What Can Lawyers Do to Help Address the World’s Most Pressing International Crises?
Throughout time, lawyers have been called upon to craft solutions to complex international problems, even in situations where politicians have already failed miserably in the attempt.  This session will address the role lawyers and their firms can – and should – play today in helping devise solutions to the world’s mounting economic, social and political challenges.
Presenting: The Honorable Almir Pazzianotto Pinto, Former Minister, Superior Labor Court of Brazil

What Is the Prognosis for Brazil’s Economic Future – and What Will the Law’s Role Be in Shaping It?
Many companies are attracted to Brazil by its stable political and economic environment – and because the business climate is more familiar than in the other BRICS countries. It also has an established public and private sector and a proven legal framework.  However, it is not without hurdles to overcome.  This session will cover the legal, social, political and economic strategies Brazil must pursue, if it is to realize the significant opportunities presented by its rapidly expanding economy.
Presenting: Arthur Barrionuevo, Professor, Fundacao Getulio Vargas School of Economics 
Jose Antonio Brito, Member, Rio 2016 Olympic Games Organizing Committee
Sergio Rodrigues Costa, Director, Investe Sao Paulo 
Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralymic Games 
The Regulation of Infrastructure in Brazil

What Is the Outlook for Investment in Latin America – and Which Law Firms Are Most Active in This Market?
With Latin America proving impervious to the global financial crisis, it has become a favored destination for international investors.  Moreover, while continued stagnation is expected for the world’s advanced economies, the International Monetary Fund has projected healthy growth in Latin America over the next two years, creating growing demand for attorneys with the knowledge and skills to facilitate deals in Latin American countries and companies. This session will provide an overview of the overriding legal issues implicated in facilitating investments in Latin America.
Presenting: Claudia Barrero, SCG Legal Vice Chairman & Partner, Prieto & Carrizosa (Colombia)
Why Latin America

How Are Compliance Programs Changing the Latin American Business Landscape?
Getting local buy-in is essential to successful compliance efforts.  It can facilitate an efficient compliance environment that works with operations instead of a program that creates obstacles, undermining a company’s business functions.  But achieving local buy-in in Latin America is not always easy.  Introducing concepts like third-party due diligence, compliance certifications, and audit rights over business partners can be perceived as intrusive, even when the local person or entity has nothing to hide.  This session will examine some of the compliance programs being used in Latin America to help overcome these challenges and improve the business climate.
Presenting: Luis Alcalde, Partner, Kegler, Brown, Hill & Ritter Co., L.P.A. (Ohio)
The Honorable Fausto Martin De Sanctis, Judge, Brazil Federal Court of Appeals
Bruce Horowitz, Partner, Paz Horowitz Robalino Garces (Ecuador) 
Daniel Sibille, Latin America Compliance Counsel, Oracle
How are Compliance Programs Changing the Latin American Business Landscape

How Is Arbitration Faring as a Means of Resolving International Business Disputes?
By providing a neutral forum and a means of enforcing any subsequent awards, international arbitration represents one of the best methods of resolving contract disputes with foreign parties.  However, resolving international business disputes through arbitration raises issues that simply are not present in a litigation context.  In many respects, arbitration offers more options than litigation.  Among the topics to be addressed in this session are:  When should resort to arbitration be made?  Which rules should govern the proceedings?  How many arbitrators should be used?  What type of background and experience should an arbitrator have?  What steps can practitioners take to make certain the process runs smoothly?
Presenting: Javier Robalino, Partner, Paz Horowitz Robalino Garces (Ecuador)
Frederico Jose Straube, President, Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce Arbitration and Mediation Center
William Thornton, Partner, Larkin Hoffman (Minnesota)
Stephen Younger, Partner, Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP (New York City)
How is Arbitration Faring as a Means of Resolving International Business Disputes 
International Investment Arbitration
Legal & Practical Considerations in Choosing a Venue for International Arbitration

What Are In-house Counsel in Multinational Companies Looking for in Local Outside Counsel?
The global business arena places unique demands on corporate counsel.  Collaborating across multiple time zones can be difficult and inefficient, and supporting business units in different countries can present a host of challenges. At the same time, globalization provides unique opportunities for local outside counsel to market themselves to multinational businesses.  Local law firms with the right combination of knowledge, experience and cultural perspective can provide much-needed help dealing with laws, regulations, and judicial mechanisms with which global law departments in their countries may not be familiar.  This session will feature a discussion among the heads of several global law departments in Latin America about how and when they use local outside counsel and what makes their relationships with these firms work.  
Presenting: Luciano Dequech, General Counsel, Odebrecht Agroindustrial 
Ronaldo Machado Assumpcao Filho, In-house Counsel, Vetria Mineracao
Elias Marques de Medeiros Neto, Head of Litigation, Cosan SA Industria e Comercio
Frederico Mattos Tapias, General Counsel, Telefonica Digital Brazil
Legal Services to Multinational Corporations
Vetria Mining – Iron Project in Corumbá with Integrated Logistics