-By Hrishikesh K. Chitale, first year LLB Law student
Introduction
As a representative of Coventry University, UK, I participated in the International Commercial Law Conference (‘’ICLC’’) held in Madrid, Spain. The conference was held between 24th-26th April 2024. Dr. David Ndolo, Dr. Margaret Liu, and Mr. Wilfred Chitembwe (Lecturers at Coventry Law School) offered a remarkable opportunity to Coventry law students across a wide level of study, ranging from 1st year law students to those pursuing LLM. The event was meticulously hosted by Professor Jordi at Nebrija University, Madrid for three days. There were diverse legal minds contributing to the ICLC from a total of five distinguished universities around the globe. Among them were the Universidad Nebrija, Coventry University, and Brunswick European Law School. Additionally, although virtual, the delegates from Universitas Islam Indonesia and Southwest University of Political Science and Law (‘’SWUPL’’) added invaluable insight into the ICLC.
Prior to the commencement of the conference, an inaugural welcome dinner was hosted, which provided a conducive environment for students to engage in networking. Thereafter, we heard staff student presentations on some of the most contemporary legal issues in Commercial Law, such as implications of generative AI in Intellectual Property Law (‘’IP’’), regulatory issues in corporate sustainability, etc.). This conference played a crucial role in developing commercial awareness.
‘’The Conference was interactive and a great networking opportunity. It enhanced my knowledge regarding Intellectual Property, in particular with AI inventions.’’
Greg Omoregbee (LLM, International Commercial Law)
On day 1, we heard staff presentations, among which Dr. Margaret Liu from Coventry University, talked comprehensively on Antisuit injunctions. Further, Dr. Fernando Diez Estella from Nebrija University presented on privacy and competition concerns in social media. Interestingly, he recommended attendees read certain books that were suggested to drastically change our perspective towards social media. Just before 1st day of the conference finished, there were group photos arranged for students from respective universities.
On day 2, we initially heard more presentations from professors followed by student presentations. Firstly, Dr. Luis A Garcia Segura, from Nebrija University presented the consequences of the use of AI in IP law from a music industry perspective, thereafter an LLM student, from Brunswick European Law School presented on EU’s Corporate Sustainability Directive. Conclusively, Srinisarga Nagaraja, and Greg Omoregbee LLM students from Coventry University presented the impact of mica mining in sustainability chains, and the rise in child labour, particularly in India.
‘’While the networking opportunities were a fascinating experience, this conference has played an imperative role in enhancing my commercial awareness from diverse jurisdictions.’’
Eboseremen Okojie (LLM, International Commercial Law)
Finally, just before calling the day, all students in the conference were split up to discuss and present any recent developments in international commercial law.
‘’The Conference was very inspiring. The conference provided insight into the operation of European regulations. It was fascinating to see Spain’s culture and heritage which provided a better landscape to understand Spanish laws.’’
Sulaymaan Jamil (1st year LLB Law)
The final day was all about student presentations. We heard numerous interesting presentations, such as a presentation from SWUPL on banking law, and a presentation from the Islamic University of Indonesia on environmental sustainability. At the end of the conference, an award for the top three best presentations was announced. Three different presenters from three distinct universities were nominated for best presentation. Notably, Sharan Sahota, Julia Sommer, and Hrishikesh Chitale, LLB students, from Coventry University achieved a first award for best presentation, which focused on the patentability challenges in AI.
‘’The conference was an insightful event as it let me connect with international universities and enriched my commercial awareness.’’
Nafisa Apbhai (3rd year LLB Law)
While each presentation was productive and contributed significantly to enhancing commercial awareness skills, notably, the intervals for refreshments during the conference played a pivotal role for students to engage in meaningful networking and building connections with students from other universities and professors. Pertinently, a few students also sought to understand the requirements to secure work experience at Nebrija University. This created an overall vibrant and collaborative atmosphere at the event.
‘’This experience was phenomenal. It expanded my network with students and professors from diverse universities, which is essential as a law student.’’
Cairos Lusakueno (1st year LLB Law)
In addition to the conference, students from the conference were also offered the privilege of visiting landmark Spanish governance and heritage. The landmark destinations were the Spanish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Royal Palace. These visits provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the operation of Spain’s constitutional institutions. This also allowed students to understand the background on which Spanish laws are developed.
Spanish Parliament (Congreso de los Diputados)
Conclusion
Overall, this conference was a total success and it comprehensively developed my public speaking ability, and commercial awareness, which are indeed essential skills as an aspiring solicitor. Consequently, I strongly suggest other students engage in similar opportunities offered by Coventry Law School. Even if you are not interested in commercial law, such events will help you gain invaluable knowledge and experience, which will thereby strengthen your essential skills required as an aspiring lawyer.