Legalink Dubai General Meeting
The Legalink General Meeting, held in November 2024 and graciously hosted by Davidson & Co Law Firm, brought together over 30 member firms from around the globe to share insights and collaborate on some of the most pressing legal and global issues of our time. Over the course of the meeting, attendees were treated to a rich program of presentations, panels, and interactive sessions, leaving an indelible mark on all participants.
Dubai’s Global Evolution and Trade Insights
The meeting began with a keynote presentation by Mark Beer, OBE, who provided a captivating overview of Dubai's transformation into a global hub. His insights on the city’s journey and its vision for the future resonated deeply with the audience.
Following his address, Mark moderated a panel on global trade, featuring distinguished Legalink attorneys from around the world:
- Julia Charlton of Charltons Law in Hong Kong
- Don Malecki of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC in Pittsburgh, USA
- Martin Bürmann of RITTERSHAUS Rechtsanwälte PartmbB in Mannheim, Germany
- Alejandro Ripoll of Ramos, Ripoll & Schuster in Mexico
Each panelist provided invaluable perspectives on trade with the UAE and the broader Middle East, alongside insights into the global trade challenges and opportunities impacting their jurisdictions. The session offered a rich exchange of ideas, illuminating current trends and future expectations in global trade.
Tackling the Energy Transition
The meeting's Energy Seminar opened with a compelling session titled "The 100-Year Carbon Journey of the Gulf States," led by Andrew Sutherland, General Manager at Saratoga Technology. Andrew traced a century of carbon development in the Gulf, presenting modern alternatives and the region’s future energy aspirations. The session concluded with a vibrant Q&A session, underscoring the audience's engagement with the topic.
In the second session, Pinar Tanilkan Edes, Senior Legal Counsel at ENGIE, explored the critical role of legal teams in the energy transition. Her presentation, "Energy Transition from an In-House Legal Perspective," delved into the life cycle of renewable energy projects, highlighting the risks and challenges at each stage and emphasizing the importance of robust legal strategies to ensure compliance and project resilience.
A panel discussion, moderated by Andrew Sutherland, brought together:
- Josh Steele of Piper Alderman, Australia
- Nicolás Yuraszeck of Prieto Abogados, Chile
- Simon Colvin of Weightmans, UK
- Raymond Kisswany of Davidson & Co Law Firm, UAE
Together, they provided a global perspective on the complexities and opportunities for energy stakeholders in navigating the transition to renewables.
Mastering Crisis Communications
The meeting concluded with an impactful session by Michael Farrant, Founder and CEO of Farrant Group, on crisis communications and reputation management. Michael’s presentation offered a blend of theory and practice, equipping participants with actionable strategies to manage crises effectively. A hands-on exercise engaged the audience in realistic scenarios, providing practical insights into navigating complex communications challenges.
A Memorable Gathering
The Dubai General Meeting highlighted the spirit of collaboration and knowledge-sharing that defines Legalink. Special thanks were extended to Jonathon Davidson for curating an exceptional lineup of speakers and to the Davidson & Co Law Firm team for their outstanding hospitality and organization.
The event left attendees inspired, informed, and connected—underscoring Legalink's commitment to promoting global cooperation!
