2023 was largely characterised by macroeconomic volatility and heightened geopolitical tension. Due to this, many companies are now facing unexpected legal disputes after finding themselves or their contractual counterparties in distressed situations. Disputes Day 2024 will therefore focus on Disputes and Distressed Parties. The event will be organised on 19 March and it aims to provide practical insights to help companies navigate the complexities of legal disputes.

Register to the event by 4 March

Disputes Day 2024 is Krogerus' annual live conference focusing on topical issues within the resolution of business disputes.?This year's event will be organised at Little Finlandia in Helsinki on 19 March. The event is hosted by the Head of our Dispute Resolution practice, Partner Kirsi Kannaste and Partner Thomas Kolster, along with other Krogerus’ Dispute Resolution experts.

Why should you attend Disputes Day?

No company is able to avoid disputes altogether. During the past year, companies' operating environments have become even more unpredictable than before, making corporates' ability to mitigate risks and avoid potential disputes a significant competitive advantage. By joining us on Disputes Day 2024, you will gain expert insights on the following topics:

• How can companies avoid disputes in 2024?
• What toolkits or strategies can companies use in disputes with distressed parties?
• How does the geopolitical and financial situation impact arbitration?
• How do disputes affect company valuations and investor relations?

During the past year, disputes have played an increasing role in companies' business operations due to the global economic and political situation. Rapidly changing market conditions and political tension have created unforeseeable risks related to, for example, payments, delays in delivery or contractual counterparties' financial performance, which in turn have caused disputes between different companies.

Companies have also become more cautious when choosing contractual counterparties. Geopolitical changes have forced many to re-evaluate their counterparties or even terminate contracts with them which has led to more disputes. These changes have also brought forward the need to evaluate risks concerning the enforcement of judgements more carefully than before, since the judgement may be enforced in a country with political uncertainty or no possibilities to have the judgement enforced (for example Russia or China).

What to expect from Disputes Day's programme?

This year Disputes Day will focus on the current economic and geopolitical situation from the perspective of legal disputes and risk management. The event includes a keynote speech from the European Court of Human Rights' former president, current Partner at Gibson Dunn, Robert Spano, on where human rights come into play when it comes to disputes and distressed companies. You will also hear three panel discussions where esteemed panelists share their perspectives on dispute avoidance, asset tracing and enforcement as well as strategies regarding disputes with distressed parties.

During the afternoon representatives of the ICC, SCC and FAI arbitration institutes will share their insights on the impact of the geopolitical and economic situation on arbitration. The day will be rounded up by one of our keynotes, Mikael Rautanen, CEO and Co-Founder of capital markets analyst company Inderes, who will share his views on how disputes influence company valuations and investor relations.

Read more about Disputes Day's programme and register on the event website by 4 March. We look forward to seeing you at Disputes Day!