IBA Annual Conference 2025

Welcome to RSK Global Experts at the IBA Annual Conference 2025

Proud Gold Sponsors | Toronto, Canada

RSK Global Experts is proud to return as a Gold Sponsor of the International Bar Association’s Annual Conference 2025, marking our third consecutive year supporting this premier global event. Held this year in Toronto, Canada, the IBA Annual Conference brings together the world’s leading legal minds, fostering international collaboration, thought leadership and progress within the legal profession.

At RSK Global Experts, we provide the global legal community with unrivalled access to independent expert witness services, technical advisory and strategic insight across a wide range of sectors and jurisdictions. With a deep pool of specialists and a commitment to clarity, integrity and precision, we support law firms, corporate counsel and arbitration professionals with robust, defensible expertise in complex litigation and dispute resolution matters.

The IBA plays a vital role in advancing the rule of law, promoting professional excellence and connecting legal professionals across borders. We are honoured to contribute to this mission as both a trusted partner and engaged participant in the conversations shaping the future of law. Visit us at booth 16 and 17.

We look forward to connecting with our peers, partners and clients throughout the conference in Toronto.

Safeguarding the world’s resources

IBA Session | Monday 3rd November at 11.15 – 12.30

Supporting Mining Sector Resilience Through Expert Insight
As the global community works to safeguard vital natural resources, the mining industry stands at the heart of this effort balancing economic development with environmental, regulatory and social responsibility. Yet, with complex operations often spanning jurisdictions and stakeholder interests, disputes in this sector are almost inevitable.

At RSK Global Experts, we understand the high stakes and intricate challenges that define mining-related litigation. Our multidisciplinary team brings together leading expertise in environmental science, engineering, regulatory compliance and forensic investigation to support clients across the full dispute resolution lifecycle.

As this session addresses the mining industry’s risk landscape, our team will be on hand to discuss how expert-driven analysis can support resolution and resilience. Visit our stand or schedule a meeting to learn how our global network of specialists can support your case.

How can the regulatory framework allow large-scale storage facilities to promote the energy transition?

IBA Session | Monday 3rd November at 11.15 – 12.30

Enabling the Energy Transition: A Perspective on the Role of Regulation in Advancing Large-Scale Energy Storage
As global momentum builds around decarbonisation and the shift to renewables, the need for resilient, flexible energy infrastructure has never been more urgent. This conference session tackles one of the most pressing enablers of that shift: the development and deployment of large-scale energy storage.

At RSK Global Experts, we recognise that technologies such as pumped hydro storage, compressed air energy storage and next-generation battery systems are more than technical solutions, they are foundational components of a net-zero energy system. But without a supportive and adaptive regulatory framework, these innovations cannot scale at the pace or volume required.

This session highlights a critical truth: regulatory clarity and foresight are as vital to the energy transition as technological innovation.

How cultural background of the parties may affect the effectiveness of alliancing, partnering and collaborative contracts and the disputes deriving thereof?

IBA Session | Monday 3rd November at 16.15 – 17.30

Culture, Contracts and Conflict: Navigating Disputes in Collaborative Contracting Models
As collaborative contracting becomes more prevalent across the mining sector, alliancing and partnering models are reshaping how projects are delivered. While these frameworks promise transparency, aligned incentives and reduced conflict, their success depends on more than well-drafted clauses.

At RSK Global Experts, we’ve seen how cultural dynamics from communication styles and decision-making norms to trust and risk tolerance can influence the effectiveness of collaborative contracts. Misaligned expectations, especially across jurisdictions, can transform promising partnerships into complex disputes rooted not in contract breaches, but in cultural disconnects and governance breakdowns. Drawing on our global experience, RSK Global Experts helps clients understand and resolve conflict in these nuanced environments, offering guidance from contract structuring to dispute resolution.

Join the conversation with us to explore how cultural intelligence, systems thinking and deep sector insight can turn collaborative contracting into a competitive advantage.

Mediation advocacy contrasted with litigation advocacy

IBA Session | Monday 3rd November at 16.15 – 1730

This session offers a deep dive into the distinct approaches to advocacy for mediation versus advocacy for litigation. We anticipate a robust discussion on whether effective advocacy demands a shift in strategy, tone and technique depending on the forum and how these distinctions may ultimately influence case outcomes.

As trusted partners in complex dispute resolution, RSK Global Experts bring invaluable support to legal teams navigating both mediated settlements and high-stakes litigation. With deep sectoral expertise and clear, impartial analysis, our in-house experts help counsel tailor their approach by providing the technical insight and expert advisory services that can strengthen advocacy in any forum.

Join the session and be part of the conversation on how advocacy shifts across forums and how RSK Global Experts can support your case strategy every step of the way.

The burden of proof in ESG disputes

IBA Session | Tuesday 4th November at 9.15 – 10.30

As ESG-related litigation continues to grow, the burden of proof plays a critical role in how environmental, social and governance disputes are resolved. ESG cases often involve complex and evolving standards and legal requirements vary across jurisdictions.

In certain types of claims such as greenwashing or consumer protection, once a misleading statement is identified, the burden may shift to the company to demonstrate the accuracy of its claims. In other contexts, such as employment-related disputes, the responsibility to prove or disprove allegations may move between parties depending on the legal framework.

Understanding who bears the burden of proof and the standard to which evidence must be presented, is central to the outcome of ESG cases. Courts increasingly expect credible data, documentation and independent verification. As regulatory frameworks develop, new standards of proof may continue to emerge, influencing how ESG obligations are enforced.

Experts within RSK Global Experts provide robust guidance for businesses navigating ESG frameworks, helping to manage real risk and build long-term resilience. We invite you to continue the conversation and connect with our team to discuss your matter.

The (controversial) role of experts in dispute resolution

IBA Session | Tuesday 4th November at 11.00 – 12.15

The Expert Witness in Modern Dispute Resolution

As the International Bar Association’s Annual Conference approaches, RSK Global Experts is preparing to contribute to key discussions on the evolving role of expert witnesses in today’s complex legal landscape. From construction claims to environmental and regulatory disputes, expert testimony is critical in translating technical detail into clear, impartial insights that assist tribunals and courts worldwide.

RSK Global Experts combines deep technical knowledge with a commitment to independence, clarity and integrity navigating diverse legal jurisdictions and procedural challenges to support fair and credible outcomes. Explore how our expert and advisory services meet the growing demands of modern dispute resolution.

Biodiversity and director duties, financial disclosures and credit markets

IBA Session | Tuesday 4th November at 11.15 – 12.30

Join the Conversation on Nature-Related Risks at the IBA

Biodiversity and nature-related risks are rapidly gaining recognition as material issues for companies and their directors. With legal frameworks evolving globally and nature-related litigation on the rise this session will explore how lawyers can help clients navigate emerging disclosure requirements and stay ahead of regulatory developments.

Don’t miss insights from Tom Mason of Nature Positive, who will be speaking at the session. Read his latest article for a deeper look at the legal, financial and governance implications of nature-related risks.

The game keeps changing. What is the future of the oil and gas sector and what can new energies and decarbonisation projects learn from its decades of experience?

IBA Session | Tuesday 4th November at 11.15 – 12.30

This session will bring together industry and legal professionals to examine how the oil and gas sector is adapting to the global shift toward low-carbon and renewable energy sources. The discussion will focus on lessons learned from decades of oil and gas operations, and how these can inform the development of sustainable, scalable energy transition projects around the world.

RSK Global Experts brings technical and advisory experience to this conversation, able to support clients across energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors including oil and gas, renewables, and mining. Our team has contributed to low-carbon and decarbonisation initiatives, supporting clients with independent expert advice on environmental, social and engineering challenges throughout project lifecycles.

In parallel, we offer advisory and expert witness services to the mining and manufacturing industries, helping stakeholders navigate complex operational, regulatory and sustainability issues. This cross-sector insight provides valuable context for discussions on how traditional energy-intensive industries can play a role in the global energy transition.

We look forward to contributing to this important dialogue at the IBA and sharing perspectives on how global industries can build on past experience to shape a more sustainable energy future.

Making the business case: corporate accountability and the UN guiding principles on business and human rights

IBA Session | Tuesday 4th November at 11.15 – 12.30

Why Human Rights Are a Business Imperative

At this year’s International Bar Association Annual Conference, RSK Global Experts is looking forward to the session titled “Making the Business Case: Corporate Accountability and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.”

Fifteen years after the launch of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), corporate abuses remain widespread across industries and borders. This session brings together leading legal counsel and human rights experts to explore why effective human rights practices are not only ethical but essential for business resilience, legal compliance and long-term value creation.

For the legal sector, the message is clear: corporate accountability is no longer optional. Legal professionals are increasingly called upon to advise clients on human rights risks, regulatory obligations and sustainable business practices.

RSK Global Experts supports this evolving role with specialist advisory services, including human rights due diligence, impact assessments, investigations and expert support – helping legal teams navigate complex ESG and human rights challenges with confidence.

We look forward to engaging in this important conversation.

Wildfires and natural disasters – a case for liability?

IBA Session | Wednesday 5th November at 11.15 – 12.30

During this session we will explore legal accountability in the face of escalating climate-related disasters and reflect on the growing intersection between environmental harm, legal liability and insurance.

Joanne Harris’s recent article for the IBA, “Insurance: Soaring Premiums and Major Losses After Wildfires Show Devastating Impact of Climate Crisis”, with important remarks from RSK Global Experts Warren Percival offers an interesting perspective. With wildfires and other natural disasters becoming more frequent and severe, the piece challenges the traditional view of such events as unforeseeable ‘acts of God’. Instead, it raises critical questions about how state inaction and systemic failures may give rise to legal responsibility and what this means for victims seeking redress.

This article sets the stage for deeper discussion, particularly around whether the law should begin to move beyond the force majeure framework and toward accountability and remedy.

Climate change: water law responses to scarcity around the world

IBA Session | Wednesday 5th November at 11.15 – 12.30

As water scarcity intensifies under climate change, how can legal systems and technology join forces to ensure sustainable water management? This article previews the upcoming International Bar Association Annual Conference session, “Climate Change: Water Law Responses to Scarcity Around the World,” which will examine how evolving water laws provide certainty for innovators while protecting vital resources. It also highlights RSK Global Experts’ ongoing collaboration with legal counsel to provide expert advisory services to the global water sector. Read on to learn more about this critical challenge and the solutions shaping our water future.

Mediation – should Judges encourage or obstruct it?

IBA Session | Wednesday 5th November at 11.15 – 12.30

Mediation and the Judiciary: A Global Dialogue

As legal and societal challenges grow more complex, mediation is stepping into a more prominent role within judicial systems worldwide. Once seen as an alternative, it is now often integrated into formal legal processes, sometimes even mandated by judges. But does judicial involvement support or hinder the essence of mediation?

At the upcoming International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Conference, a key session titled “Mediation – Should Judges Encourage or Obstruct It?” will explore this evolving relationship. Legal experts, judges, mediators and policymakers will discuss global perspectives, including how retired judges are contributing to mediation, regional differences in practice and the potential impact on fairness, efficiency and access to justice.

RSK Global Experts will be participating and invites legal professionals to join this important conversation shaping the future of dispute resolution.

Hot topics in international arbitration

IBA Session | Wednesday 5th November at 16.15 – 17.30

RSK Global Experts at the IBA Annual Conference 2025: Navigating the Future of International Arbitration

RSK Global Experts is committed to advancing excellence in dispute resolution. At the IBA Annual Conference in Toronto, we are eager to delve into “Hot Topics in International Arbitration,” a session spotlighting emerging global trends in practice and procedure.

With a network of over 1,000 experts across more than 250 companies worldwide, we bring a wealth of interdisciplinary expertise to the table. Our professionals are adept at addressing complex legal challenges, particularly those at the intersection of construction and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. This aligns with the IBA’s focus on evolving dispute resolution frameworks.

As the legal landscape becomes increasingly global and interconnected, we are dedicated to providing insights and strategies that enhance the efficacy and fairness of international arbitration. We look forward to engaging with peers and thought leaders to shape the future of global dispute resolution.

Infrastructure at a crossroads: legal risks and responsibilities in system upgrades

IBA Session | Wednesday 5th November at 16.15 – 17.30

Legal Responsibilities in the Age of Upgrades

Across the globe, critical infrastructure is showing its age, none more pressingly than our water and wastewater systems. These networks underpin public health, environmental protection and economic continuity, yet many have reached or exceeded their intended lifespan. At this year’s International Bar Association Conference in Toronto, a standout panel will address the growing legal complexities tied to system upgrades.

Infrastructure at a Crossroads: Legal Risks & Responsibilities in System Upgrades will take a deep look at the legal landscape surrounding modernisation efforts. From regulatory obligations to liability exposure and funding challenges, the discussion will illuminate the legal pressures facing both public authorities and private stakeholders. Though focused on water infrastructure, the insights will resonate across sectors where outdated systems pose serious legal and operational risks.

This is a crucial moment for legal professionals involved in infrastructure, environmental law, compliance and risk management. Join us in Toronto for a conversation that goes beyond technical fixes to examine the legal strategies needed to support resilient, future-ready systems.

New energy disputes: powering the planet

IBA Session | Thursday 6th November at 16.15 – 17.30

Supporting Dispute Resolution in the Evolving Energy Landscape
As the world accelerates its transition to renewable and new energy sources, the energy sector is witnessing an unprecedented transformation. Innovations in solar, wind, hydrogen and other emerging technologies are reshaping how power is generated and distributed globally. However, with such rapid advancements come inevitable challenges, particularly disputes that can stall progress and impact the critical mission of powering the planet sustainably.

At the forefront of addressing these challenges the conference session titled “New Energy Disputes: Powering the Planet.” shines a spotlight on the nature of disputes arising within the new energy landscape, highlighting their complexity and significant financial stakes. More importantly, it will explore effective dispute resolution strategies designed to minimise disruption to power generation and support global development goals.

Addressing disputes proactively and effectively is essential to ensure the uninterrupted development of renewable energy projects that are vital to combating climate change and meeting growing energy demands. RSK Global Experts is committed to powering this future by delivering expert services that help resolve disputes efficiently, enabling stakeholders to focus on what matters most – powering the planet sustainably.