From 27 to 30 May 2026, the Alliance of Business Lawyers gathered in Vienna, Austria, for its 50th Conference, marking an important milestone in the history of the alliance.

Hosted by Willems Schmidt Advocaten & Rechtsanwälte, the conference brought together 88 participants representing 31 member firms from across the world, making it one of the largest gatherings in ABL's history.

Over four days, members and guests participated in a programme combining professional development, business networking, governance, and cultural experiences. Conference sessions addressed a wide range of topics including sustainability and environmental protection through private law, international arbitration, mediation and negotiation, artificial intelligence in legal practice, cross-border investigations, judicial independence, and business opportunities in Austria.

The conference opened with keynote remarks from Peter Csoklich, whose distinguished career and leadership within the Austrian legal profession set the tone for the discussions that followed.

ABL was honoured to welcome an exceptional group of speakers, including Ferdinand Kerschner, Sabine Matejka, Anna Förstel-Cherng, Wendy Pokorny-Versteeg, Antonina Mangiola, Natalie Morice, and Gautam Kumar, among others.

A special thank you goes to Proxiio Global Solutions, sponsor of the conference, for its support of ABL and its commitment to fostering international collaboration among professionals. We are particularly grateful to Roushan Verma for his participation and for sharing practical insights into solutions that support cross-border legal work and international business operations.

Beyond the conference sessions, delegates enjoyed a series of cultural and networking activities showcasing Vienna and its surroundings. Highlights included a visit to the Constitutional Court of Austria, where members attended a presentation by Stefan Frank, an afternoon at Schönbrunn Palace, and a Gala Dinner at the Kunsthistorisches Museum. The evening included a private visit to the museum and provided a memorable setting to celebrate ABL's 50th Conference.

The conference concluded with an excursion through the Wachau Valley, including a visit to Melk Abbey and a cruise along the Danube, providing members with an opportunity to continue building relationships in a relaxed setting.

ABL extends its sincere gratitude to our hosts at Willems Schmidt Advocaten & Rechtsanwälte, our speakers, sponsor, members, guests, and all those who contributed to the success of this milestone event.

As ABL continues to grow and strengthen its global network, the 50th Conference in Vienna will be remembered as a celebration of the relationships, collaboration, and international spirit that define the alliance.