On 22 November 2023, the Young Friends of ERA held its first event, to exchange views and ideas about the further development of this exciting new project, entitled: “How to set up a network of Young Friends of ERA”. Nearly 60 young legal professionals gathered on-screen to join the discussion.
The Friends of ERA Association, which supports ERA’s work, wanted to launch a Young Friends of ERA network to keep alive the connections young legal professionals makewith the Academy of European Law. This network aims to provide a valuable forum for young lawyers who wish to share their passion for EU law. It is also a platform where participants can grow and develop together, both professionally and personally. The Young Friends of ERA is primarily a virtual network, with online meetings and a group on LinkedIn.
We were delighted to welcome the following guest speakers who contributed to the interesting discussion about the organisation and direction of the YFoE project:
- Jettie Van Caenegem, In-house Counsel and Chairwoman of the Friends of ERA Association.
- Florence Hartmann-Vareilles, Head of the Section European Business Law at ERA. Florence’s experience in organising and conducting the first five rounds of the Young European Lawyers Contest (YELC) has been of great value.
- Mareike Hoffmann, Course Director in the Section European Public Law at ERA and in charge of the Young European Lawyers Academy (YELA).
- Vanessa Knapp OBE, Retired Partner, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, member of the Executive Board Friends of ERA, Visiting Professor, Queen Mary University of London. Vanessa has been a juror since the first round of the YELC and her expertise is invaluable.
- Karolina Rokicka, Head of the Section European Public Law at ERA whose expertise was very valuable in establishing the YELA in 2023.
- Elisa Zecchini, a lawyer from Italy as well as a contestant at the YELC in 2022 had the idea and has kindly helped us to get the network started. We all liked the eloquent and passionate way she introduced this initiative, talking about the importance of young lawyers staying connected to EU law.
Not a member yet? Join us and like-minded colleagues across Europe in this innovative and dynamic project – today ! If you know any other young legal professionals with a passion for EU law, invite them to join the Young Friends of ERA as well.
