Recently, members of our international team attended the Alliott Global Alliance EMEA Conference in Sofia, Bulgaria, with Nicole Marmor, Head of Private Wealth, speaking on a panel on social media, and Jean-Paul da Costa, Head of Corporate and Commercial, giving the conference his insights on AI.

Paul Marmor, Head of International, recently attended an invitation-only meeting of the IBA’s leaders in Bucharest, Romania. Indeed, Paul soon takes over as the senior chair of the International Bar Association’s Law Firm Management Committee, which is one of the most prestigious and powerful sections of the IBA.  The IBA itself is an association made up of approximately 100,000 lawyers from across the world, which is seen as the voice of the global legal profession, which lobbies on important issues relating to the rule of law and human rights, and also stands as an excellent networking platform to help us expand our international reach.

Through our involvement in the AGA and the IBA, there is quite literally nowhere in the world beyond our reach, to help our clients, friends and contacts with all their legal and professional needs.

If you would like more information then please speak to Paul Marmor

 

Think International,

Think Sherrards!

Paul Marmor, head of Sherrards’ international litigation department, was able to provide insights as to how the international legal industry is getting on and, in particular, Britain’s contribution to exporting legal services across the global community.

This is part of a process by which the Bank of England has a network of agents based across the country, who gather insights from all sectors of the economy through their confidential discussions with businesses and community organisations. Those insights help to inform policy-making – for example, the Monetary Policy Committee’s interest rate decisions.

Lai Wah Co stated: “Hearing directly from law firms like Sherrards is very helpful as part of my economic intelligence gathering discussions with businesses across all industries.  I’m grateful to Paul Marmor for sharing his time and valuable insights.” 

Paul Marmor added: “As a firm, we are proud to be able to provide the Bank of England with a ground-level perspective, from a business standpoint, on confidence levels and what we perceive the general mood to be, from the kind of businesses and sectors that we deal with regularly.  We are expressing our own views as lawyers, but also sharing the feedback from our clients, friends and contacts.”

For more information about Sherrards’ banking team and our international offering, and/or how to provide intelligence to the Bank of England, please contact Paul Marmor, head of litigation and international services, on +44 207 478 9010 or pdm@sherrards.com.

 

The chair of the conference was Laurel Zhang, Legal Director and Head of China and Southeast Asia Group at Sherrards and a leading member of ACLE.  The conference was held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in London’s Park Lane, providing an ideal setting for some extraordinary keynote speeches, invaluable networking opportunities and unforgettable moments.

The event included an impressive line-up of VIP guests and speakers, focussing on the growth of AI and the ongoing effects and impacts it will have on the legal and financial industries. Among the distinguished speakers were The Honourable Lord Daniel Brennan KC, whose expertise in legal matters and technology provided invaluable insights into the intersection of AI and law. Mingqin Ding, Minister Counsellor for Science & Technology at the Chinese Embassy, shared perspectives on fostering international collaboration in AI research and development. Yi Guo, a top executive for one of the largest and best-known internet companies in the world, flew in from Shanghai to give a keynote speech on the applications of AI to industry, whilst Mickael Laurans, Head of International at The Law Society, emphasised the importance of ethical considerations in the adoption of AI technologies within the legal profession. Together with other Keynote speakers such as Charlie Cao, CEO from China Telcome Europe and Mr Zhuocun Lin, President of Tuspark UK and German Professor Eric Hilgendorf etc.

A highlight of the conference was the thought-provoking session on “How AI will transform the practice of law,” delivered by Sherrards’ very own Jean-Paul da Costa, Partner and Head of Corporate and Commercial. Drawing from his extensive experience, Jean-Paul provided attendees with a comprehensive review of the past changes in technology and the future opportunities and challenges presented by AI in reshaping legal practices globally.

The event concluded with a black-tie gala dinner during which Paul Marmor, Partner and Head of Sherrards’ International Services, provided closing remarks, wrapping up an extraordinary day.

The collaboration between Sherrards, ACLE, and CBAIA reflects a shared vision of advancing knowledge and promoting collaboration in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and law. Sherrards extends heartfelt thanks to ACLE and CBAIA for their invaluable support in making this event a resounding success.

For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:

Paul Marmor, Head of International Services (pdm@sherrards.com / +44 207 478 9010) or

Laurel Zhang, Head of China and Southeast Asia Group (laurel.zhang@sherrards.com / +44 207 478 9010)

In early March, Arthur Byng Nelson, Sherrards’ Head of Art & Heritage, attended TEFAF in Maastricht the leading art and antiques fair in Europe, as part of the At Business Conference.

Founded in 2014, The Art Business Conference is a leading global platform delving into pivotal topics within the contemporary art market. These one-day conferences attract senior art professionals, providing invaluable knowledge and insight for individuals involved in managing art businesses or collections.

Arthur advises clients on strategy, law and tax on all matters relating to collectibles. TEFAF is the fair to attend if you are looking to purchase museum-quality items: for example a painting by Guercino (1599-1666) see below of St. Sebastian, an ancient Egyptian relic or some highly unusual (and expensive!) jewellery. If you ever would like to attend he would be pleased to see what he can do for you.

Arthur also enjoyed the half-day Art Business Conference and made new contacts at museums in France and Belgium, as well as with a number of collectors and dealers.

See here Arthur with some of his fellow members of PAIAM (Professional Advisors to the International Art Market) and some photographs he took of works on his wishlist. 

Paul Marmor, Head of Litigation and International Services, recently visited the offices of our Alliott Global Alliance (“AGA”) correspondent law firms in Dallas and New York – Platt Richmond and Golenbock Eiseman Assor Bell & Peskoe – and gave a presentation to each on the topic of UK/USA relations post-Brexit, where Paul explained how the trading relationship has been affected in a post-Brexit world.

Paul set out the good, the bad and the ugly from all perspectives.  Paul also gave the same presentation to AGA’s North American annual meeting in Palm Springs, California, attended by over 70 members from the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Paul is pictured presenting a ceremonial gift to each law firm, with the Managing Partner of Platt Richmond, Bob Daniels, and a number of his colleague, and with Jeff Berger, the Managing Partner of Golenbocks.  Paul is presenting David Gauke’s book entitled The Case for the Centre Right, which is a collection of essays on politics in the UK at this time, with special emphasis on Brexit, including contributions from Rory Stewart, Daniel Finklestein  and Dominic Grieve and others.

For more information about our connectivity, clients and friends across the Americas, through our involvement in the AGA, the American Bar Association and the International Bar Association, and for our legal perspectives relating to Brexit, then please reach out to Paul Marmor on +44 20 7478 9010 or pdm@sherrards.com, or visit www.sherrards.com.

The event brings together Trust and Estate Litigators from across the globe to network and learn about recent contentious proceedings and updates.

This year, the Trusts & Estates Litigation Forum will take place 4-6th February 2024, and will be hosted in the city of Marrakech, Morocco.

Charles Burrell, Senior Associate and Head of Contentious Trusts and Estates will be in attendance and representing Sherrards.

Charles said “It is a pleasure to be attending the Forum on behalf of the firm. I am excited to connect with fellow professionals and build relationships with my peers across the globe..”

If you are attending the Trust & Estates Litigation Forum and would like to meet with Charles while you are there, please reach out to him on the details below.

Paul Marmor, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution & International, and Laurel Zhang, Head of China and South East Aisa Desk, recently met with Senior Partner Alex HY Leung of Leung and Co as part of the Alliott Global Alliance (AGA) international collaboration. This meeting was kindly hosted at the AGA offices in Convent Garden.

The meeting also included esteemed figures such as Giles Brake, CEO of the Alliott Global Alliance, and Qi He of Alliotts LLP.

Sherrards continue to attend and host meetings with our international partners through the Alliott Global Alliance and International Bar and American Bar Association as part of our commitment to establishing our global presence as well as highlighting our top-notch legal services that cross borders.

For more information, please contact paul.marmor@sherrards.com

The event was organised by Laurel Zhang, Head of China & Southeast Asia Group, and her connections with the Chinese Tax Specialists. Laurel is part of the Corporate & Commercial team, based in London and she speaks fluent Mandarin and English. She commented, “We provide a lot of support to companies looking to do business in the UK coming in from China, Hong Kong and across Asia and one of the key benefits we can provide is cultural and language support as well as plenty of experience operating in the region and discuss our experience with the delegation.”

The event began with an introduction from Paul Marmor, Head of International and Dispute Resolution, who introduced Sherrards, its history and each spokesperson from Sherrards for the morning. Paul then discussed the amazing history and importance of ‘The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple’ and how legal practitioners are split into Solicitors & Barristers within the UK. He informed the audience of how Sherrards is a member of the American Bar Association (ABA), the International Bar Association (IBA) and the Alliott Global Alliance (AGA) with Sherrards having individual desks for Germany, China, France, USA, and eastern-Europe. A truly global law Firm.

Jean-Paul da Costa, head of Corporate and Commercial, was the first to present to the group. He discussed the ways the Government use incentives like tax to influence the UK’s economy and how the government have several tax incentive schemes to influence investors such as the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS), the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Venture Capital Trusts Scheme (VCT). Jean-Paul also covered Tax breaks a tool to influence UK business activity. This included the Entrepreneurs Relief (Business Asset Disposal Relief) scheme, small businesses not being charged for VAT for the first £85,000, and the Corporate Venturing Scheme (CVS). He then discussed the methods the Government use to boost the economic activity of employees such as the Enterprise Management Incentives (EMI), Share Incentive Plans (SIPs) and the Employee Ownership Trusts (EOT) programs. The final area Jean-Paul spoke about was presenting a global perspective to show in what ways that UK economy is unique worldwide. He commented, “Much of Sherrards’ work is related to FDI (Foreign direct investment) to the UK with specialist teams focussing on IP (Intellectual Property), corporate & property (real estate) structures as well as litigation and we were only too happy to share our knowledge with the delegation”.

Aleksandra Rychlewska, Legal Assistant in the Litigation department, then gave a thorough explanation of the UK’s Legal System, informing the delegation of the four factors that make the UK legal system an attractive choice for international parties to resolve their commercial disputes. These included the expertise, specialisation, and independent judiciary that the UK possess, the tradition of the Common Law, the Enforceability of Judgements across jurisdictions and alternative dispute resolution options.

Guy Morgan, Partner in our Commercial Property department then gave a detailed description of the Commercial Property market in England with a summary of concepts in English Property law and the challenges that the UK economy face post-pandemic and with the economic and political climate, including issues like climate change & technological change. Guy then gave an overview of key property taxes such as the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) and Value Added Tax (VAT) to inform the audience on the UK’s tax system. Guy concluded his presentation with a ‘glimpse into the future’, which addressed the possible changes that 2024’s General election will bring to the UK.

The final spokesperson from Sherrards was Greg Pooler who gave a presentation on Disclosure and cross-border data transfers. He explained what disclosure is and its importance in law, along-side the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) and how it influences legal practice in the UK. This was followed by examples of Sherrards past experiences with disclosure across jurisdictions including how Sherrards were advised on the Chinese regime and it’s three pillars – Data Security Law, The Personal Information Protection Law, and State Secrets Law. Greg then listed key UK laws and their influence; Data Security Law (Article 36), Personal Information Protection Law (Article 41) and the Securities Law (Article 25).

The event finished with a visit to the “Great Hall” and networking.

 

Sherrards has recently had confirmation from the Department for Business and Trade that we have been accepted as a member of its UK Investment Support Directory.

The UK Investment Support Directory is a collection of companies that have skills and experience in helping overseas businesses set up or expand in the UK.  It is an online tool which helps international investors find advisors in the UK, and is hosted website and is often used by British  embassies and consulates across the world as a starting point by way for an introduction to English law firms among other professionals.

https://www.great.gov.uk/international/investment-support-directory/OC352466/sherrards-solicitors-llp/?verbose=true

Sherrards’ International Connectivity

Paul Marmor, Sherrards’ head of international services, comments: “ The UK is an outstanding  place with so many reasons to invest  here.  I am proud to say that Sherrards can provide  businesses setting up and or making investments in the UK, or individuals making lifestyle moves  to the UK, with the professional and legal support they need.  Our international connectivity both UK  inbound and outbound  is second to none. That’s through our continued relationship with the Department for Business and Trade via the investment support directory, as well as  our involvement in organisations such as the International Bar Association, The American bar Association  and the Alliott Global Alliance. Indeed, our international relationships continue to be at the heart of our practice’s footprint.”

Why invest in the UK?

The UK offers a first-class environment to reliably expand, trade and invest, as promoted by the Department for Business and Trade, given that the UK has a mature, high-spending consumer market and an open, liberal economy, world-class talent and a business-friendly regulatory environment.  The UK’s language, legal system, funding environment and time-zone, and lack of red tape, helps make the UK one of the easiest markets to set-up, scale and grow a business.

 www.great.gov.uk/international/content/investment/why-invest-in-the-uk/

For more information on our international offering contact Paul Marmor on pdm@sherrards.com.

Click on the image below to head to the Department for Business and Trade’s website, and to see the Sherrards profile within:

This first Class Panel at the The Law Society London, UK, was focused on best practice for attracting & retaining talent in the legal profession across the globe. Over 150 attendees from around the globe were in attendance.

The impressive panel included a keynote session from David Gauke, Head of Public Policy at Macfarlanes, speaking from his perspective as former Minister of Justice & Lord Chancellor, David focused on the next generation and a desire to protect the rule of law, among many other points.

Paul was also joined by Claire Sanders of Being Human, who explored best ways to harness the younger generation.

Paulo Rocha, Managing Partner of leading Brazilian law firm Demarest Advogados, confirmed that talent-related issues are the same globally.

Lisa Göransson, head of the Nordic desk at Allen & Overy, and also IBA officer from the Women’s Committee, focused on the need to focus on women in the profession.

Paul Marmor comments: “We set out a range of points and thoughts on how to attract and retain talent into the legal profession which is an area of focus for the IBA and, indeed, for Sherrards which is at the heart of much of our thinking as a legal profession especially through our Sherrards Training Academy.”