Bonanza at the British Institute

There’s plenty for private international law aficionados to devour in programme of forthcoming events at the British Institute of International and Comparative Law.

First, on Friday 6 November, Jonathan Faull, Director General of the Commission Justice, Freedom and Security (JLS) Directorate is giving the Chalfen Memorial Lecture on “Law-making in Brussels”, giving perhaps an insight as to the likely future direction on civil justice policy in light of the forthcoming Stockholm Programme.

Secondly, on Tuesday 10 November, the Institute offers a first reaction to the Commission Proposal on Cross-Border Succession and Wills.  Chaired by Professor Jonathan Harris (University of Birmingham), the speakers include Professor Paul Matthews (King’s College, London), Richard Frimston (solicitor, London) and Oliver Parker (Ministry of Justice).

Thirdly, on 18 November 2009, in what promises to be a lively event, Professor Christian von Bar (Universität Osnabrück) will be entering the lion’s den to speak on the controversial topic of “A Model Civil Code for Europe?”.  Believers, agnostics and conflicts lawyers are equally welcome to register.  Lord Justice Rix chairs.

Last (but by no means least), the Herbert Smith Private International Law Seminar Series continues on 9 December 2009 with a session entitled “Jurisdiction Agreements on Trial: Current Problems – Future Solutions“.  Chaired by Filip De Ly (Erasmus University, Rotterdam), the speakers include Barbara Dohmann QC, Professor Harris and Professor Trevor Hartley (joint reporter for the Convention on Choice of Court Agreements).

The author is a Visiting Fellow in Private International Law at the British Institute of International and Comparative Law