Legal Commentary

"Globalization of the Legal Profession" Conference at Harvard Law

I'll be attending the "Globalization of the Legal Profession" conference at Harvard Law School this Friday (21 November), put on by HLS' Program on the Legal Profession.  Here's the  agenda, with some notables on the program including a keynote by Ben Heineman, and commentary across four panels from many other recognizable names such as:

• Stephen Denyer, International Development Partner of Allen & Overy;
• Prof. Marc Galanter of Wisconsin;
• Dean Elena Kagan of HLS;
• Peter Kalis, Chairman and Global Managing Partner of K&L/Gates;
• Prof. Ashish Nanda of HLS;
• Prof. Carole Silver of Georgetown; and
• Prof. David Wilkins of HLS.

Here's a brief description of the program:

Legal practice historically has been a largely parochial endeavor.  One need look no further than the complex debate within the United States about multi-jurisdictional practice between states (let alone questions of foreign lawyers practicing within the US) to see that the inherent complexities of the emerging global bar extend far beyond fitness and character to practice law.

In an age of rapid globalization, this is no longer merely the academic issue it might have been even a decade ago.  The largest law firms now span the globe, with thousands of lawyers carrying the banner of a single firm, yet residing in geographically diverse offices and practicing law in numerous states. [...]

What can we do - as international scholars, educators, and practitioners - to adapt to the rapidly-changing economic, social and political environment and prepare the next generation of lawyers - domestic and international - to meet the challenges that globalization will continue to present?

I'll be staying Thursday night at the Inn at Harvard.  If any of you will be there and you want to look me up, don't be shy.

Full post as published by Adam Smith, Esq. on November 19, 2008 (boomark / email).