Committees
Amicus Committee
This committee drafts amicus curiae briefs to provide informed opinions on pivotal issues of international law that impact the legal community and beyond. By contributing to significant cases, the committee ensures the ILS’s voice is heard in matters of global legal importance, making it a cornerstone of the section’s advocacy efforts.
Chair: Edward M. Mullins
Arbitration & Mediation Committee
The Arbitration and Mediation Committee focuses on advancing alternative dispute resolution methods in international legal practice. It provides a platform for members to exchange insights, stay updated on developments, and contribute to the growth of ADR in the global legal landscape.
Chair: Javier Fernandez-Samaniego
Asia Committee
The Asia Committee focuses on fostering understanding and collaboration between legal professionals in Florida and the diverse legal systems of Asia. The committee supports initiatives related to trade, investment, and cross-border legal matters involving Asian jurisdictions, creating opportunities for members to engage with one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
Co-Chairs: Neha Dagley &
Fred Rocafort
CLE Initiatives Committee
This Committee develops Continuing Legal Education programs to keep members informed about the latest developments in international law and provide CLE credits to those seeking board certification in international law and international litigation and arbitration.
Chair: Kristin Drecktrah Paz
Europe Committee
Its mission is to explore and address legal matters specific to Europe, including cross-border transactions, regulatory compliance, and international dispute resolution. The committee actively fosters collaboration through seminars, networking events, and partnerships with European legal institutions, enabling members to stay informed about emerging trends and build valuable connections with counterparts in Europe.
Co-Chairs: Susanne Leone &
Davide Macelloni
Foreign Legal Consultants Committee
The Foreign Legal Consultants Committee oversees the certification and regulation of foreign legal consultants practicing in Florida, ensuring compliance with relevant standards. Specifically, the FLC Committee has the great responsibility of reviewing, processing, and making recommendations upon applications for foreign legal consultants received pursuant to Chapter 16 of the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar.
Chair: Robert J. Becerra
iLaw Steering Committee
This committee organizes the annual iLaw conference, the ILS’s flagship event focusing on international law topics. If you are interested in organizing iLaw contact the Co-Chairs
Co-Chairs: Davide Macelloni &
Adrian Nunez
ILS Deskbook Committee
This committee is responsible for the publication of the ILS Deskbook, a comprehensive resource on international law practice and the main study guide for the International Law & International Litigation and Arbitration Board Certification exams.
Co-Chairs: Pamella Seay; Laura Reich; Clarissa Rodriguez & Robert Kossick
ILS Gazette Committee
The Gazette is the ILS’s weekly newsletter that highlights Section news, member spotlights, upcoming events, and member publications. The Gazette reaches more than 3,000 persons each week. If you would like to help highlight the Section and its members, contact the ILS Gazette Editor:
Chair: Matthew Akiba
Immigration Liaison Committee
In addition to fostering dialogue and advocacy on critical immigration issues, the Immigration Liaison Committee actively provides Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs and creates opportunities for members to publish articles and insights in legal publications, enhancing professional development and thought leadership in the field of immigration law.
Chair: Larry S. Rifkin
North America Committee
The North America Committee focuses on legal issues relevant to the jurisdictions of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, promoting collaboration and understanding across these regions. It organizes educational events and provides resources to practitioners to enhance their ability to navigate complex legal matters specific to the region.
Chair: Nouvelle Gonzalo
Legislative Committee
The Legislative Committee monitors legislative developments that impact international law practice in Florida. It actively engages with lawmakers and stakeholders to provide insights and recommendations on proposed legislation, often in collaboration with other sections of The Florida Bar, ensuring that the interests of international legal practitioners are represented.
Chair: Carlos F. Osorio
International Law Board Certification Committee
The International Law Board Certification Committee oversees the rigorous certification process for legal professionals specializing in international law. It also develops and updates certification exam materials to reflect evolving practices and offers resources and mentorship to practitioners pursuing certification.
Chair: Robert J. Becerra
International Litigation and Arbitration Board Certification Committee
This committee manages the board certification process for specialists in international litigation and arbitration. It is responsible for setting stringent criteria and preparing examination materials that test candidates on complex topics such as jurisdictional issues, international arbitration rules, and cross-border enforcement of judgments.
Chair: Kristin Drecktrah Paz
International Law Quarterly Committee
The International Law Quarterly (ILQ) is the International Law Section’s premier publication covering diverse topics in international law. The committee works closely with contributors to curate insightful articles, case analyses, and updates on global legal developments. It also ensures the ILQ serves as a platform for members to publish scholarly work and fosters engagement with the international legal community through high-quality content.
Co-Editors: Jeffrey S. Hagen &
Jennifer Mosquera
International Tax Law Committee
The International Tax Law Committee organizes educational programs, including CLE opportunities, and publishes thought leadership pieces to keep practitioners informed of trends and best practices in international tax law. The committee also fosters collaboration with tax experts and institutions worldwide.
Chair: Jeffrey S. Hagen
Law School Liaison Committee
This committee fosters relationships between law schools and the ILS, promoting student engagement in international law.
Co-Chairs: Prof. Manuel Gomez &
Laura Reich
Lunch & Learn Committee
This committee organizes educational lunch events featuring prominent leaders in the field of international law. These intimate lunches are generously sponsored by and held at Fiduciary Trust International.
Chair and moderator:
Jacqueline Villalba
Richard DeWitt Memorial Vis Pre-Moot Committee
The Richard DeWitt Memorial Vis Pre-Moot takes place every year on the Saturday after iLaw. Legal practitioners volunteer as mock arbitrators and judge law school teams from Florida and abroad, as they prepare for the Willem C. Vis International Arbitration Moot Court Competition in Vienna.
Chair: Priscila Bandeira
White Collar Crime Committee
This committee focuses on issues related to white-collar crime in the international context, providing resources and support to practitioners via its CLE events and panels at iLaw.
Chair: Robert J. Becerra
