Bâtonnier and Vice Bâtonnier du Barreau de Paris visit to Sydney
On 4 November 2015, Pierre-Olivier Sur, Bâtonnier and Laurent Martinet, Vice Bâtonnier du Barreau de Paris were welcomed to a cocktail reception jointly held by Baker & McKenzie and the Society at Baker & McKenzie in Sydney. Over 50 guests were welcomed by Mathieu Hanaut, Partner at Baker & McKenzie and Marie Wilkening-Le Brun, President of the Society. In attendance were members of the judiciary, barristers, solicitors and law students.
Both Mr Sur and Mr Martinet gave interesting speeches as to the importance of the contribution of French qualified lawyers working in Australia. Mr Nicolas Croizer, French Consul-General spoke about the importance of lawyers in society.
This event was significant for both French and Australian members of the legal community as Mr Sur and Mr Laurent were in Sydney to attend the Law Society of New South Wales to sign a memorandum of understanding between the Paris Bar and the Law Society for the mutual recognition of work experience for trainee lawyers.
Networking Drinks in Sydney at the Exchange Hotel
On 15 October 2015, the FALS committee members in Sydney organised a networking event at the Exchange Hotel. It was a relaxed evening with students, paralegals and lawyers in attendance. The guests shared their experiences working and studying in Australia, France and other Francophone countries. The Exchange Hotel offered a warm atmosphere with good quality meals and wines.
Seminar Business Law in Africa
On 28 August 2015 the French Australian Lawyers Society, in association with the Australia Africa Business Council, held a seminar on Business Law in Africa. Over 35 people attended, including lawyers, barristers, journalists (SBS channel) and members of the French Embassy. The speakers were Benoît Le Bars, Managing Partner of Lazareff Le Bars LLP (Paris) and renowned international arbitrator, and François de Senneville, Partner and Head of the Lazareff Le Bars’ African desk. The seminar was followed by drinks. All attendees enjoyed learning more about new challenges in this region and the relationships between Australia and Africa.
The main topics discussed were:
– OHADA Law: Benoît Le Bars gave the attendees an overview of OHADA, a system of business laws adopted by 17 African Nations. The OHADA laws also include international arbitration rules and a supranational Court has been created to ensure uniformity between countries.
– Taxes in Africa: François de Senneville gave the participants an overview of the situation of companies investing in Africa.
Bleu Blanc Rouge Bastille Day week-end 2015
On 11 and 12 July 2015, the Society participated in the Bleu Blanc Rouge Festival in Sydney, held on the Customs House foreshore. Members were able to take part in a game of pétanque and a French Cooking Master Class.
Annual General Meeting 2015
On 27 February 2015 the Society held its Annual General Meeting at the French Consulate in Sydney. Over 30 people attended the evening. Guests were welcomed by Anne-Laure Bullier, Vice President. The 2015 Committee was elected at this meeting.