Legal Network International’s update on global IP and trade mark news from the member firms of the Legal Network International (LNI).
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Month: May 2026
LNI Awards – Prague 2026
The Prague conference spirit was celebrated in full during our LNI Awards, recognising the energy, creativity, and commitment of our members.
🏅 Joel Rose of Aird & Berlis LLP was honoured for their long standing and commitment to LNI
🏅 Ivona Petrová of Petráš Rezek – právo I transakce I daně I účetnictví I mediace was recognised as the Most Committed Younger Member
🏅 Epanty MBANDA of 4M LEGAL AND TAX – LAW FIRM was recognised as our Most Committed African Member
🏅 Pierre Trusson of JP KARSENTY & Associés received recognition as the Best Contributor to Digital Marketing
🏅 Yuki Ichikawa of Sato Ichikawa travelled the furthest to join us – an impressive 9,093 kilometres from Japan!
🏅 Ruby Yeung from Ruby Yeung & Co. was recognised as purchasing the most expensive flight from London to Prague !
Well done everyone!!
Buju Stanciu & Associates Wins Appeal in Large Solar Energy Commercial Dispute
Buju Stanciu & Associates successfully assisted a major international player in the solar energy sector, headquartered in China and with its European headquarters in Germany, in a commercial dispute related to the execution of commercial reports regarding the delivery of photovoltaic equipment.
By the decision issued on May 5, 2026, the Ploiești Court of Appeal admitted the appeal filed by the client assisted by Buju Stanciu & Associates, annulled the first instance sentence and, re-examining the case, dismissed as unfounded the claim filed against the client after, in the first instance, he had been ordered to pay a considerable amount, representing the equivalent value of deliveries allegedly not made.
The solution is relevant due to the commercial value of the dispute, the international nature of the relations between the parties and the market context in which it arose: a cross-border transaction regarding photovoltaic products, affected by the heightened volatility of prices in the solar panel industry and by difficulties arising in the phased execution of orders, deliveries and payment obligations.
The Buju Stanciu & Asociații team built the defense on appeal on an integrated analysis of the commercial relationship between the parties, the contractual correspondence, the order and delivery mechanism specific to the industry, as well as the economic effects generated by the refusal to continue the execution of the commercial relationship.
“This solution confirms the importance of a defense that is not limited to the formal reading of the documents, but reconstructs the entire commercial mechanism of the transaction. In international disputes of this type, especially in volatile sectors such as renewable energy, it is essential for the court to understand the economic reality behind orders, purchases, storage, deliveries and payments. For our client, the decision eliminates a substantial financial exposure and correctly re-establishes the factual framework of the dispute,” said lawyer Vlad Mureșan, from Buju Stanciu & Asociații, who coordinated the litigation strategy.
See more articles from our member firm in Romania, Buju Stanaciu & Asociatii.
LNI Prague 2026 – Reconnect, Exchange and Strengthen
What an incredible few days at the LNI Spring Conference 2026 in beautiful Prague.
This year’s conference brought together colleagues from across the network to explore two of the most important challenges and opportunities facing the legal profession today: the impact of artificial intelligence on legal practice and the importance of mental health and well-being in our profession.
One clear theme emerged across the two days, AI and well-being are not separate conversations. The way firms introduce AI will shape how their people experience work. Done thoughtfully, it removes the grind of repetitive tasks and gives lawyers more room for the judgment, client relationships and thinking that make the job worthwhile. Done badly, it piles on pressure and leaves people feeling ‘overloaded’. The qualities that sustain lawyers also happen to be the qualities AI cannot replace.
Alongside the formal sessions, the conference offered valuable opportunities to reconnect, exchange ideas and strengthen relationships across the LNI network.
We enjoyed exploring the historic city of Prague with special highlights including our visit to The Senate and a dinner cruise on the Vltava. The perfect setting for both professional and personal connections.
Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed and helped make the conference such a success. We leave Prague with fresh perspectives, practical insights and stronger connections across our international legal community.
Already looking forward to the next LNI conference in October.
IP Newsletter April
Legal Network International’s update on global IP and trade mark news from the member firms of the Legal Network International (LNI).
Download now
PBW Law: Michael McKitrick Interview with The Journal of the Law Society of Scotland
Michael McKitrick recently featured in The Law Society of Scotland’s publication, The Journal of the Law Society of Scotland, following his promotion to Partner at the age of 30.
The article highlights Michael’s progression from trainee solicitor to partner at PBW Law—an achievement that reflects both his commitment to litigation and the firm’s culture of trust, responsibility, and early development. It offers insight into the realities of building a career in Scottish litigation, from managing a demanding caseload early on to developing confidence in advocacy across both civil and criminal courts.
Michael’s practice today spans a wide range of complex and high-profile matters, including public inquiries, fatal accident inquiries, regulatory proceedings, criminal matters and cross-border disputes. The feature explores how this breadth of experience—combined with hands-on mentorship and a willingness to step outside of one’s comfort zone—has shaped his approach to client care and advocacy.
The piece also touches on wider themes that will resonate with many across the legal profession: the importance of supportive mentorship, the value of gaining early responsibility, and the evolving role of technology in modern legal practice. It reflects not only Michael’s personal journey but also the opportunities available within firms that prioritise development and innovation.
For members of Legal Network International and the wider legal community, the article provides a thoughtful perspective on progression in litigation and what partnership means in practical terms at an early stage in one’s career.
Access the full article – https://www.lawscot.org.uk/members/journal-hub/articles/early-exposure-high-stakes-cases-michael-mckitrick-on-fast-tracked-development-in-scottish-litigation/
See more articles from our member firm in Scotland, PBW Law.