more information on IAG Global and becoming a member please email [email protected]

Madrid sees largest IAG Assembly since pre-covid

On a sunny day in mid-March, Spanish IAG Member Lozano Schindhelm welcomed nearly 90 delegates to Madrid for the first IAG Global Assembly of 2024.

Delegates and guests travelled from all parts of the world, from Australia to the West Coast of America, making Madrid the largest Assembly since pre-covid times.

Lozano Schindhelm’s Managing Partner Fernando Lozano and his team welcomed everyone to Madrid at a Drinks Reception held on the Rooftop Bar of Casa Suecia, which held fantastic views of the city in the setting sun.

During the two day event, delegates attended the Business Session while their guests visited the Prado Museum before meeting up for a delicious traditional Spanish tapas lunch.

The highlight for everyone was the Gala Dinner which was hosted in the unique 90 year old Casino de Madrid. With its incredible architecture and stunning staircases it was the perfect location for the black tie event.

IAG Global Chairman Tomasz Szarek said: “What makes IAG unique is the relationships that are built between members at events like this. To see so many of our members gather from all over the world shows how much they value the opportunity to network and work each other.

“It was a truly memorable event and I am very grateful to Fernando and his team for giving us all such a warm welcome and wonderful time in Madrid.”

Fernando Lozano added, “IAG is all about people. It was a real pleasure to welcome such a fantastic (and numerous!) group of people to Madrid.”

The large number of delegates included a really good number of observers, which reflects the positive pipeline of firms interested in joining the organisation.

Meeting three times a year, IAG Global Assemblies allow members to get together to create new relationships, build on relationships and catch up with old friends. Close personal relationships, trusts and friendships between members are what makes IAG unique.

The IAG Board and Executive Office are now looking forward to the General Assembly being hosted in Hamburg, Germany, in June with hosts SNB Law.

For more information on how to become a member of IAG Global please go to the Contact Us page

PLN strengthens Pacific presence with affiliation in Tonga

Pacific Islands member Pacific Legal Network has strengthened it’s presence with a new affiliation in the Kingdom of Tonga.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tevita Aho and R&S into the Pacific Legal Network family,” said John Ridgway, Head of Legal Services at PLN. “Tevita’s deep roots in Tonga and his commitment to excellence align perfectly with our network’s values. This affiliation allows us to further expand our footprint and offer enhanced legal services to our clients in the Pacific.”

Read the full story on the PLN website HERE

“My Philly Citizenship” – The IAG Exchange between UK and USA

My Philly Citizenship, Claire Hughes, Aaron & Partners, UK

The IAG Global Exchange between Aaron & Partners LLP (UK) and Miller Shah LLP – Spring 2023

In May 2023 I packed my bags, said goodbye to my family, double (and triple) checked my case files were up to date and flew across the Pond to Philadelphia, which was to be my temporary home for the next three weeks as I was taking part in the IAG Global Exchange Programme with USA firm Miller Shah LLP.

I left the exchange as a more rounded lawyer, more knowledgeable, experienced, with strong ties to another firm, with a balanced benefit to A&P and myself. The IAG Global exchange is a truly unique opportunity, and has been my highlight of 2023.

Read the full story here

IAG launches International AI Report

IAG Global has created a report on Artificial Intelligence (AI) covering regulations and legislations in jurisdictions around the world.

AI has emerged as a force with the potential to revolutionise various sectors, including industry and science. However it raises complex legal and ethical international questions, and this report aims to provide a global perspective on AI regulations and the legal situation in different countries.

This comprehensive guide asks the questions:
• Is it possible to regulate AI?
• Who owns the right to works created by AI?
• Is AI the end of human skills?
• Legal AI – a threat or an opportunity for legal business?

The answers cover the global situation as discussed by IAG Global members, from America to Australia including Brazil, UK, Europe, China, India and Singapore.

The IAG AI Report is available to everyone, and will be helpful to any legal professionals and IT entrepreneurs, as well as anyone interested in trying to navigate the complex world of AI in our interconnected global society.

To access the AI Report please click here

Singapore Member Firms Welcomed IAG Delegates

IAG member firms Hawksford and Gateway Law Corporation welcomed delegates from around the world to the IAG Global Assembly in Singapore in October.

Delegates stayed in the iconic The Fullerton Hotel and enjoyed their first evening at The Lantern rooftop bar of The Fullerton Bay Hotel.

The AI-themed Business Session was lively and engaging, which was followed by a dining experience at Jumbo Seafood, famous for their chilli crab.

Saturday included a trip to the stunning Botanic Gardens with a walk around the Orchid Gardens and other beautiful areas before the Saturday night black tie Gala Dinner in The Straits Room of The Fullerton Hotel.

During the 3-day assembly was also a “Next Generation” drinks event which is aimed at associates and junior members who are starting their journey with IAG. The informal setting provides the perfect atmosphere to create great connections and new friends.

See our highlights here

IAG is an international network of independent law firms, accountants, tax advisers and other professional services firms. Our membership extends a firms’ reach and capabilities across borders by establishing and facilitating strong business relationships.

Close professional relationships, trust and friendships between members are what makes IAG unique.

To find out more about who we are, click here Who We Are or fill in our Contact Us form

The IAG Exchange Programme – an Australian in Poland

Australian lawyer Damian Kelly, who works for member firm Pacific Legal Network, shares his experience of being part of the IAG Global Exchange Programme when he spent two weeks in the Polish town of Wroclaw working with member firm SDZLEGAL Schindhelm.

You can read the full story about Damian’s experience here

Photo: Damian Kelly with fellow exchange participant Aleksandra Pludowska from SDZLEGAL, and PLN’s Managing Principal John Ridgway