Avrio Advocati members and guests gathered in Brussels from 16–18 October 2025 for the network’s Autumn International Conference, generously hosted by Belgian member firm ebl redsky under the theme “Law & Communication: Its Subtleties and Influence.” The event brought together legal professionals and accountants from across the world for two days of engaging presentations, lively discussions, and valuable networking.
The conference opened with a welcome from Bruce Bowden (Leech Tishman), Chairman of Avrio Advocati, followed by an introduction from conference host, Guy Rulkin (ebl redsky).
The first keynote, Etienne Deschamps, Historical Advisor at the European Parliament, offered a fascinating start to the day with “Brussels and Europe: A Historical Perspective on a Shared Destiny.” He was followed by Valentina Dalla Giovanna, Lawyer at RawlingGiles and Legal Researcher at FARI – AI for the Common Good Institute, who explored “Law & AI: How AI is Transforming Lawyers’ Communication?” Her talk sparked lively debate on the evolving role of technology in legal practice and the responsibilities that come with it.
Other highlights included Yves Melin (Cassidy Levy Kent), founder of Greenlane.eu and Customspliance.eu, who examined how businesses can remain compliant in a disrupted world. Julien Radart (akkanto), Erik Bomans (Deminor), and Guy Rulkin presented an engaging discussion on managing product liability risks—legal, reputational and litigation financing. Sergio Parra Sabal (EJASO) offered insights into the emerging partnership between Europe and Latin America, while Jules Domenichini (Brightwater) and Louis de Schorlemer (Corporate Diplomat) shared communication lessons drawn from M&A practice.
Inclusion in the legal sector was addressed by Kathleen van Nuffel (Steptoe LLP), Chair of the Legal Diversity & Inclusion Alliance, who prompted reflection on how exclusive law firms truly are. The next generation also took the stage, with ELSA Brussels adressing the critical overcrowding issue in Belgian prisons, and the day concluded with a thought-provoking surprise keynote Suyin Aerts titled “It’s Time to Ask the Right Questions.”
On Saturday, Christian Saraïlis (Saraïlis Avocats Inc) shared reflections from the Expansion Committee on growing the network, followed by member networking with a difference and community updates from Emmett Maginn (AI), John Clarke (Managing Partner Forum), Michael Dewar (Property), and Rick Geerars (Commercial Contracts). The conference closed with internal updates from Ana Rita Relogio (CSA) and final remarks from Bruce Bowden and Guy Rulkin.
The Brussels conference once again demonstrated the strength of the Avrio Advocati network—combining legal expertise, international collaboration, and shared purpose in addressing the evolving dynamics of law, communication, and technology.