ABA International Law Section Annual Conference 2026
The ABA International Law Section Annual Conference 2026 is a premier gathering organized by the American Bar Association's International Law Section. Scheduled for May 12-14, 2026, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., this event brings together legal professionals from around the world to discuss and address pressing international legal issues.
The conference will cover a diverse range of topics, including Arbitration & Mediation, Artificial Intelligence, Criminal Law, Human Rights, Litigation, Trade, Transactions, and issues pertinent to Young Lawyers. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in in-depth discussions, attend specialized sessions, and gain insights into the latest developments and challenges in these areas.
In addition to the educational sessions, the conference offers ample networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with peers, industry leaders, and experts from various sectors. Notable speakers, including esteemed JAMS neutrals such as Giuseppe De Palo, Esq., and Gilbert K. Squires, P.E., BCS, FCCA, DCIArb, will share their expertise and perspectives on critical issues facing the international legal community.
This conference is ideal for international attorneys, legal scholars, policymakers, and professionals interested in the evolving landscape of international law. Attendees will benefit from the comprehensive program, gaining valuable knowledge and connections that can enhance their practice and understanding of global legal trends.
Speakers(15)
Brian J. Egan
Partner, National Security at Skadden
Brian J. Egan is a Partner at Skadden in New York, focusing on national security law.
Cherine Foty
Senior Associate at Covington
Cherine Foty is a Senior Associate at Covington in Washington, D.C., currently serving as a legal secondee in litigation at Meta.
Efraim Chalamish
Senior Advisor, Israel Practice Leader at Kroll
Efraim Chalamish is a Senior Advisor and Israel Practice Leader at Kroll in New York, specializing in international business and law.
Gilbert K. Squires, P.E., BCS, FCCA, DCIArb
International Arbitrator & Mediator at JAMS
Gilbert K. Squires is an international arbitrator and mediator based in Miami, specializing in engineering and construction disputes.
Giuseppe De Palo, Esq.
International Arbitrator & Mediator at JAMS
Giuseppe De Palo is an international arbitrator and mediator based in New York, specializing in complex cross-border disputes.
Hernando Otero
International Arbitrator & Mediator, Professor at Washington College of Law, American University
Hernando Otero is an international arbitrator and mediator, and a professor at the Washington College of Law, American University in Washington, D.C.
Ileana Smeurneau
Legal Director at Pinsent Mason
Ileana Smeurneau is the Legal Director at Pinsent Mason in Paris, specializing in international arbitration.
Jeffrey G. Benz, Esq., FCIArb, FCollArb, CEDS
International Arbitrator & Mediator at JAMS
Jeffrey G. Benz is an international arbitrator and mediator based in London and Los Angeles, with expertise in sports and entertainment law.
Jeffrey M. Senger, Esq., FCIArb
International Arbitrator & Mediator at JAMS
Jeffrey M. Senger is an international arbitrator and mediator based in Washington, D.C., with extensive experience in dispute resolution.
Jessenia Vazcones-Yagual
AVP, Head of Private Company D&O Claims at Sompo
Jessenia Vazcones-Yagual is the Assistant Vice President and Head of Private Company D&O Claims at Sompo in New York.
Linda Lourie
Principal at Washington Circle Advisory Group
Linda Lourie is a Principal at Washington Circle Advisory Group in Washington, D.C., with expertise in defense and technology sectors.
Mario Búcaro
Attorney at Law and Diplomat
Mario Búcaro is an attorney and diplomat from Guatemala, with experience in international law.
Renata Maximiano
Federal Judge at Regional Labor Court of the 2nd Region
Renata Maximiano serves as a Federal Judge at the Regional Labor Court of the 2nd Region in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Sudhanshu Roy
Partner at Foley Hoag
Sudhanshu Roy is a Partner at Foley Hoag in Washington, D.C., focusing on international dispute resolution.
Tom Sullivan
Partner at Marks & Sokolov
Tom Sullivan is a Partner at Marks & Sokolov in Philadelphia, specializing in international arbitration and litigation.
Event Details
- Date
- May 12-14, 2026
- 3 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Washington, D.C., United States
- Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
- Audience
- International attorneys, legal scholars, policymakers, and professionals interested in international law.