8th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2022, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
17-18th November 2022
The 8th Annual General Meeting of the League of Lawyers was held in Sydney, Australia on 18th November 2022. The meeting marked the first hybrid AGM of the League of Lawyers, with attendees physically present at the Hilton Hotel, Sydney and over Zoom. The meeting was attended by the following representatives:
Members present:
- Barcelaw Abogados: Mr. Antoni Lasala
- GHR Rechtsanwälte AG: Mr. Bruno Hunziker, Mr. Stephan Hofer
- Harold Benjamin Solicitors, Mr. Niten Chuahan
- JNP Legal Co., Ltd.: Ms. Nippita Pukdeetanakul
- Koga & Partners, Mr. Isomi Suzuki
- MahWengKwai & Associates: Mr. Raymond Mah, Ms. Lum Ying Mei, Ms. Cassandra Thomazios
Members joining via Zoom
- SZA Studio Legale: Mr. Marco Petrassi
- Tarriela Tagao Ona & Associates: Mr. Solo V. Tibe
- Yap & Lam, Solicitors: Mr. Stephen Yap
Day 1: Cultural Exploration and Networking (17th November)
On the cool and sunny morning of 17th November, members embarked on a scenic morning yacht cruise around Darling Harbour, reconnecting and reviving camaraderie after the prolonged hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This rejuvenating experience was the highlight, marking an energetic beginning to the meeting.
Following the cruise, attendees were treated to a culturally immersive two-hour walking tour of Sydney. This excursion encompassed some of the city’s most emblematic landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Australia Square. The tour also covered historical sites such as the “Rum” Hospital, Macquarie Street, the Hilton bombings site, and Sydney Tower.
The day concluded with a delightful dinner at the Royal Automobile Club of Australia, where members enjoyed exquisite cuisine complemented by the breathtaking night view of Sydney Harbour.
Day 2: The Annual General Meeting (18th November)
The Annual General Meeting officially commenced at 10 am at the Hilton Hotel. Raymond Mah, the outgoing President, warmly welcomed the attendees, encompassing 12 representatives from 9 law firms, both in-person and virtually.
During the meeting, Raymond presented a comprehensive Board report, highlighting significant activities and achievements during the term. The League’s eBook project, initiated in 2021, and the ongoing efforts to expand membership to new jurisdictions were discussed. The meeting also encouraged the contribution of articles to the League’s website to enhance visibility and engagement.
Stephan Hofer, in his capacity as Treasurer, provided a detailed overview of the financial statements. The agenda also included discussions on the League’s trademark applications and the refinement of the referral system.
A significant moment was the unanimous appointment of Stephan Hofer and Nippita Pukdeetanakul as Co-Presidents, with Niten Chauhan assuming the role of Treasurer. Additionally, Raymond Mah and Henning von Zanthier were confirmed as board members. The meeting concluded with a preview of the next exciting meeting scheduled for May 2023 in Amsterdam.
Following the AGM, members enjoyed a sumptuous lunch at Roast Republic, celebrated for its exceptional cuisine. The afternoon was filled with cultural enrichment, as attendees visited the Sydney Opera House for an artistic performance.
The day’s events extended into the evening with members attending the LAWASIA Conference opening ceremony. The night was capped off with a delightful dinner in Chinatown that was hosted by our new Co-Presidents, Nippita Pukdeetanakul.