From October 23rd to 26th, 2024, ABL members from across the globe convened in Miami for our 47th ABL Conference, our most attended and dynamic gathering to date, held at the beautiful Loews Coral Gables. This extraordinary event, hosted by Rasco Klock Perez & Nieto, brought together esteemed speakers, valuable insights, and numerous networking opportunities, all contributing to the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that ABL members have come to appreciate.

A special thanks to Rasco Klock Perez & Nieto for the tremendous effort that went into planning an enriching agenda. From thought-provoking panels to exciting social events, you ensured that our time together was memorable and impactful.

Our event was made possible by our generous sponsors, including City National Bank, whose support enabled us to present valuable panels and networking opportunities. We were especially honored by Cristina Alvarez from City National Bank, who shared critical insights on Compliance Challenges in International Banking, providing attendees with a comprehensive perspective on international finance.

Our keynote address was delivered by Mayor Vince Lago of Coral Gables, who inspired us with his views on Leadership and Community Building. His vision and dedication to the city set a high standard for the rest of the conference.

The conference was filled with incredible speakers who covered a range of relevant topics, sharing their expertise and prompting discussions that will undoubtedly shape future developments in our field:

• Alex Goryachev, AI Expert and WSJ Bestselling Author, presented a forward-thinking session on How AI Will Reshape Work and Life, giving us much to consider regarding the future of our industry.
• Brody Mullins, Pulitzer Prize-winning Investigative Reporter, captivated us with his talk on The Wolves of K Street: How Corporations Rose to Power in Washington, shedding light on the dynamics of corporate influence in politics.
• Hon. Judge Roy K. Altman, United States Circuit Court Judge, reminded us of The Importance of the Legal System in America, with his impactful address underscoring the vital role of justice in our society.
• Kim Garst, Business Consultant, offered an informative session on Artificial Intelligence Consulting Applied to Law Firms and Lawyers, showing us the transformative potential of AI in the legal field.
• Nelson Bustamante, a renowned Venezuelan producer, shared the moving session Voices of Hope on Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis, bringing real human stories behind the Venezuelan diaspora to light.
• David Koh, Senior Investment Strategist at Bank of America Corp, engaged us with his outlook on The U.S. Economy Pre and Post Covid and Presidential Election, encouraging valuable discussions on future economic trends.
• Paul Caulfield, Partner at Ruddy Gregory LLP, addressed Demystifying Cybersecurity, urging us to adopt stronger cybersecurity measures to protect our clients in an increasingly digital world.
• Joe Klock, Rasco Klock Perez & Nieto, Miami, provided insights on the upcoming U.S. elections, sharing valuable perspectives on political trends.
• Steve Kirby, Director of Council of International Investigators, held a session on ABL & CII, A Force for the Future: A Force for the Future.

The conference would not have been complete without the knowledge-sharing and camaraderie among our members, who continue to enrich our organization and help us grow stronger. A heartfelt thank you to the members sharing experiences:

• Luis Roux Azevedo, Motta Fernandes Advogados, São Paulo: Discussed New Trends in Brazilian Insolvency, covering changes in Brazil’s legal landscape.

  Read McCaffrey, Rasco Klock Perez Nieto, Miami: Reflected on the historic case of Pan Am Flight 103, providing a profound look into the legal implications of the case.

• Emmanuel Moulin, Miguérès Moulin, Paris & Mohamed Benkhalifa, Benkhalifa Cabinet (MBC) Inc., Montreal: Led a session on Sustainable Development at Law Firms, presenting sustainability strategies essential for the industry's future.

• Hans Mathijsen, Willems Schmidt Advocaten & Rechtsanwälte, Amsterdam: Shared expertise on Firm and Firm Development Along Trusted Lines, highlighting strategies for growth and trust-building.

Finally, a big thank you to Suntory for a delightful Japanese whiskey tasting, allowing us to celebrate and connect as we concluded our conference with unforgettable moments and to Angela Gomez Durán that showcased her art during our coffee breaks.

Thank you to everyone who made this gathering a success!