The first day, Friday 20 September started with Ana Romero’s welcome greetings, followed by a friendly welcome speech from Czech Bar deputy Martin Maisner who called us heroes. What a start!
Chair morning session: David Kubon
The first panel discussion on rebuilding trust in personal injury law was chaired by Anthony Tarricone. Mike Benner, Lori Andrus, Frédéric Bibal, Edwin Bosch, Michelle James, and Ana Romero proved that personal injury lawyers all around the world are facing wrong perceptions, but can already learn from positive campains organised in some countries, such as USA or UK.
Airlines assessing the risks of operating in areas affected by armed conflicts: Joe Fiorante introduced a discussion focusing on the circumstances related to the Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752. Very interesting insight into a risk assessment analysis necessary in order to establish airline’s negligence .
Mid-morning insights:
Panel discussion on expert reports and their place in civil procedures chaired by Patrick Vincent: with Cristina Carbonell Suarez-Ibaseta, Demetrius Danas, Klara Dvorakova, Gerben Janson, and Karolina Kolary exploring practical problems of working with experts and expert reports in civil proceeding in 5 different jurisdictions.
Afternoon session chaired by Stefano Dangel:
Julian Chamberlayne presented interesting results of a comparative research on valorization or indexation of the compensation for future losses under different scenarios.
A special thank you ceremony for Marie Cilinkova for her enormous efforts to inbed PEOPIL in the Central and Eastern European countries marked a joyful end of the Annual General Meeting. This was followed by a panel discussion on civil procedure in personal injury in the view of 5 jurisdictions represented by Kris Borg, Clare Campbell, Maud Lepez, Silvio Riesen and Stefano. The differences span from the different emphasis on a written or oral aspect to different levels of justice electronisation.
Fun run: We made 3,3 kms loop in the heart of Prague making it a great marketing event in our blue PEOPIL t-shirts.
Saturday 21 September
Chair morning session: Klara Dvorakova
Technology in the law, AI and other challenges: Ondrej Dvorak, Miroslav Hyman, Adam Morawski introduced us to the possibilities of using AI in legal practice. They also asured us that AI was not here to replace us, maybe only some our tasks, which is actually helpful.
The last speaker, Filip Melzer, explained us that under Czech law it is possible to use privacy protection as a part of personality protection in order to pursue one’s claims for compensation. His references to ECHR made us think about the possible reflection in our jurisdictions.
Finally, the venues chosen for our social programme – Vila Richter with its view of the city and a medieval St. Francis church in St. Agnes Monastery – not to forget about the luxury catering and delicious meals – were unprecedented.
The classic music concert with first-class pianist, violinist and mezzo-soprano organized only for us became the cherry on the cake. We truly regret those who had to leave earlier.
We extend our deepest gratitude for the invaluable insights shared by our speakers, the generous support from our sponsors, and the active participation of every attendee.
This year’s conference has undoubtedly left a profound and enduring impact on our work and further strengthened the spirit of PEOPIL.
Please watch the video by Guillaume Pinon, and you will agree that this was an unforgettable event.