We will be celebrating 80 years of the UIA in Paris – a historical venue for lawyers. Indeed, it was in the 13th century that the legal profession as it exists today was born in France, and it was in Louis XIV’s reign that the institution of the Law Society saw the light of day and later became established with a Bar President at its head.

The Congress participants will therefore be able to immerse themselves in the past and relive the major trials that have marked our profession’s history: the Louis XVI 's trial during which his lawyer Malesherbes was beheaded, the Marie-Antoinette’s trial, the Dreyfus case and Zola’s trial.

After the opening ceremony in the magnificent Grand Amphithéâtre de la Sorbonne, we will have the opportunity to go to the Palais de Justice on the Ile de la Cité for a welcome cocktail. Roman governors, the Merovingians, the Count of Eudes, the Capetians – all occupied this palace in turn, as it served as a royal palace in the Middle Ages.

Women will occupy a predominant position in the 51st Congress. Our colleague, Ms. Shirin Ebadi, winner of the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize, has agreed to honour us with her intervention during the opening ceremony. One main theme will be devoted entirely to women:Women’s rights – Law as an expression of culture and power. We count on a large participation of Bar Leaders during this historical event in the UIA life.

This will be an exceptional Congress, thanks to the efforts of the Organising Committee, presided by my very dear friend, Bernard Cahen, UIA President of Honor. The inaugural reception to welcome all participants will be unforgettable, it will take place at the Sorbonne and then move to the Palais de Justice.

The informal reception will be very original as it will be based on the theme of fairground art and the gala evening will be extremely elegant and of a high quality. I would like to give special thanks to my Parisian colleagues for organising our traditional evening at the homes of colleagues on November 2, despite the difficulties faced in the preceding congresses.

I count on you to make this evening dinner a high point of our congress. I am sure that after the successful Salvador Congress, thanks to the support of the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB), the Paris Congress will be unforgettable, thanks to the support of the Paris Bar.

I do hope that you will participate in large numbers in this historic congress for the UIA, which I will be honoured and pleased to chair for the 80 anniversary of the UIA.

Paulo LINS E SILVA
UIA President  

Welcome to Paris

During this 51st UIA Congress, the Union Internationale des Avocats (International Association of Lawyers – UIA) will be celebrating 80 years of its existence. You have undoubtedly observed that in this day and age, men are rediscovering their youth.

As for women – they have the advantage of being “eternally feminine”! In other words, they live on through the centuries. This is equally true of the UIA. The Organising Committee has kept an extremely close watch on proceedings. It has done everything possible to ensure that Paris will not just be the theme for a dream, but much more than a theme – a rich, diverse, bountiful reality, which will leave an indelible mark on your minds forever. At the time of writing this message, I do not know who will become the President of the French Republic.  Therefore, I do not know if he or she will be present or whether he or she will be represented and by whom. In any case, there will be a leading personality present.

The criminal theme is undeniably topical because European and African countries that practice the inquisitorial procedure are just waiting to introduce the adversary system. But countries that practice the adversary system are aware of its weaknesses and are demanding that it should be supplemented by certain aspects of the inquisitorial system. It is therefore necessary to compare the tenets of these procedures, which are of such great importance because behind them lie different aspects of freedom that are at stake. A very eminent French personality has agreed to preside over the debate on this theme.

The second theme will be on corporate governance. This is a truly topical issue in all countries. Corporate governance is important both in economic and administrative life. The meeting will gather together specialists from several countries and the proceedings will be presided over by Professor Wymeersch and Mr. William Neukom, the ABA President.

The third main theme will be devoted to women – a vast subject, and will be based on three round tables on cultural obstacles to equality, economic obstacles, positive actions and access to power.

A fourth theme has been added, given the topicality of the fight against counterfeiting. Apart from lawyers who will obviously be present, business leaders, policemen and all those who are affected by this scourge that has a considerable impact on the world economy will also participate.

In addition, you will find the both studious and friendly ambiance of the UIA Commissions. We do hope that your dinners and receptions will live up to your expectations of partying French-style. The Paris Bar will host the opening dinner at the Palais de Justice after the opening ceremony at the Sorbonne’s vast amphitheatre, at which intellectuals from all over the world will be present.

The next day, you will be able to attend cocktails offered by certain Firms or Embassies, but you will join us for dinner at the Musée des Arts Forains. These events will rejuvenate you - proving that lawyers always remain young at heart. The day after, you will have the opportunity – at least those not residing in France – of meeting Parisian lawyers and enjoying their hospitality.

You will also have the opportunity of meeting friends you may have made in the various Commissions, as the Commission dinners will be held either at colleagues’ homes or in restaurants.

Finally, the closing dinner will be held at the Pavillon d'Armenonville. It promises to be brilliant! You will have a really good treat – the food is remarkable – and will be able to dance till kingdom come. You will be given a list of some quality restaurants as soon as you arrive, so that you don’t forget that Paris is also the world’s gastronomic capital. Hemingway described Paris as “A moveable feast”! We will prove it to you – but the Congress will also be a working Congress at which the friendly fellowship that is the very essence of the International Association of Lawyers will reign.

Come and discover our new President’s France with us – a Bar that works hard and a team that will show you that Paris still remains a moveable feast!

Bernard CAHEN
Former Member of Paris Bar Council
UIA President of Honour
President of the 2007 Congress Organising Committee