WLN Marbella Conference Report

 

Navigating Ethics, Cybersecurity, AI, and Marketing
A Boat in the Mediterranean Searching for the Legal Frameworks for a Digital Future

To our delegates and members:
There are people… And then there are WLN people.
This is the message of our recent conference in Marbella. What makes our association special is the coming together of brilliant minds, curious thinkers, and like-minded professionals from different corners of the globe. Thank you for your participation in our conference and trust in our network. We hope this report provides an enjoyable reflection on our time together on the beautiful Costa del Sol.

To our Super Host: Sánchez Stewart Abogados
On behalf of all attendees, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the firm for organizing an outstanding event. Your dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to creating a welcoming and engaging environment did not go unnoticed.

Let’s retrace the steps of our Marbella meeting!

WLN’s First Padel Tournament!
On Thursday afternoon some enthusiastic delegates headed to the pristine outdoor Tennis Club Nueva Alcantara for an energetic game of Padel to kick start the conference! The combination of friendly competition, beautiful weather, and a relaxing setting made it an enjoyable experience and impressive skills were displayed.

THURSDAY 3RD APRIL – WELCOME RECEPTION & DINNER
Our conference started with a leisurely walk through the Casco Antiguo (Old Town), passing by the Marbella Town Hall in Plaza de los Naranjos and Plaza de Iglesia. Marbella’s Old Town is bursting with character and charm (similar to WLN, some might say!).

We were then treated to a wonderful welcome and reception at the stunning offices of our host firm, Sánchez Stewart Abogados, where we were addressed by Nielson Sánchez Stewart (who founded the firm in 1977) and a representative of the Town Hall, marking the beginning of an excellent event.

As the sun dipped behind the mountains, we gathered for a networking dinner at the nearby Terral Club—an elegant spot with sweeping views of the sea and surrounding mountains. It was an evening filled with connection and celebration, setting a warm tone for the unforgettable days ahead in Marbella.

FRIDAY 4TH APRIL – BUSINESS PROGRAM: NAVIGATING ETHICS, CYBERSECURITY, AND AI
As technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the intersection of innovation, responsibility, and security has never been more critical. This event’s business program brought together thought leaders, industry experts, and forward-thinking professionals to explore four pillars shaping the future of business and society: ethics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and marketing. On Friday, we engaged in the following insightful sessions:
• “Professional secrecy, deontology and money laundering”, a keynote by Nielson Sánchez Stewart, Sánchez Stewart Abogados.
This talk was following by an interactive roundtable where Nielson Sánchez Stewart was joined by WLN and ALA members. Thank you Aloysius Wee (Aquinas Law Alliance), Domizia Badodi (Themis Studio Legale), Marcel Aebischer (Küng Rechtsanwälte & Notare), and Estela Rodriguez (Legarreta y Asociados) for your excellent participation, and to David Elvira Benito (Bufete Mañá-Krier-Elvira) for expertly moderating.
• “Client Confidentiality Under Siege: A Cyber Risk Update for Law Firms”, a keynote by Dr Stephen Hill, Hill Bingham Ltd.
Law firms sit on a goldmine of sensitive data, so it is vital to stay informed and protected. Dr Hill’s presentation investigated cyberthreats, growing concerns with AI, ransomware attacks, phishing, password safety, the risks of using public Wi-Fi, and more; with delegates gaining key takeaways to feel confident in their cybersecurity practices.
• “The Usual Suspects Return: AI in Law – Presumed Solved?”, a panel discussion led by the WLN Technology Focus Group.
We thank Diane Frank for moderating this discussion, and to panellists Renata W. Lewicka, Randy Whitmeyer, and Chris Erb for sharing their insights on topics including: how can AI systems and tools help law firms; and what legal and ethical considerations are there when law firms use AI tools.
Internal announcements:
• Tribute video: in memory of dear members David Sassan Müller (Küng & Müller Rechtsanwälte) and Nina Stoeva (Mikinski & Partners Law Office), both of whom we lost last year.
• Presentation of new member firms: Legarreta y Asociados (Mexico City) presented by Luis Legarreta, and Voloaga Law Firm (Bucharest) presented by Radu Voloagă.
• WLN Marketing Strategy: presented by Renata W. Lewicka, Chair of WLN Board. Our new website & branding is launching soon!
• WLN Board Report: presented by Renata W. Lewicka, David Elvira Benito, Carlo Gurioli, Gautam Khurana, Mario Van Santvoort, and Randy Whitmeyer.
• ALA 2025 Business Conference: presented by Aloysius Wee (Chairman of ALA). The ASEAN Legal Alliance Business Conference will take place in Nanning, China, on Friday 12th September 2025.

Whether here to gain strategic insights, engage in meaningful debate, or chart the path forward for your organization, this program aimed to equip delegates with the knowledge and tools to lead with confidence in a rapidly changing landscape.

FRIDAY 4TH APRIL – A TASTE OF ANDULUSIA
Following an inspiring day of conference talks, delegates and partners gathered for a vibrant evening of culture and celebration. The event began at the hotel with a captivating demonstration of La Sevillanas, a traditional Andalusian dance, performed with flair and passion by our wonderful teacher Virginia Martinez.

With our new WLN Abanicos (handcrafted in the oldest fan factory in Valencia) it wasn’t long before our group were up on their feet learning the steps. Everyone embraced the spirit of the dance with enthusiasm – who said lawyers can’t dance ?! We were treated to a delicious spread of local Spanish wines, cheeses, and cured meats. A special thanks goes to Lorenzo Sánchez Stewart for his engaging introduction of our dancing session and regional delicacies.

FRIDAY 4TH APRIL – SOCIAL PROGRAM
As the sun began to set, we strolled together to Besaya Beach. Nestled right on the shoreline, its beautiful coastal décor and stunning views of the Mediterranean set the perfect scene for a delicious three-course meal. It was a wonderful opportunity to unwind and connect with fellow delegates, especially those new to the network. “All lasting business is built on friendship.” Alfred A. Montapert.

After dinner, the group walked back to the hotel under the warm Marbella night sky. Following a quick freshen-up, five taxis were arranged to take those who wished to continue the celebrations to the iconic La Sala in Puerto Banús. Known for its glamorous vibe and vibrant nightlife, La Sala did not disappoint. With a DJ spinning upbeat dance tracks, a live saxophonist, and our own reserved area to take in the atmosphere, it was an unforgettable evening. Drinks flowed and the dance floor was never empty. As is tradition with our conferences, it was proved once again that no one can out-dance this group of lawyers—anywhere in the world. Heads turned as our small band of delegates took over both the night and dance floor and many danced until the early hours, with some eventually continuing on into Puerto Banús to enjoy even more of its legendary nightlife!

SATURDAY 5TH APRIL – BUSINESS PROGRAM: NAVIGATING MARKETING
We know that effective marketing management and strategy helps law firms and networks succeed in today’s competitive landscape; we just need the knowledge and skills to be able to identify and implement the right marketing strategies for our companies.

We welcomed Dr Jose Ruiz-Alba, an experienced Professor of Marketing (and former lawyer), to lead his workshop on marketing for law firms. Prof. Ruiz-Alba tailored his session to our delegation, using data from a survey sent out to all members ahead of the conference. This supported our understanding of where WLN firms are currently in their marketing journey and therefore what can be implemented to achieve long-term results.

It was a fun and interactive session with many important takeaways, including how to utilise ‘part-time marketers’, Ansoff’s matrix, and analysing the client’s journey in a law firm from awareness to advocacy.
‘Marketing is everything and everything is marketing’ McKenna, 1991.

SATURDAY 5TH APRIL – ESCAPE TO ESTEPONA
Following the Saturday morning marketing session, 35 delegates and partners set off by coach to beautiful Estepona. Filled with anticipation for the boat trip ahead (some brave delegates with towels and swim attire at the ready!) the coach journey was filled with laughter and chatter – albeit a few with sore heads!

As we set sail, the relaxed atmosphere set in and we enjoyed a sizzling BBQ served on deck, free-flowing drinks, and a lively soundtrack from the onboard DJ. Thankfully, the sea was calm, so the sea sickness tablets we had purchased remained untouched! Cruising along the sparkling coastline, we were treated to stunning panoramic views stretching all the way from Estepona down to the iconic Rock of Gibraltar. To top it all off, a few of our party were lucky enough to spot dolphins playing in the distance! It was an unforgettable afternoon of sun, sea, and celebration.

Thank you for hosting such a wonderful conference, Sánchez Stewart Abogados!

Save the date for the WLN Autumn Conference:
Thursday 9th – Saturday 11th October 2025
See you again in PHILADELPHIA!