The International Bar Association (IBA) young lawyers conference opens on tuesday 26th of June 2018 at the Transcorp Hilton hotel, 1 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja from 10.00a.m.
The theme of the conference is “Fundamentals of International Legal Business Practice” and the training will be conducted in core areas of business law including mergers and acquisitions, dispute resolution and arbitration as well as emerging areas of law practice including technology law. The sessions are facilitated by astute experts who have extensive proficiency in the respective practice areas.
Oyeyemi Aderibigbe the Young Lawyers’ Liaison officer for IBA African regional forum will give a welcome remark while Anthony Atata, the Vice Chair of IBA-African regional forum will present an opening remark on the training.
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, A.B Mahmoud will deliver the keynote address.
The content of the conference will include:
SESSION 1: UNDERSTANDING THE ESSENTIALS OF CROSS-BORDER M & A TRANSACTIONS
Moderator: Olubukola Olabiyi, Odujinrin & Adefulu (Nigeria)
Speakers:
- Chike Obianwu, Templars (Nigeria)
- Olayemi Anyanechi, Sefton Fross (Nigeria)
- Fola Olusanya, Jackson, Etti & Edu (Nigeria)
- Diane Marcus-Okoko, Marcus-Okoko & Co. (Nigeria)
This session will cover the following core areas:
– basics of cross-border transactions, including management of preliminary matters and documentation, nondisclosure agreement(s), letter(s) of intent, term sheets and memoranda of understanding;
– insights into considerations that make for optimal deal structuring, highlighting
common pitfalls typically encountered during the negotiation and execution of such transactions;
– preparation and negotiation of principal transaction documents, including purchase agreements, shareholders agreements and other arrangements that are often negotiated and executed in transactional contexts;
– local law considerations that are relevant in cross-border transactions and other legal and regulatory matters that need to be identified and addressed for successful closing of transactions;
– general deal management skills for ensuring deal flow from start to finish.
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm SESSION 2: EMBRACING NEW FRONTIERS: FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS
FOR A CAREER IN MEDIA, ENTERTAINMENT AND TECHNOLOGY LAW.
Moderator: Dr. Nkiru Balonwu, RDF Strategies (Nigeria)
Speakers:
- Afam Nwokedi, Stillwaters (Nigeria)
- Mena Ajakpovi, Abraham & Co. (Nigeria)
- Basil Udotai, Technology Advisers (Nigeria)
- Helen Anatogu, Knowledge Resources (Nigeria)
This session will cover the following core areas:
– fundamentals of media, entertainment and technology law practice, including
YOUNG LAWYERS’ FINAL TRAINING PROGRAMME
FUNDAMENTALS OF INTERNATIONAL LEGAL BUSINESS PRACTICE: IBA YOUNG LAWYERS’ TRAINING
an overview of the relevant legislation, commercial considerations as well as the
intellectual property rights associated with media, entertainment and technology;
– understanding the skills required and subject matter specific legal issues that arise
in the course of engaging and advising clients who operate businesses within these
practice areas;
– drafting and negotiation of technology agreements and various local legislation which impact on the rights and obligations of parties involved in such transactions;
– structuring contracts to enable ease of enforcement of contractual rights and obligations.
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Lunch
Mentoring Session:
Speaker:
Donna Ogunnaike-Sodipo, ACAS-LAW (Nigeria)
Ms. Ogunnaike -Sodipo will share her professional experience, essential lessons/habits imbibed over the period and essential skills that enable professional advancement.
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL TRADE LAW:
Speaker:
Tola Onayemi, Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (Nigeria)
This session seeks to acquaint young lawyers with the rudiments of International Trade
Law against the backdrop of the recently signed African Continental Free Trade Area
Agreement championed by the African Union. The session will also address legal and
commercial issues arising in respect of negotiating and contracting international trade
agreements.
4.30 pm – 6.00 pm Session 3: INSIGHTS, PERSPECTIVES AND CORE PRINCIPLES OF
ARBITRATION AND ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Moderator: Funmi Roberts, Funmi Roberts and Co. (Nigeria)
Speakers:
- Prof. Paul Idornigie, SAN, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (Nigeria)
- Obosa Akpata, Patreli Partners (Nigeria)
- Doyin Rhodes- Vivour, Doyin Rhodes-Vivour & Co (Nigeria)
- Isaiah Bozimo, Broderick Bozimo & Co. (Nigeria)
This session will cover the following core areas:
– fundamental principles of domestic and international arbitration and alternative
dispute resolution mechanisms;
– regulatory framework and legal issues arising in domestic and international arbitration
as well as the mechanisms for effective dispute resolution in international business
practice;
– cultural dynamics at play in cross-border dispute resolution, as well as the divergence
in judicial and arbitral systems in the region.
YOUNG LAWYERS’ FINAL TRAINING PROGRAMME
FUNDAMENTALS OF INTERNATIONAL LEGAL BUSINESS PRACTICE: IBA YOUNG LAWYERS’ TRAINING
6.00 pm – 7.00 pm SESSION 4: DEVELOPING AND COMMUNICATING YOUR VALUE AS A LAWYER
Moderator: Kimathi Kuenyehia, Officer, IBA Young Lawyers’ Committee, Kimathi &
Partners, Corporate Attorneys (Ghana)
Speakers:
- Dr. Babatunde Ajibade, SAN, SPA Ajibade & Co. (Nigeria)
- Dr. Mirian Kachikwu, Seplat (Nigeria)
- Dapo Otunla, IHS Nigeria (Nigeria)
This session will focus on soft skills development and core areas of personal and professional grooming which enable professional advancement.
The session will also focus on the importance of personal development, time management, etiquette, the importance of managing perception, professionalism,etiquette, work-life balance and other essential skills that are to be cultivated over time for a successful career.
7:00 pm – 7.10 pm Closing Remarks
Olumide Akpata, Chairman, NBA-SBL
Closing Party
