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The International Law Section Gazette

Section News

ILS Chair's News & Notes

Dear ILS,

 

As summer starts to wind down, ILS programming for the year is kicking into high gear. With so many events and important deadlines to keep track of, we will start providing a quick reference of key dates in the Gazette. We will be updating this list weekly, so please continue to check in and don’t miss out! 

 

Did you know that The Florida Bar has two different Board Certifications that the ILS helps administer? There’s Board Certification in International Law and the more recent Board Certification in International Litigation & Arbitration. Becoming Board Certified involves a two-step process: first you must apply to sit for the exam; and then, if the application is accepted, you must sit for the exam. The application deadlines are fast approaching—August 31 for International Law, and October 31 for International Litigation & Arbitration. The exams will take place on March 13, 2025 for International Law, and May 16, 2025, for International Litigation & Arbitration. Please scroll down for more details on each Board Certification, the criteria to qualify, and the availability of study materials for the exams. Do not delay in preparing your application packets as it takes time to gather the required information.

 

Have a great week!

Ana M. Barton, Esq.

Florida Bar ILS Chair

abarton@reedsmith.com

ILS 2024-2025 Calendar

  • August 18 3rd Annual ILS Fantasy Football League Draft Day (online)


  • August 31 deadline to submit application for Board Certification in International Law


  • September 14 – International Arbitration Battle Royale: Civil v. Common Law Moot Court (Mexico City, Mexico)


  • September 19 – ILS and Barra Mexica cocktail reception to celebrate signing of cooperation agreement (Mexico City, Mexico)


  • September 26 – End of Summer Happy Hour at American Social (Miami, FL)


  • October 16 – Lunch & Learn hosted by Fiduciary Trust International (Coral Gables, FL)


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


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


  • December – ILS Holiday Reception (Miami, FL)


  • January 22 – 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 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 – ILS Annual Meeting (Boca Raton, FL)

This Past Week

ILS Board Members Attend Board Meeting at Terras in Miami!

Announcements

Get Florida Bar Board Certified in International Law! Deadline to Submit Your Application is August 31, 2024!

Did you know that only about 50 Florida Bar members are Florida Bar Board Certified Specialists in International Law. If you are an international law practitioner, you should consider the advantages of Board Certification by the Florida Bar. Board Certified International Lawyers can objectively state to their clients that the Florida Bar has certified that they are experts in International Law and that they have been rigorously vetted and tested for expertise! Board Certified lawyers earn the title “B.C.S.” meaning “Board Certified Specialist”.

 

Minimum standards for international law certification, include:


  • Practice of law as a Bar member for at least five years, in either the United States or abroad, or four years with an LL.M. in international law or a related field;


  • Substantial involvement in the specialty of international law — 50% or more — during each of the three years immediately preceding application;


  • 60 hours of approved international law certification continuing legal education in the three years immediately preceding application;

        Peer review; and


  • A written examination.


The application filing period runs July 1-August 31 of a given year to determine eligibility to sit for the exam in March of the subsequent year. Applications must be postmarked by August 31. Eligible applicants who pass the exam will be officially certified in June. Certifications are valid for 5 years, the expiration upon which the expert must be re-certified.


Concerned about getting enough International Law Certification CLE credits to apply? No worry! The International Law Section provides ample opportunities to earn those credits through its CLE programs, including the annual iLaw ILS Forum on International Law, speaking opportunities and the ability to earn certification credit by writing articles for the ILS’ International Law Quarterly magazine.


The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization has found that the likelihood that a client will choose a Board Certified lawyers over one that is not Board Certified is between 25 and 40%! Don’t miss out on getting a step ahead of the competition! For more information, consult the Florida Bar website at International Law Certification – The Florida Bar or the International Law website at Board Certification – International Law Section.

Save the Date for iLaw 2025!

Interested in Being More Active in the ILS?

Volunteer to be an iLaw 2025 Steering Committee Member!

OKI Law Publishes Latest Issue of the "Recap"

In the "RECAP," OKI Law shares the latest developments, insights, and updates from the world of litigation. Whether you're a legal professional, a client, or simply interested in the legal field, the newsletter keeps you informed and engaged with current trends and cases. For the full experience, including in-depth articles and features, please download the complete PDF version of the newsletter.

Application Period Open for Board Certification in International Litigation and Arbitration!

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

Join the ILS and the Barra Mexicana Colegio de Abogados for an International Cooperation Cocktail During the IBA Annual Conference at the Museo De Art Moderno in Mexico City!

Join us for a night of networking and fun at the Museo de Arte Moderno on Thu, Sep 19, 2024 at 7:00 PM, as we celebrate the new cooperation agreement between The Florida Bar International Law Section and the Barra Mexicana, Colegio de Abogados, A.C. This event is a great opportunity to meet fellow legal professionals, exchange ideas, and enjoy delicious cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. We look forward to seeing you there. It will be a celebration of international proportions!


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

PodHub Studios-Miami Invites ILS Members To Record Podcasts at Their State of the Art Facilities!

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!

The Miami International Arbitration Society (MIAS) Invites Practitioners and Scholars to Participate in the Inaugural Edition of its Annual Writing Competition 

The Miami International Arbitration Society (“MIAS”) invites practitioners and scholars to participate in the inaugural edition of its annual Writing Competition. The MIAS Writing Competition aims to foster intellectual exploration of current and cutting-edge topics in international arbitration and to provide an excellent opportunity to new and emerging professionals to showcase their expertise and contribute to the field. 


Participants are encouraged to submit original articles that contribute to the understanding of contemporary international arbitration.


For additional details as to eligibility, submission topics, applicable deadlines, and prizes, please click the flyer above or please click here!

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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