The Half-Year May Conference, organized by the International Association of Young Lawyers (AIJA), is scheduled to take place from May 27 to 30, 2026, in Bruges, Belgium. This event serves as a platform for young legal professionals to engage in discussions on contemporary legal challenges and developments.
The conference will feature two primary tracks: "The New Economy – Legal Challenges in Times of Change" and "In the Crossfire – Technology, Law, and the Defense of Freedoms." These sessions will address topics such as navigating fragmented international markets, the impact of geopolitical tensions on legal practices, and the ethical considerations surrounding advanced technologies.
In addition to the academic sessions, attendees can participate in various networking events set against the backdrop of Bruges' historic architecture and canals. The social program includes receptions, local cultural experiences, and a gala evening, providing ample opportunities for professional connections and cultural enrichment.
This conference is ideal for young lawyers, legal scholars, and industry professionals seeking to stay abreast of evolving legal landscapes, expand their professional networks, and gain insights into the intersection of law, technology, and global economic shifts.
Speakers(16)
Adrian Zarm
Partner at CMS Law
Adrian Zarm is a Partner at CMS Law in Germany and a speaker on the panel discussing legal challenges in drone defense alliances.
An Van Leuven
CEO at Cyberconnect BV
An Van Leuven is the CEO of Cyberconnect BV in Belgium and a speaker on the panel discussing the legal fallout of ransomware attacks.
Arthur St ssi
President at AIJA
Arthur St ssi is the President of AIJA and will deliver the welcome address at the Half-Year May Conference 2026.
Arthur Stüssi
President at AIJA
Arthur Stüssi is the President of AIJA and will deliver the welcome address at the Half-Year May Conference 2026.
Conor O Leary
Partner at Mason Hayes & Curran
Conor O Leary is a Partner at Mason Hayes & Curran in Ireland and will moderate the plenary session on the legal fallout of ransomware attacks.
Conor O’Leary
Partner at Mason Hayes & Curran
Conor O’Leary is a Partner at Mason Hayes & Curran in Ireland and will moderate the plenary session on the legal fallout of ransomware attacks.
Frederik Laevens
Partner at MVVP
Frederik Laevens is a Partner at MVVP in Belgium and will moderate the plenary session on legal challenges in drone defense alliances.
Jo l Pahud
Partner at OBERSON ABELS SA
Jo l Pahud is a Partner at OBERSON ABELS SA in Switzerland and will moderate the plenary session on the legal fallout of ransomware attacks.
Joël Pahud
Attorney at OBERSON ABELS SA
Joël Pahud is an attorney at OBERSON ABELS SA in Switzerland and will co-moderate the session on ransomware attacks.
Koen Ceulemans
Officer at Belgium Army
Koen Ceulemans is an officer in the Belgium Army and a speaker on the panel discussing legal challenges in drone defense alliances.
Mirko Kikkam gi
Legal Counsel at Tegos
Mirko Kikkam gi is a Legal Counsel at Tegos in Estonia and a speaker on the panel discussing legal challenges in drone defense alliances.
Mirko Kikkamägi
Representative at Tegos
Mirko Kikkamägi represents Tegos in Estonia and is both a speaker and session coordinator for the panel on drone defense alliances.
Paulina Siewielec-Przychodze n
Attorney at Doma nski Zakrzewski Palinka (DZP)
Paulina Siewielec-Przychodze n is an attorney at Doma nski Zakrzewski Palinka (DZP) in Poland and a speaker on the panel discussing legal challenges in drone defense alliances.
Paulina Siewielec-Przychodzeń
Attorney at Domański Zakrzewski Palinka (DZP)
Paulina Siewielec-Przychodzeń is an attorney at Domański Zakrzewski Palinka (DZP) in Poland and serves as both a speaker and session coordinator for the panel on drone defense alliances.
Prof. Johan Galle
Professor at HOWEST University of Applied Sciences
Prof. Johan Galle is a Professor at HOWEST University of Applied Sciences in Belgium and a speaker on the panel discussing the legal fallout of ransomware attacks.
Steven Krekels
CEO at Senhive
Steven Krekels is the CEO of Senhive in Belgium and a speaker on the panel discussing legal challenges in drone defense alliances.
Event Details
- Date
- May 27-30, 2026
- 4 days
- Location
- 🇧🇪 Bruges, Belgium
- Bruges Exhibition, Meeting and Congress Centre (BMCC)
- Pricing
- Varies by tier
- Audience
- Young lawyers, legal scholars, and industry professionals