Hong Kong, 5 June 2018: A record number of delegates enjoyed a packed agenda of business presentations and discussions at last week’s Ally Law AGM in London, showing the global legal services organisation remains firmly on an upward trajectory.
Around 175 attendees from all corners of the world gathered at the Law Society’s headquarters in Chancery Lane for the two-day conference which mixed Ally Law business with guest speakers and panel sessions on a wide range of legal topics.
“The AGM was extremely well attended and generated plenty of lively discussion. In particular, the internal Business Meeting which kicked off the conference was especially productive, with broad alignment on finance, marketing and expansion and a general consensus about how the organisation should move forward,” said Boase Cohen & Collins Senior Partner Colin Cohen, a past President of Ally Law and now Chairman of the Expansion Committee.
“I was delighted to report that expansion is going well. We have welcomed new member firms in Finland, Israel, USA, Portugal, Indonesia and Luxembourg in the past 12 months while there were firms from Brazil, Ukraine and Taiwan who attended the AGM as observers. Asia Pacific remains our key target region for growth and we will continue to pursue new members who can meet Ally Law’s rigorous standards and commitment to excellence.
“As well, we learned that referrals between member firms reached record levels in 2017, which demonstrates increased co-operation and understanding. With the benefits of membership clear for all to see, it makes the work of the Expansion Committee that much easier.”
AGM highlights included an entertaining Q&A with Alastair Campbell, one-time aide to former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who reminisced on his distinguished career and offered candid views on a wide range of global political and business issues in a session chaired by David Greene, Senior Partner in London firm Edwin Coe LLP.
The meeting also addressed legal angles to hot topics such cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology, data protection and the sometimes unique challenges of managing millennials in the workplace.
Mr Cohen, who attended the AGM with BC&C Partner Fiona Chan, had a packed agenda that included delivering the Expansion Committee’s report, giving a presentation on how law firms can protect themselves from money laundering, and moderating a panel discussion about Asian clients investing overseas.
“The feeling among delegates was this had been the most lively and productive AGM thus far. Ally Law is going from strength to strength and we can look forward to a busy rest of the year that will conclude with the Regional Meetings, including our Asia Pacific gathering in Ho Chi Minh City,” added Mr Cohen.
Boase Cohen & Collins is Hong Kong’s sole member of Ally Law, which comprises almost 70 independent law firms in more than 40 jurisdictions. Next year’s AGM will be held in New Delhi in March.