The International Law Firms Association (ILF) proudly held its 2024 Annual Conference from October 5-7 in the vibrant city of Budapest, Hungary. Hosted by SMARTLEGAL Schmidt & Partners, the Hungarian member law firm, this year’s conference brought together distinguished legal professionals from around the globe to discuss emerging issues, strengthen partnerships, and advance ILF’s mission in the global legal landscape.
Highlights of the Conference
Under the theme “The Impact of AI on the Legal Profession,” this year’s conference featured a series of dynamic presentations and discussions focused on the transformative role of artificial intelligence in law. Participants gained insights into the latest AI advancements, ethical considerations, and innovative ways to integrate AI into legal practices while maintaining client-centered values.
Máté of Pro-Lawyer delivered a standout presentation, sharing an in-depth look into AI’s potential to enhance efficiency and productivity in legal work. His comprehensive 1.5-hour session sparked discussions on how AI can reshape client interactions, legal research, and case management.
Tony Maalouli Elected as ILF Chairman
In addition to inspiring presentations, the conference marked a pivotal moment for ILF, as Tony Maalouli was elected Chairman of ILF. With Tony’s extensive experience and visionary leadership, ILF is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious goals and strengthen its impact worldwide.
Alongside Tony’s appointment, Richard Schmidt was named Vice Chairman, with Rick Hein continuing as Secretary, and Alejandro Bettoni as Treasurer. The Board also welcomed the following newly elected members:
– Ana Demsorean
– Orlando Viera Blanco
– Rupert Croft
– Chong Kuan Keong
– Yordan Cholakov
Tony also introduced dedicated Regional Leaders, who will play a critical role in expanding membership and fostering collaboration within their respective regions.
Welcoming New Members to ILF
The Budapest conference celebrated the admission of four new law firms to ILF, further strengthening our network’s European presence and collaborative capabilities. We are pleased to welcome:
– Dimitrova, Cholakov and Partners (Sofia, Bulgaria)
– Law Firm Ivkovic & Kruc (Dubrovnik, Croatia)
– Charles LECURIEUX-CLERVILLE (Marseilles and Paris, France)
– NCR Lawyers (Belgrade, Serbia)
These new members bring additional expertise and valuable resources to the ILF community, enhancing our ability to serve clients with cross-border needs in Central and Eastern Europe.
Setting the Course for ILF’s Future
At the heart of the discussions were several initiatives aimed at reinforcing ILF’s role as a global network, including:
– Virtual Programs: A series of virtual sessions will be launched to facilitate continuous learning and engagement among members.
– Website Expansion: Members are invited to contribute articles to enrich ILF’s website, providing valuable content and increasing visibility for each member firm.
– Membership Fee Adjustments: To support ILF’s growth, members voted to raise the annual membership fee to USD 500, effective from 2025, ensuring that the network remains financially robust.
Looking Ahead to Singapore 2025
In a final vote, members selected Singapore as the location for the 2025 ILF Annual Conference, which will be hosted by Chong Chia & Lim LLC. Scheduled for October 17-19, 2025, the Singapore conference promises to build on the momentum of Budapest, gathering our community in another thriving international hub to explore the future of law.
Acknowledgements
ILF extends its sincere gratitude to Tony Maalouli for his leadership in guiding this conference, and to Richard Schmidt and the team at SMARTLEGAL Schmidt & Partners for their impeccable organization and warm hospitality. We would also like to thank all members who contributed to the success of this conference, including those who presented, participated, and provided invaluable insights.
With Budapest behind us and exciting plans on the horizon, ILF is poised for another remarkable year of growth, collaboration, and innovation in the legal profession.