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In London we anticipate another busy round of litigation in 2025

Of the main areas for dispute that we believe will continue next year, is the efforts of shareholders to hold to account companies and funds into which they invest.  Interestingly, the English court has recently held (Allianz v Barclays) that prospective claimants against fund managers or companies have to have engaged with the entity’s reports and accounts, AGM etc rather than simply jump on the bandwagon of activist litigants.  This may prove a soft break on the shareholder litigation front, but not an end to this high-profile area of law – purely the most active shareholders alleged to have been directly affected by conduct of the defendant will be able to pursue their interests.

 

One notable pressure point will be shareholders and consumers’ concerns over the use of AI and data rights – we see this as a notably developing area of law following the trend shown in the US already, with various muted claims against Open AI, ChatGPT, Microsoft etc.  These new areas for litigation will run alongside the more common risks to corporates such as complaints of (lack of) ESG compliance, such as greenwashing, DEI initiatives etc.

 

Another factor in litigation in England will be whether the law relating to litigation funding will be amended, in light of last year’s trucks cartel case (PACCAR).  Truck manufacturers succeeded in defeating competition law claims before the Competition Appeal Tribunal, as the UK’s Supreme Court ruled the agreements struck between the claimants and their litigation funders were damages-based agreements and not compliant with the relevant legislation so therefore unenforceable.  Understandably, this threatened a whole class of litigation funding and all those collective actions that were before the CAT.  Under pressure, the previous government vowed to change the law to ease access to continued litigation funded group actions, but the general election put paid to any progression.  So the ball is in the current government’s court to bring forward new legislation swiftly.

 

And we will continue to see a focus by regulators on requiring those they regulate to focus on prevention of misconduct (whether financial or non-financial), with ever increasing fining powers.  Specifically relating to cultural issues involving non-financial misconduct (eg sexual impropriety, bulling, harassment etc) the Financial Conduct Authority is set to publish its rules and expectations of regulated companies and firms, in early 2025.   This will be followed later in the year by similar policy statements on matters of diversity and inclusion, following research into these areas earlier this year.   The legal profession’s regulator, the SRA, is taking a similarly interventionist approach and we predict a continued uptick in litigation over such conduct and cultural issues during the coming year.

 

And last but not least, the employment tribunals will find themselves equally as occupied during the coming year as a raft of claims arise for unfair dismissal in light of the zero-tolerance approach many employers have taken to matters of non-financial misconduct.  We’ve seen internal investigations that have been suggestive of non-consensual inappropriate behaviour which has led to terminations of employees’ contracts, but circumstances suggest that some investigations’ findings (and therefore the dismissals) could be ripe for challenge.

 

So, while Bell Yard expects to be busy in London during 2025, before then at least, here’s to a dispute free Christmas season – cheers!

CLCA, The Crisis and Litigation Communicators Alliance is deeply honored and delighted to announce its new member LaFrenchCom as the new representative member for France.

“The acknowledgment and inclusion of LaFrenchCom into the CLC Alliance fills us with a profound sense of pride and enthusiasm. We are eagerly looking forward to contributing to the group’s objectives and engaging with fellow members.”, said Florian Silnicki, President of LaFrenchCom.

LaFrenchCom has a wealth of experience in crisis management, thanks to more than 10 years of sensitive communication serving the defense of the most exposed leaders.

LaFrenchCom has demonstrated their commitment to excellence and innovation in every project they undertake, making them a valuable asset to the CLCA network.

“As a member of CLCA, LaFrenchCom will have the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded professionals, share insights, and contribute to the advancement of the public relations field. Their passion for Crisis Communication and Litigation PR aligns perfectly with our network’s mission to collaborate on cross-border matters and when clients seek the reassurance of excellent and expert partners overseas” said Martin Jenewein, Chairperson of the CLC Alliance and Senior Partner at the Viennese Litigation PR agency SMJ Partners.

“LaFrenchCom is excited about the journey ahead with CLCA and is committed to making a meaningful contribution to the group” said Florian Silnicki in conclusion.

Notes to Editors

About CLCA

The Crisis and Litigation Communicators ́Alliance (CLCA) is a global network of owner-managed PR consulting firms who are each leaders in the areas of Crisis Management and Strategic Legal communications in their respective markets. Clients can benefit from the collaboration of members on cross-border matters and the CLCA’s specialist expertise in international disputes (especially competition law and cartel cases, cross-border litigation, class actions, regulatory enforcement cases, fraud and employment related disputes).

Our constituent firms can be found here. For membership enquiries in jurisdictions not already covered, please contact chairperson@CLC-Alliance.org

The Crisis and Litigation Communicators’ Alliance (CLCA) is pleased to announce fresh partnerships that will further strengthen the network’s international footprint.

KARV Communications, based in New York (United States) is a globally recognized strategic communications and advisory firm with a focus on corporate and litigation communications, crisis management and public affairs/issues management. With experience across the globe, KARV helps clients achieve their communications and business goals through its expertise in crafting and honing often complex messages to a variety of stakeholders.

KARV has received recent international recognition for its work, including a Chambers & Partners ranking for both its Litigation Support and Crisis PR & Communications capabilities.

Andrew Frank, founder and CEO of KARV Communications said on joining CLCA:

“As KARV celebrates our tenth year with a reach far outside of our New York home, we welcome the opportunity of CLCA membership. With our growing book of clients often having interests outside of the United States, we are greatly anticipating meaningful and impactful collaboration with other CLCA members across the globe.” 

HilburgAssociates, domiciled in Canada is a pioneer in both crisis leadership and litigation communication/trial services. Its principal, Alan Hilburg, has been personally involved in more than 100 trials (both criminal and civil) across multiple sectors such as tobacco, chemical, hospitality, transportation, manufacturing, telecommunication, consumer products, pharmaceutical and healthcare.

Since the 1980s Alan and his colleagues have provided a range of services with a focus on trial strategy including co-authoring openings and closings, daily trial services, witness preparation, media relations, executive and employee communication, post trial trust recovery, and even incorporating jury science in the psychological profiling of prospective jury members, which would not be permissible in many jurisdictions outside of the US.

HilburgAssociates established its crisis leadership credentials in 1983 with its management of the Tylenol crisis, which became the Harvard Business School’s platinum case history on crisis management and human-centered design. 

Alan Hilburg, CEO said:

“The CLCA offers the gold standard of communication counseling excellence  when company or executive brands are under threat.  We’re honored to be part of such an important global resource.”

The CLCA Chairman, Martin Jenewein adds:

“Our Alliance once again demonstrates its best-in-class position as a network for litigation communicators offering clients litigation support services, each of whom are at the forefront of rapidly developing markets in their individual jurisdictions. The recognition our members receive internationally and in their home markets, through legal industry rankings, is proof positive of their capabilities.

“We are particularly honoured to have attracted both a pioneer in trial management and strategic communications such as Alan Hilburg as well as an award-winning specialist agency such as KARV to join our network. We look forward to working with them to build ever stronger alliances across our member firms and sharing best practice for the benefit of the network and all our clients.”

Issued by: Martin Jenewein, Chair, CLC-Alliance Tel: +43 (0) 1 402 17 65-0, Chairperson@CLC-Alliance.org

 

Notes to Editors

About CLCA

The Crisis and Litigation Communicators ́Alliance (CLCA) is a global network of owner-managed PR consulting firms who are each leaders in the areas of Crisis Management and Strategic Legal communications in their respective markets. Clients can benefit from the collaboration of members on cross-border matters and the CLCA’s specialist expertise in international disputes (especially competition law and cartel cases, cross-border litigation, class actions, regulatory enforcement cases, fraud and employment related disputes).

Our constituent firms can be found here. For membership enquiries in jurisdictions not already covered, please contact chairperson@CLC-Alliance.org.

ATREVIA joining the CLCA

The Crisis and Litigation Communicators’ Alliance (CLCA) continues its growth and announces a new member, ATREVIA, who will extend the alliance’s presence into Spain and Portugal.

“Our company is backed by an intense three-decade trajectory accompanying organizations from all sectors to defend their interests from a comprehensive multistakeholder perspective. To address crises and litigation, we have senior and experienced teams that anticipate, prevent, detect and act to protect our clients’ reputations using powerful technological tools and cutting-edge digital applications. This allows us to listen and act quickly in an increasingly complex world where knowledge of the dynamics of influence is more important than ever”, says Núria Vilanova, Founder and President of ATREVIA.

“Additionally, in a context of globalization, we strongly believe that working on the prevention and management of crises and litigation processes very often requires an international approach. That is why we are honored to work with the support of renowned CLCA members around the globe”, adds Núria Vilanova.

“The CLCA is a steadily growing network of companies that have built up a great deal of expertise in the dynamic fields of Crisis and Litigation PR. This is why our members value the exchange of experience and cooperation in this peer group very much. With ATREVIA we have found an excellent partner for Portugal and Spain and have, in fact, also set a milestone for a future expansion of the alliance in Central and South America. We are thrilled to have ATREVIA join the network”, says Martin Jenewein, CLCA Chairman.

About CLCA

The Crisis and Litigation Communicators ́Alliance (CLCA) is a global network of owner-managed PR consulting firms who are leaders in the areas of Crisis Management and Strategic Legal communications in their respective markets. Clients can benefit from the collaboration of members on cross-border matters and the CLCA’s specialist expertise in international disputes (especially Competition Law and Cartel cases, Cross-Border Litigation, Class Actions, Regulatory Enforcement cases, Fraud and Employment related disputes).

From founders to pioneers at the top of their industry, the following profiles showcase a collection of exceptional international female talent who are involved with the Crisis & Litigation Communicators Alliance (CLCA).

Tracey Cain – founder and Chief Executive Officer of Australian Public Affairs – one of Australia’s largest independently owned agencies.

Ianika Tzankova – founding partner at the law firm Birkway and holds the first European professorship in collective redress since 2007.

Derede M. – crisis management and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) expert and trusted advisor to CEOs, attorneys, C-suite executives, Boards of Directors, and public figures. (LEVICK)

Kate Hartley – co-founder of Polpeo, a crisis simulation company that helps some of the biggest brands and agencies in the world prepare for a crisis.

Caroline Sapriel – founder and Managing Partner of CS&A International, a specialist risk and crisis and business continuity management consulting firm with offices in Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, Singapore, and the United States.

Sarah Peters – Senior Consultant at Bell Yard Communications with over 20 years experience in corporate communications and substantial expertise in the professional and financial services sectors.

See the full LinkedIn-Post by our colleagues from Bell Yard

Bell Yard Communications’ founder and director, Melanie Riley and senior consultant, Louise Beeson, both feature in Lawdragon’s Global 100 Leaders in Legal Strategy & Consulting 2020 – out of only 10 UK-based consultants included in the guide.

The guide recognises the top 100 experts in management, marketing, communication and recruiting services, as voted for by legal industry leaders.

See the full list here. 

Bell Yard Communications’ founder and director, Melanie Riley, was quoted in the UK’s financial newspaper, Financial News, alongside other PR gurus, on the importance of championing racial diversity in companies that have come out in support of the #BlackLivesMatter movement.

***
Engaging on race? You’ve got to do more than add a hashtag

“Don’t make any more excuses. Don’t think this doesn’t affect you. Don’t sit back and be silent.”

The white words flash across a black screen. A sombre piano plays in the background. Alongside the tweet, Nike says: “Let’s all be part of the change.”

The killing of a 46-year-old black man, George Floyd, pinned beneath three police officers in Minneapolis on 25 May has sparked anger around the world. The surge in protests since have created an urgency around conversations about race and inequality, bringing them to the fore and eclipsing the Covid-19 pandemic headlines.

Read the rest of the article here.

Asian corporate leaders are generally more self-effacing than their Western counterparts when handling corporate and legal disputes, preferring to keep conflicts away from the public eye. The passive approach towards tackling crisis communications sometimes borders on avoidance and occasional states of denial.

Nine out of 10 Asian companies I have advised on crisis situations over the past 20 years have never conducted “desktop” dry runs on scenarios before they happened, and most have not developed crisis-communications manuals listing essential procedures to deal with key stakeholders in such situations. Of the rare few who did so, few plans spell out scenarios of potential litigation disputes.

Until now, a typical crisis situation among public companies has revolved around a sudden financial loss or write-off, a hostile takeover, a fatal workplace accident or, increasingly, a boardroom fight or a shareholder requisition to remove directors. And, despite the higher emphasis on governance, there are reports of alleged financial wrongdoing at home or abroad by their overseas units, which may cause them to face criminal proceedings.

The default practice has been to seek legal recourse and worry later (usually at the eleventh hour) about how to communicate with the media and stakeholders. More often than not, chief executives of smaller listed companies stick to formal filings to the exchange, or – at best – a press statement and a print interview, eschewing live television and radio interviews.

The cultural fear of loss of face and weak public-speaking skills leave many corporate leaders in Asia ill-equipped to handle the cut and thrust of press conferences and shareholder meetings held to address contentious issues. The tendency to avoid embarrassing situations deters pro-active crisis planning for a potential media maelstrom in the event of dispute or criminal investigation.

Such crises can damage a brand, as well as the market value and reputations of the corporation and its top executives. It is not uncommon for media engagements to be an afterthought to repair damage; such positioning is essentially defensive rather than strategic.

However, recent global developments and trends may soon jolt Asian bosses out of this reticence and passivity, based on expert views exchanged at a conference of the London-based Crisis and Litigation Communicators Alliance (CLCA) held in Amsterdam last month. CLCA members from Europe, the United States, Asia and Australia gather annually to share best practices for handling media communications during litigation and crises.

Three trends sweeping Asia and the developed world are likely to trigger a sea change in this craft and in the main actors – corporate leaders and their key spokesmen.

The first is the growing scale and sophistication of mass action claims as global business becomes increasingly borderless and multi-faceted. The CLCA heard from a Dutch investor group that was successful in an appeal in an Amsterdam court against a major European bank involving a €1.3 billion (S$1.9 billion)settlement.

Such collective action that is led by associations or foundations is increasing. Their stated aims are often to achieve “optimum return” by representing investors’ interests, clustering strengths, exchanging information and “promoting honest and efficient financial markets”.

Tools and tactics include formal representation in legal proceedings, shareholder meetings and consultations, investment study clubs, political lobbying to Parliament and regulatory bodies, as well as engaging traditional and social media.

Beyond championing investor rights, a second trend is the increase in disputes and mass actions involving issues such as anti-competitive behaviour (usually concerning technological disruption or a recent industry consolidation) and those relating to the environment, human rights and privacy.

The publicity generated recently by Swedish teenage activist Greta Thunberg belies a broader trend of mass action which can spill over to claims related to the environment. Such claims can be targeted at governments as well as corporations.

The third trend is the rise of third-party funding (TPF) at a time when Asian nations such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia seek to attract more dispute settlements to their respective jurisdictions. TPF involves an entity not directly involved in the dispute funding some or all litigation-related expenses in return for a share of the recovered sum (30 per cent is an oft-cited figure).

At a seminar on arbitration at the Maxwell Chambers and Suites in Singapore that I attended in August, legal experts cited how the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) is emerging as a trendsetter. Unlike open courts, arbitration is conducted behind closed doors and is generally considered to offer speedier resolution of disputes. Confidentiality is also preserved.

According to SIAC, it handled 402 new cases, with a total sum in dispute of US$7.06 billion (S$9.6 billion), last year.

In comparison, the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre – seen as a rival to SIAC – handled 521 cases, with a total sum in dispute of all arbitration cases at US$6.7 billion.

In the same year, Malaysia changed its Arbitration Act 2005, updating its arbitration framework and rebranding the Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration into the Asian International Arbitration Centre that promises similar amenities as Singapore’s but “at a fraction of the costs”.

The trend in Asia mirrors efforts of English-speaking commercial courts in Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Paris looking to attract disputes away from Britain amid the Brexit debate.

Last month, Singapore’s Ministry of Law relaxed rules to allow TPF’s reach to extend beyond international arbitration to include domestic arbitration and certain proceedings in the Singapore International Commercial Court. It is a question of time before other Asian jurisdictions do the same.

The confluence of accelerated global business linkages to Asia, the rising trend of mass action to recover economic rights or champion issues, and the colour of third-party money joining the fray of dispute resolution will soon transform the practice of litigation as well as the litigants themselves.

Reticence may no longer be the preferred status quo. To avoid loss of face, it is time for Asian corporate leaders to be more proactive and put on a braver face to protect their own interests better.

Lai Kwok Kin is the founder of regional corporate strategy and communications firm WeR1 Consultants, the first Asian member of the Crisis and Litigation Communicators Alliance. 

This article was first published in The Straits Times on 13/11/2019. 

CLCA UK member firm Bell Yard Communications is delighted to be ranked as a Band 1 Litigation PR firm in the Chambers’ Litigation Support Guide 2019.

The firm already secured a lead ranking in last year’s inaugural guide and has held that position for the second year running. This year, the agency is described as “very effective” and “highly recommended.”

Bell Yard Communications’ Director, Melanie Riley, is also ranked Band 1. The guide says clients describe her as “professional, charming, incredibly thorough and a joy to work with.”

Melanie comments: “Maintaining our pre-eminent position in this important guide for litigators makes us extremely proud. We believe this is testimony to the trust and belief in our counsel, shown by our clients, peers and referrers alike, for which we are truly grateful.”

Chambers Litigation Support Guide is a comprehensive analysis of the leading professional firms who provide support to litigants and litigators in key markets worldwide. Covering asset tracing and e-discovery experts through to litigation PR specialists, it is an invaluable resource for lawyers, GCs and private clients involved in complex disputes.

Czech Republic and Slovakia added as new markets, member exchange in the Netherlands

The Crisis and Litigation Communicators Alliance (CLCA) is pleased to welcome the Czech agency “Marcus and Art” as a new member to its network. The agency with offices in Prague (Czech Republic) and Bratislava (Slovakia) specializes in Litigation PR, Crisis Communication and Digital Marketing. For the CLCA, this partnership opens up new possibilities.

“We at Marcus and Art are proud to become a member of the world’s leading platform for international Crisis and Litigation PR professionals. We look forward to cross-border projects with our partners and representing the CLCA in our two markets,” said Mirek Denes, Managing Partner at Marcus and Art.

Member Exchange in the Dutch Market

The CLCA is also welcoming a new member firm in the Netherlands. At the end of 2017 former Dutch member, Van Kempen Associates, left the network on account of the retirement of their founder from PR and the termination of their business activities. The CLCA is delighted to have found a high-calibre replacement member with the agency HuijskensBickerton. The team of HuijskensBickerton is based in Amsterdam and specializes in Crisis Communication, Corporate Communication, Financial Communication and Public Affairs.

“We have been following the CLCA for several years and are pleased to be the new Dutch member of the alliance. We look forward to future cooperation with the CLCA and the opportunities it can bring,” says Charles Huijskens, Founding Partner at HuijskensBickerton.
Martin Jenewein, Chairman of CLCA and Senior Partner at the Vienna based agency Schneider | Minar | Jenewein comments: “We are delighted that we were able to continue our expansion course and to widen our network. The CLCA is on a growth path and is attracting some excellent new member firms – that is very exciting.”

The Crisis and Litigation Communicators´ Alliance (CLCA) is a global network of owner-managed PR consulting firms who are leaders in the areas of Crisis Management and Strategic Legal communications in their respective markets. Clients can benefit from the collaboration of members on cross-border matters and the CLCA’s specialist expertise in international disputes (especially European Competition Law and Cartel cases, Cross-Border Litigation, Class Actions, Regulatory Enforcement cases, Fraud and Employment related disputes).

We asked three CLCA member firms to give their top 3 predictions of where they see workflow arising in 2018 and here is what they have to say:

Richard Levick, Chairman and CEO of LEVICK our US member firm:

1. Cyber will move into 3.0, where full disclosure is expected and there will be real loss of life, safety and health, not just information. Companies will be more on the defensive than they have been in the past. The question media will ask is, “What was your prophylaxis?” Companies better have a good answer.

2. Continuation of #MeToo targeted reputation challenges against high profile individuals (in the arts, politics, finance, etc) with Wall Street, law firms, and other industries not escaping the heat either. The obvious media question for companies is going to be: “What did you know and when did you know it?” with the potential for reputations to turn toxic if culture is called into question. It will also be important to navigate a path of fairness to the accused as well as alleged victims and other potential victims. HR will be under tremendous pressure to operate with due process.

3. Litigation funding is on the march. Not just in the US but globally. Disputes from fraud cases to divorce cases are now being financed by third-party funds and companies are increasingly striking deals with funders to take litigation risk off-balance sheet. This in turn means funders will have a skin in the PR dimension of cases. Watch this space….

Louise Beeson, consultant at Bell Yard Communications in the UK:

1. Expect more gender equality lawsuits (recruitment, pay and discrimination challenges). Companies in the UK with over 250 staff are now obliged by law to publish gender pay gap information which is proving incendiary at organisations like the BBC, in financial services firms and at certain global law firms. We are likely to see class action cases as well as employment claims from high profile senior managers.

2. There have already been legal challenges against the UK Government about their conduct of the Brexit process. 2018 will be the year Brexit spawns commercial and employment disputes – for example, employment claims from EU employees based in the UK who find themselves subject to discrimination, disputes over business contracts being lost due to Brexit or challenges to insurance policies being changed to take account of Brexit. This one will run and run for years to come, of course, as the detail and practical reality of Brexit begins to bite.

3. With the advent of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, new types of legal case will surely follow. Query will we see tighter regulation of cryptocurrency operators in 2018 with enforcement actions too and will there be a rush of claims from those who experience wrongdoing in cryptocurrency transactions – from fraudulent misrepresentation to fintech fails. This is clearly not just a UK trend. Given cryptocurrencies and their investors rely on various different underlying legal systems, the potential for multi-faceted cross-border disputes is high.

Uwe Wolff, CEO of NAÏMA Strategic Legal Services in Germany says:

1. I predict growing interest in our reputation-management service for the aftermath of a legal crisis. Executives involved in litigation don’t want their name forever tied to allegations or disappointing court judgments, which have reputation longevity thanks to the internet. Given not all online media reports will qualify for the right-to-be-forgotten, there are PR programmes and activities that can help to reposition personal reputation. Insurance companies are becoming increasingly receptive to covering these PR related services.

2. An increasing number of companies are finding themselves victim to deliberate and damaging fake-news media attacks. These may be orchestrated by protest groups, subversive competitors and eccentric hackers through to those with an interest in benefitting financially from such an attack. Companies need the right IT experts and the right communications partners to fight off these attacks and restore reputations.

3. Companies need compliance systems now for monitoring everything from employee behaviour to anti-bribery policies. And ironically these raise the bar for reputation fall-out if there is a compliance violation. The Supreme Court in Germany recently ruled that companies will face a less harsh sentence if their compliance system failed. With every failure comes a communications crisis ….

The Crisis & Litigation Communicators’ Alliance (CLCA) is pleased to announce that Professor Dr Patrick Krauskopf of Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) and the CLCA have signed an Academic Partnership Agreement.

The CLCA is an international network of independent, owner-managed PR firms specialising in crisis and high-stakes litigation PR advice. The network approached Professor Dr Krauskopf to forge a special relationship to share know-how and best practice, given his strong interest in, and reputation for, litigation PR in Switzerland and German speaking countries.

As well as his role as head of the Center for Competition Law at ZHAW, Dr Krauskopf is a practising lawyer and founder of AGON Partners, known for anti-trust and cartel proceedings.

CLCA Chairman Martin Jenewein, from Austrian agency SMJ Consulting, comments: “Professor Dr Krauskopf has pretty much established and owned the concept of litigation PR in Switzerland. He has developed a unique reputation for using communications in his legal work. Through his lectures and conferences, he has demonstrated commitment to broadening the understanding of litigation PR among the legal community. We are delighted he is joining the CLCA.”

Professor Dr Krauskopf comments: “I am honoured to become the Academic Partner of the CLCA. I am looking forward to meeting all CLCA members and working with them to broaden the concept of litigation PR in Europe and around the world. There will be many areas to explore of mutual benefit and cooperation. “

A first example of this partnership will be the cooperation of the CLCA and Dr Krauskopf at the 3^rd annual litigation PR convention in Winterthur, Zurich which he organizes. It is due to take place on 18^th April 2018 under the title: „The influence of Trump, Twitter & #fakenews on legal communications.” Further details and registration information can be found at https://litigation-pr.ch

Prior to joining ZHAW and setting up AGON Partners, Professor Dr Patrick L. Krauskopf was, inter alia, Vice-Chair of the Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO).  He studied at the Universities of Fribourg and Berkeley (Master’s, 1991; Ph.D., 1999) and at Harvard Law School (LL.M., 2005). He is admitted to all Swiss courts as well as in New York.

Martin Jenewein, Senior Partner of the CLCA’s Austria member firm, SMJ Consulting, has taken over as Chairman of the CLCA starting January 2018. He replaces Louise Beeson of CLCA’s UK member firm Bell Yard Communications.

Martin Jenewein comments: “I am delighted to take on the leadership role of the CLCA.  I have long been an active and committed member of the CLCA and am passionate about its potential. I intend to further expand the footprint of the CLCA and to help encourage greater collaboration between member firms. I also hope to make the CLCA better known for its unique expertise in the area of Litigation PR. Watch this space! My special thanks go to the dedicated team of Bell Yard Communications and Louise Beeson who were the co-founders of this excellent network.” 

Louise Beeson comments: “It was an honour to head the CLCA for the last 3 years. In this time, we attracted five new talented member firms and launched an enhanced website, hosted several meetings of members to exchange ideas and know-how, and adjusted the membership structure.  During 2017, the Alliance exchanged the highest number of client mandates in our history, with multiple cross-jurisdiction instructions.  I am confident Martin will now grow the Alliance further, taking it to new heights during his tenure. He is a highly popular choice for the role and maintains all our support as he spearheads the CLCA’s next exciting chapter.”

 

Martin Jenewein can be reached at:

Tel: +43 (0) 1 402 17 65-14

Mail: jenewein@smj.at