Stewarts sponsored the ConTrA (the Contentious Trusts Association) Trusts in Litigation conference in Helsinki which took place on the 6 – 7 February 2020.
This hugely popular event was attended by over 200 delegates from the UK and various offshore territories. The attendees braving the snow storms from Stewarts were James Price, Head of the Trust and Probate Litigation team, Luca del Panta, an associate in the team, and Matthew Humphries and Voirrey Ward from the Divorce and Family team.
This was the third year of the conference which aims to facilitate debate between lawyers from around the world on the issues facing their clients. Those attending praise the organisers for their ability to achieve those discussions, and the event in Helsinki was no exception, achieved in part by James’s and Rachael Reynolds’ dynamic co-chairing of the first day of the conference.
The topics ranged from civil fraud, charitable companies and fiduciary duties, to a lively debate on whether firewalls should be dismantled. Referring to one, more unusual topic, Matthew commented:
“Arguably the most specialist subject award was won by the debate over who owns a tattoo on a deceased body and whether that constitutes property? I am not sure the answer will play a significant role in my future career but it was nonetheless fascinating.”
The key note speakers were ‘swapped’ due to last minute travel problems for Lewis Goodall, policy editor of Newsnight. He managed to resolve those and gave a fascinating and informative presentation 24 hours later than scheduled on “Ethics in the news – fake news and reporting on Brexit”.
Mr Justice Mostyn, unhesitatingly stepped in as the first day’s key note speaker and reminded us all what a wonderful and entertaining speaker he is. Part II of “Not in my Court” was as informative as it was humorous. He gave lessons many lawyers need to learn about the benefits of lawyers’ correspondence, even questioning whether there are any such benefits at all. Those delegates not particularly familiar with the Central Family Court were intrigued about the draft guidance in circulation regarding the welfare of the lawyers and staff working in that Court. This includes counsel not being expected to reply to emails received after 6pm until the following working day.
Matthew commented:
“The ConTrA conference has quickly become an event not to be missed. The quality of the presentations is fabulous and in particular the debates between the panels and the audience are engaging and informative.”
James added:
“I am delighted to have been involved in the latest, and arguably most successful, ConTrA Conference. The content was first rate and all speakers had worked hard on their presentations. Many thanks to my co-chairs, and to the organisers, Informa Connect, for their faultless planning.”
You can find further information regarding our expertise, experience and teams on our Trust and Probate Litigation, and Divorce and Family pages.
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