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- About
- Program
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- Destination
- Sponsorship
- Constance O’Keefe Writing Award 2025
- Past Editions
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About the IATA World Legal Symposium
The IATA World Legal Symposium is the world's premier annual aviation law event, with a reputation for insight, relevance and value among in-house counsel, private practitioners and government lawyers alike. The event is well known for its engaging subject matter, outstanding speakers, lively debate and, of course, some of the best networking opportunities you'll find anywhere in the industry.
The 2025 edition of WLS will take place in Shanghai, China on 18-20 February.
Why should you attend?
- Gain valuable insights into latest developments, challenges, trends, and best practices in aviation law.
- Engage with industry leaders from across the globe who share their unique expertise and engage in lively debates.
- Connect with in-house counsel, private practitioners, and government lawyers, fostering collaborations and expanding your network.
Who will you meet?
- Airlines and airport representatives
- Academia and government agencies
- In-house counsel, private practitioners, and government lawyers
Help us spread the word!
Help us spread the word about this key conference event. This promotional kit (ppt) can be tailored to your needs.
WLS 2024 Highlights
World Legal Symposium 2024 Testimonials
"Worldwide aviation trending topics update and great networking opportunities all in the same place."Sebastian Villa, Cambiaso Ferrari ARG
"I have been attending the WLS for several years and it is satisfying to note the constant evolution of the event, always addressing the most relevant and current topics about aviation law, in addition to the excellent opportunities for networking and seeing friends again.”
Ricardo Bernardi, Bernardi & Schnapp Advogados
"Professional organization, high number of delegates, high quality of speakers, excellent opportunities to improve your network in the aviation law sector these are the things that convinced me in 2009 to take part in the IATA Legal Symposium and that, after 15 years, still make me attend such an amazing event"
Maurizio Corain Partner, RPLT
"The premier event for Aviation lawyers to attend, year on year."
Phil Duignan, Eversheds Sutherland
Program
View the official WLS 2025 program (pdf)
We would like to hear your input on the topics you'd like to see addressed during WLS 2025! Your valuable suggestions will help us create an engaging and enriching experience tailored to your interests. Share your ideas with the WLS Team, please use 'Ideas WLS 2025' as the subject line.
Registration
| Registration Type | Regular Rate |
|---|---|
| IATA Member Airline | $760.00 |
| IATA Strategic Partner | $1,658.00 |
| Regulator/Government/Airport | $1,730.00 |
| Academia | $1,658.00 |
| General Public | $1,905.00 |
*Prices are excluding VAT
Shanghai, China
From the historic Bund waterfront to the futuristic skyline of Pudong, Shanghai's juxtaposition of tradition and innovation sets an inspiring stage for legal discourse and professional networking. The city's status as a global financial center and its dynamic legal landscape offer a unique perspective for attendees, fostering insightful discussions and strategic collaborations. With its world-class venues and cosmopolitan ambiance, Shanghai embodies the spirit of legal excellence and international cooperation, making it an exceptional destination for a symposium of legal minds.
> More information about Shanghai
W Shanghai - The Bund
W Shanghai - The Bund is a luxury hotel located on the up-and-coming North Bund in glamorous Shanghai. Wake up to views of the Huangpu River from 374 supremely chic hotel rooms and suites that fuse sophisticated Mandarin designs with playful twists. Innovative decor and 5,800 square meters of event space ensure your meetings are anything but ordinary. This luxury hotel is centrally located and is just a few minutes away from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.
Visa requirements
The IATA TravelCentre provides passport, visa, health advice, and much more. Visit the IATA Travel Centre-Passport, Visa & Health Requirements.
Showcase your products and services to industry leaders, governments, international organizations, and subject matter experts.
Contact us to learn more about our Sponsorship & Exhibition opportunities, and secure your place at the IATA World Legal Symposium (WLS) in Shanghai! We are open to customizing an offer based on your business needs.
Please complete the form below and one of our team members get in touch with you shortly:
Interested in becoming an IATA Strategic Partner?
Benefit from discounts on sponsorship and exhibition rates. Get on Board!
Constance O’Keefe Aviation Law Writing Award 2025
Sponsored by Studio Pierallini
IATA is pleased to announce the Constance O’Keefe Aviation Law Writing Award 2025.
This award is given in memory of Constance O’Keefe, former General Counsel of IATA. Connie, as she was known to her friends and all who had an opportunity to work with her, had a tremendous passion for aviation law, enjoyed teaching legal writing as an adjunct professor at several law schools in Washington D.C., and was a beloved member of the air law community. We are honoured to hold this award in her name.
The writing award is an exciting opportunity for students to gain industry recognition in aviation law and to network with leading industry professionals. It is part of IATA Legal’s continuing commitment to foster, encourage and develop the aviation lawyers of the future.
We will invite the winner to receive his or her award at the IATA Legal Symposium which will take place from 18 – 20 February 2025 in Shanghai, China and will provide:
- Return travel to Shanghai, China
- Three nights’ hotel accommodation at the W Shanghai - The Bund
- Conference registration
Prospective candidates should carefully review the terms and conditions before submitting an entry. The winning entry shall be selected by mid-January 2025.
Terms and Conditions of Entry
Candidate eligibility
To enter the competition, you must presently be enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s or JD course at a university or have graduated from such a course within the last 12 months. At the time of submission, you must not have obtained, nor be enrolled in, a postgraduate doctoral degree at any university (except for a JD).
Topic selection
Candidates have complete freedom in their selection of topics, although papers that critically address a particular legal problem or development of commercial relevance to IATA’s Member airlines and our broader mission objectives are particularly encouraged
Submission requirements
All entries must be submitted by 18:00 Geneva time on 29 November 2024, by email attachment to wls@iata.org. Please mark the subject line as Constance O’Keefe Aviation Law Writing Award 2024.
Your entry may not exceed 5,000 words, excluding footnotes and references. All entries must be written in English and include formal academic citations (you may use the referencing system preferred by your university). The format is single spaced, 11-point Arial font.
Please complete, sign, date and attach a scanned copy of the cover sheet (pdf) to your entry. Do not indicate your name or other identifying information on any part of your entry apart from the cover sheet.
The winning entry will be selected in mid-January 2025.
World Legal Symposium 2024
WLS 2024 brought together almost 400 delegates in Vancouver, Canada, at the Westin Bayshore Hotel, from 21 to 23 February.
World Legal Symposium 2022
WLS 2022 brought together almost 400 delegates in Paris, France, at the Hyatt Regency Paris Star, from 19 to 21 October.
Our Diversity & Inclusion Pledge
IATA believes that diversity of culture, gender, age, orientation, and experience boosts the success of the aviation industry. We actively encourage aviation professionals with diverse profiles to contribute to our events as speakers, panelists, facilitators, or in any other way.
