World Services Group

In this @LexLatin article, #WSGmember José Daniel Carvajal, Associate at Consortium Legal, discusses the challenges of protecting genetic resources and Indigenous knowledge, noting that while intellectual property systems have historically rewarded scientific discoveries, they have often overlooked the generations of knowledge developed by local communities. He highlights how emerging international standards are reshaping intellectual property strategies by encouraging greater transparency, due diligence, and recognition of traditional knowledge in innovation. Read more: worldservicesgroup.com/relea… #WorldServicesGroup #GlobalNetwork

#WSG is excited to introduce the 2026–2027 Asia Pacific Regional Council! From Mainland China to Australia, this council brings together leaders from five jurisdictions across the region. Over the coming year, they will strengthen ties among member firms, bring regional perspectives to WSG leadership and help grow the network throughout Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific Regional Council Members Chair: Jiawei (Michael) He, Han Kun – Mainland China Daniel Jarrett, Atsumi & Sakai – Japan Ricardo Maria Ongkiko, SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan – Philippines Dzung Vu, @ykvnlawyers – Vietnam Steven Wang, @minterellison – Australia Congratulations to all of our Asia Pacific Regional Council members. We look forward to a productive year ahead! #WorldServicesGroup #GlobalNetwork #RegionalCouncil

Thank you to the WSG M&A Group Europe, led by Group Leader Sergio Sánchez Solé, Partner at @garrigues_es, for hosting the WSG IBA M&A Luncheon in Copenhagen, Denmark. Members of the WSG M&A Group who attended the 2026 @IBAnews Annual Conference, as well as those in the region, enjoyed a valuable opportunity to network and build stronger relationships over lunch. #WorldServicesGroup #LegalNetwork #InternationalBarAssociation

A special thank you to Plesner for hosting the WSG IBA Annual Networking Luncheon in Copenhagen, Denmark. WSG members who attended the @IBAnews Annual Conference, along with members from the region, had the opportunity to network with fellow WSG members and strengthen their international business relationships. #WorldServicesGroup #LegalNetwork #InternationalBarAssociation

The World Services Group Employment & Labor Group recently gathered in Vienna for the WSG Employment & Labor Group Meeting 2026 – Europe, hosted by DORDA. Members exchanged insights on key developments shaping the workplace, including pay transparency, cross-border employment, and the findings of the WSG Employment & Labor Group's recently released Employers of Record report covering 26 European jurisdictions. The meeting also provided opportunities to strengthen relationships, share best practices, and explore future collaboration across the WSG network. Participants celebrated DORDA's 50th Anniversary with a special gala dinner in one of Vienna's most iconic venues. Thank you to DORDA, WSG E&L Europe Group Leader Neil Maclean, and everyone who joined and contributed to a successful meeting. #WorldServicesGroup #WSG #EmploymentLaw #LaborLaw #EmployersOfRecord #CrossBorderEmployment #PayTransparency #EuropeanLaw #WSGGroups

#WSG is delighted to announce the 2026–2027 Latin America Regional Council! We are pleased that Kirina Gonzalez Artigas will continue as Chair, building on the momentum of the past year and the strong relationships among our member firms across Central and South America. Together, the council will continue to bring regional insight to WSG leadership and create new opportunities for collaboration throughout the region. Latin America Regional Council Members Chair: Kirina Gonzalez Artigas, Bustamante Fabara – Ecuador Cesar Gonzalez, C.R. & F. Rojas Abogados – Bolivia Andres Lowenthal, @AltaBatalla – Guatemala Matías Vergara, @CareyAbogados – Chile Uri Weinstok, @BLPlegal – Costa Rica Congratulations to our Latin America Regional Council members! We look forward to everything this council will accomplish together. #WorldServicesGroup #GlobalNetwork

#WSG is proud to introduce the 2026–2027 Europe Regional Council! Representing member firms across six European jurisdictions, this council will help shape WSG's European meetings and programming, open new avenues for cross-border collaboration and support the continued growth of the network throughout the region. Europe Regional Council Members Chair: Vincent Netter, @JeantetAvocats – France Artemis Amalia Metaxa, @ChrysostomidesK – Cyprus Adina Chilim-Dumitriu, NNDKP – Romania Adam Pawlisz, Wardynski & Partners – Poland Michael Psaila, @mamotcv – Malta Jasmin Wardi, @KrogerusFinland – Finland Please join us in congratulating each of our Europe Regional Council members on their appointment. We are grateful for their commitment to the network. #WorldServicesGroup #GlobalNetwork

#WSG is pleased to announce the 2026–2027 North America & Caribbean Regional Council! WSG's Regional Councils play a key role in developing and implementing regional programs that foster collaboration among member firms, strengthen relationships across the region and bring regional perspectives to WSG leadership. North America & Caribbean Regional Council Members Chair: Amaan Gangji, @LawsonLundell – British Columbia, Canada Michael A. Cohen, @SchwabeLaw – Oregon, USA Richard Munden, @CareyOlsen – Cayman Islands Jeffrey Patton, @SpilmanLaw – West Virginia, USA Julie Simeone, Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP – New York, USA Congratulations to all of our North America & Caribbean Regional Council members. We look forward to a great year ahead! #WorldServicesGroup #GlobalNetwork

The #WSG European Employment & Labor Group has released its new report, Employers of Record: Input and Analysis from 26 Industry Firms. Employers of Record (EoRs) have become an increasingly prominent feature of international workforce strategies, enabling organizations to engage talent in new markets without establishing a local legal entity. As their use continues to expand across Europe, questions surrounding their legal status, regulatory treatment and potential liabilities are becoming increasingly important for organizations operating across borders. The report comparatively analyzes how EoR arrangements are treated under local law and examines the legal and practical considerations organizations face when incorporating EoRs into their international workforce strategies.  Read more here: worldservicesgroup.com/relea…. Contributing firms include: A&L Goodbody, @ALTIUS_lawyers, @ArendtMedernach, @Asters_law, Cechova & Partners, @ChrysostomidesK, @COBALT_Legal, Delphi, DORDA, @Ellex_Klavins, Ellex Valiunas, @garrigues_es, Gianni & Origoni, Heuking, Jadek & Pensa, @JeantetAvocats, @KSB_Law, @KrogerusFinland, @mamotcv, Plesner, Shepherd and Wedderburn, @Shoosmiths, Simonsen Vogt Wiig, @VanDoorne, Walder Wyss and Wardynski & Partners. #WorldServicesGroup #EmploymentLaw #LaborLaw

#WSG is pleased to announce the election of the 2026–2027 Board of Directors! As 2025–2026 Chair Rafael Calvo transitions leadership to incoming Chair Raimondo Premonte, WSG recognizes his dedicated leadership and service to the network. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Calvo advanced strategic priorities to strengthen the value of the network, including group collaborations to extend the depth and impact of the network within member firms, elevating and appointing regional leadership among the Emerging Leaders as a key component in developing the future, and driving continued enhancements and innovations to the platform enabling faster and more efficient engagement. “It is a great honor to serve as Chair of World Services Group for 2026–2027. I am grateful to past Chair Rafael Calvo for his dedicated leadership and continued commitment to the strength and success of our network," said Raimondo Premonte, Partner at Gianni & Origoni. "Building on that strong foundation, I look forward to working with our members to strengthen practice group collaboration and cross-border opportunities, using technology to make our network easier to access and activate, engage the next generation of leaders, and shape together WSG’s next five-year strategic plan. Our goal is clear: to translate the strength of our global relationships into measurable value for our clients and greater opportunities for our member firms.” Officers: - Chair, Raimondo Premonte from Gianni & Origoni (Italy) ​- Chair-Elect, Carolina Serra from @BeccarVarelaOk (Argentina) - Secretary, Leonardo Loo from @QuarlesandBrady (Arizona, United States) ​- Treasurer, Dr. Mathias Schroeder, LL.M. from Heuking (Germany) ​- Chair Emeritus, Rafael Calvo from @garrigues_es (Spain) Directors: ​- Laura Baucus from @Dykema (Michigan, United States) ​- Juan Diego De Vinatea from Rodrigo (Peru) - ​Keavy Ryan from @ALGoodbody (Ireland) WSG extends a sincere thank you to the outgoing members for their exemplary years of service and support in WSG's continued growth and development: Machiuanna Chu from Deacons (Hong Kong, SAR, China); André Vautour from @LaveryAvocats (Montréal, Quebec, Canada); and Jaime Robledo Vásquez from @Brigard_Urrutia (Colombia). #WorldServicesGroup #GlobalNetwork

The #WSGAnnualMeeting2026 in Montréal concluded last week, bringing together WSG members from over 60 jurisdictions for insightful discussions, new perspectives, and meaningful connections across the global network. The day's program began with the WSG Women's Group Breakfast, hosted by Selena Lu and Anik Trudel of #WSGMemberFirm @LaveryAvocats, providing an opportunity for members to exchange perspectives and strengthen relationships across the global network. The morning continued with a discussion on Supply Chain Security, moderated by Anik Trudel, and featuring Guy Saint-Jacques, former Ambassador of Canada to the People's Republic of China; Guillaume W. Dubreuil, Director of External Affairs and Government Relations at CSL Group; and Pierre Gabriel Côté, former CEO of Investissement Québec. The panel explored the growing challenges facing global supply chains amid geopolitical instability, trade disruptions, evolving sanctions regimes, and increasing demands for resilience. The meeting concluded with a thought-provoking inspirational session by Stewart Bain, CEO and Founder of NorthStar, whose presentation, "Reaching for the Stars," examined the parallels between space exploration, leadership, international cooperation, and risk management, highlighting lessons that apply far beyond the aerospace sector. Following the program, attendees participated in a special networking experience featuring lunch, a guided exploration of Parc Jean-Drapeau, and visits to several of Montréal's iconic landmarks, including the Expo 67 Biosphere, the Olympic Basin, the Gilles Villeneuve Exhibition, and the world-famous Canadian Grand Prix Circuit. We extend our sincere thanks to Lavery for hosting the WSG Annual Meeting 2026 and for welcoming members to Montréal with an outstanding program, distinguished speakers, exceptional networking opportunities, memorable experiences, and the warmth and hospitality that made this year's meeting truly special. #WSG #WorldServicesGroup #WSGAnnualMeeting2026 #Montréal #LegalNetwork #Collaboration #WSGMemberFirm

The first full day of the #WSGAnnualMeeting2026 hosted by @LaveryAvocats in Montréal brought together business leaders, policymakers, academics, and legal professionals to explore issues shaping today's global economy. The program began with a panel on The Geopolitics of the North & Critical Minerals, moderated by André Vautour of Lavery, featuring Killian Charles, CEO of Brunswick Exploration Inc., and Dr. Timothy Naftali of Columbia SIPA. The discussion explored how climate change, critical minerals, sovereignty concerns, and growing global competition are reshaping the Arctic and the future of the North. The conversation shifted to Infrastructure, Energy Transition and Collaborative Projects, where David Tournier of Lavery led a discussion with Éric Lachance of Énergir; Alex Petre of Deep Sky; and Dominique Anglade of HEC Montréal. Panelists examined resilient infrastructure models and the regulatory, climate, and liability challenges of the energy transition. During lunch, attendees heard from Alexandre Lagarde of Montréal International and Véronique Proulx of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, moderated by Selena Lu of Lavery, exploring Montréal and Québec's growing role as a global investment destination, driven by strengths in AI, clean technology, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy. The afternoon continued with AI Strategy: Build or Buy? Rethinking AI Governance, Trust and Control, moderated by Benoit Yelle of Lavery, featuring Sophie Fallaha of CEIMIA, Loïc Berdnikoff of Lavery, and Alejandro Padín of Garrigues, exploring whether organizations should build proprietary AI platforms or adopt commercial solutions, while addressing governance, trust, and control. The day concluded with The Shift of Value Towards Intangibles in M&A, moderated by Selena Lu of Lavery, with Raimondo Premonte of Gianni & Origoni, Steven Wang of MinterEllison, and Heather Buchta of Quarles & Brady exploring how intangible assets, Manufacturing 4.0 technologies, and AI are shaping transaction strategy, valuation, and corporate value. Following the program, WSG members gathered at Cirque Éloize at Montréal's historic Dalhousie Station in Old Montréal for an immersive dinner, live circus performances, and dancing — a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues from around the world. #WorldServicesGroup #WSGAnnualMeeting2026 #Montréal #Leadership #LegalInnovation #Collaboration

World Services Group congratulates member winners of the Women in Business Law EMEA Awards 2026. These awards recognize complex and innovative firm initiatives that promote women in law and leading women practitioners across Corporate Finance, Corporate/Commercial, Intellectual Property, Tax and Disputes practice areas. WSG congratulates these winners that demonstrate excellence in practice representing the high standards of WSG. @ALGoodbody Sinéad O’Connor, Structured Finance & Securitisation Lawyer of the Year DORDA Work-Life-Balance – CEE Francine Brogyányi, Life Sciences Lawyer of the Year Corina Kruesz, Rising Star Awards: Intellectual Property – CEEMEA Lawyer of the Year Pekin Bayar Mizrahi Türkiye Firm of the Year PLMJ Raquel Freitas, Environment Lawyer of the Year Read more: worldservicesgroup.com/relea… #WorldServicesGroup #GlobalNetwork

In this Global Competition Review article, #WSGMembers Tal Eyal-Boger, Ziv Schwartz, Vardit Wagner and Udi Fogel, of Fischer (FBC & Co.), discuss the evolving landscape of Israeli competition law and the Israel Competition Authority's proactive enforcement strategy. With recent legislative and regulatory developments, evolving merger review practices and increased regulatory focus on anticompetitive conduct, they highlight trends that reflect broader global competition enforcement priorities, offering insight for businesses and legal professionals navigating cross-border transactions and compliance in an increasingly complex antitrust environment. Read more: worldservicesgroup.com/relea… #WorldServicesGroup #GlobalNetwork

#WSGMember @Shoosmiths has joined The 49 Collective, a cross-industry initiative dedicated to improving the representation and progression of women across the electric mobility and clean energy sectors. Through a shared charter, collaborative initiatives and industry events, the Collective promotes meaningful action to support a more inclusive transition to a sustainable mobility future. By becoming a signatory, Shoosmiths reinforces its commitment to advancing diversity and inclusive leadership across these evolving industries. Read more: worldservicesgroup.com/relea… #WorldServicesGroup #GlobalNetwork

#WSGMember firms @ArendtMedernach and @CareyOlsen advised on the acquisition of Viridium Group by a consortium of leading global financial institutions. The complex cross-border transaction supports the continued growth of one of Europe's leading life insurance consolidation platforms and was recently recognized as the Impact Deal of the Year at the IFLR Europe Awards, highlighting its significance within the European legal and financial markets. As leading advisors in their respective jurisdictions, Arendt and Carey Olsen’s collaboration demonstrates the strength of WSG member relationships and the exceptional legal counsel WSG firms provide on complex cross-border transactions. Read more: worldservicesgroup.com/relea… #WorldServicesGroup #GlobalNetwork

World Services Group is honored to recognize member winners of the @BenchLitigation Asia-Pacific Awards 2026. These prestigious awards recognize the most complex and innovative cases from across the region and impressive performance and contribution to evolving legal landscapes. WSG congratulates these winners who demonstrate excellence in practice, representing the high standards of WSG. Han Kun Law Offices Individual Awards Xiaoming Deng, Rising Star of the Year SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan Jurisdictional Awards Philippines Firm of the Year Ramon Songco, Philippines Lawyer of the Year Client Choice Awards Philippines Firm of the Year Russel Rodriguez, Philippines Lawyer of the Year Read more: worldservicesgroup.com/relea… #WorldServicesGroup #GlobalNetwork

In this The Business article, #WSGMember Douglas Sinclair, Partner at @shepwedd highlights the growing importance of proactive succession planning for farming and rural businesses amid evolving inheritance tax rules and legal considerations. He explains that delaying succession planning can expose family-owned agricultural businesses to unnecessary tax liabilities and operational uncertainty, emphasizing that early planning and tailored legal and financial advice can help preserve assets and support a smooth transition to the next generation. Read more: worldservicesgroup.com/relea… #WorldServicesGroup #GlobalNetwork

World Services Group congratulates member winners of the Women in Business Law Americas Awards 2026. These awards recognize the achievements and contributions of women in business law across the Americas. WSG congratulates these winners that demonstrate excellence in practice representing the high standards of WSG. @BLPlegal Career Development Latin America Firm of the Year Central America Firm of the Year @Brigard_Urrutia Ángela García Páez, Latin America Corporate/M&A Lawyer of the Year @BFlegalec Ecuador Firm of the Year @guyeryregules Uruguay Firm of the Year Rodrigo Maritza Reátegui, Latin America Life Sciences Lawyer of the Year Read more: worldservicesgroup.com/relea… #WorldServicesGroup #GlobalNetwork