International Jurists 2013 AGM

Lawyers from across the world attended the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Jurists, a global legal network, held in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Background

Members of the network from as far afield as Chile, Colombia, Israel and South Africa, as well as European countries including Germany, Italy and France, attended the organisation’s AGM for 2013 over four days in June.

The delegation was hosted by UK law firm Sintons, a member of International Jurists since 2008, which offered its international guests an array of activities during their stay alongside the formal conference business, to allow delegates to build and strengthen relationships with one another, while also showcasing some of the sights and attractions that NewcastleGateshead and the North East of England have to offer.

International Jurists has over 35 member firms from 30 countries globally, and offers a forum for like-minded law firms to form close relationships which can aid their ability to work together across the continents. Through International Jurists, access can be gained to over 1,200 lawyers around the world.

The 2013 AGM was held in the North East of England for the first time in the network’s history, and involved a day-long meeting at Newcastle University Business School, for members to reflect on the past year and plan the 12 months ahead.

Social programme

Sintons, one of only two International Jurists members in the UK, ensured there was a strong social side to the four-day visit. Activities included a conference dinner followed by a Ceilidh with a traditional Northumbrian band, tours of the city, Vindolanda Roman Fort, Alnwick Castle, Holy Island and a tennis tournament.

Testimonials

Christopher Welch, Partner at Sintons and part of the management board of International Jurists, said: “We are very proud members of International Jurists and were delighted to welcome our fellow members to the North East. As well as the work of the formal conference, we were able to promote the North East as a place to do business. It is always good to meet with our friends and colleagues from other jurisdictions and share common experiences, as well as having the opportunity to enjoy a bit of ‘down time’ together. This helps to create strong working relationships across the continents.”

Dr Gunther Kreuzer, Chairman of International Jurists and Senior Partner of Dr. Kreuzer & Coll, based in Nuremberg, Germany, said: “This year’s AGM was particularly successful, and every one of our members thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the North East of England. We are very grateful to Sintons for hosting such a fantastic trip.”

The keynote speakers also stressed the significance of the International Jurists’ visit to the region.

Dr Joanna Berry, Director of Engagement at Newcastle University Business School, said: “The Business School is a very busy place: we attract students and academics from all over the globe. So hosting such events like the prestigious International Jurists’ AGM helps to place the region on the world stage.

“The Business School is dedicated to forging meaningful connections across the globe, and it is through such opportunities, like this meeting, that we are able to showcase the very best of the region, in terms of both business and the beauty of the North East.”

Alex Green, from the UKTI Investment Services Team, said: “The International Jurists’ AGM recently hosted by Sintons law firm is a great example of leading businesses from across the globe coming together to work in partnership.

“Not only does it encourage collaborative working across geographical markets, but it also allows the UK, and in this instance the North East in particular, to be showcased as a premier business location.”