Globalaw in the news. 

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, McInnes Wilson reflects on the people and principles that have shaped the firm’s journey. Former Managing Director and CEO Paul Tully shares the firm’s story, what makes McInnes Wilson unique, and how Globalaw membership empowers its delivery of strategic and bespoke cross-border legal solutions.

What is the story behind the firm’s founding, evolution and growth?

McInnes Wilson was founded in 1975 by Peter McInnes, who opened a small office on Edward Street in Brisbane, Queensland, with a vision that strong relationships would serve as the foundation for lasting success. A few years later, Peter was joined by John Wilson, and the firm became known as McInnes Wilson.

Starting as a small insurance and property firm in Brisbane, McInnes Wilson has since grown to have offices across six Australian cities with nearly 400 team members and has established itself as a leading national commercial law firm with an expanding international presence.

In 2025, we proudly celebrate our 50th anniversary, marking five decades of legal excellence and trusted client partnerships. Throughout this period of rapid growth, we have maintained a strong alignment to the core values and commitment to genuine client relationships that Mr McInnes embodied at the firm’s founding.  

What are the primary practice areas and/or industries?

McInnes Wilson is a full-service commercial law firm with market-leading expertise across a broad range of practice areas, including corporate and commercial advisory, taxation and structuring, government, health, private client services, commercial litigation, insurance, employment, planning and environment, and construction and property. We provide guidance to clients across diverse industries both nationally and internationally, including through cross-border transactions, dispute resolution and regulatory compliance facilitated by our Globalaw network.

How would you describe the firm’s culture and what makes McInnes Wilson special?

We foster a culture rooted in loyalty, authenticity and a deep respect for our history. Nearly 20% of our employees have been with the firm for over a decade, reflecting our strong sense of belonging and shared purpose. Many of our leaders started their careers with us, and we remain dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering a values-driven workplace. 

McInnes Wilson is proudly independent and distinctly Australian, with a strategic national presence and deep local insight. This allows us to deliver tailored legal solutions with a personal touch. 

How does Globalaw membership add value to McInnes Wilson?

McInnes Wilson has been a proud affiliate of Globalaw since January 2015. Our membership aligns with the network’s commitment to excellence, collaboration and global service delivery, and has played a key role in expanding our international capabilities.

Our firm actively participates in Globalaw initiatives, including regional meetings, practice group collaborations and task forces. Our lawyers contribute to cross-jurisdictional projects and knowledge-sharing forums, reinforcing our international perspective and commitment to global best practices.

Through our Globalaw affiliation, we have successfully handled international matters such as:

• Tokyo: Advised on the purchase of an interest in an Australian insurance company referred by Chuo Sogo Law Office, P.C.
• Germany: Advised on and negotiated a settlement deed for a contract dispute referred by Goehmann Lawyers.
• Indonesia: We continue to act for a client of Bagus Enrico & Partners in its Australian operations, from establishment of the local operations through to assisting with its commercial and property needs.
• England: Advised on employment and workplace relations related matters for a client referred by GunnerCooke.

These collaborations ensure our clients receive seamless, high-quality legal support wherever they operate—an approach that reflects the mindset we have cultivated over five decades.

Visit www.mcw.com.au for more information about McInnes Wilson.

The Australian Olympic Committee and the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) have partnered together to launch the Aspiring Australian Olympic Funding initiative. This new initiative is a strategic fundraising platform designed to provide financial support to emerging Summer and Winter Olympians whilst enabling individuals and entities to make fully tax-deductible donations through the ASF, a registered Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) under Australian tax law.

Under this initiative, all donations of $2 or more made through the Australian Sports Foundation are tax-deductible, providing an incentive for philanthropic giving. Depending on the donor’s marginal tax rate, the effective cost of a donation may be reduced by 32% to 45%, making it a cost-efficient way to support underfunded Olympic sports. For instance, a $1,000 donation could yield a tax refund of up to $450, bringing the net cost down to just $550.

Many of Australia’s Olympic athletes often earn below the national average and personally cover the costs of training, travel, and competition. By using the Australian Sports Foundation’s tax-deductible giving structure, this initiative opens the door for both corporate sponsors and individual donors to make a difference. Contributions not only help ease the financial burden on athletes but also directly support their preparation and performance.

How McInnes Wilson can help?

We provide comprehensive sports law services, supporting athletes, sporting organisations and businesses in contract negotiations, governance, intellectual property, sponsorship agreements and dispute resolution. Our team understands the unique challenges of the sports industry and offers strategic legal solutions to protect rights, manage risks, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

You can find more information about McInnes Wilson Sports Law and transactional, advisory and tax experience here. Or contact our team:

Michael Fredericks

mfredericks@mcw.com.au

+61 7 3231 0420

Morgan Gallagher

mgallagher@mcw.com.au

+61 7 3231 0684

The Asia Pacific region has experienced a noticeable increase in commercial sports teams recruiting athletes from outside their home countries. For instance, basketball, volleyball and football players in the Philippines are increasingly sought after by Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan clubs. Similarly, the recruitment of foreign student-athletes, primarily in basketball, volleyball, and football, is rising at the country’s universities and colleges. 

Yet, sports law remains largely unregulated in the Philippines and many other jurisdictions. The absence of clear legal frameworks often creates ambiguity regarding an athlete’s rights and obligations, and many are unaware of their legal protections and responsibilities.

This article explores the key issues and considerations affecting sports law in the Asia-Pacific region.

Contractual Protection

Too often, athletes sign contracts without fully understanding the long-term implications, leading to disputes over payments, sponsorship obligations, image rights, or contract termination terms.

Furthermore, the internationalization of sports has significantly impacted contractual agreements. Contracts involving foreign athletes often raise complex legal issues, such as jurisdictional considerations, applicable law, and cross-border enforcement.

Additional complications arise with young athletes, requiring parental involvement or representation, and raising concerns about consent, capacity, and enforceability.

As a result, athletes and stakeholders, including sports clubs and organizations, national bodies, sponsors, broadcasters, agents, and data providers, are increasingly engaging legal counsel and representation for contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, dispute resolution, and sponsorship agreements.

Athlete & Sponsorship Agreements

Athlete and sponsor agreements and media rights are essential elements of the commercial framework surrounding modern sports. Today’s athletes increasingly act as social media influencers, endorsing consumer products like cosmetics, food, and apparel. 

Athlete agreements typically include compensation, performance KPIs, image rights, media obligations, off-field conduct, injuries, and digital presence. Resembling talent agreements commonly found in entertainment, they tend to be heavily one-sided and complex, particularly when young or inexperienced athletes are involved, placing disproportionate control in the hands of sponsors, teams, or agents.

Sponsorship agreements usually include exclusivity clauses, activation rights, morality clauses triggered by athlete misconduct or reputational risks, and distinctions between team and personal sponsors.

In the Philippines, such arrangements remain primarily informal and are often carried out without written contracts. This lack of formal documentation exposes athletes to considerable legal and financial risks, including potential exploitation, misappropriation of likeness, and non-payment of sponsorship fees.

Media & IP Rights

As athletes continue to commercialize their personal brands, particularly through digital platforms, questions regarding the ownership and control of their name, image, likeness, and other Intellectual Property (IP) assets will necessitate careful legal consideration and clear contractual terms.

Events and competitions are increasingly monetizing sports data, highlights, and digital content, calling for sharper legal focus on trademark registration, licensing, and enforcement, especially regarding digital piracy, counterfeit merchandise, and unauthorized use of content online. 

Media rights involve various legal considerations, including territorial and platform exclusivity, live and non-live content rights, digital distribution protocols, and revenue-sharing arrangements between leagues and athletes. Key concerns include

• Who owns athlete-generated content on social media?
• How is it monetized?
• What happens when it’s shared or sponsored independently of the league or club?

Dispute Resolution

Dispute resolution in sports is increasingly managed through arbitration and mediation. Institutions like the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) are highly effective in preserving the integrity of sports by confidentially and efficiently resolving cross-border disputes and maintaining procedural fairness across jurisdictions.

Notable examples include doping appeals, disputes over athlete eligibility in international tournaments, and conflicts arising from broadcasting and sponsorship agreements.

Given the industry’s accelerating commercialization and globalization, regulatory bodies and legal counsel must stay vigilant in enforcing anti-corruption standards. This includes implementing whistleblower mechanisms, investigating match-fixing allegations, and adhering to codes of conduct set forth by international federations and national governing bodies.

Anti-Doping Laws

The global framework for anti-doping laws and compliance is primarily governed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which outlines the World Anti-Doping Code, a unified set of standards designed to promote fairness, integrity, and health in sports. Member countries and sporting bodies are required to implement these standards through domestic legislation and regulatory policies.

The Indonesia Anti-Doping Organization (IADO) rebranded in 2022 to function as a professional and independent body, crucial in lifting WADA’s previous non-compliance sanctions on the country. The National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI) has partnered with IADO to promote anti-doping education and campaigns at all sports levels, from national to local. 

Understanding IADO’s regulations and WADA’s standards is essential for ensuring athletes and support personnel are educated about anti-doping rules and compliant with testing procedures. Compliance also helps uphold integrity in sports.

A Specialized Law Partner You Can Trust

As the sports industry expands and professionalizes globally, the need for robust, adaptable, and forward-looking strategies becomes even more urgent. Whether addressing governance, commercial rights, athlete protection, or emerging digital challenges, experienced legal professionals are critical for shaping a transparent, fair, and sustainable sporting environment.

Globalaw’s Sports Law Taskforce is a dedicated advisory group of 22 member firms and over 30 attorneys in jurisdictions around the world. Through specialized legal counsel and representation that addresses multifaceted issues and cross-border needs, we help our clients develop and implement a legal framework that protects and empowers their interests for today and tomorrow.

Download the Globalaw Sports Law Taskforce brochure or contact me for more information about our capabilities.

Globalaw is pleased to welcome Cipriani & Werner, P.C., to the network. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Cipriani & Werner, P.C., is a multidisciplinary law firm with over 200 professionals across 18 offices in 10 states and the District of Columbia. The firm has consistently grown since its founding in 1985, and has earned a reputation for providing the highest level of legal representation in areas of products liability, premises liability, medical malpractice, professional malpractice, construction and commercial transportation, as well as employment issues in the areas of workers'​ compensation and discrimination.

For more information, visit www.c-wlaw.com.

Located in Bulgaria, a strategic crossroads between Asia and Europe, Ilieva Voutcheva & Co. Law Firm (IV Law Firm) has provided comprehensive legal services to corporate clients since its founding by managing partners Diliana Ilieva and Rossitsa Voutcheva. As a proud Globalaw member since 2007, the firm has established itself as a key player in the Southeastern European legal market.

"Our country may be small, but it's located in a very tactical position on the Balkan peninsula," explains Rossitsa. "Bulgaria can be considered a gateway to Europe from various directions, including Africa and Asia."

Comprehensive Corporate Legal Services

IV Law Firm specializes in corporate and commercial law, with a team of 12 lawyers offering expertise across multiple practice areas, including:

• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Tax law (both structuring and litigation)
• Real estate and construction
• Medical law
• Energy and natural resources (particularly renewable energy)
• Competition law
• Data protection and GDPR compliance
• Labor law
• Litigation

"Having lawyers specialized in various legal areas allows us to provide comprehensive legal services to our clients," Rossitsa notes. "Our tax expertise makes it even more all-encompassing and thorough."

Litigation Expertise: A Competitive Advantage

IV Law Firm's expertise in litigation distinguishes it from many competitors. The firm’s litigation resources, strength, and professional capabilities provide clients with multi-disciplinary expertise, allowing them to access the services they need all within one firm.

"I’m proud of our skills as litigators," Rossitsa emphasizes. "Most of our big-law competitors prefer not to litigate. It's quite risky and demands significant resources, in terms of people and time involved."

Landmark Real Estate Projects

The firm has established a particularly strong track record in real estate development projects, handling everything from land acquisition to final property sales. One of their flagship projects is Paramount Gardens, a 50,000-square-meter residential and commercial complex in Bulgaria's capital city. The project presented unique challenges, including acquiring land from more than 50 different owners.

"We started from the beginning—structuring the entire transaction with many landowners involved as well as a group of investors," explains Rossitsa. "Various financial and legal interests had to be considered and adjusted.”

The firm's real estate portfolio also includes successful developments in Bulgaria's winter resort areas, including hotels and residences in the famous Bansko ski resort in the Pirin Mountains and Borovets in the Rila Mountains.

A Culture of Growth and Balance

The firm continues to grow, with the recent addition of Mariella Bogdanova-Kostova representing the next generation of legal talent. The firm takes pride in supporting work-life balance and professional development.

"We are very proud of having Mariella," says Rossitsa. "She's young but already rather experienced, both as a lawyer and as a mother, which is also important, and we very much encourage this."

Another point of achievement is that IV Law Firm is a “training law firm,” similar to a “training hospital” featured in one of the most popular medical TV shows. The firm teaches trainees on every case and paper from their first year in university. IV Law Firm attorneys are eager to transfer their perseverance, tolerance, professionalism and love for the profession to those coming behind.

Trusted Connections Through Globalaw

IV Law Firm values the Globalaw network for collaboration, knowledge exchange, professional credibility and instilling client confidence.

"The opportunity to provide an immediate reference to someone you know personally—I think it's invaluable, a precious advantage," Rossitsa says, describing the benefits of Globalaw membership.

This network has repeatedly proven valuable. Recently, Rossitsa was able to quickly connect a 15-year client with a trusted Globalaw colleague regarding a property purchase in the UK.

"It makes you look very good, capable and effective in your client's eyes as well," she notes. "He feels he can call me for everything, and it worked again."

Visit ivlawfirm.com for more information.

Chuo Sogo LPC hosted this year’s Globalaw Asia Pacific Regional Meeting (GLAPRM) in Osaka, Japan, convening delegates from over 20 countries, including all 15 Asia Pacific member firms.

 The business program featured engaging roundtable discussions on expanding a business in Japan and Korea, as well as managing a law practice, which included exchanging ideas on marketing, associate training, and financial strategies. Participants also discovered how to effectively apply AI to enhance practices and address critical issues, such as global data privacy across jurisdictions. Members of Globalaw’s new Sports Law Taskforce explored international influences and cross-border considerations for athletes and e-athletes.

Ms. Elizabeth Masamune, PSM, Managing Director of Asia Associates Japan, Inc., and a former senior Australian diplomat, spoke about the opportunities and challenges facing Japanese companies. Mr. Koji Kishida, President and CEO of Yamazen Corporation, discussed the legal expectations of Japanese companies doing business overseas.

Various social and entertainment opportunities enabled participants to experience Japan’s history and culture, including dining at the Geihinkan Former Guest House, a scenic boat tour of the vibrant Dotonbori district, and an exclusive visit to the World Expo 2025 site.

GLAPRM 2025 concluded with a gala dinner at the historic Kyu-Sakuranomiya Kokaido Hall, featuring an electrifying Japanese drum performance. After the session, guests enjoyed an immersive tour of Kyoto's cultural heritage and renowned temples.

During the meeting, the Globalaw Foundation donated $4,500 USD to KOZU GAKUEN (KOZU), a foster home for children who have experienced abuse, poverty, or whose parents are unable to care for them. This contribution holds special significance for Naoko Nakatsukasa, a partner at Chuo Sogo LPC. Naoko was previously appointed as a guardian for a woman with a mental impairment whose child was placed under the care of KOZU for 20 years and grew up to become a care worker at a hospital in Osaka. Read the press release.

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Have You Registered for GLEMEA?

Don’t miss the last regional meeting of the year! Meet, network and learn with fellow Globalaw members from June 11 to 14, 2025, hosted by Pelaghias, Christodoulou, Vrachas LLC in the coastal paradise of Ayia Napa. Learn More →

The 2025 Global Leadership Programme (GLP), led by Executive Committee Member and Membership Engagement Chair Julia Holden Davis, kicked off with six members.

GLP is a one-year training program that aims to improve and enhance the leadership and business development skills of future leaders within Globalaw member firms. Participants are selected through an annual application process.

Through GLP, participants

• Hone business development and cross-border collaboration skills
• Learn how to approach conflicts, coordinate tasks and jointly meet multi-jurisdictional needs
• Understand law firm ownership and client retention strategies
• Build a network of fellow participants and Globalaw members
• Explore future engagement opportunities

We are thrilled to introduce this year’s future leaders and look forward to a fun, insightful and productive term.

Established nearly 50 years ago in Graz, Austria, hba boasts approximately 40 lawyers across five strategic locations: Graz, Vienna, Klagenfurt, and Eisenstadt, Austria, and Zurich, Switzerland.

Partner Dr. Philipp Spatz, LL.M., Partner Sandra Küng, LL.M., and Associate Mag. Markus Koroschetz spoke with Globalaw about the firm’s regional focus, extensive public sector engagement, and ability to provide top-tier legal services across multiple jurisdictions.

Distinctive Cross-Border Presence

Hba is uniquely positioned as the only Austrian-headquartered law firm with an established Swiss presence. In Switzerland, hba has its main office in Zurich and a notary-focused office in Wil. This cross-border structure offers clients seamless legal services across two key jurisdictions in the German-speaking region of Europe.

Practice Areas & Expertise

Hba offers specialized knowledge across numerous industries, including financial services, healthcare, energy, real estate, retail, manufacturing, technology, and the public sector. The firm’s comprehensive legal services include the following specialized strengths that distinguish it in the market:

• White Collar Crime: Unlike many corporate law firms in Austria, hba maintains a robust white-collar crime practice led by well-connected Partner Johannes Zink, providing access to major Austrian corporations and public sector clients.
• Public Sector Expertise: Austrian and Swiss practices maintain strong public-sector connections. In Austria, hba works extensively with the province of Burgenland, the city of Vienna, and the Austrian Attorney General’s Office.
• Corporate & Transactional Practice: The firm handles large corporate transactions, including the high-volume sale of real estate by a prominent Austrian furniture retailer and numerous acquisitions for a leading European tofu company. The Swiss practice recently managed a high-profile acquisition involving The Migros Group, one of the largest retailers in the country.

Supporting Professional Development

Hba offers its associates diverse exposure to different areas of law rather than immediate specialization. This approach provides associates with comprehensive training across multiple practice areas, better preparing them for the bar exam while fostering professional development. The firm also provides year-round law student positions and summer internships.

Leveraging Globalaw’s International Network

As a member of Globalaw, hba leverages this flexible network to serve clients in cross-border matters while maintaining independence. Recent collaborations include working with network members in Germany and the Netherlands on acquisition transactions for Austrian clients. This international capability, combined with their local expertise in Austria and Switzerland, positions hba to deliver sophisticated legal services with regional insight and global reach.

Visit https://www.hba.at to learn more.

Globalaw is pleased to add McChain Hamm & Associates to the network and expand our presence in the Americas. McChain Hamm & Associates is a full-service law firm specializing in personal and business law, litigation and government relations.

Jurisdiction: USVI

Founded: 2004

# of Offices: 2 (Christiansted & St. Croix)

Practice Areas:

• Commercial
• Civil Litigation
• Estate Law, Private Foundations & Trusts
• Real Estate
• Taxation

For more information, visit https://usvi.law/.

The 2025 Globalaw Americas Meeting (GLARM) took place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from February 19 to 22. Many thanks to Globalaw member firm EDGE Legal LLC for hosting a fantastic meeting.

 The meeting began with remarks from Pablo José Hernández Rivera, Resident Commissioner for Puerto Rico, who welcomed Globalaw members and discussed ways to strengthen global and economic connections. This was followed by sessions led by Carlos R. Cobian, Founder & CEO of Cobian Media LLC & Gravital Agency, addressing social media strategies for lawyers, and Jim Cochran of Cochran Client Development, a leading global consultant, speaking on business development. The meeting offered members practical and strategic insights into social media, business development, corporate governance, and an overview of the political and economic outlook in the Americas region.

During a separate track of the meeting, 16 Managing Partners from across the Americas (and Europe) convened for a Leadership Summit. Guided by Jim Cochran, a leading global business development consultant, and Eduardo Arroyo, a top business coach and strategic planner, the Managing Partners focused on law firm success and providing effective client service, beginning with the health and focus of their leadership.  In the words of EDGE Legal, “The summit reinforced how our global partnerships provide unparalleled reach for our clients, combining local expertise with an international perspective.” 

Last but certainly not least, Globalaw continued its tradition of raising funds through the Globalaw Foundation to support a local charity. The highly successful auction of a piece of art created by renowned Puerto Rican artist Jorge Zeno enabled the Foundation to donate $15,000 to Fundacion Banco Popular. This organization seeks to improve the quality of life of Puerto Ricans by promoting access to educational and self-management opportunities that foster excellence, ethics, and civic responsibility.

An increasingly complex landscape for international trade is presenting new challenges for cross-border business. Geopolitical tensions, fluctuating tariffs, and diverging trade policies have introduced significant uncertainty for buyers and sellers internationally. The prospect of increased tariffs disrupts pricing expectations and predictability around international commercial arrangements. In this environment, the mitigation and management of potential tariff risks are paramount for cross-border businesses.

To this end, Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are important tools to help mitigate risks associated with increased costs caused by tariffs. Incoterms are a set of globally standardized contractual terms used for risk and responsibility management between international commercial entities.

While Incoterms do not directly address tariffs themselves, they can be used to allocate cost and payment obligations to minimize trade disruptions caused by tariffs.

BACKGROUND

Originally developed by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in 1936, Incoterms have evolved over time to address the changing demands of global trade. There are currently a set of eleven (11) internationally recognized Incoterms that are used to provide clarity and consistency in international trade contracts.

The latest iteration, Incoterms 2020, has been updated to reflect modern trade realities.

COMMON INCOTERMS AND TARIFF MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Some of the most common Incoterms used in commercial contracts for tariff mitigation strategies include:

1. Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)

In an unpredictable tariff environment, Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) is an ideal Incoterm for use by buyers seeking price certainty and risk protection from fluctuating tariffs.

Under DDP, the seller delivers goods cleared for import and ready for unloading at a named location. The seller is responsible for the costs and risks associated with final delivery, including the payment of tariffs.

DDP can assist buyers in uncertain tariff situations in multiple ways. Firstly, DDP provides price stabilization for the delivered goods by ensuring that the seller covers any import tariffs. This mitigates against price increases necessitated by changes in tariffs in the destination country. DDP also provides predictable costs by allowing the buyer to know the total landed cost before delivery. Finally, DDP can help to shield the buyer from uncertainty around the risk of increased tariffs during the transportation process. These factors make the use of DDP in commercial contracts particularly helpful for buyers by providing predictability around prices and costs.

2. Ex Works (EXW)

Ex Works (EXW) is an Incoterm that can be used by sellers who want to limit their tariff exposure. EXW is also helpful to buyers interested in managing tariff risks by taking advantage of potentially favorable tariff rates, depending on their location.

Under EXW, the seller ensures that goods are available for shipment at their premises, or another agreed-upon location. The buyer then assumes full responsibility for arranging shipment, transport and meeting customs regulations, including paying applicable tariffs in the importing country.

Under EXW, the seller’s responsibilities end once the goods are made available for transport, thereby limiting their tariff exposure. EXW also gives the buyer control to manage tariff risks based on their location. For example, if the buyer is located in a region with favorable tariff rates or subject to a free trade agreement, the buyer can import the goods at a lower tariff rate than may exist in other regions. EXW also presents opportunities for the buyer to arrange shipping routes with advantageous tariff rates.

3. Free on Board (FOB)

Free on Board (FOB) is technically an Incoterm applicable only to inland waterway transport but used commercially for other modes. FOB is particularly beneficial to sellers looking to minimize their tariff exposure throughout the shipping process.

Under FOB, the seller is only responsible for the costs of clearing goods for export and for their delivery onto a vessel for transport at a named port of departure. As soon as the goods are over the ship’s rail when loaded on to the transport vessel, the buyer becomes liable for risks and costs, including import clearance and tariff payment in the destination country.

Using FOB in commercial contracts minimizes the seller’s tariff risk. It also allows the buyer flexibility to take advantage of shipping destinations that may benefit from lower tariff rates and free trade agreements.

4. Free Carrier (FCA)

Free Carrier (FCA) is an Incoterm that provides flexibility to both the buyer and seller to collaborate on tariff mitigation strategies around advantageous delivery points that may benefit from lower tariff regions or trade agreements.

FCA allows the seller to deliver goods to a carrier at an agreed location, that can be chosen strategically to minimize tariffs for the buyer. Once transferred at the delivery point, the buyer assumes responsibility for import tariffs and customs clearance. FCA allows the buyer more control over customs procedures and can facilitate the use of shipping routes that minimize tariff exposure, depending on the agreed delivery point. Under FCA, both the seller and buyer can benefit from tariff risk minimization.

The use of Incoterms provides businesses with the opportunity to be proactive in managing commercial activities in the face of increasing tariff threats. Counsel can assist in identifying and implementing appropriate Incoterms to address specific considerations around optimizing supply chains, leveraging trade agreements and other risk allocation strategies to ensure smooth international transactions in the current global trade environment.

DLG Law Corporation has joined the Globalaw network!

Based in Seoul, South Korea, DLG serves a diverse clientele, including startups and multinational corporations. The firm’s skilled team of attorneys brings multicultural and multidisciplinary expertise from prestigious firms, multinational corporations, and accounting and venture capital firms. DLG’s core mission is to promote shared values centered on public interest and environmental stewardship.

Visit https://dlglaw.co.kr/en/ to learn more.

As one of Iceland’s leading corporate advisory law firms, ADVEL Attorneys at Law has earned a reputation for international expertise, a strong network, and exceptional services tailored to clients' needs.

In a recent interview, Stefán Þór Ingimarsson, LL.M., partner and associate at ADVEL since 1999, shed light on the firm’s evolution, specialization, and commitment to nurturing talent.

The Firm’s Evolution

Based in Reykjavik, the firm traces its roots back to 1966 with the creation of Logvisi Law Firm, which in 1999 formed the backbone of Fulltingi Legal Services. Fulltingi split into two specialized entities in 2008, creating ADVEL, a pivotal moment that allowed ADVEL to sharpen its focus on corporate advisory services.

Despite its smaller size post-split, the firm thrived. Its dedication to excellence has been recognized repeatedly, earning high rankings in prestigious legal directories like Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.

Diversity Across Sectors

ADVEL offers services in company law, commercial law, financing and banking law, mergers and acquisitions, securities market law, (re) insurance, European law, competition law, tax law, restructuring and bankruptcy law, maritime law, and litigation. 

Its litigation team provides specialized advice on EU law from partners with firsthand experience in Brussels. The firm also plays a vital role in Iceland’s high-energy sector, advising companies engaged in hydro and geothermal energy projects—two cornerstones of the nation’s renewable energy landscape.

International Expertise

One of the firm’s most defining traits is its international expertise. Many of its partners and associates have studied or gained professional experience abroad, bringing their clients a wealth of knowledge and a global perspective. This international acumen proved invaluable during Iceland’s 2008 economic collapse when the firm was critical in restructuring and relisting companies on the Stock Exchange.

The Globalaw Advantage: Facilitating Success for Global Clients

ADVEL stands out for its robust cross-border work. The firm’s ability to navigate the complexities of multinational operations stems from its long-standing connection to the Globalaw network. Stefán, who forged this relationship with the association in 2007 during his PhD studies in the Netherlands, emphasized the association's importance in quickly providing high-quality information, support, and connections to clients. The firm frequently collaborates with Globalaw members, particularly in Denmark and the Netherlands, as well as Luxembourg and the UK, to offer seamless, comprehensive legal support to companies with multinational operations.

One example is ADVEl’s work with Hampidjan Group, a NASDAQ Nordic-listed company and global supplier of fishing gear, aquaculture equipment, and super towing ropes. In collaboration with Globalaw members, the firm has facilitated several multinational M&A transactions and advisory for Hampidjan, including the acquisition of an 80% controlling stake in two Scottish companies. Globalaw advice has been sought in several jurisdictions for Hampidjan Group, including in Denmark, Faroe Islands, Lithuania, Spain, and the Netherlands.  

A Culture of Growth and Inclusion

Perhaps ADVEL’s most significant differentiator is its commitment to cultivating talent from within. Many partners began their careers as associates and have been with the firm for 10 to 20 years, with several professionals returning after gaining experience elsewhere. This dedication to internal growth has fostered a loyal, close-knit team and built a culture of inclusion and organic development that has become central to its success and longevity.

Visit https://advel.is/ to learn more.

Russell Weir, a partner at Simpson Western, spoke with me about the firm and its history. The firm opened in 1985 and is now regarded as the North Shore of Auckland’s leading law firm. Next year, Simpson Western will celebrate 40 years in business!

For the past forty years, Simpson Western has been providing tailored and personalized services to clients onshore and offshore. I asked Russell what clients love most about the firm. He passionately said, “We are focused on and look to establish long-term relationships with our clients, rather than working for people on a one-off transactional basis.”

The firm prioritizes strong connections with clients and colleagues. To do this, when possible, they leverage their geography to forge relationships, creating opportunities for people to meet in person, whether that be clients or colleagues. The firm has a culture committee that helps foster an approachable environment and serves as an open forum for everyone to get together.

New Zealand's Economic Strengths

Tourism, along with agriculture, makes up a large part of the country’s economy. And green business is important and viable in New Zealand. Many New Zealand businesses are incorporating ESG into their business practices – In fact, Simpson Western published a business brief on legislation that was passed in 2023. The Companies (Directors’ Duties) Amendment Act 2023 stipulates that company directors can consider matters other than profits when acting in the best interest of the company. And, New Zealand is also highly regarded from a business transparency perspective.

Sustainability Focus

Simpson Western is also committed to being a responsible and sustainable business, with a strong sense of community and social responsibility. The firm supports various local initiatives and charities, such as the North Harbour Club, and the North Shore Hospice.

Practice Areas

Simpson Western has diverse practice areas. From employment, corporate/commercial, M&A, and business litigation to marriage dissolution and family law, the firm advocates for every client. Their team of 40 is large enough to handle complex matters yet small enough to offer personalized services. This specialty of dealing with businesses of scale allows them to handle transactions from a few million to a few hundred million.

Since 1985, the firm has stayed true to its client-centric approach. As the firm celebrates its anniversary and reflects on the past forty years, we look forward to seeing what they do over the next forty years.

Visit www.simpsonwestern.co.nz/ to learn more.