ELECTIONS

From 28 August 2025 09:00 EDT to 29 August 2025 11:30 EDT (First Vice-President, Treasurer, Executive Committee)

On 29 August 2025 from 10:30 to 11:30 EDT (General Assembly resolutions)

FOR AIJA MEMBERS

Important info

AIJA members with voting rights can cast their votes through MyAIJA between 28 August 2025 09:00 EDT to 29 August 2025 11:30 EDT for First Vice-President, Treasurer and Executive Committee members. They can vote on 29 August 2025 from 10:30 EDT to 11:30 EDT for General Assembly resolutions.

Detailed instructions can be found on the MyAIJA home page.

AIJA members can vote for…

AIJA First Vice-President

Charlotte tregunna

The interview with the candidate, Charlotte Tregunna, will be scheduled to take place in Washington D.C. on Wednesday 27 August from 14:00 to 14:45 EDT.

From 28 August 2025 09:00 EDT to 29 August 2025 11:30 EDT, AIJA members will be able to vote electronically for the First Vice-President of AIJA.

AIJA Treasurer

Stefan Müller

From 28 August 2025 09:00 EDT to 29 August 2025 11:30 EDT, AIJA members will be able to vote electronically for the Treasurer of the association.

AIJA Executive Committee

From 28 August 2025 09:00 EDT to 29 August 2025 11:30 EDT, AIJA members will be able to vote electronically for the new Executive Committee members of AIJA. To present your candidacy to the AIJA Executive Committee, please fill out the application form, add your own signature as well as signatures of at least five other named individual members with voting rights, and send it to elections@aija.org by Wednesday 27 August 2025 at 18:00 EDT.

AIJA members can vote for…

Lena
Hoss

Elvinger Hoss Prussen,
LUXEMBOURG

Bio

I am quite new to AIJA and have immediately been hooked by the extraordinary AIJA spirit. I would therefore love to get involved as much as possible and contribute to this unique association. Aside from my new passion for AIJA, I work as a dispute resolution lawyer in Luxembourg, specialized in commercial and corporate litigation. I would be thrilled to become a member of the EC and help promote the objectives of AIJA.

Lukas
Wieser

ZEILER,
AUSTRIA

Bio

Lukas is a Counsel at ZEILER in Vienna, Austria, and a specialist in labour and employment law, as well as employment and commercial litigation.

Lukas is also a lecturer at the University of Vienna (Arbeitsrecht LL.M.) and on Austrian and European Employment Law at the University of Applied Science BFI Vienna. He frequently speaks on employment law at national and international conferences and seminars. 

He was admitted to the Austrian bar in 2016 and is both a graduate of the University of Vienna (Mag. iur. 2009) and the University of Barcelona (LL.M., 2015). Lukas is a member of AIJA since 2016.

Jorge
Yaafar

Motta, Yaafar & Díaz,
PANAMA

Bio

Jorge Yaafar is a founding partner at Motta, Yaafar & Díaz (MYD), a boutique Panamanian law firm that combines the capabilities of a full-service practice with the personalized attention and responsiveness of a tightly integrated team.

Jorge’s practice focuses on corporate law, estate and succession planning, and the structuring of cross-border investments. He regularly advises both private clients and corporate entities on complex transactions, reorganizations, and regulatory strategies. His corporate work spans mergers and acquisitions, shareholder agreements, governance matters, and compliance with Panamanian and international standards.

He has particular experience assisting multinational companies in the food, beverage, and consumer sectors with their market entry into Panama, handling matters related to intellectual property, regulatory approvals, licensing, and distribution frameworks.

Jorge is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and has been part of the International Association of Young Lawyers (AIJA) since 2023. His cross-border perspective and deep understanding of the Panamanian legal environment make him a trusted advisor for both local and international clients.

He is known for his strategic thinking, practical advice, and dedication to delivering results through clear, attentive, and personalized legal service.

CEREN Hazal Baydar

Moroğlu Arseven,
TÜRKIYE

Bio

I am a Partner at Moroğlu Arseven law office in Istanbul, with 14 years of experience as a corporate, commercial and M&A lawyer. I mainly work on cross-border M&A deals, VC and PE transactions with a specific focus on technology-driven and regulated sectors. I am an active AIJA member since attending my first event in 2019 and I served as the National Representative of Turkiye from 2022 to 2025.

I am a candidate for the Executive Committee because I am genuinely passionate about contributing to the future of our Association and supporting its continued growth and global reach. As someone who has actively engaged with AIJA over the years, also as National Representative, I believe the EC offers a unique opportunity to be part of the core group shaping strategic decisions, as I am eager to take on a more active role in the Association. 

Francesco Bulleri

ADG Legal,
UAE

Bio

Francesco is a Partner at ADG Legal and has extensive experience in corporate, commercial and contract law, as well as a broad range of related real estate matters. Prior to joining ADG Legal, Francesco worked on projects across a number of regions (including the EU, UK, Middle East, Africa, LATAM, and APAC), drafting and negotiating a wide range of contract types for domestic and cross-border transactions in various industries.

Having graduated with full marks in Law from LUISS University of Rome, Francesco started his career in the corporate department of BonelliErede (Top-Tier 1 and Italy’s largest law firm). He later moved in-house, first at Gucci (luxury fashion company) and then at Axitea (global physical and cybersecurity provider), before relocating to Dubai. During his time in-house, Francesco worked closely with shareholders, directors, CFOs, COOs, and other key stakeholders.

The knowledge, experience, and insights he gained allowed him to become familiar with the underlying dynamics of companies and their legal departments and, thus, to fully understand clients’ perspectives and needs. Francesco is also an Adjunct Faculty member at the esteemed LUISS Business School, where he teaches executive students and professionals at the Dubai Hub. In this role, he blends rigorous academic principles with real-world expertise, fostering a learning experience that bridges theory and the practical challenges of the dynamic Gulf market. His local-to-global expertise has been recognised by Chambers and Partners, the world’s leading legal rankings and insights intelligence company, which ranked him in its Global Guide 2025. Francesco has also been regularly invited to speak at conferences, including those organised by leading consultancy firms and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Dubai. He has additionally been approached by the London Business School to offer his corporate law expertise as a mentor for startups in the MENA region.

Outside the workplace, Francesco is involved with several renowned international organisations, including the Rotary Club of Dubai, where he has served as a board member and held the distinguished role of Fellowship Chair. He is also a longstanding member and, for years, has served as Censor at the Lions Club Roma Parioli, as well as the founder and Chapter Leader of the Dubai LUISS Alumni Network. Throughout his career, Francesco has remained committed to volunteering his time to undertake pro bono activities, offering legal advice at, among others, the Holy Trinity Church in Oud Metha, Dubai.

Nicole Álvarez Barreno

IURISRED,
Ecuador

Bio

Nicole Álvarez Barreno is a Partner at Iurisred Legal Expertise and a corporate and commercial lawyer with experience advising national and international companies on corporate governance, M&A, and cross-border transactions. She also has a strong background in dispute resolution, including domestic and international arbitration.

She holds an LL.M. in Corporate and Commercial Law from the University of Sheffield (UK) and is a certified mediator. Nicole currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Corporate Law Committee of Young Ecuadorian Attorneys (YEA) at ICC Ecuador.

A member of AIJA since the Rio 2023 Annual Congress, Nicole treasures the Association for its unique blend of professional growth and international friendships, and looks forward to creating the same inspiring opportunities for fellow members as part of the Executive Committee.

 

Anna Zabrotskaya

Nordic Star,
Russia

Bio

Anna Zabrotskaya is the Managing Partner at Nordic Star Law Offices, St. Petersburg, where she heads the Dispute Resolution practice. With over 16 years of experience, Anna specializes in international arbitration, cross-border litigation, and sanctions-related disputes. She is a member of the St. Petersburg Bar, the ICC commission on Arbitration and ADR (Paris) and an SRA registered foreign lawyer in England and Wales. She is also committed to legal education, teaching international arbitration at St. Petersburg State University and fashion law in French University Mod‘Art.

Anna has been involved in AIJA since 2017, contributing to the Litigation, International Arbitration, T.R.A.D.E., International Private Clients and Family Law Commissions, and National Representatives Committee. Deeply inspired by AIJA’s energy and community, Anna is passionate about supporting its continued growth and fostering greater engagement, especially among members from diverse jurisdictions.

Nazanin
Afshar

Fisher & Phillips,
USA

Bio

Naz Afshar is a partner with Fisher Phillips, in the firm’s Los Angeles and Woodland Hills offices. Naz represents employers and individuals in single-plaintiff, multi-plaintiff, class action/representative matters, involving a variety of issues, such as discrimination, harassment, retaliation, whistleblower allegations, and wage and hour issues. Naz also assists her clients in navigating state and federal employment laws, advising them on compliance with wage and hour laws, proper classification of non-exempt/exempt employees and independent contractors, and maintaining up-to-date and compliant handbooks and employment policies to avoid litigation.

Naz’s international work entails advising clients on various issues related to employees in jurisdictions around the world, including transitioning employees to remote work in other jurisdictions, drafting employment and separation agreements for US-based companies with employees working outside the US, and providing guidance on employment decisions such as investigations and terminations. Naz has a particular focus on preventing and managing cross border employment disputes.

Mathews Verghese

Fox Mandal & Associates,
India

Bio

With over 16 years of experience in the field of Intellectual Property Rights, Mathews currently leads the firm’s Intellectual Property practice in New Delhi. His solution-oriented approach and ability to provide commercially insightful and dynamic solutions to IP challenges resonate with the clients.

Mathews comes with a rich experience of handling varied aspects of intellectual property, including trademarks, copyrights and designs, while hand-holding organisations through the serpentine maze of clearance searches, registrations and enforcement. His fervour, deep legal expertise and action-oriented outlook in IP law equip him to constructively collaborate and engage with a wide-range of clients, from start-ups to MNCs across diverse industries such as fashion, technology, sports, telecom and retail.

His sophisticated legal prowess also supports the clients through the complexities of portfolio management, assignments and licenses that empower them to optimize, protect and monetize their IP effectively. He is also a regular speaker with organisations such as CIPAM, FICCI, etc, and has served as an adjunct professor of IP at his alma mater. With a passion for sports and technology, Mathews can be seen dabbling in the convergence of sports and technology law with IP.

Duran
Ross

Lewis Silkin,
UK

Bio

Duran is an English Solicitor and a disputes Partner at Lewis Silkin LLP, a full service commercial law firm with over 500 lawyers, principally based in London.  Duran is an experienced commercial disputes practitioner.  He deals with complex multinational and domestic disputes before a range of forums including litigation principally in the High Court and arbitration before various arbitral bodies including the LCIA and the ICC. He has experience dealing with emergency arbitrations as well as expedited arbitrations and court proceedings, and pursuing actions under the English Arbitration Act.  He also has extensive experience obtaining funding and adverse costs cover for clients in appropriate cases.  Duran joined AIJA in 2023 and has been an active member ever since; speaking regularly and attending multiple events each year.  He is a member of various AIJA Commissions including the Arbitration, Insolvency and Litigation Commissions.  He is also one of the Litigation Commission newsletter editors.

Julia van Leeuwen

Guldemond Advocaten,
Netherlands

Bio

Julia van Leeuwen is an associate at Guldemond Advocaten in Amsterdam, working in the field of IP/IT/AI, corporate, commercial litigation, employment- and media law. As a member of the Digitalisation & AI Taskforce of the Dutch Bar Association, board member of the Dutch Association for AI and Robot Law and training lawyers how to use AI in the legal field, Julia is at the forefront of (legal) developments surrounding new technologies. With a background in both Dutch and Polish culture and experience with China and Dubai, Julia brings an international perspective to AIJA. Though relatively new to AIJA, she is eager to contribute her big energy, innovative thinking and commitment to fostering international connections by joining the Executive Committee.

Ilaha
Muhseni

Rutgers & Posch,
Netherlands

Bio

Ilaha Muhseni focuses on employment law and has experience in advising national and international clients. She studied Law at the VU University Amsterdam, where she completed her master’s degree in Employment Law cum laude and where she started her career as a lecturer in employment law. In addition to her work, Ilaha volunteers for non-profit organizations such as the Foundation for Refugee Students UAF and the Pro Bono Club.

 

Ilaha is an active member of AIJA who has greatly benefited from the association’s network and opportunities over the past years. She deeply values the strong sense of community within AIJA, considering it a vital part of her professional growth. For Ilaha, the AIJA community truly feels like home and is a valuable addition to her professional career, for which she is grateful to have found. She is committed to making a meaningful contribution at a strategic level and is especially passionate about advancing diversity within the organization. Through her candidacy for the Executive Committee, Ilaha seeks to build on the progress already achieved, introduce fresh perspectives, and give back to a network that has played a significant and inspiring role in her professional journey.

John
Davies

Farrer & Co,
UK

Bio

I am a partner at Farrer & Co LLP in London and a family lawyer and specialises in all aspects of relationship breakdown and wealth protection.  Most of my cases have an international element.  I have been an active member of AIJA since 2018, and an officer of the International Private Clients & Family Law Commission for the last five years, including most recently as President of the commission.  My term as an officer is coming to an end at this congress, but I ask for your votes so that I can continue to serve our organisation as a member of the AIJA Executive Committee.

Michelle
Seel

Pinsent Masons,
Netherlands

Bio

Michelle Seel is an Associate at Pinsent Masons in Amsterdam, a leading international full-service law firm. She specializes in technology law, with a particular focus on platform regulation and data protection. Currently seconded to a U.S. technology platform, Michelle brings a global perspective to her work. Her legal journey began in intellectual property, having previously worked in the entertainment and music sector. Although she changed the legal field, her passion for music did not. From David Bowie and the Beatles to Little Simz, Mac Miller and James Blake, these musicians are her daily companions during working hours.

Michelle is a socially committed professional who loves working in collaborative environments. At Pinsent Masons, she initiated several internal programs, including the Social Connectivity Committee and Young PM, a board of young talent that engages directly with firm leadership on strategic topics. Outside of work, she volunteers in a buddy program supporting refugee integration, reflecting her dedication to inclusive and meaningful change.

AIJA plays a central role in Michelle’s professional life. She has been actively engaged in the organization for one year now, which already secured her a speaker slot and a spot in the Organizing Committee. She also contributes to the Sustainability Working Group. Through AIJA, Michelle found a community that inspires her. She sees the Executive Committee as a unique opportunity to amplify the voice of young lawyers, foster a forward-thinking and inclusive environment, and continue her active contribution to the organisation’s mission.

Aishwarya Kaushiq

BTG Advaya,
India

Bio

Aishwarya is a Partner at BTG Advaya in their New Delhi office. His practice in the firm focuses on high-stakes international arbitration and litigation. He represents clients from across the globe – including the US, South America, the UK, Europe, and Asia – before courts and tribunals in India and abroad (by liaising with local firms), guiding the clients from strategy through advocacy to resolution.

His practice covers disputes and advisory in technology, internet intermediaries, EPC, infrastructure, renewable energy, aviation, insolvency, and financial fraud. Recognised among India’s promising young lawyers via various agencies, his insights are frequently published in national newspapers and journals. Previously, he has served as Election Officer for the Harvard Club of India, and is an active member of various international organisations.

Frédéric
Couffin

GGV Avocats,
France

Bio

Professional Background

I am a French real estate lawyer. I am currently Counsel at GGV, an independent boutique law firm based in Paris, market reference for German speaking clients in France. My practice focuses mainly on construction law, real estate transactions, financing as well as asset management. I also have developed an expertise in leading court and arbitration proceedings.

AIJA-CV

AIJA-enthusiastic since 2017, I became an active member in 2023. One of the many reasons I love this association is that any member can get involved from the first day on. I already had the chance to be Moderator and Speaker, took part in the Mentorship Program and am currently part of an Organizing Committee. I would now like to engage more deeply in the AIJA governance by submitting my candidacy to the Executive Committee.

Commitment in the EC

I would be honoured to participate in the decision-making process of AIJA and bring my eagerness and my solution-driven mindset. Having been a board member of several student law associations and co-founder of the alumni network called Alumni BerMuPa, I would also be happy to help find innovative solutions to get new members and enhance the engagement of AIJA members.

Clara López Hernando

GSK Stockmann,
Germany

Bio

Born and raised in Madrid (Spain), I have always valued international experiences, which ultimately led me to Berlin (Germany), where I now live and work. I am Senior Associate at GSK Stockmann, specializing in Corporate Law with a strong focus on Venture Capital. As a double-qualified lawyer, admitted in Spain (2019) and Germany (2022), I enjoy bridging legal cultures and working across borders. AIJA offers the ideal platform to express and further this commitment to collaboration and global exchange.

Edward
Irwin

Peters & Peters,
UK

Bio

Edward Irwin is a Senior Associate based in London, specialising in multi-jurisdictional fraud litigation and international arbitration. A member of AIJA since 2023, he brings a global outlook shaped by time spent studying Spanish and living in Spain and South America – though he still occasionally confuses “abogado” with “avocado.” Edward is inspired by AIJA’s unique culture of openness, energy, and international collaboration, and is standing for the Executive Committee to help strengthen that spirit. He’s committed to promoting innovation, collaboration, and meaningful connections across borders, and believes that with the right mix of ideas and enthusiasm, AIJA can continue to be the most dynamic legal network in the world.

Mathieu de Korvin-Krokowski

France

Bio
Mathieu is a Corporate/M&A lawyer based in Paris. He advises companies, investors, and start-up founders on M&A and fundraising transactions, with strong expertise in cross-border deals and corporate reorganizations. After a decade at leading international law firms, he founded his own practice in 2025. 
 
Alongside his professional practice, Mathieu lectures on M&A topics at the Paris Bar School and he is a regular contributor to PLC Practical Law (Thomson Reuters) on contract and corporate law topics. 
 
Mathieu has already served as an EC member of AIJA for a first term and he is committed to contribute further to advancing the association’s initiatives during a second term. He was also a speaker at the Tallinn M&A Conference in June 2025.

Sabrine Schnyder

Solo Practitioner and Independent Arbitrator, Switzerland

Bio

Sabrine Schnyder is a highly accomplished legal professional, known for her expertise in dispute resolution, art law, data protection, IT/IP law, contract law (including CISG) and international private law.

Sabrine Schnyder possesses deep and extensive experience in international commercial arbitration, having dedicated over a decade to this field. She regularly acts as counsel, arbitrator, and tribunal secretary in international commercial arbitrations under various institutional rules, including the Swiss Rules, ICC Rules, SCC Rules, and DIS Rules. She was appointed to the pool of arbitrators at WIPO and the Court of Arbitration for Art (CAfA).

She handles a diverse array of commercial disputes, encompassing claims arising from distribution, supply, and service agreements, mandates, settlement agreements and loan repayments. Her experience spans various sectors, including life sciences, luxury, technology, fashion, food/beverage, art, construction and defense industries.Her practice also extends to representing clients in arbitration-related proceedings before Swiss courts.

Her capabilities to truly listen and to know when to zoom out from a conflict situation are part of her unique skill set, enabling her to serve as a facilitator for settlements outside a court room.

Moreover, Sabrine Schnyder is characterized by a modern approach to law, marked by her ability to effectively resolve disputes, address legal problems, and respond to her clients’ needs and concerns. Her pragmatic approach emphasizes flexibility and an understanding that law evolves with time to meet contemporary social needs.

She is fluent in German, English, and French and holds a strong academic background in law. She earned a Bachelor of Law from the University of Lucerne and a Master of Law and Certificate of Transnational Law (CDT) from the University of Geneva. Further solidifying her legal credentials, she successfully passed the bar exam in Geneva in 2014, notably achieving one of the top three scores in her class.

Beyond her foundational law degrees, Sabrine is also a qualified data protection officer (DPO) and holds the Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT/EU) certification from the IAPP, acquired in 2022.

Her professional journey includes significant experience at major international law firms in both Zurich and Geneva, before establishing her own firm in 2023.

Ingrid
Cools

Buren,
Netherlands

Bio

Ingrid Cools is a Senior Associate at BUREN in Amsterdam, specialising in M&A. She holds a master’s degree in Law from VU University Amsterdam, alongside a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences. This interdisciplinary background brings a distinctive analytical approach to complex business challenges at the intersection of law, technology, and business.

Though relatively new to AIJA, Ingrid has quickly immersed herself in the association’s vibrant community over the past two years. She treasures the association for its unique blend of professional growth and international friendships, having actively participated in various AIJA events. She is committed to contributing to AIJA’s mission and supporting fellow members through her Executive Committee candidacy.

Evelin-Lisett Ratnik

Walles,
Estonia

Bio
Evelin is a Senior Associate at WALLESS, a top-tier Baltic law firm, specializing in corporate disputes. Her practice also covers FinTech and investment disputes, and she regularly shares her insights through webinars and publications. 
 
Alongside practice, she is an active member of AIJA, contributing to the Arbitration, Insolvency and Litigation Commissions, and she has spoken at AIJA events. 
 
Evelin sees that running for the Executive Committee is an opportunity to give back to AIJA and stay engaged – and also a way to keep the “AIJA blues” under control between in person ​events!

Alexander Göbel

Niederer Kraft Frey
Switzerland

Bio

Alexander is a Senior Associate with Niederer Kraft Frey in Zurich, Switzerland focusing on M&A (including VC and PE) as well as technology (law). 

Since joining AIJA in 2021, Alexander has been a very active member of the association, participating in 3-4 events every year, having spoken/ moderated panels at various seminars throughout the years and having been part of the 2023 M&A winter seminar OC. He is currently also part of the OC for the 2026 VC seminar in Berlin.

Joining the AIJA Executive Committee would allow Alexander to become even more involved in the association in the years to come.

Céderic Devroey

Strelia
Belgium

Bio

Céderic Devroey is a member of the Brussels Bar and is counsel at law firm Strelia, which has offices in Brussels and Luxembourg. His areas of specialization are M&A and Private Equity.

With law degrees from Belgium and London (Master of Laws from Ghent University, LL.M. from King’s College London, and Master’s in International Relations from the London School of Economics), Céderic’s ambition is to not only to succeed as an M&A lawyer but, more importantly, also to become a role model for the younger generation of lawyers and to use his knowledge to inspire and help others. This is what drove him to participate actively in many AIJA events in the past and to join the Association in 2023. Now, when opportunity knocks, Céderic has submitted his candidacy for membership on the AIJA’s Executive Committee.

Viviane de Azevedo Rodrigues

Cescon Barrieu, Brazil

Bio

Viviane is a partner at Cescon Barrieu, a top-tier Brazilian law firm, where she represents companies in labor litigation and advises on employment, union relations, and executive compensation. She also plays a key role in the firm’s ESG and Transaction Readiness practices, addressing labor and social aspects, including D&I. In addition to her Brazilian bachelor’s degree and postgraduate studies, she holds an LLM from the University of Chicago. An active AIJA member since 2023, she has consistently contributed to congresses and ELIC seminars, frequently as a speaker. Joining the Executive Committee represents a natural progression of her strong commitment to AIJA and her desire to actively shape its future.

Linus Zweifel

Bär & Karrer,
Switzerland

Bio

Dr. Linus Zweifel advises both listed and non-listed clients on M&A transactions as well as on other contract, corporate and capital markets law matters. In addition, he is also active in related dispute resolution proceedings. Linus graduated from the University of St.Gallen with a doctorate in law and is admitted to the Swiss bar.

In addition to his work as an attorney, Linus regularly teaches as a lecturer of the University of St.Gallen. He is a member of the editorial board of a legal periodical on corporate and capital markets law (Schweizerische Zeitschrift für Gesellschafts- und Kapitalmarktrecht sowie Umstrukturierungen, GesKR) and regularly publishes in his fields of work.

Claudio Kühn

KXP,
Germany

Bio

Claudio Kühn is the founding partner of KXP, a Berlin-based boutique law firm specializing in corporate law, M&A and venture capital transactions. He has advised on numerous financing rounds and cross-border M&A deals, and is recognized by leading legal rankings as a top lawyer in these fields. 

An active AIJA member since 2021, Claudio participates in several events each year, with KXP often supporting as a sponsor. He has also contributed as a speaker/moderator on multiple occasions. Claudio is eager to bring his expertise and energy to the Executive Committee, adding the unique perspective and agility of boutique law firms.

Claudio holds a PhD in law, studied in Germany and Switzerland, and has gained international experience in Istanbul and Shanghai.

Thales Castanheira Ribeiro

Bastilho Coelho, Brazil

Bio

Lawyer focused on corporate, antitrust, contract, and tax law. Has experience in M&A transactions, legal structuring of business strategies, and estate and tax planning. Bachelor of Law (JD) at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). 

Leonard Baumann

LOYENS & LOEFF, Switzerland

Bio

As Swiss lawyer and associate at Loyens & Loeff in the Zurich office, his practice focuses on international M&A and capital market transactions as well as commercial law matters, particularly in the technology, healthcare & life sciences and industrial sectors. Since joining AIJA in 2024, he has been drawn to the energy and unique spirit of AIJA. Attending seminars and congresses in Madrid, Belgrade and Washington has only deepened his appreciation for the vibrant community and the connections AIJA fosters. Passionate about contributing to AIJA’s continued growth and success, he would be delighted to serve on the executive committee and help cultivate a community that encourages collaboration and the exchange of ideas.

Nick Atkins

Stevens & Bolton LLP, UK

Bio
As a Partner at Stevens & Bolton LLP, I bring nearly two decades of experience advising international clients on complex corporate matters. But beyond the technical aspects of law, I am deeply committed to the human side of our profession — fostering collaboration, supporting mental wellbeing, and empowering the next generation of legal leaders.
I am proud to serve on the organising committee for the AIJA Annual Congress in Washington DC, where we have curated a programme that reflects the dynamism and diversity of our global community. My candidacy is driven by a belief in the transformative power of AIJA: not only as a platform for delivering tangible return on investment for members, but also as a force for positive change in how we work, connect, and grow.
If elected, I will advocate for initiatives that help members adapt to the evolving legal landscape — including the integration of AI — while ensuring that wellbeing and leadership development remain at the heart of our mission.

Other Resolutions

The voting on other resolutions submitted to the General Assembly will be possible through electronic voting on Friday 29 August from 10:30 to 11:30 EDT.

E-voting

The commitment of each member is crucial to the success of the whole organisation. And nowhere is this more evident than during our annual elections.

Once a year at the Annual Congress, the General Assembly of Members is called to elect some members of two very important bodies for the management of AIJA: the Executive Committee and the Bureau. In previous years this had to be done on paper, in person. But early in 2016, when AIJA launched an extensive online survey, members called for a stronger and more effective participation in the life of the association and in particular an e-voting system.

AIJA welcomed e-voting for the first time in 2018 and due to its resounding success the Association has been using it since then.

How AIJA members can vote

Electronic voting is easy – AIJA members can vote from any location, on any device. Members will receive in advance a link where they can join and watch the General Assembly, as well as the interview with the First Vice-President candidate and then vote electronically.

If AIJA members are not available to vote electronically during the elections date, they can give a proxy to another member. Instructions are available on the MyAIJA member dashboard.