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The International Law Section Gazette

Section News

ILS Chair's News & Notes

Dear ILS,

 

Last week was a busy week for the ILS! We had on-campus law school visits at both FSU and FIU, and rounded out the week with the FIFA welcome reception jointly sponsored by EASL and generously hosted by Weiss Serota. It was a tremendous (and sold out!) success, affording our members the chance to meet the heads of the FIFA legal team in an intimate setting. For those who were unable to attend, you’ll have a chance to hear from Emilio Garcia Silvero, FIFA’s Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, on February 7, 2025, at iLaw2025 as our keynote speaker. Speaking of iLaw2025, for those who missed it, a sneak peek of the program has been released! 

 

DON’T FORGET that the deadline to RSVP for the Orlando Holiday Luncheon is November 1st. Please email Deborah A. Kallas at dakallas@bmdpl.com if you would like to attend; see below for more information about this special event.

 

Please also check out the Study Abroad for Lawyers program shared below. The one-week program in Paris coincides with Paris Arbitration Week from April 6-12, 2025, and promises a rich cultural experience.

 

Have a great week!

Ana M. Barton, Esq.

Florida Bar ILS Chair

abarton@reedsmith.com

ILS 2024-2025 Calendar

  • October 31 deadline to submit application for Board Certification in International Litigation and Arbitration


  • November 5 – ILS Webinar on International Sports Law and Arbitration – the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (online)


  • November 13 – ILS at University of Florida Levin College of Law to speak to law students (Gainesville, FL)


  • November 14 – Orlando Holiday Luncheon (Orlando, FL)


  • November 15 – ILS is joining the Barcelona Bar Association, FIU College of Law and CEIA Florida Chapter in a discussion entitled: "La operatividad del arbitraje internacional desde la perspectiva del sistema estadounidense, europeo y el sistema español: Análisis desde un caso concreto” (Barcelona, Spain)


  • November 20 – Miami Finance Forum Venture Capital Event (Miami, FL)


  • November 22deadline to submit article drafts for the ILQ Winter 2025 edition


  • November 30–December 6MIAS Miami Arbitration Week (Miami, FL)


  • December 12 – ILS Holiday Reception at Sipsip Rum Bar rooftop (Miami, FL)


  • December 13 deadline for law schools to sign up for the ILS Richard DeWitt Memorial Vis Pre-Moot Competition (online)


  • January 17 deadline for volunteer arbitrators to sign up for the ILS Richard DeWitt Memorial Vis Pre-Moot Competition (online)


  • January 29 Lunch & Learn hosted by Fiduciary Trust International (Coral Gables, FL)


  • February 6 – ILS Mid-Year Meeting (Miami, FL)


  • February 7 – iLaw 2025 Conference (Miami, FL)


  • February 8 – Richard DeWitt Memorial Vis Pre-Moot Competition (Miami, FL)


  • March 1 – Pre-Moot Madrid Competition for law students (Miami, FL)


  • March 13 – Board Certification in International Law exam


  • March 19 Lunch & Learn hosted by Fiduciary Trust International (Coral Gables, FL)


  • May 16 – Board Certification in International Litigation and Arbitration exam


  • May 21 Lunch & Learn hosted by Fiduciary Trust International (Coral Gables, FL)


  • June – End of Year Chair's Reception (Boca Raton, FL)


  • June 27 – ILS Annual Meeting (Boca Raton, FL)

This Past Week

ILS and EASL Members Attend FIFA Welcome Reception at Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman!

ILS Secretary Laura Reich Meets with FIU Law International Law Student Association Members to Talk About Careers and Opportunities in International Law!

ILS Chair Ana Barton and Executive Council Member Frederic Rocafort Visit FIU College of Law to Meet with the International Law Student Association to Talk About Career Paths in International Law!

Announcements

October 31 Deadline to Apply for Board Certification in International Litigation and Arbitration is Approaching!

If you are a practitioner in International Litigation and Arbitration, The Board of Legal Specialization and Education invites you to consider Board Certification in this field.

 

Board-Certified attorneys have access to several exclusive benefits, including:

 

  • Board-Certified attorneys can state to the public that the Florida Bar has certified that they are experts in this field.
  • Only Board-Certified attorneys earn the title “B.C.S.”, which means Board-Certified Specialist, reflecting their expertise.
  • Board-Certified attorneys are listed in an online directory maintained by the Florida Bar.
  • Board-Certification is the Florida Bar’s highest designation of professional expertise in the field. You would join an exceptional group of only 35 Florida Bar members who are Board-Certified in International Litigation and Arbitration.
  • The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education has found that certification increases the likelihood that a prospective client will select one attorney over others by up to 40%.
  • Attorneys Board Certified by The Florida Bar are eligible for a 10% discount on their Florida Lawyers Mutual policy premium.
  • And many more.

 

Minimum standards for the international litigation and arbitration law certification, provided in Rule 6-31.3, include:

 

  • Practice of law for at least five years;
  • Substantial involvement in the specialty of international litigation and arbitration during the three years immediately preceding application;
  • Substantial involvement in a minimum of 16 contested international litigation and arbitration matters during the eight years immediately preceding application;
  • 50 hours of approved continuing legal education in the field of international litigation and arbitration in the five years immediately preceding application;
  • Peer review; and
  • A written examination.

 

There are significant resources available to applicants seeking to become Board-Certified in International Litigation and Arbitration, including an outline of topics, sample questions, reference materials, and more. To learn more, visit:  International Litigation & Arbitration Certification – The Florida Bar.

 

Applicants seeking to meet their CLE requirements should consider attending the multiple events organized by the International Law Section and conferences held in Florida by other organizations. Additionally, many CLE platforms, including PLI and others, offer courses that count towards Board Certification requirements. The Board of Legal Specialization and Education has staff liaisons to guide applicants who may have questions in this regard.

 

The deadline for applications is October 31, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to start their applications early. 

 

Applicants who have questions or need help navigating the application process may call (850-561-5768) or email Charlotte Bell at CBell@floridabar.org

Save the Date for the Annual ILS Orlando Luncheon Set for November 14 at the Citrus Club!

Come be a part of the always memorable Annual Orlando Luncheon on November 14 at 11:30 a.m. at the beautiful Citrus Club. Please RSVP by November 1st to Deborah Kallas at dakallas@bmdpl.com. Can't wait to see you there!

Register Now for the ILS Webinar on International Sports Law and Arbitration: The FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) and the Court of Arbitration for Sport!

To register, please click the flyer above or click here!

Register Now For the Miami Finance Forum's Venture Capital Event Partnered by the ILS, Florida Venture Forum, and eMerge Americas!

Don't miss Venture Capital 2024! Join us on November 20th at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in Brickell to connect with key players in Miami's entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Miami Finance Forum invites you to explore the latest trends in venture capital and discover the most promising investment opportunities. MEMBERS: $80 NON-MEMBERS: $105. 


Expand your network, meet innovative entrepreneurs, and leading investment funds in the industry. This is your chance to be part of a unique event in the heart of Miami! 


To purchase a ticket, please click the flyer above or click here!

Register Now For the Miami International Arbitration Society's (MIAS) 2024 Miami Arbitration Week


Register now for the 2024 Miami Arbitration Week hosted by the Miami International Arbitration Society (MIAS), which will delve into four exciting themes. The first, "Art Arbitration," aligns with the timing of Art Basel Miami (Dec 6-8). Another highlight will be "Sports Arbitration," anticipating the 2025 World Cup and reflecting the rise in Miami's sports prominence following Messi's recent move to Inter Miami CF.

LatAm Investor-State Arbitration is the focus of the week's flagship all-day conference on Sunday December 1st at the University of Miami. This debate led challenging conference is now recognized as the world's leading conference on Investor-State Arbitration.


To learn more, view the program, and to register, please click the flyer above or click here!


Save the Date for iLaw 2025!

Register Now for the Study Abroad for Lawyers in Paris Program Set for April 6 to April 12!

To learn more about this unique study abroad program for lawyers in Paris, please click the flyer above or click here!

Member Spotlight!

ILS Member Jennifer Diaz Receives AV Preeminent Rating and Features as a Moderator at the Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE)

For the 13th Year in a Row, Jennifer Diaz Receives AV Preeminent Rating – Jennifer Diaz was awarded the AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell. Martindale-Hubbell published the first American Law Directory in 1887 and has been evaluating attorneys for their legal ability and ethical standards for more than 130 years. The AV Preeminent rating is the highest rating a lawyer can receive and is only awarded to 10% of attorneys. Attorneys only receive this distinction if they achieve the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards. 


Jennifer Diaz Featured Moderator at the Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE) - The Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE) welcomed 70 countries and 2000 attendees to Fort Lauderdale, Florida for a unique opportunity to engage high-level government leaders, international trade experts, and delegations from around the world. Jennifer Diaz moderated a panel titled "How to Import into the U.S." featuring speakers from CBP, CPSC, the FDA, and the USDA. 

The International Law Quarterly

Just Published: The International Law Quarterly - Spring 2024 on "This or That"

The Spring 2024 Issue of the International Law Quarterly - "This or That" is now available.


Click on the images above to download or please click here!


For all previous issues of the International Law Quarterly, please follow this link.

Call for Member Submissions for the ILS Gazette!

Join the International Law Section!


If you are reading the Gazette, chances are that you are a practitioner or a student with an interest in International Law, one of the most wide-ranging, exciting and challenging legal specialties. Everyone in our field knows how crucial it is to stay on top of diverse and evolving national legal regimes, and at the same time, the difficulty of keeping meticulously up-to-date on developments around the world.


The International Law Section (ILS) of The Florida Bar is here to help you, the practitioner, navigate both the everyday and big-picture challenges of our field. Our Section is your forum to share knowledge and best practices, and to meet and mingle with peers in professional collaborations that can only enhance your grasp of the specialty and your standing among clients and peers.


Let ILS membership assist you in developing a thriving international practice through peer network development that includes important shared learnings and reciprocal referrals of clients and casework.


If your practice transcends borders, join us in making this the authoritative, go-to forum for Florida and the gateway to the region for anyone practicing International Law. Our Section is open to lawyers from other states and countries, full-time faculty at U.S. law schools, and full-time U.S. law students, all of whom may participate as associate members. For more information regarding membership with the ILS, click HERE.


Turn in your membership application TODAY!



Join an ILS Committee Today!

 

Amicus Committee

 

Chair: Edward Mullins

emullins@reedsmith.com

 

Arbitration & Mediation Committee


Chair: Javier Samaniego

javier.samaniego@osborneclarke.com


Asia Committee

 

Chairs: Neha Dagley | Fred Rocafort

neha.dagley@dagleylaw.com

fred@harrisbricken.com

 

CLE Initiatives Committee

 

Chair: Kristin Drecktrah Paz

kpaz@pbyalaw.com

 

Europe Committee

 

Chairs: Susanne Leone | Davide Macelloni

sleone@leonezhgun.com

dmacelloni@drbdc-law.com

 

Foreign Legal Consultant Committee

 

Chair: Robert J. Becerra

rbecerra@rjbecerralaw.com

 

iLaw Steering Committee

 

Chairs: Davide Macelloni | Adrian Nuñez

dmacelloni@drbdc-law.com

nuneza@gtlaw.com

 

ILS Deskbook Committee

 

Co-Editors: Robert Kossick | Laura Reich | Larry S. Rifkin | Clarissa Rodriguez | Pamella Seay

robert.kossick@harrisbricken.com

lsrifkin@rifkinfox.com

lreich@harpermeyer.com

crodriguez@harpermeyer.com

p-seay@usa.net

 

ILS Gazette Committee

 

Chair: Matthew Akiba

makiba@b2b.legal

 

Immigration Liaison Committee


Chair: Larry S. Rifkin

lsrifkin@rifkinfox.com


International Law Board Certification Committee

 

Chair: Robert J. Becerra

rbecerra@rjbecerralaw.com


International Law Quarterly Committee

 

Chairs: Jeff Hagen | Jennifer Mosquera

jhagen@harpermeyer.com

 jmosquera@sequorlaw.com


International Litigation and Arbitration Board Certification Committee

 

Chair: Kristin Drecktrah Paz

kpaz@pbyalaw.com


International Tax Law Committee

 

Chair: Jeff Hagen

jhagen@harpermeyer.com

 

Law School Liaison Committee

 

Chairs: Prof. Manuel A. Gomez | Laura Reich

magomez@fiu.edu

lreich@harpermeyer.com

 

Legislative Committee

 

Chair: Carlos F. Osorio

 cosorio@osorioint.com

 

Lunch & Learn Committee

 

Chair: Jacqueline Villalba

jvillalba@harpermeyer.com


North America Committee

 

Chair: Nouvelle Gonzalo

ngonzalo@gonzalolaw.com

  

Richard DeWitt Memorial Vis Pre-Moot Committee

 

Chair: Priscila Bandeira

pbandeira@duanemorris.com

 

White Collar Crime Committee

 

Chair: Robert J. Becerra

rbecerra@rjbecerralaw.com

Visit Our Sponsors

The ILS Thanks its Sponsors 


In light of what we accomplished this past year, we hope you will continue to support the Section as a sponsor. In 2023-2024, various firms, companies and suppliers sponsored the Section. 


We look forward to another year of innovative programs where we can advance international law and further promote our sponsors. To learn more, read the Section's sponsorship package. You can also contact our Treasurer, Davide Macelloni at dmacelloni@drbdc-law.com or Vice Treasurer, Jeffrey Hagen at jhagen@harpermeyer.com for more details.

ILS Board Members and Officers


Chair: Ana M. Barton

Chair-Elect: Cristina Vicens Beard

Secretary: Laura Reich

Treasurer: Davide Macelloni

Vice-Treasurer: Jeffrey S. Hagen

Immediate Past Chair: Richard Montes de Oca

ILS Executive Council


Terms Expiring 2025


Gary Birnberg

Phillip Buhler

Jennifer Diaz

Kristin Drecktrah Paz

Prof. Manuel A. Gomez

Omar K. Ibrahem

Adrian Nunez

Pamella A. Seay


Terms Expiring 2026



Matthew Akiba

Lauren Bengochea

Neha Dagley

Gary E. Davidson

Nouvelle Gonzalo

Susanne Leone

Jennifer Mosquera


Terms Expiring 2027


Priscila Bandeira

Fabio Giallanza

Penelope Perez-Kelly

Frederic Rocafort



To learn more about the ILS Executive Council Members, click here!

About the ILS Gazette

The ILS Gazette is a weekly publication of the Florida Bar International Law Section that informs members about upcoming programs, initiatives and resources.


If you have any questions about the Gazette or wish to include an announcement in future publications, please contact our ILS Gazette Editor, Matthew Akiba at matt.akiba12@gmail.com.

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