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Cross-Border Legal Dialogues

Sharing perspectives, building bridges, and improving cross-border legal practice.

AFJE - ICAB Exchange Session

Managing Litigation Across Borders: French and Spanish Perspectives

In an increasingly international and interconnected business environment, companies often find themselves facing disputes beyond their home jurisdiction. Successfully managing litigation abroad requires not only a sound understanding of the applicable legal framework, but also a practical appreciation of local judicial practices, procedural expectations, litigation culture, counsel retention, and business realities.

To foster mutual understanding and the exchange of practical experience, the Association Française des Juristes d’Entreprise (AFJE) and the Barcelona Bar Association (ICAB) are pleased to bring together French and Spanish legal professionals for a discussion on the management of litigation in their respective jurisdictions.

The session will explore a simple but important question: How should a French company approach litigation in Spain, and how should a Spanish company approach litigation in France?

Drawing on the experience of in-house counsel and external practitioners from both jurisdictions, participants will share recommendations, lessons learned, and best practices on topics such as:

• Assessing litigation risk and opportunities.
• Preserving evidence and preparing for proceedings.
• Selecting and managing external counsel.
• Cost control and litigation budgeting.
• Alternative dispute resolution and settlement strategies.
• Navigating procedural particularities and court practices.
• Effective cross-border cooperation between legal teams.

More than a comparative legal exercise, this meeting seeks to promote an open dialogue between professionals facing similar challenges in different jurisdictions. By exchanging practical insights and real-world experiences, participants will gain a better understanding of how to anticipate risks, avoid common pitfalls, and improve litigation outcomes when operating across borders.

We look forward to a fruitful discussion and to strengthening the professional ties between the French and Spanish legal communities in the shared interest of supporting businesses engaged in international activity.