19th World Lawyers Forum (WLF) 2025 Dubai

Dates: January 27-28, 2025
Venue: Pullman Dubai Deira City Centre, Dubai
Theme: Navigating the Future of Law: Embracing Technology, Ethics, and Innovation

The World Lawyers Forum (WLF) 2025 summits brought together legal professionals, legal technology enthusiastics, policymakers, and industry leaders from around the globe. The events served as a platform for discussing the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in the fields of law, with a focus on technology, ethics, and global collaboration. Brijesh Chedayan, CEO of Beveron Technologies actively participated in the summit. Latest editions of two books Building Smart Lawyer Office and Smart Debt Collection authored by Brijesh Chedayan was released during the World Lawyers Forum (WLF) 2025 Summit conducted at Pullman Dubai Deira City Centre.

Panel Discussions and Insights

Day 1: January 27, 2025

Session 1: The Role of Technology in Modern Law Practice

Moderator
• Mohamed Afir, Managing Partner, Legal & Compliance Advisor, Maghreb Legal & Compliance
Panelists
• Sakshi Singhal, Advocate, Sakshi Law Associates, India
• Dr. Abd Almageed Eisa, General Legal Counsel, Elite Legal Consultancy Firm, UAE
• Mehak Aster, Advocate, High Court Balochistan, Pakistan
• Saakar S. Yadav, Founder, Lexlegis Solutions Pvt Ltd, India
Summary: This session explored how technology is transforming legal practice. Panelists discussed the integration of AI, blockchain, and LegalTech tools in streamlining legal workflows, improving efficiency, and enhancing client services. The discussion also touched on the ethical implications of using technology in law and the need for continuous learning to adapt to these changes.

Session 2: Cross-Border Disputes and International Arbitration

Moderator
• John Lowe, Arbitrator and Mediator, Lowe Arbitration, France
Panelists
• Ziad Salloum, Managing Partner, Salloum & Partner, UAE
• Manohar Samal, Principal Associate, Ratan Samal & Associates, India
• Badr Aljaafari, Managing Partner, Aljaafari & Albassam Law Firm, Saudi Arabia
• Edward Miller, Co-Founder and Partner, Madison Legal Ltd, UK
• Céline Kanakri, Partner, BLK Partners, UAE
• Varun K Chopra, Managing Partner, VKC Law, India
• Nico Mooduto, Partner, SSEK Law Firm, Indonesia
Summary: This panel focused on the complexities of cross-border disputes and the growing importance of international arbitration. Experts shared strategies for resolving disputes efficiently, the role of mediation as an alternative to litigation, and the challenges of enforcing arbitration awards across jurisdictions. The discussion also highlighted the impact of cultural differences and legal frameworks on dispute resolution.

Special Talk: Revolutionizing Criminal Litigation – The Role of AI in Modern Legal Practice

Speaker:
• Sana Raees Khan, Supreme Court Renowned Criminal Lawyer, SRK Legal, India
Summary:Sana Raees Khan discussed how AI is transforming criminal litigation, from predictive analytics in case outcomes to automating legal research. She emphasized the potential of AI to reduce biases and improve access to justice, while also cautioning against over-reliance on technology in sensitive legal matters.

Session 3: Safeguarding Data in a Digital Era – Navigating Privacy and Compliance Challenges

Panelists
• Sally S-Flifel, Corporate and Commercial Projects Lawyer, Confidential, UAE
• Eslam Mezar, Data Privacy & Information Technology Lawyer, HEMOdata, UAE
• Nikhil Solanki, Group Legal Counsel & Data Protection Officer, Lulu Group International, UAE
• Mohamed Afir, Managing Partner, Legal & Compliance Advisor, Maghreb Legal & Compliance, Morocco

Summary: This session addressed the challenges of data privacy and compliance in an increasingly digital world. Panelists discussed the implications of GDPR, CCPA, and other global data protection regulations, as well as the role of legal professionals in ensuring compliance. The discussion also covered the ethical responsibilities of handling sensitive data and the impact of emerging technologies like AI on data security.

Session 4: The Intersection of LegalTech, AI, and Blockchain – Exploring the Potential of Emerging Technologies in Litigation

Panelists
• Joseph Moghrabi, Founder, Moghrabi ADR, UK
• Robert Whitehead, Partner & Head of DIFC, Hamdan Al Shamsi Lawyers & Legal Consultants LLC, UAE
• Daniel Feetham, Practice Head Barrister, Madison Legal Ltd, UK
• Mahesh Jethani, Partner, Lexlegis Solutions Pvt Ltd, India

Summary:This panel explored how LegalTech, AI, and blockchain are revolutionizing litigation. Topics included the use of AI for legal research, blockchain for secure document management, and the potential of smart contracts in dispute resolution. Panelists also discussed the challenges of integrating these technologies into traditional legal frameworks.

Session 5: Digital Reputation & Risk Mitigation – The Key to Scaling Your Law Firm

Panelists
• Sameer Somal, Co-Founder, Blue Ocean Global Technology, USA
• Aashna Duggal, Chief Legal Officer, Girl Power Talk, India

Summary:This session focused on the importance of managing digital reputation and mitigating risks in the legal industry. Panelists shared strategies for leveraging social media, online reviews, and digital marketing to build a strong brand while managing potential risks. The discussion also highlighted the role of crisis management in protecting a firm’s reputation.

Day 2: January 28, 2025

Session 6: Litigation in the Digital Age – Challenges and Opportunities

Moderator
• Dr. Abd Almageed Eisa, General Legal Counsel, Elite Legal Consultancy Firm, UAE
Panelists
• Greg MacFarlane, Managing Director, Morae, UAE
• Saakar S. Yadav, Founder, Lexlegis Solutions Pvt Ltd, India
• Olamide Aleshinlove, Senior Associate, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, Nigeria
Summary: This session examined how digital transformation is reshaping litigation. Panelists discussed the use of e-discovery tools, virtual courtrooms, and AI-powered case management systems. The discussion also addressed the challenges of adapting to digital workflows and ensuring access to justice in a tech-driven legal landscape.

Session 7: Corporate Litigation – Lessons from High-Profile Cases

Moderator
• Soukayna Awdeh, Senior Legal Counsel, Tadmur Holding W.L.L., UAE
Panelists
• Varun K Chopra, Managing Partner, VKC Law, India
• Ziad Salloum, Managing Partner, Salloum & Partner, UAE
Summary: This panel analyzed high-profile corporate litigation cases, drawing lessons on effective litigation strategies, risk management, and crisis communication. Panelists shared insights on navigating complex disputes, managing client expectations, and achieving favorable outcomes.

Session 8: Litigation Strategies – Discussing Mediation and ADR as Potential Pre-Litigation or Mid-Litigation Options for Dispute Resolution

Moderator
• John Lowe, Arbitrator and Mediator, Lowe Arbitration, France
Panelists
• Ayman Al Ashry, Senior Legal Consultant, Hamdan Al Shamsi Lawyers & Legal Consultants LLC, UAE
• Varun K Chopra, Managing Partner, VKC Law, India
• Jeremie Fierville, Partner, Signature Litigation, France
• Palash Gupta, Partner, Jerome Merchant, India
Summary: This session highlighted the growing importance of mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in litigation. Panelists discussed the benefits of ADR, including cost savings, faster resolutions, and preserving business relationships. They also shared practical tips for integrating ADR into litigation strategies.

Session 9: The Future of Legal Practice – Ethics, Technology & Change

Moderator
• Manohar Samal, Principal Associate, Ratan Samal & Associates, India
Panelists
• Rajesh Kshetry, Renowned Criminal Lawyer, Kshetry & Associates, India
• Dr. Abd Almageed Eisa, General Legal Counsel, Elite Legal Consultancy Firm, UAE
• Swarbhanu Bhattacharya, Partner, Lex Ally Global FZC LLC, UAE
• Mahesh Jethani, Partner, Lexlegis Solutions Pvt Ltd, India
Summary: This panel explored the ethical challenges posed by technological advancements in the legal profession. Topics included the responsible use of AI, maintaining client confidentiality in a digital world, and the need for ethical guidelines to govern the use of emerging technologies.

Session 10: From Vision to Growth – Strategic Development and Branding for Law Firms

Panelists
• Aman Abbas, Founder, Communicator, India
• Nikhil Kirtane, Independent Lawyer & Consultant, Nikhil Kirtane & Associates, India
Summary: This session focused on strategies for growing and branding law firms in a competitive market. Panelists discussed the importance of client relationships, digital marketing, and thought leadership in building a strong brand. They also shared insights on adapting to changing client expectations and market trends.

Closing Remarks

Speaker
• Azam Ghani, Founder and Director, World Lawyers Forum
Summary: Azam Ghani concluded the event by emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and ethical practice in shaping the future of the legal profession. He thanked the speakers, sponsors, and attendees for their contributions and encouraged continued engagement within the global legal community.
Key Takeaways
• The WLF 2025 highlighted the transformative impact of technology on the legal profession, from AI and blockchain to digital litigation tools.
• Ethical considerations and compliance with global regulations remain critical as the legal industry evolves.
• Collaboration and innovation are essential for addressing the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing legal landscape.